gas vs diesel

mrspeed64 · February 20, 2005

i would like to know what gets the better mpg gas or diesel in a 2500.i was thinking about getting a 1500 4x4 but i don't know if i can go down in size.i like loading it up without having to look at the bed to make sure its not sagging to the rear wheels.i have a 2500 dodge 4x4 ram (problem child junk) now that i have to get rid of.the new 2005 trucks both chevy and gmc come with a 4:10 axle and the 3:73 are only available with diesel. gas in my area is around $1.95 and diesel is over $2.00.

what can you do to get more mpg besides after market exhaust?

ctfan · February 20, 2005

With out a doubt you are going to get better milage with a diesel, especially with the Allison 5 speed and 3.73 gears. I have an 01 HD with the 6L and 4.10's. In town I get about 10 and highway 14. That is about average around here. Do a search, this topic had been descussed before. I believe I have read numbers in the 18 to 22 miliage range. I could be wrong.

William

XTOAK · February 20, 2005

You've managed to ask a question that's been beat to death on this and other forums. Use the "search" and you will find tons of advice on both sides of the fence. You can check out www.thedieselplace.com for more info and will probably still be a little dazed by all the info that's on the forums about this subject.

Be sure to consider more than just mileage before laying down the $5000 extra for the diesel. What do you tow? How often do you tow? I see you talk about loading up your 3/4 ton but nothing about how much you tow. How many miles will you put on the truck? Do you plan to trade it or keep it forever? Will your wife ride with you in the truck - they can be a little noisier than a gas engine and the smell is different than a gas. Do you live in a state that taxes the heck out of diesel thus you can buy gasoline for 20 cents per gallon cheaper than diesel? I've owned both diesel and gas, and loved them both but I would recommend you do a lot of research before dropping that kind of money just for mpg's.

Lots of questions and your search for the truth has just began.