Thinking about buying your first diesel-powered pickup truck? We’re glad you’re here!
Whether you’re a Dodge/Ram, Ford, or GMC/Chevrolet Fan, (or maybe you’re impartial), buying your first diesel is a really memorable experience. Nothing compares to the sound, the power, and presence of a diesel.
But, there are some things you should consider before handing over a check. For the purposes of this article, we’re going to focus on the most common diesel platforms, including:
- 1994-2025 Ford trucks with the Powerstroke Diesel Engine
- 1989-2025 Dodge/Ram trucks with the Cummins Diesel Engine
- 2001-2025 GMC/Chevrolet trucks with the Duramax Diesel Engine
While there are plenty of other diesel options, the three mentioned above are the most common—especially for first-timers.
What are the common issues?
Despite what anyone tells you, no diesel truck is completely bulletproof. Every platform, from the 1989 Cummins-powered Ram to the 2024 Duramax-powered Silverado, has known issues.
And, because diesels are often more expensive to maintain and repair than the equivalent gas-powered truck, it’s a very good idea to know what parts you’re likely to replace.
For example, the 68RFE automatic transmission used in Ram 2500s and 3500s is a known weak point—especially when you start adding power. If you buy a 68RFE-equipped Ram and start doing burnouts, you’d better have $6,000-$15,000 saved to replace/rebuild that transmission.
Conversely, the LB7 Duramax (available in 2001-2004 GMC/Chevys) is notorious for injector failure, and the 6.0 Powerstroke (available in 2003-2007 Fords) is known for popping head gaskets, among other things.
In short, use Facebook groups, talk to owners, and do some digging on what repairs you can expect to make with a given platform. All trucks have potential issues, some more than others.
How has the truck been used?
If you’re buying a used truck, gather as much information on the previous owner(s) as you can, as well as any modifications/upgrades that have been performed.
While it can be tempting to buy a hot-rodded diesel with a bunch of go-fast parts already on it, a heavily modified truck can quickly turn into a major headache. Factors such as what parts were used, who installed them, and how the truck was driven, can make-or-break the experience for you.
If a truck was modified with quality parts, maintained by knowledgeable mechanic, and treated well (didn’t spend its life on the rev limiter), you can save quite a bit of money by purchasing an already-modified rig.
However, if a truck was modified with cheap parts and/or regularly driven hard, you could be staring down the barrel of five-figure repairs pretty quickly. It’s extremely common for engine rebuilds to run north of $10,000 or more—the same goes for transmissions.
That said, not everyone wants a hot-rodded truck (in fact, most don’t). But even still, this rule applies. Even if you’re buying a diesel pickup to haul, tow, and/or commute—the more you know about the history and maintenance/modifications, the better.
What are YOUR plans for the truck?
This might sound obvious, but it’s not. Whether you’re loyal to a brand (GM, Ram, Ford) or not, we strongly recommend taking an objective look at how you’re going to use the truck before you buy.
For example, if you’re going to use your diesel truck to haul a UTV around on a bumper-pull trailer, you probably don’t need a 1-ton dually. Conversely, if you have a gooseneck trailer on which you’ll be loading multiple pieces of machinery on a regular basis, a dually might fit the bill perfectly.
For those who are looking to build a rowdy weekend warrior, certain platforms (like the 5.9 Cummins) lend themselves very well to making a lot of horsepower. On the other end, if you simply want a reliable commuter that can also tow a trailer, something like the 7.3 Powerstroke might be perfect.
To the outside, diesel trucks might all appear very similar. However, each platform (GMC/Chevy, Dodge/Ram, and Ford) have certain characteristics that make the trucks better for different uses than others.
Diesel truck upgrades at FASS Motorsports
Regardless of which diesel truck you drive, our team at FASS Motorsports is ready to help you get the most out of it. From MPG and reliability improvements to leveling kits and custom lighting, our in-house show room and installation team has everything you need.
As diesel enthusiasts ourselves, we're extremely familiar with the Cummins, Duramax, and Powerstroke platforms. No matter what your goals are for your truck, our vast catalog of upgrades can get you there.
To speak with our service team, give us a call at (636) 429-7020, or email us at info@fassmotorspors.com! If you live in or near Franklin County, Missouri, stop by our show room–located at:
FASS Motorsports
25 Town and Country Drive
Washington, MO 63090