Re: Gas vs diesel SMB?
 

I have done a fair amount of technical off roading with my V10, and it has performed just as well as any other 4x4 I have owned. Never thought twice about it.

Re: Gas vs diesel SMB?
 

Thank you all for the GREAT info! This has really been helpful for me and like I mentioned before, it opens up more possibilities for SMB ownership for me. Also, any info regarding 4x4 component upgrades that I might want/need for off road would be very helpful as well. I am not familiar with heavier 4x4 vehicles and their particulars/needs. Thanks again, Paul

Re: Gas vs diesel SMB?
 

That was a problem for me too, so I dropped the O/D shift point way down using the Predator, so now it pretty much stays locked in OD all the time. Even at 22,000 pounds it'll pull most highway grades without shifting. I also have the Banks PowerPack though, which added even more low end grunt.

Re: Gas vs diesel SMB?
 

OMG I just saw this--couldn't bear to read anymore diesel vs. gas discussions before now. Spot is correct, you want a diesel. Here's why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l4L--SJ ... ata_player

They sound good in Idaho.

Z

PS: That guy needs some step sliders from Rockslide Engineering!

Re: Gas vs diesel SMB?
 

The thing about discussion forums is that generally the posts are skewed toward problems rather than success stories.

73,000 miles on my 6.0 psd and no issues. Knock on wood but starting to mull over an egr delete though. Drove by the Bulletproof diesel place and they were not open on a Saturday. :a6:

Re: Gas vs diesel SMB?
 

Ditto. At 70k miles on our 6.0 and it has been by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. No issues.

Of course that can change, but so far so good. I drive it hard and follow a cautious maintenance schedule.

R

Re: Gas vs diesel SMB?
 

I believe the best upgrade to any 4x4 is a selectable locker, at least in the rear axle if not in both. Without that when you get your rig all crossed up - with a deep washout crossing the road at an angle, for instance - you find that you really have only 2 wheel drive. One front wheel and one rear wheel will have no weight on them and spin and stop you cold. That happened more than once to me with the old van in my avatar. It had a Eaton in the rear axle but it took a lot of wheelspin to get it to engage and sometimes that only aggravated the stuck. My current rig has ARBs in both axles and seems to be pretty much unstoppable, seems like it can ease its way over any bad spot. Just locking the rear axle makes 4x4 unnecessary most times.

Re: Gas vs diesel SMB?
 

That sounds wonderful. My van will be out of warranty soon. Then I'll want to hear more about the Predator and Powerpack.

Re: Gas vs diesel SMB?
 

Which model Eaton did you have that took a lot of wheelspin to get it to engage? Was it the True Track? I'm still trying to decide which way to go on upgrades for my van. I've narrowed the choice down to the Eaton E-locker or the Eaton True Track.

Re: Gas vs diesel SMB?
 

Since you asked about economy I'll make a mention of the vans at the other end of the engine spectrum. Those of us with a 6-cylinder gas engine. I can get 19+ mpg if I'm traveling in flatland, AKA Ohio and parts west, and watch my speed. When I'm on the interstate going up a mountain, I stay in the far right truck lane and take my time.
From what I've read this model engine is about as reliable as they make them and will run forever if you maintain it.
Mine has the 4.09 gear ratio so I've never had any problems driving up even the steepest forest road grades. One big difference with a lot of the other vans here is mine is 2WD and I never tow anything. Just my bicycle on a swing away bike rack. Also I don't go off-road. Just off pavement.

One other thought. I've recently been reading about the coming "$5 gas after Memorial Day". Just wait until that hits then you might get a bargain after some current owner panics about his mileage. Good Luck.

PS. Hat tip to Tapatio. Great work on the vid!