What about the weight of a Diesel?
Do you agree that a high power Diesel comes at the cost of payload capacity in the context of a 1-ton truck? Or is there a trade off that turns it into an advantage I've ignored?
Until you both increase the power and start pulling a heavy trailer I don't think there is one. The Diesel advantage is clear to me in a MDT or HDT but for my old GMC 1-ton I'm not seeing an advantage.
Older diesels weigh more than a comparable gas engine, but newer ones are closing in on that gap. For a new pickup the diesel over gas decision based on weight is not a big concern, yes weighs a little more, but not a problem.
I agree that "a high power Diesel comes at the cost of payload capacity" because it is simple math, the drivetrain weighs X amount, and the GVW fixed by axles, springs, tires, frame and so on. So if the engine weighs more then payload is decreased.
However I do think this trade off has some advantages you've ignored. Back to torque, fuel economy, and overall load handling ability. From my experience the diesel handles the same weight a little better than a gas engine.
Now at this point I expect you'll bring up the big cubic inch gas engines as being comparable, and for power yes I agree, but not for fuel economy.
Now what you plan to do with the truck makes all the difference, if you drive to shows and putt around town a gas engine would be fine. If you haul occasionally gas is still a good choice. But if you like long road trips and often tow heavy things then diesel is a good choice.
For my 52 1 ton pickup I've done a multi thousand mile road trip with a 235, it was fun. Looking back had I known about the Cummins 4BT or had the knowledge/ability to swap one at that point I'm sure I would have liked it better. A little more HP (accommodates faster gears to then travel faster), more torque, better mileage, longer range between fill ups..
Now that I'm getting closer to putting that truck back on the road I'm not sure what to do. I'll probably put up with the 235 for a while longer. The 4BT is an attractive option suited for my intended use of the truck, but realistically a 3-53T Detroit is probably my answer. Might not be the better choice, but it is what I'm familiar with and what I already have a bunch of parts and components for, I think even the right stuff to make a bolt in swap with a 54 model transmission crossmember.
Grigg
