Which is better for a BOV - Gasser or Diesel?
I'm torn on what to pick up. My thoughts are a pre-1980 Chevy, Ford, or Chrysler boat (4-door) or 4x4, something like a 1976 Impala 4-door, LTD, St. Regis, F250/F350 with a 351 or 460, etc. On the diesel side, I'lm looking at either a M1009 or M1008 CUCV, or a mid 80's Ford F250 or F350 with a 6.9L or 7.3L, Non-turbo, IDI diesel.
The thinking behind the diesels is the ability to run multiple fuels. However, I have been wanting another 4-door big three car for a while. Just sold off my Crown Vic P71 (miss it already), and I'm starting to save up for a new vehicle.
Input is appreciated.
My work truck is my BOV I guess.
I will never own another gasser.
Most diesels will go 600 miles plus at full capacity, cars and trucks tend to go to the 400 range. Think of how many people will be scrounging gas, then consider how easily you can get 20 gallons out of a stuck big rig, the tanks on those are 300 gallons plus.
Not to mention that you can put as much stuff in the truck as it will carry and your mileage will barely change. Plus, with regular maintenance (although more expensive) they are basically stone cold reliable and tough as nails.
That is just my opinion, but having used both as a utility vehicle diesel wins hands down for me.
Originally Posted By sitdwnandhngon:
My work truck is my BOV I guess.
I will never own another gasser.
Most diesels will go 600 miles plus at full capacity, cars and trucks tend to go to the 400 range. Think of how many people will be scrounging gas, then consider how easily you can get 20 gallons out of a stuck big rig, the tanks on those are 300 gallons plus.
Not to mention that you can put as much stuff in the truck as it will carry and your mileage will barely change. Plus, with regular maintenance (although more expensive) they are basically stone cold reliable and tough as nails.
That is just my opinion, but having used both as a utility vehicle diesel wins hands down for me.
Thanks for the input.
Our current family vehicle is a Ford Excursion with a PowerStroke, and we love it. It gets better MPG than our gasser Ford Expedition did (15.5MPG on average for city driving).
However, I want to get into an older unit with less electronics.
When everyone bugged out of Houston/south Texas for hurricane Rita diesel was much easier to find along the way.
The benefits to a gas BOV are few, but include that not every gas station sells diesel.
80's 4x4 F250 diesel is an outstanding choice.
I drive a 95 F250. The 7.3 really isn't over complicated and it's not bad to work on. Definately stick to the powerstroke though if you can, way better mileage and overall performance with the turbo and injection.
But if you want something dead simple get yourself an early 90s Dodge with the 6BT cummins in it.
Those can be rigged to run on one wire, and everything is mechanical except the fuel shutoff solenoid.
I have a 1985 F250 4x4 diesel manual. IMO it doesnt get better than that. It can run used motor oil if you are in a real bad situation. You can push start it if an EMp goes off. Lots of other good reason.
Originally Posted By Wigglesdabum:
I have a 1985 F250 4x4 diesel manual. IMO it doesnt get better than that. It can run used motor oil if you are in a real bad situation. You can push start it if an EMp goes off. Lots of other good reason.
The FIL has one, it's an 85 4x4 F250 I think. It's not in the best shape, but I've thought about asking him if he'd sell it.
I'm trying to get something that's not all rusted out either. I want to build up a real nice unit that I can daily drive.
So far, it looks like the 80's F250/350 is the ticket. Did they made a F350 with the 6.9 or 7.3 IDI? I haul wood a lot, so the 1 Ton is more appealing.
Drive your gass bov till it dies.......Then hot wire one of the many diesels you guys think will just be laying around everywhere
gasoline for me. All my other vehicles are gasoline, my generator is gasoline, etc.
The key is have enough to get wherever you need to go, before you need to go.
Not sure but another reason you should get one is diesel keeps much longer that gasoline so there is that too.
Originally Posted By Wigglesdabum:
Not sure but another reason you should get one is diesel keeps much longer that gasoline so there is that too.
Good point.
Originally Posted By Muad:
Originally Posted By Wigglesdabum:
I have a 1985 F250 4x4 diesel manual. IMO it doesnt get better than that. It can run used motor oil if you are in a real bad situation. You can push start it if an EMp goes off. Lots of other good reason.
The FIL has one, it's an 85 4x4 F250 I think. It's not in the best shape, but I've thought about asking him if he'd sell it.
I'm trying to get something that's not all rusted out either. I want to build up a real nice unit that I can daily drive.
So far, it looks like the 80's F250/350 is the ticket. Did they made a F350 with the 6.9 or 7.3 IDI? I haul wood a lot, so the 1 Ton is more appealing.
They did make one ton single wheels but the carrying capacity difference is slight.
Originally Posted By Justin-Kase:
The benefits to a gas BOV are few, but include that not every gas station sells diesel.
Far fewer diesel vehicles on the road than gasoline vehicles = less demand for diesel fuel
If you're scavenging fuel from other vehicles, you'll have a lot more gas-fueled vehicles to pick from.
Most of the F250's built with a diesel motor shipped with everything 1 Ton except the front axle. And it is still rugged enough for almost every purpose.
Even though I prefer a solid front axle, the 50 (or 55?) is holding up just fine for me.
Originally Posted By Skibane:
Originally Posted By Justin-Kase:
The benefits to a gas BOV are few, but include that not every gas station sells diesel.
Far fewer diesel vehicles on the road than gasoline vehicles = less demand for diesel fuel
If you're scavenging fuel from other vehicles, you'll have a lot more gas-fueled vehicles to pick from.
If it comes down to scavenging for fuel, diesel provides more sources and alternatives to pick from: Over the road trucks, farm equipment, construction equipment, locomotives, commercial standby generators, home heating oil, kerosene, jet fuel, motor oil, automatic transmission fluid, vegetable oil, etc, etc, etc.
Thanks for all the input.
Looks like an 80's Ford is going to be the ticket, with a CUCV in the background.
Personally, for a simple, reliable diesel powered pickup, I don't think it gets any better than a 1994-early 1998 Dodge Ram with the Cummins engine and 5 speed manual transmission. The Cummins 6BTA with a Bosch P7100 injection pump is the gold standard of mechanically injected diesel engines. The drivetrain is overengineered to handle the diesel engine. And the truck itself has enough modern amenities to be comfortable as a daily driver.
Originally Posted By Boomer:
Personally, for a simple, reliable diesel powered pickup, I don't think it gets any better than a 1994-early 1998 Dodge Ram with the Cummins engine and 5 speed manual transmission. The Cummins 6BTA with a Bosch P7100 injection pump is the gold standard of mechanically injected diesel engines. The drivetrain is overengineered to handle the diesel engine. And the truck itself has enough modern amenities to be comfortable as a daily driver.
I've always heard that the Dodge trucks had transmissions made of glass. Hence the reason I never considered them. I know the Cummins is a great motor, but was worried about the transmission.
If you have to ask, then you need a newer gasser still under factory warrantee.
Seriously, the guys I know that turn wrenches for fun and can keep a 20 yo vehicle running good enough to rely on as a BOV already know what they want/need and don't need to ask which is best for them.
What can be 'scavenged' from Thunderdome is about the last thing to consider when choosing a BOV.
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
If you have to ask, then you need a newer gasser still under factory warrantee.
Seriously, the guys I know that turn wrenches for fun and can keep a 20 yo vehicle running good enough to rely on as a BOV already know what they want/need and don't need to ask which is best for them.
What can be 'scavenged' from Thunderdome is about the last thing to consider when choosing a BOV.
Great post, thanks for your input
For BOV/SHTF, diesel, no question. It used to be a toss-up before the gasoline became universally contaminated with ethanol, which just doesn't store for long. The low supply of diesel engines in the US due to EPA regs means you'll find more fuel for scrounging if needed.
Originally Posted By Rhude:
For BOV/SHTF, diesel, no question. It used to be a toss-up before the gasoline became universally contaminated with ethanol, which just doesn't store for long. The low supply of diesel engines in the US due to EPA regs means you'll find more fuel for scrounging if needed.
Or you can stock up on a few quart bottles of stuff like sentry that eliminates any issues with ethanol.....a cap full is all you need. Guys, bottom line.....gas is everywhere, diesel may not be......if the shit hits the fan im not worried about ethanol and crap I am getting what I need to either get to my bug out location or get me the hell out of dodge
Originally Posted By Muad:
Originally Posted By Boomer:
Personally, for a simple, reliable diesel powered pickup, I don't think it gets any better than a 1994-early 1998 Dodge Ram with the Cummins engine and 5 speed manual transmission. The Cummins 6BTA with a Bosch P7100 injection pump is the gold standard of mechanically injected diesel engines. The drivetrain is overengineered to handle the diesel engine. And the truck itself has enough modern amenities to be comfortable as a daily driver.
I've always heard that the Dodge trucks had transmissions made of glass. Hence the reason I never considered them. I know the Cummins is a great motor, but was worried about the transmission.
That is like saying the AR15 is a jammomatic. Some small degree of truth to it, but mostly an extreme exaggeration. I have no love for Dodge passenger car transmissions of the 80s and 90s, but I think the Dodge truck transmissions themselves are about on par with their Ford and GM equivalents. When used behind gasoline engines, the automatic and manual transmissions that Dodge used in their trucks performed and lasted comparably to what Ford and GM used behind their gasoline and diesel engines of a similar era. In fact, Dodge and GM used the same NV4500 (the 5 speed manual transmission that I referenced above) in their pickups for a number of years. The NV4500 has earned itself a reputation as a rugged, durable, long lasting transmission which is why I specifically listed it and went out of my way to find one when I bought my own truck.
The "problem", if you want to call it that, stems from:
1: The Cummins 6BT being the first true medium duty diesel engine with significant amounts of power to be offered in a pickup
2: The already powerful engine lending itself to easy modifications that produce stupid amounts of power more than comparable Ford and GM offerings
3: 1 & 2 leading some owners to think they had more than a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup and work their trucks beyond, sometimes way beyond, the design limitations.
The automatic transmissions just turned out to be weakest link in the drivetrain. And the trucks equipped with manual transmissions needed improved clutches with bigger, stronger components to handle that sort of abuse. It would not have been any different for Ford or GM transmissions had their engines been capable of what the Cummins is. Now if you do want to turn the Cummins up to crazy amounts of power, sled pull or drag race, or load your old 3/4 truck up to 25,000 GVWR, the aftermarket has figured out how to build automatic transmissions and clutches to survive that sort of abuse. At any rate, for a reasonable and knowledgeable owner, I don't think the transmission in a Dodge truck will pose any greater problem that would one in a Ford or GM truck.
Originally Posted By Boomer:
Originally Posted By Muad:
Originally Posted By Boomer:
Personally, for a simple, reliable diesel powered pickup, I don't think it gets any better than a 1994-early 1998 Dodge Ram with the Cummins engine and 5 speed manual transmission. The Cummins 6BTA with a Bosch P7100 injection pump is the gold standard of mechanically injected diesel engines. The drivetrain is overengineered to handle the diesel engine. And the truck itself has enough modern amenities to be comfortable as a daily driver.
I've always heard that the Dodge trucks had transmissions made of glass. Hence the reason I never considered them. I know the Cummins is a great motor, but was worried about the transmission.
That is like saying the AR15 is a jammomatic. Some small degree of truth to it, but mostly an extreme exaggeration. I have no love for Dodge passenger car transmissions of the 80s and 90s, but I think the Dodge truck transmissions themselves are about on par with their Ford and GM equivalents. When used behind gasoline engines, the automatic and manual transmissions that Dodge used in their trucks performed and lasted comparably to what Ford and GM used behind their gasoline and diesel engines of a similar era. In fact, Dodge and GM used the same NV4500 (the 5 speed manual transmission that I referenced above) in their pickups for a number of years. The NV4500 has earned itself a reputation as a rugged, durable, long lasting transmission which is why I specifically listed it and went out of my way to find one when I bought my own truck.
The "problem", if you want to call it that, stems from:
1: The Cummins 6BT being the first true medium duty diesel engine with significant amounts of power to be offered in a pickup
2: The already powerful engine lending itself to easy modifications that produce stupid amounts of power more than comparable Ford and GM offerings
3: 1 & 2 leading some owners to think they had more than a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup and work their trucks beyond, sometimes way beyond, the design limitations.
The automatic transmissions just turned out to be weakest link in the drivetrain. And the trucks equipped with manual transmissions needed improved clutches with bigger, stronger components to handle that sort of abuse. It would not have been any different for Ford or GM transmissions had their engines been capable of what the Cummins is. Now if you do want to turn the Cummins up to crazy amounts of power, sled pull or drag race, or load your old 3/4 truck up to 25,000 GVWR, the aftermarket has figured out how to build automatic transmissions and clutches to survive that sort of abuse. At any rate, for a reasonable and knowledgeable owner, I don't think the transmission in a Dodge truck will pose any greater problem that would one in a Ford or GM truck.
Thanks for the detailed post Boomer, this all makes sense.
When the time comes and I have some coins saved, I'm going to be looking for one of the three. The best condition model I find, and closest will likely win (in no order of preference):
- 80's Ford F250/F350 with 6.9L or 7.3L IDI
- M1009 or M1008 CUCV
- 1994-early 1998 Dodge Ram with the Cummins engine and 5 speed manual transmission
Either way, I'm going diesel. That is, unless this guy who has a super clean 74 Chrysler Imperial will part with it for cheap :)
For the truly hardcore you can find yourself an F350 with a ZF 5 speed transmission, then get the adapter kit available online to drop in a 6BT Cummins.
Drive for the next 30 years.

Both!! and then some...
M35a2 Multi-Fuel... Diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosene, heating oil, gasoline and even used/filtered motor oil.
If you use gas you need to add oil to lubricate the IP..

Originally Posted By Justin-Kase:
When everyone bugged out of Houston/south Texas for hurricane Rita diesel was much easier to find along the way.
The benefits to a gas BOV are few, but include that not every gas station sells diesel.
True, not every gas station sells diesel but, if push-comes-to-shove and you have the right equipment, you
can always slip a truck driver a C-note and take 20 gallons out of his tractor.
That is pure sex right there. I want a deuce and a half bad.
Originally Posted By Muad:
That is pure sex right there. I want a deuce and a half bad.
Here is your red pill.. But Im warning you, it becomes an addiction, there is no going back....
http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?id=5244697&convertTo=USD
http://steelsoldiers.com/
Diesel for the win.. One of my dodges has over 310,000mi now.. 1995 extended cab 4x4 2500 with the nv4500 trans. Sure the truck is old and ragged but it always runs. The trans needs rebuilt (never been touched) but it's still plenty drivable.. I removed the fuel shutoff stuff and replaced it with a choke cable. Kill the truck by pulling the cable. Once you get it started you can pull out the key and kill the power but she just keeps running. It has a dana 60 front and a dana 80 rear, can't get much stronger than that. I also have another 95 1ton auto dodge and a 2012 1ton 6spd dodge as back ups.
Even if every gas/diesel tank is empty in a shtf situation you can always find the overlooked oil and trans fluid that the gas guys cant use.
I've owned several CUCVs.. Both trucks and blazers. I like the trucks for strength and the blazers for drivability and interior room.. I've broken more crappy gm 10 bolt rears than needed, they are throw away axles in my eyes. The trucks suck because top speed is like 65mph topped out but you shouldn't break anything in that drivetrain. Find a M1028 with the trac loc front and detroit rear, thats a sweet set of axles there.
Don't know much about the old fords.
Originally Posted By Muad:
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
If you have to ask, then you need a newer gasser still under factory warrantee.
Seriously, the guys I know that turn wrenches for fun and can keep a 20 yo vehicle running good enough to rely on as a BOV already know what they want/need and don't need to ask which is best for them.
What can be 'scavenged' from Thunderdome is about the last thing to consider when choosing a BOV.
Great post, thanks for your input

Didn't mean to be offensive or flippant, but your question seems a bit naive for someone that has the skills to keep a 20+ yo high mileage diesel truck running.
What is your mechanical experience with trucks and diesel engines in general?
I have a 2001 Dodge that is falling apart around the Cummins. I love it and trust it around town, but no way would I trust it as a BOV for my family.
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
Originally Posted By Muad:
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
If you have to ask, then you need a newer gasser still under factory warrantee.
Seriously, the guys I know that turn wrenches for fun and can keep a 20 yo vehicle running good enough to rely on as a BOV already know what they want/need and don't need to ask which is best for them.
What can be 'scavenged' from Thunderdome is about the last thing to consider when choosing a BOV.
Great post, thanks for your input
Didn't mean to be offensive or flippant, but your question seems a bit naive for someone that has the skills to keep a 20+ yo high mileage diesel truck running.
What is your mechanical experience with trucks and diesel engines in general?
I have a 2001 Dodge that is falling apart around the Cummins. I love it and trust it around town, but no way would I trust it as a BOV for my family.
No worries.
I've wrenched plenty. I've owned two 1979 F-150 Ford 4x4s and replaced more parts than I'd like to admit, along with a 1976 Impala 4-door. Not to mention various other makes, including two ford expeditions, a ranger, a 00 Civic Si, Pontiac Grand Prix, Honda Prelude, etc. etc. etc. I do most all of my own maintenance, with help from my FIL who's a master mechanic for Ford, or friends when I'm in over my head.
I also use to own a 400+ WHP Mitsu Lancer Evo, which I had taken everything out of the engine bay minus the short block, and put it back together while making some pleasing power running 23-24psi of boost with 93 oct. pump gas. I replaced the entire suspension, and did plenty of electrical work, along with partial tuning (I logged and flashed the ECU, getting the actual fuel and timing maps from my tuner).
I was into making cars fast, now I'm looking to make vehicles more versatile. Please don't assume I can't keep a 20+ year old truck running.
As for diesel experience, I currently own and daily drive a 2003 Ford Excursion with a 6.0L PowerStroke. I've wrenched on it recently, replacing the FICM, new batteries, new serpentine belt and tensioner, etc.
I'm no mechanic, but I've wrenched my fair share.
You my friend are both awesome, and possibly bad for my health and marriage. Good thing is that the Wife is on board for me getting something like this if it's affordable, but I doubt she'll let me daily drive it. LOL.
I'm going to show this to her for sure, and it's in Ohio. All the other CUCVs and the like that I've looked at are in MS.
Yup a shit ton at Camp Shelby just a two hours down the road...................bad bad bad............Wonder what it'd cost to get one shipped
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
Originally Posted By Muad:
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
If you have to ask, then you need a newer gasser still under factory warrantee.
Seriously, the guys I know that turn wrenches for fun and can keep a 20 yo vehicle running good enough to rely on as a BOV already know what they want/need and don't need to ask which is best for them.
What can be 'scavenged' from Thunderdome is about the last thing to consider when choosing a BOV.
Great post, thanks for your input

Didn't mean to be offensive or flippant, but your question seems a bit naive for someone that has the skills to keep a 20+ yo high mileage diesel truck running.
What is your mechanical experience with trucks and diesel engines in general?
I have a 2001 Dodge that is falling apart around the Cummins. I love it and trust it around town, but no way would I trust it as a BOV for my family.
I am not sure someone who can't keep an 11 year old truck in proper operating condition should be questioning the mechanical abilities of anyone else.
What is it about your truck that causes you to not trust it and why haven't you done anything about it?
I have a 1997 Dodge 2500 4x4 with about 250,000 miles on it that I would not hesitate to hop in and drive across the country today. It's my go to vehicle for use during inclement weather, on poor roads and, should it ever be necessary, for an evacuation. Like every other mechanical device, it has required periodic maintenance and repair but I have also used some of those times as opportunities to upgrade components. It has been no more difficult to maintain in good operating condition than any other vehicle I have owned.
You have to remember that some states live in the rust belt.
In NY there are tons of old dodges that are basically just a drive train and some sheet metal. They literally rust apart in about 10 years and the motor is just getting broken in. Not much you can do about it either, we have large salt supplies, and it is a cheap way for them to keep the roads clean, so they pour it on as thick as it will go.
I went to TN to buy my last truck, sucker was mint and nearly 20 years old. I will never buy another NY or OH truck again.
Just to throw a monkey wrench into things, I will never go back to gas for a daily driver work truck....but, I would love to own another early 80's Chevy pickup with a 350.
The old GM's are basically modular to each other, and parts are dirt cheap for them. Anyone who can turn a wrench and knows how an engine works can keep a 350 running, never mind the 9 miles per gallon though, at least you will be bugging out in in style, dual tailpipes just a screaming.
I understand. But if the salt is that bad, no brand is going to be particularly more immune to the effects of it than another.
The OBS fords actually do hold up better, their lack of close rockers and a more open fender and bed design make it much easier to spray everything out at the car wash.
Originally Posted By Justin-Kase:
When everyone bugged out of Houston/south Texas for hurricane Rita diesel was much easier to find along the way.
The benefits to a gas BOV are few, but include that not every gas station sells diesel.
80's 4x4 F250 diesel is an outstanding choice.
I used to live in S. Florida... back around Hurricane Andrew time-frame (moved out of Florida in the late 1990s)... and I've seen that too. Stations run out of gas, but diesel is much easier to find after a storm.
When I grow up I want to build a Jeep with 4 door aluminum body from Aqualu, Dana 60 straight axles front & rear, Cummins 4BT (maybe 6BT) & 5 speed manual (or maybe adapt an Allison 5speed auto).
Originally Posted By Boomer:
I understand. But if the salt is that bad, no brand is going to be particularly more immune to the effects of it than another.
Having your vehicle "hot" oiled is a life saver if you're in the salt belt like me. I normally buy vehicles from southern states, or states that don't use salt on the roads. Then, get them oiled to help slow down or stop the rusting process from the salt they drop on the roads here.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if your vehicle is gas or diesel, what does matter is that you keep the thing fuelled up.
If you end up in a situation where you need to use more than a single tank of fuel to get where you need to be - it's not going to make a difference what you run, because by the time you run out, everyone who does have fuel in that distance - won't be sharing it.
Originally Posted By Monsterbishi:
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if your vehicle is gas or diesel, what does matter is that you keep the thing fuelled up.
If you end up in a situation where you need to use more than a single tank of fuel to get where you need to be - it's not going to make a difference what you run, because by the time you run out, everyone who does have fuel in that distance - won't be sharing it.
You can dilute your diesel with used motor oil from the dead gassers. And get further down the road.
Originally Posted By Boomer:
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
Originally Posted By Muad:
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
If you have to ask, then you need a newer gasser still under factory warrantee.
Seriously, the guys I know that turn wrenches for fun and can keep a 20 yo vehicle running good enough to rely on as a BOV already know what they want/need and don't need to ask which is best for them.
What can be 'scavenged' from Thunderdome is about the last thing to consider when choosing a BOV.
Great post, thanks for your input

Didn't mean to be offensive or flippant, but your question seems a bit naive for someone that has the skills to keep a 20+ yo high mileage diesel truck running.
What is your mechanical experience with trucks and diesel engines in general?
I have a 2001 Dodge that is falling apart around the Cummins. I love it and trust it around town, but no way would I trust it as a BOV for my family.
I am not sure someone who can't keep an 11 year old truck in proper operating condition should be questioning the mechanical abilities of anyone else.
What is it about your truck that causes you to not trust it and why haven't you done anything about it?
I have a 1997 Dodge 2500 4x4 with about 250,000 miles on it that I would not hesitate to hop in and drive across the country today. It's my go to vehicle for use during inclement weather, on poor roads and, should it ever be necessary, for an evacuation. Like every other mechanical device, it has required periodic maintenance and repair but I have also used some of those times as opportunities to upgrade components. It has been no more difficult to maintain in good operating condition than any other vehicle I have owned.
It eats front ends and is on its second transmission. Electrical gremlins abound.
For some, at some point, putting more money and effort into a vehicle gets you diminishing returns and just doesn't make sense. Both time wise and financially.
Some folks love turning wrenches, some like it, others tolerate it and finally, some outsource it. I fall to the middle right of that progression.
My truck works for me as is. YMMV.