i am purchasing my first diesel i have been reading about the vp44 issues, which truck should i purchase it will be used for heavy hauling a three car hauler. Also auto or stick? and 4.10s or 3.55s? 4 wheel drive or 2? your input would be greatly appreciated. thank you. chris.

 

I would recommend the 12v simply because there is no VP44. A 5spd (preferably a 97) would get you the 215HP pump in I think the 96-98.4 models. 4.10s would be good if you are going to do REALLY heavy towing, but with a 5spd they make driving at highway speeds not exactly fun (ask Box5). A stock 5spd is also much more stout than a stock automatic.

2WDs tend not to be as hard on the front end and don't have issues like the "death wobble", and if you are going to be hauling just on-road on relatively dry surfaces (i.e. not towing in the snow) then a 2wd would be perfect for you.

Good luck!

Dennis