I lived in Australia for a year and drove all the Diesel "Utes" as they call them. The caddy of them all was the Toyota Land Cruiser, next was the Nissan Patrol I think it is called. For the average "Bloke" the Toyota Hilux was the most popular. Mitubishi Also is popular with the Pajero, kind of a SUV vehicle. I recall how I thought I wanted a Land Cruiser when I get back till I seen a Dodge Ram 3/4 ton 4x4 Cummins a tour operator was running converted to right hand drive (steering). What was I thinking? On this side of the pond full size pickup for this cowboy!

 

A small diesel pickup? Something like my old Nissan but with a diesel? I know a lot of folks who would ****** one up in a heartbeat. Me included .....

 

Have you even looked at the option on the vans? They offer a cab chassis and where are you going to find a 5000 lb 5th wheel trailer? I was comparing the size, weight and power to what a 1/2 would be. The Sprinter lineup is a nice setup for someone that is going to carry up to GVWR or tow light.

 

There was a discussion on the 4BT Yahoo group about this. The answer was YES there would be lots of buyers for a good 1/2 ton diesel. As far as fuel mileage, when set up properly, a 4BT is unreal. Think 30+ mpg in a very heavy M715. Well over 30 mpg in a Dakota. Close to 30 with a Dodge M37.

When used for what a 1/2 ton was designed for, a small diesel would be great. Tow a couple quads or snowmobiles, small camping trailer, or haul furniture in the bed. Or do what the majority of small truck owners use them for, commuting. When geared high, the little 4BT is very ecconomical. Gear them low, and they are quite powerful. Offer 3.31s or 3.54s and they would be good all around trucks.

Unfortunately, the auto makers would probably bastardize the engines and take away a good amount of their efficiency. Once the electronics are added and emissions requirements are met I'm sure 30 mpg would be out of the question.

If there were a good 1/2 ton offered with a small diesel, 5 or 6 speed transmission, and good economy, I would really check it out. 90% of my Ram's use is commuting and light hauling.

Some info:
http://homepage.mac.com/ltalessi/Personal87.html

I voted "the same as" because a light duty diesel wouldn't be better or worse than my truck, just different and used for different things. But I think it would be a huge milestone to get a light duty diesel back in this country.

Jim

 

Go look at the other vehicles and notice the engine in the F-Series.... they still have the 7.3 powerstroke

 

ouch!almost 9 grand just for the diesel.no thanks.

 

a 1/2 ton diesel?, hell no!!!

real trucks have 8 lugs

 

I have no problem with a half ton turck or smaller with a diesel engine. I bought a new toyato 2lt 4x4 many years ago and it gave good service. I finally gave it away.
I would like a toyato 4x4 with a engine like the one in my 004 gulf vw. The 002 would be better because of the engine controls and fuel system.
I would like to have a jeep or what ever with a 4 cylinder cummins and a good transmission. Jimk