I can't understand why Cummins didn't just clean up the 3.9L and stick it in 3/4 ton trucks. The darn things get 28-32 MPG) some say better in a 4x2) ... thoughts??

 

because, in the 3.9l heyday (80's /90's) few people would have paid for a 4000+ diesel option in a 1/2 ton that was what, 15,000 new????.

even if it got 30mpg (double a gas for arguements sake) 4000 would, and still does buy ALOT of gasoline.

 

Plus, the 3.9 isn't exactly a featherweight, which would eat up alot of the GVW in a 1/2 or 1/4 ton platform.

 

I would bet vibration was a big reason. Remember how bad 4 cylinder cars used to vibrate before they put balance shafts in them? Imagine a 4 cylinder with twice the displacement.

 

I would definitely be interested in a half ton small diesel, no more often than I pull and what I pull 90% of the time, as long as it got around 30 + empty and had enough torque to pull with when needed.

I'm sure though the big 3 would screw it up somehow, weak transmission, weak differential, etc. you know the games they play.

 

Actually I had hears plans for a diesel in 1500s

 

would you pay 4000+ for the engine option?

 

That argument has been around a long time.
Diesels get better fuel economy and last longer than gassers.
Not to mention the price of diesel has finally settled back being cheaper than gasoline again.

And people already pay 6000+ for the diesel option in the 2500s and 3500s

 

Only 20k miles worth if you figure 15 mpg as the mileage number for the gasser. You'd be even in less than 2 years if you drive any further than church on Sunday.

 

I know Cummins is finalizing some "light duty" diesel engines for lighter trucks and SUV's. I just don't like the words "light duty" and "Cummins" to be together. It harshed my mellow!

 

when the 3.9 was in production the american public would not have paid 5000~6000 for a diesel. that was 80's to mid 90.

that would have been 1/4 or more of the truck price.

 

But the price uptick on the Diesel is a chicken or the egg thing. Build enough, and the price comes close to equalizing.

Want to bet that the price differential is very close when Honda finally unleashes the 2.0 Diesel in their cars?

We have got to forget all the negatives here and look at what the rest of the world gets, relatively affordable, clean, efficient diesels!

 

Brazilian Fords (3/4 ton trucks) were/maybe still are available with the 4BTA/3.9L QSB in them.