There are tough truck engines, and then there are these — mechanical immortals that will probably still be idling away when your grandkids are arguing over your vintage tool set. Some are over-engineered, some are hilariously simple, and all of them have reputations for lasting longer than most of us will ever need.
Ford 300 Inline Six (1965–1996)
If the Ford 300 was a person, it would be the old guy in overalls who still chops his own firewood at 85. This straight-six was so understressed you could run it on low-grade fuel, skip a few oil changes, and still see 400,000 miles. Farmers, contractors, and anyone who treated “maintenance” as a vague suggestion swore by it.
Toyota 22R/22RE (1981–1995)
The 22R is living proof that Toyota once built engines with the sole purpose of annoying the scrapyard industry. In carbureted or fuel-injected form, this four-cylinder would cheerfully log 300,000 miles, even in the hands of owners who believed that oil changes were optional. It did not make much power, but it made up for it by refusing to die.
Chevrolet 350 Small Block (1967–2002 in trucks)
The 350 is the truck world’s version of a cockroach — it has been around forever, it is everywhere, and it just keeps going. Whether in a square-body C10 or a ’90s Silverado, these pushrod V8s are ridiculously easy to work on, with parts so cheap you can rebuild one for the cost of a decent weekend out.
Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve (1989–1998)
The legend. The one that made Dodge Ram a serious contender in the diesel world. This inline-six turbodiesel is so overbuilt that it has been used to power boats, generators, and even the occasional homemade tractor. Owners joke that it will outlive the body of the truck, and judging by the number of rusted Rams still dragging themselves around with a perfectly healthy 5.9, they are right.
Ford 7.3L Power Stroke (1994–2003)
Nicknamed the “Million-Mile Motor” by its cult following, this diesel V8 is the one you want if your idea of light use is hauling a house. Known for its simple HEUI injection system and lack of fragile emissions gear, the 7.3 is one of the few engines that mechanics will happily buy back from you just to keep as a spare.
Toyota 4.7L i-Force V8 (2000–2009)
Introduced in the Tundra and Sequoia, the 4.7 i-Force is Toyota’s version of “we dare you to break it.” Smooth, quiet, and seemingly incapable of throwing a tantrum, it is the reason some first-gen Tundras are still bringing surprising money on the used market. It does not burn oil, it does not eat timing belts, and it will idle happily while the body rusts away around it.
GMC/Chevrolet 6.6L Duramax LBZ (2006–2007)
If you want a Duramax without the headaches, the LBZ is the sweet spot. It came before the emissions-clogged era and after GM sorted out the early weak points. Capable of monster torque with simple tuning, it is equally beloved by RV haulers and people who just like intimidating small cars in the left lane.
Nissan VG30E (1986–1999 in trucks)
A bit of an oddball in the pickup world, this 3.0L V6 from the Nissan Hardbody and early Frontiers is one of the most reliable mid-size truck engines ever. It is not fast, but it is so durable you could probably run it without coolant for a week and it would just look at you funny.
Dodge 318 (5.2L) Magnum V8 (1992–2003)
The Dodge 318 has been around in some form since the ’60s, but the ’90s Magnum version gave it fuel injection and a bit more grunt. Known for running forever with basic maintenance, it is the small block Mopar that refuses to be forgotten — or killed.
Mercedes-Benz OM617 Diesel (1976–1985 in G-Wagens and conversions)
Yes, it is slow. Yes, it sounds like a sewing machine with a nicotine habit. But this inline-five diesel is almost indestructible. Originally in sedans, it found its way into G-Wagens and even swapped into old Ford and Chevy trucks by enthusiasts who wanted apocalypse-level reliability.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
