For truck people, the heart of the machine has always been its engine. Gas powered V8s might grab headlines for horsepower, but when it comes to hauling heavy loads, long distance towing, or racking up half a million miles, nothing beats a strong diesel. Diesel engines deliver torque where it matters, sip fuel more efficiently than gas engines, and often last longer than the trucks they’re bolted into. Over the years, a few powerplants have stood out as legends—workhorses so good that owners still chase them down decades later. These are ten pickups that earned their place in diesel history.
Ford Super Duty with the 7.3 Power Stroke
The 7.3 Power Stroke is the king of Ford diesels, built from 1994 to 2003. Its 275 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque might not look huge by today’s numbers, but what made this engine legendary was its ability to just keep going. With regular oil changes, these engines routinely clock 400,000 to 500,000 miles, and some have gone over 1 million. Farmers loved them for towing trailers day after day, while contractors trusted them to start every morning no matter the weather. The 7.3 wasn’t quick, but it was nearly indestructible, and that’s why the trucks that carried it are still prized today.
Dodge Ram with the 5.9 Cummins
The arrival of the 5.9 liter Cummins inline six in 1989 changed everything. Before it, Dodge was barely competing with Ford and Chevy in the heavy duty market. With 160 horsepower and over 400 lb-ft of torque at launch, the 5.9 could pull like nothing else on the road. Later versions pushed output far higher, but even the early ones were enough to build a cult following. The simple mechanical injection design meant it could run forever, and plenty of owners report hitting a million miles with only routine maintenance. Hot rodders loved it too, because turning up the power was as easy as tweaking the fuel system.
Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra with the 6.6 Duramax LBZ
GM’s LBZ Duramax, offered from 2006 to 2007, hit the sweet spot of power, reliability, and modern tech. With 360 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, it had enough grunt to pull massive fifth wheel trailers while still feeling refined on the highway. Owners love the LBZ because it came before stricter emissions rules added complexity to diesels. Mechanics praise it as one of the easiest modern Duramax engines to keep alive. Many are still running strong today, towing horse trailers or hauling heavy loads daily without complaint.
Ford F-250/F-350 with the 6.7 Power Stroke
The 6.7 Power Stroke, launched in 2011, was the first diesel Ford designed in house, and it showed what the brand was capable of. With over 1,000 lb-ft of torque in recent versions, it redefined what a heavy duty pickup could do. Owners regularly tow 20,000 pounds or more without breaking a sweat. Early concerns about Ford’s ability to build its own diesel vanished once the 6.7 proved itself as both powerful and durable. It also introduced refinements like quiet operation and smoother acceleration, making Ford’s Super Duty trucks as comfortable as they were capable.
Dodge Ram with the 6.7 Cummins
Replacing the 5.9, the 6.7 Cummins brought more power and torque while keeping the bulletproof inline six layout. By the late 2010s, it was pushing over 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque, enough to tow staggering loads. While it introduced more emissions equipment, owners still found it durable when properly maintained. The 6.7 has powered countless Ram HD trucks hauling construction equipment, RVs, and livestock across America. It may not be as simple as the old 5.9, but its blend of brute strength and dependability makes it one of the best diesels of the modern era.
Chevrolet/GMC with the 6.2 Detroit Diesel
In the 1980s, GM offered the 6.2 Detroit Diesel, a lightweight alternative that prioritized fuel economy. With under 150 horsepower, it wasn’t fast, but it returned fuel mileage in the mid 20s—unheard of for a full size pickup at the time. These engines proved incredibly durable, with many outlasting the bodies around them. Farmers and fleet operators loved their simplicity and efficiency. Today, the 6.2 has something of a cult following among enthusiasts who value durability and economy over outright power.
Ford F-250/F-350 with the 6.4 Power Stroke (Revised Versions)
The 6.4 Power Stroke gets mixed reviews, but properly maintained examples have proven capable. With twin turbos and 650 lb-ft of torque, it offered serious grunt for towing and acceleration. Many of the problems came from emissions systems that choked reliability, but owners who kept up with maintenance—or carefully modified their trucks—found them to be beasts. In the right hands, a 6.4 equipped Super Duty is a reminder that Ford was pushing performance boundaries even before the current 6.7.
Dodge Ram with the 12 Valve Cummins
The early 12 valve 5.9 Cummins, built from 1989 through the mid 1990s, is diesel royalty. With mechanical fuel injection, it was simple, tough, and nearly impossible to kill. Farmers loved that it would run forever with basic upkeep, and tuners adored how easily it could be modified to produce huge power. These engines became legends for their million mile durability and stump pulling torque. Today, finding a clean 12 valve Ram is like striking gold, as collectors and enthusiasts still hunt them down for their unmatched reputation.
GMC Sierra HD with the L5P Duramax
Introduced in 2017, the L5P Duramax took GM’s diesel game to a new level. With 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque at launch, it was stronger than most semi trucks of just a few decades earlier. Owners rave about its ability to pull massive loads while still driving smoothly on the highway. Long haul RV owners in particular love the L5P for its reliability under stress. It’s modern, refined, and powerful, proving that GM is still in the game when it comes to building world class diesel pickups.
Ford F-250 Highboy with the 6.9 International Harvester IDI
Before the Power Stroke, Ford turned to International Harvester to supply its diesel engines. The 6.9 IDI, launched in 1983, was a slow but steady workhorse. With around 170 horsepower, it wasn’t quick, but it was nearly unbreakable and capable of running on alternative fuels like biodiesel. Farmers and ranchers loved it for its rugged simplicity. These trucks became legendary for starting in the cold, hauling heavy trailers all day, and doing it again the next morning without complaint. Many are still on the road today, proving that simplicity can be its own kind of strength.
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