Thanks. I have been hauling heavy loads over a hundred miles at speed. The V-6 is so superior that it almost turned into a safety issue. The inline 4 is not nearly as substantial and safe. The V-6 still averages 20mpg. Not bad.
There is an outfit in Georgia called Shade Tree Mechanics that sells a set of plans (very general) on how to swap a tractor diesel into a truck. Great economy and dependability.
I've had a 97 2wd 2.4, a 98 4wd 2.7 and now a 2003 3.4 4wd. By far the most substantial is the v-6. Love it, very solid. Also an air cooled vw fan, but that's another forum........ I look forward to hints and tips.
Clark