Diesel pickup: Ford or Dodge?

[GTX]

Without getting into brand bashing I'd like some feedback and info.


We're considering a used diesel truck in the semi near future which would be used for hauling trailers and boats thus taking that load off of my Navigator but also possibly hauling a 5th wheel.
While I'm obviously a Dodge man I also own Fords but I've heard some not so good things about Dodge trucks namely that while the Cummins engine is great the chassis has many troubles, the trans has troubles and the rear seat area is small and uncomfortable etc.  I personally really don't care for GM so they are pretty much out.
What I'm leaning towards is a Ford F350 Super Duty Crew Cab with the 7.3 Powerstroke but does anyone have anything good,bad or indiffferent to add about the Dodge 3500 series? 

Does anyone have an F350? What's your experience?

[Bandit72]

i personally HATE ford diesels....they are nothing but junk in my book (unless you want to use ALOT of fuel and have very little power)...and i have alot of mechanic friends that aren't dodge guys telling me if i want a diesel to get a dodge because of the cummins 5.9 turbo....

[Bandit4142]

I've run both, and to be honest, I'd go with the Dodge.   I run a lumberyard, and my trucks take a ton of abuse...   My Dodge's have all held up better than my Fords.   The Ford is more fun, if you are simply going to "drive" a diesel, but if you are actually going to pull with it, and work it, I'd go with the Dodge.  FYI, I've been running diesel one-tons at my yard since 1996...   Probably around a dozen of each to over 200,000 miles.

[Mopar440+6]

GTX, I currently own a 94 Ram 2500 Cummins. Its by far the best pulling truck I've ever driven. While the Dodges will have their issues a Ford will give you many more problems. I work at a company that manufactures trailers and I have done some hauling with the company trucks. I usually use the F-350 Powerstroke duallie because the other two trucks are only 3/4 ton trucks. I would put my 3/4 ton Dodge up against that 1 ton any day of the week. The F-350 is constantly in the shop (8 new injectors, a cracked turbo and a blown clutch in the year I've worked there), gets horrible fuel mileage, doesn't have nearly enough power and is simply a pain to drive.

If you're looking into a Dodge diesel check out the forums over at www.dieseltruckresource.com. I've spent alot of time on that site since getting my truck and those guys know their Dodge trucks...

[hemihead]

Dodge or.... what was the other choice again? 

[pettyfan43]

Dodge Cummins Turbo diesel, 100%

[Troy]

If you plan on using it to pull (a lot) then the Dodge. I'll sell you mine.

As far as the Cummins goes - it's the best diesel engine hands down from everything I've read. You're right about the chassis though. It seems nothing else on the Dodge trucks is worthy of the engine. I read a LOT about these trucks (primarily 1998-2002) before I bought mine and the overall perception is the same from just about everyone - after you weed out the brand loyalists of course. To save yourself the most aggravation I'd say stick with a 2500 two wheel drive stick shift and you'll avoid 2/3rds of the problems with the Dodge diesel trucks. The automatic transmission just can't handle the torque from the Cummins and the 4x4 suspension wasn't really designed for the extra weight. If you're buying a used one with more than 125k then thoroughly inspect the lift pump and make sure it has a fuel pressure gauge. If you're looking at one from 1999 or later then be sure to read about the infamous "53" blocks. Check the fuel filler on the tank for leakage as well as the vacuum pump (check for oil leaking down the front left of the engine and don't believe anyone who says a lot of oil comes out of the vent tube).

To be honest, for what I'm using the truck for a newer F250 Super Duty (lower miles) would suit me better than the dually Dodge.

Troy

[bull]

The one good thing about this debate is that the competition among brands has really produced some power and quality across the board over the past few years.

[Orange_Crush]

Allright...I'll give you the lowdown...stick close because it can get confusing.

First, lets talk engines.

Hands down, Cummins makes the best engine of the three.  It is the most economical and longest lasting.  It also has one of the best support networks as you can get it serviced by Dodge or Cummins.  It is a very proven engine as the same basic configuration has been around forever and is used in boats, trucks, generators, yard spotters, etc. etc. etc.  It is a rock solid unit.

The Duramax is, in my opinion, the number two engine of the three.  It is well engineered (by Isuzu who probably has as much diesel engine experience as almost anyone), REASONABLY economical, and very powerful. 

Last is the Powerstroke.  Keep in mind that there are THREE generations of powerstrokes.  The first generation (7.3 liter) is considered by many to be the best of the three.  Its very reliable...but also very thristy.  The second generation (6.0 liter) was a disaster from a reliability standpoint and was plagued with problems.  The Third generation (6.4 liter) is very new so you probably don't have to worry about it.

Now...as far as the chassis are concerned.  All three are decent trucks.  I don't know what year you're looking at but they all have some problems.  Personally, I would not buy an Automatic Dodge cummins truck built before 2005.  The 5 and 6 speeds are fine and will last forever, but the autos were really not striong enough to be backing up that kind of engine.

That being said, the Autos in the Fords and Duramax chevys also had their problems.  The Ford trannies also had some breakage problems and the Allisons did too...and the problem with the allisons is that when they break, they break BIG...VERY expensive to fix.

In 2005, Dodge greatly improved the 4-speed auto in the trucks.  The new auto simply doesn't break.  The thing was redesigned on an eye on basically making every component of the tranny stong enough so that it will stay together no matter what and, by all accounts they've succeeded.  If you buy a Dodge Auto, make sure it is a 2005 or newer.  If you DO get an older one, just make sure you service it religiously and you should be okay.

[GTX]

Great info guys, one question and pardon the ignorance but what are the infamous "53" blocks?
I'll have to read up on them but just brief me.

Ultimately I honestly don't think I care much between Dodge or Ford loyalty wise so it's really a matter of getting the best used truck that I can for the money. If I could afford a new truck things would be different but then I'd rather put that dough into the Charger motor, the new heated marble tile flooring the boss wants in the bathroom etc.

What I want is probably the power of the Cummins but I want some creature comfort for spending time on the road. The air suspension and roominess of the Navigator has really spoiled me and I'm not sure I can find that in a pickup. The Navigator is like driving my barco lounger down the road.
We need 4 doors and the second row big enough that adults can actually sit there for hours without cramping up and hopefully a decently comfortable seat back there as well?
We'd be sticking the elderly folk back there along with the dog 
For those of you with either the Ram 3500 or the F350, how do they ride on extended freeway drives? My old Ramcharger was like riding a slab of concrete down the road but it went anywhere I told it although I need more comfort now.

I also need to make sure or as sure as possible that I wouldn't be breaking down with a bad tranny or something out in the desert halfway to Vegas or something with the Charger or GTX on back.


Ahh...maybe it's just a pipe dream.




....you know, when the new Rams came out I REALLY hated the new front end and fenders and swore I'd never own one but now I don't mind them and kind of like them. That's a whole 'nother thread though that I'm sure has been hashed over and over..

[Bandit72]

i think there are companys making air bag suspension kits for both of these trucks....if your looking for comfort, i can say that the dodge ride isn't TOO bad when they have a load on them....but maybe if you put in adjustable air bags you could tune it for your own preference, i personally don't mind a truck that rides like an old hay wagon...in my eyes a truck isn't supposed to be too "comfy"

[GTX]

i personally don't mind a truck that rides like an old hay wagon...in my eyes a truck isn't supposed to be too "comfy"

I tend to agree but years ago I fell two stories and broke my back in 4 or 5 places as well as my neck.  Yep, a plain miracle that I'm here and also that I'm not a quad and bedridden like Superman was or in a chair.
Later I had a motorcycle wreck and messed up my hip and hurt my back more. Now I have chronic back and hip pain and disk troubles and can't sit for long on hard or bumpy things. That was part of why I got rid of the Ramcharger and got the luxury boat. Damn I miss that truck and the Navigator isn't a real truck but then again I'm not what I used to be either. 

You ought to see me after day of boating 

Nope, if I expect to drive for very long and then get out and walk I need something at least a little comfy. I don't really need air bags but then I really don't need a rock hard ride either. Something in between.

[RECHRGD]

Allright...I'll give you the lowdown...stick close because it can get confusing.

First, lets talk engines.

Hands down, Cummins makes the best engine of the three. It is the most economical and longest lasting. It also has one of the best support networks as you can get it serviced by Dodge or Cummins. It is a very proven engine as the same basic configuration has been around forever and is used in boats, trucks, generators, yard spotters, etc. etc. etc. It is a rock solid unit.

The Duramax is, in my opinion, the number two engine of the three. It is well engineered (by Isuzu who probably has as much diesel engine experience as almost anyone), REASONABLY economical, and very powerful.

Last is the Powerstroke. Keep in mind that there are THREE generations of powerstrokes. The first generation (7.3 liter) is considered by many to be the best of the three. Its very reliable...but also very thristy. The second generation (6.0 liter) was a disaster from a reliability standpoint and was plagued with problems. The Third generation (6.4 liter) is very new so you probably don't have to worry about it.

Now...as far as the chassis are concerned. All three are decent trucks. I don't know what year you're looking at but they all have some problems. Personally, I would not buy an Automatic Dodge cummins truck built before 2005. The 5 and 6 speeds are fine and will last forever, but the autos were really not striong enough to be backing up that kind of engine.

That being said, the Autos in the Fords and Duramax chevys also had their problems. The Ford trannies also had some breakage problems and the Allisons did too...and the problem with the allisons is that when they break, they break BIG...VERY expensive to fix.

In 2005, Dodge greatly improved the 4-speed auto in the trucks. The new auto simply doesn't break. The thing was redesigned on an eye on basically making every component of the tranny stong enough so that it will stay together no matter what and, by all accounts they've succeeded. If you buy a Dodge Auto, make sure it is a 2005 or newer. If you DO get an older one, just make sure you service it religiously and you should be okay.

Orange, I hope your off by a year on the automatic tranny upgrade.  When I bought my 2004 2500 Cummins the new tranny was one of the biggest selling points that the dealer was pushing.  Anyway, I love it.  It pulls the Charger like it's not even there and absolutly no tranny problems.   Bob

[moparguy01]

I put probably 20k miles on 2 different ford trucks when i was working pit crew for a race team while at school in kansas. about 95% of those miles were pulling a 28,40, or 44 foot enclosed trailer. The  first ford was a 99 with the 7.3 diesel. Granted it did have a chip in it, and that made alittle difference. but that thing would get 11mpg wether it was empty, or pulling a fully loaded 44' enclosed. It just didnt matter to that truck, it was 11mpg. After that it was a 2003 with the 6.0 which was also chipped. the 6.0 ran quieter, and alot smoother. But if you ever had to remove that chip be prepared to have a slug of a truck. Its power just didnt hold a candle to the old 7.3's. But the 6.0 went in for service as well.

both trucks were setup the same. 2wd, auto, crew cabs duallys. I liked the auto due to the amount of time we spent rolling into small towns from the highway. since the highways go right through half the towns in kansas, you have to constantly speed up and slow down. in a manual youd have to downshift to speed up half the time.

[Troy]

From personal experience, my truck will beat you to death on all but the best roads. It seems to be better with weight on it though. I would contribute some of that too worn shocks and bushings so maybe mine isn't the best example. The seats certainly don't feel all that comfortable to me. My cousin swears his 2500 4x4 rides better than any of the Fords or Chevys he's been in (and he's a country boy so everyone has a truck). I haven't ridden for any length of time in any of the other big trucks but my 1984 Suburban rides better than all the rest of mine. It may be tough to match the comfort of the Navigator in anything with a high towing capacity.

Troy

[GTX]

It may be tough to match the comfort of the Navigator in anything with a high towing capacity.

Troy

Yep, apples and oranges. I am just sort of hoping that a loaded truck would ride a tad smoother than my Ramcharger did. It was definitely not a highway cruiser. I'd be happy with the ride that I had in my old '76 Ford F150, firm but not harsh- i like a firm feel........on more than my vehicles   

I think I'd plan for a programmable chip or one with multi settings but I'd be hesitant to get too wild.

One more question and pardon the ignorance. I can save some $$$ on a used truck by going 2 wheel drive. Obviously the 4x4 has more merit for traction but does 4x4 lend anything to hauling capacity?

[Headrope]

Great thread.
My family and I have become quad riding freaks. We've done the local places and are ready to start making five-plus hour drives to get to different riding areas. I currently have an almost-like-new '90 Power Ram 2500 with a 5.9 liter (only 146,000 miles on a 17-year-old truck) but my 7-year-old is almost taller than his mom, making my beloved truck too small for all three of us.
All my trucks have been a Dodge ('78, '84, '90) and most my cars have too ('65 and '67 Dart, '66 Charger) but there is no denying the amount of interior room in the back of Fords verses the Dodges. The Dodges are almost a joke with the horseshoe shaped rear bench. Even still - I've yet to see a Ford that gave me a stiffy.
Mechanical stuff and all that is the most important, but if I'm going to spend tens-of-thousands on something I want it to be something I actually like. For example: My neighbor pulls a 30-something foot Raptor toyhauler with his 2002 4x4 Ford diesel duelly. He has taken that thing out almost every weekend regardless of weather for more than a year and has had the hydraulic brake booster go out but that's it.
BUT I think the truck is ugly.
I have a feeling this is going to be one of those grown up decisions for me and I'm going to have to go with a Ford even though I don't like it. Hopefully the details in this thread will help me make the right choice, though.

[moparguy01]

4 wheel drives are nice, but honestly not always needed. I live up in North Dakota, or the southern keys of canada, whichever you feel like calling it. and I wont buy a truck that isnt 4 wheel drive. but in winter up here you NEED it if you pull a trailer. Now if I was living further south, like back in Kansas again, I would definately consider a 2 wd truck. they ride alittle nicer, and honestly unless your pulling a horse trailer in the muddy fields you wont need the 4wd very often at all. just dont haul too much in the 2 months that it snows there.

plus if all your doing is hauling a trailer down the highway, a 4 wheel drive isnt needed.

troy brought up a good point. my friend has a 92 cummins td 1 ton. The thing rides like a damn lumber wagon. I've been dragged down a gravel road on my ass and had a more comfortable ride. that ford truck i mentioned earlier rode like a couch.

[Orange_Crush]

Allright...I'll give you the lowdown...stick close because it can get confusing.

First, lets talk engines.

Hands down, Cummins makes the best engine of the three. It is the most economical and longest lasting. It also has one of the best support networks as you can get it serviced by Dodge or Cummins. It is a very proven engine as the same basic configuration has been around forever and is used in boats, trucks, generators, yard spotters, etc. etc. etc. It is a rock solid unit.

The Duramax is, in my opinion, the number two engine of the three. It is well engineered (by Isuzu who probably has as much diesel engine experience as almost anyone), REASONABLY economical, and very powerful.

Last is the Powerstroke. Keep in mind that there are THREE generations of powerstrokes. The first generation (7.3 liter) is considered by many to be the best of the three. Its very reliable...but also very thristy. The second generation (6.0 liter) was a disaster from a reliability standpoint and was plagued with problems. The Third generation (6.4 liter) is very new so you probably don't have to worry about it.

Now...as far as the chassis are concerned. All three are decent trucks. I don't know what year you're looking at but they all have some problems. Personally, I would not buy an Automatic Dodge cummins truck built before 2005. The 5 and 6 speeds are fine and will last forever, but the autos were really not striong enough to be backing up that kind of engine.

That being said, the Autos in the Fords and Duramax chevys also had their problems. The Ford trannies also had some breakage problems and the Allisons did too...and the problem with the allisons is that when they break, they break BIG...VERY expensive to fix.

In 2005, Dodge greatly improved the 4-speed auto in the trucks. The new auto simply doesn't break. The thing was redesigned on an eye on basically making every component of the tranny stong enough so that it will stay together no matter what and, by all accounts they've succeeded. If you buy a Dodge Auto, make sure it is a 2005 or newer. If you DO get an older one, just make sure you service it religiously and you should be okay.

Orange, I hope your off by a year on the automatic tranny upgrade.  When I bought my 2004 2500 Cummins the new tranny was one of the biggest selling points that the dealer was pushing.  Anyway, I love it.  It pulls the Charger like it's not even there and absolutly no tranny problems.   Bob

Yeah, hit the wrong number.  The upgraded tranny came out in '04, not '05.

A 2500 will ride smoother than a 3500 and a 2wd will ride smoother than a 4wd...at least that's been my experience.

I require a long bed given the fact that I haul a lot of stuff in the bed.  If most of my trucks duties involved pulling trailers, then I would have a SRW 3500 short bed quad cab or Megacab. 

[253862656971]

From personal experience, my truck will beat you to death on all but the best roads. It seems to be better with weight on it though. I would contribute some of that too worn shocks and bushings so maybe mine isn't the best example. The seats certainly don't feel all that comfortable to me. My cousin swears his 2500 4x4 rides better than any of the Fords or Chevys he's been in (and he's a country boy so everyone has a truck). I haven't ridden for any length of time in any of the other big trucks but my 1984 Suburban rides better than all the rest of mine. It may be tough to match the comfort of the Navigator in anything with a high towing capacity.

Troy

How much you want for your dually?  Just curious.

There's a reason for it beating you to death.  To haul the heavy loads the springs are beefed up considerably.  When just running down the road it rides like a buck board but if you throw a 1000 pounds in the back she'll ride decent, not like a cadillac but decent.

To be perfectly honest I don't see much of a difference between the Dodge and Ford.  For the same money I'd go for the dodge though.

[Troy]

The 4x4 actually lessens the towing capacity (as does the automatic). However, you're not likely to have a problem either way. I agree, hauling on the highway you won't need the 4x4 and the 2wd will ride a bit smoother. I would assume that driving in the dirt, mud, or soft grass with a heavy trailer *could* cause problems for a 2wd but probably not likely with the dually. I did leave 6" deep ruts in the yard after washing the truck one day (whoops!) and didn't have to engage all the wheels to get out. Yep, the payload capacity is somewhere near 5,000 pounds so I know the rear springs are going to be stiff. Even with my trailer's tongue weight it will barely squat the rear end of the truck. Maybe I need to start hauling two cars at a time?

Troy

[pettyfan43]

Great thread.
My family and I have become quad riding freaks. We've done the local places and are ready to start making five-plus hour drives to get to different riding areas. I currently have an almost-like-new '90 Power Ram 2500 with a 5.9 liter (only 146,000 miles on a 17-year-old truck) but my 7-year-old is almost taller than his mom, making my beloved truck too small for all three of us.
All my trucks have been a Dodge ('78, '84, '90) and most my cars have too ('65 and '67 Dart, '66 Charger) but there is no denying the amount of interior room in the back of Fords verses the Dodges. The Dodges are almost a joke with the horseshoe shaped rear bench. Even still - I've yet to see a Ford that gave me a stiffy.
Mechanical stuff and all that is the most important, but if I'm going to spend tens-of-thousands on something I want it to be something I actually like. For example: My neighbor pulls a 30-something foot Raptor toyhauler with his 2002 4x4 Ford diesel duelly. He has taken that thing out almost every weekend regardless of weather for more than a year and has had the hydraulic brake booster go out but that's it.
BUT I think the truck is ugly.
I have a feeling this is going to be one of those grown up decisions for me and I'm going to have to go with a Ford even though I don't like it. Hopefully the details in this thread will help me make the right choice, though.

Two words, Dodge MEGACAB. Beats the DAYLIGHTS out of the Phord!

[GTX]

Two words, Dodge MEGACAB. Beats the DAYLIGHTS out of the Phord!

But isn't the megacab new?  I need used, when did they start with the megacab?

[Orange_Crush]

The Megacab is MASSIVE.  Loads of room...limo-like legroom in the back and the back seatsrecline.  I think the Megacabs came out in '06.  Just curious...how much are you looking to spend?

[253862656971]

Actually if you're thinking dually I wouldn't consider anything but a 4x4 (unless I absolutley couldn't find one).  I've discovered with my dually that the back tires are sleds on all roads.  You'd think that with the extra tire they'd get more bite but it doesn't seem to work that way.  The only time they won't spin easily is on dry pavement.  Even when it rains I can run down the highway at 70 and crack the back loose if I work at it a little.  On gravel roads the thing gets squirelly often.  And when taking off loaded from a pasture or something like that I spin for the first few feet.  When it's a wet pasture I have to put it in 4x4 to get going if I have much of a load.   

[Todd Wilson]

From personal experience, my truck will beat you to death on all but the best roads. It seems to be better with weight on it though. I would contribute some of that too worn shocks and bushings so maybe mine isn't the best example. The seats certainly don't feel all that comfortable to me. My cousin swears his 2500 4x4 rides better than any of the Fords or Chevys he's been in (and he's a country boy so everyone has a truck). I haven't ridden for any length of time in any of the other big trucks but my 1984 Suburban rides better than all the rest of mine. It may be tough to match the comfort of the Navigator in anything with a high towing capacity.

Troy

A 2500 or 3500 truck will not ride soft. They all have stiffer suspensions for the weight. If its a problem you better stay in your air ride escalade. All the newer trucks are more comfortable then the old trucks. The 2003 and newer trucks are very comfortable compared to the 1st gen new body style rams. I have 2 friends with the new body style trucks both 4x4 Cummins trucks and they ride way better then the 95 or the 97 Cummins I been in.

25398287208707571   is right about the 4x4. If its going to be a fair weather good road driving truck then a 2wd will work but if you plan to use it in bad weather or dirt/field/junk yard conditions with a trailer the 4x4 is needed.

We can argue about the older auto transmissions not being the best design  but as long as you follow the owners manual and use your head when it comes to pulling weight the old 4 speed auto's are just fine with a Cummins. They are like any other tranny. Upgrade HP or Tork into a stock tranny and you will have problems. Car or truck. The owners manuals clearly state  to SHUT OD OFF when pulling but 99% of the drivers never do. The Cummins has enough tork to keep right on moving and thats what eats the auto tranny. Its also not a race when you are pulling heavy loads. We often get caught up in the Big 3 shoot outs in the magazines. Who can run the 1/4 mile in the faster time with a 10000lb trailer. So we think we got to stick our foot to the floor when taking off at a light to show how manly our truck is.





Todd

[Chryco Psycho]

The Problem with the Dodge Autos is the torque converter , it had a single disc lock up clutch & the engine can simply Chew it to bits & then flush all the clutch through the trans to cause the whole unit to fail , replace the Torque converter with a upgraded multi disc lock up clutch & the trans will be Ok   

[Orange_Crush]

Psycho is correct.  The aftermarket has taken care of the Auto tranny issue.

The '04 and up trannies are still significantly upgraded but, as long as you're not an idiot about it, the pre '04 trannies should be fine.  An extra measure of safety (as with any Dodge Auto truck) can be had if you are extremely diligent about servicing the trans.

My '05 Dually rides MUCH more comfortably and is WAY quieter than my '99 Dually.  The comfort factor might also have something to do with a longer wheelbase (my '05 is a club cab, my '99 was a regular cab).

Incidentally, just for your information, my truck was purchased in February.  It was an '05 with 9,000 (yep, nine thousand) miles on the odometer and I got it for 29,000 dollars.  New, it was a 40,000 dollar truck.  In other words, depending on how much you want to spend, there are some deals to be had out there.  I purchased mine from a reputable dealership (if there is such a thing) with all factory warranties.

I've attached a pic of my new truck, and just for kicks, a pic of my old truck post-wreck.

[Todd Wilson]

The Problem with the Dodge Autos is the torque converter , it had a single disc lock up clutch & the engine can simply Chew it to bits & then flush all the clutch through the trans to cause the whole unit to fail , replace the Torque converter with a upgraded multi disc lock up clutch & the trans will be Ok   

Wouldnt that be avoided by shutting OD off? Lock up doesnt accure with OD off, right?


Todd

[69 charger man]

my next truck will be a cummins for sure.. heres a pic i found on the web a wile ago..
-ray

[Orange_Crush]

my next truck will be a cummins for sure.. heres a pic i found on the web a wile ago..
-ray

It's a great marketing display but it really means nothing.

A 6 cylinder piston and rod (given the same amount of power and torque in an engine of similar displacement) will see about 20% more stress than an 8-cylinder piston and rod, so they have to be larger and heavier.

[SirNik73]

How long do you plan to keep the truck? are you buying it for busseness or personal use? My dad bought an 88 F350 years ago for personal use, and is still using it. this comes into play when it comes to maintaining the truck. my dad and other ford owners have complained about the engine and the way the truck is built. it is hard to get to the glow plugs when the turbo charger is mounted on top of the engine, and the engine becomes impossable to start after 3 or more glow plugs are out. my dad was telling me that the newest generation of ford trucks will require you to remove the cab inorder to service the turbo because the turbo is located such that the firwall covers it, and it is under the dash.

I personaly own a mercedes diesel, and i can tell you that if you treat the diesel engine right it will run forever. but with these newer trucks it is almost impossable to maintain. i've heard great things from the guys i know with dodges. they are able to do alot of their own work. so if the truck is a personal investment, and you plan on keeping it a good while, don't be in the situation my dad is in, and cursing ford every time a glow plug goes out.... just buy the dodge!

[Todd Wilson]

How long do you plan to keep the truck? are you buying it for busseness or personal use? My dad bought an 88 F350 years ago for personal use, and is still using it. this comes into play when it comes to maintaining the truck. my dad and other ford owners have complained about the engine and the way the truck is built. it is hard to get to the glow plugs when the turbo charger is mounted on top of the engine, and the engine becomes impossable to start after 3 or more glow plugs are out. my dad was telling me that the newest generation of ford trucks will require you to remove the cab inorder to service the turbo because the turbo is located such that the firwall covers it, and it is under the dash.

I personaly own a mercedes diesel, and i can tell you that if you treat the diesel engine right it will run forever. but with these newer trucks it is almost impossable to maintain. i've heard great things from the guys i know with dodges. they are able to do alot of their own work. so if the truck is a personal investment, and you plan on keeping it a good while, don't be in the situation my dad is in, and cursing ford every time a glow plug goes out.... just buy the dodge!

Go look at all 3 of the diesels. The Cummins is plain and simply compared to the other 2.


Todd

[Silver R/T]

my uncle just got a new 3500 flat bed truck after his F250 started giving him problems. We'll see how this one lasts.

[69charger2002]

i love my 99 cummins 5 speed manual 3500 dually. it pulls ungodly, gets 22 mpg empty, 18 mpg pulling a single trailer with charger on it, and 13 mpg with my 3 car hauler loaded with 3 chargers(18000 lbs).. i will answer one of your other concerns though, the back seat DOES SUCK. it is pretty narrow.. baby seat doesn't fit right, no one sits behind me or i can't put the seat back where i like it.. but overall the truck is great.. a good one with decent miles can be had for 10-15000 too.. remember 98+ is when they started the "4 doors".. 97 and back is just extended cab
side note: i had ONE ford dually diesel. 94 model. had the turbo 7.3. bought it with 142k miles on it.. it got 15 mpg empty, and 10 pulling the 2 car hauler loaded.. also a 5 speed truck. had 4 real doors, so it felt bigger, but that was about the only plus. i hated it, and the motor lost compression on 2 cylinders at 147k and no mechanic could give me a logical explanation why.. but i wasn't spending $2500 on a new 7.3 long block. so i let the stupid truck go for $1500.. never again
cummins or nothing
trav

[dukeboy_318]

Go for the dodge 3500, better at pulling since thats what you will be using it for.  I drive a cummins, my grandfather has 2 of them.  One has 327,000 miles and id say 98 percent of those miles are towing, never have taken a wrench to the thing expect for a new clutch at 200,000 and a new battery last fall.  if you dont believe me go to the  truck pulls and watch the street class closely, cummins have swept the top 3 spots in all 5 that ive gone to this year.  Get a manual though unless youre going with the new 6 spd auto, dont get the 4 spd auto though.  i get 20 mpg average and 17 towing with my stock 4x4 cummins 4spd auto and i have a heavy foot,  Grandfather gets 18 towing and 22 mpg with the manual and 4.10s

[skip68]

I'd give up fuel millage for comfort any day of the week.  I love my 5speed O/D  7.3 turbo with the edge box And if I was buying used(like I do) I wouldn't get anything with an Automatic unless it was a rebuilt tranny.  Anything over 120k on an auto is living on barrowed time.  I would love to have the Cummins diesel but I need the room of the ford. I think that the Cummins diesel is a better motor but my furd 7.3 will pull anything I need.      Chuck............

[dukeboy_318]

dont know but that mega cab has a ton of room too

[Guns N Rotors]

I'm going to hold off until 2009.

That's when it's rumored Toyota will unleash the 3/4 and one ton Tundra with
the Caterpillar C6.6 ACERT diesel. 

That truck should last me for the next 15 years.

[waroc]

   check this out... should leave you with no doubt....    http://youtube.com/watch?v=xTj7JSsFkGs   

[Orange_Crush]

I'm going to hold off until 2009.

That's when it's rumored Toyota will unleash the 3/4 and one ton Tundra with
the Caterpillar C6.6 ACERT diesel. 

That truck should last me for the next 15 years.

2009 is also when Dodge is unleashing the all-new Rams.  Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING...all the rumors that have floated about this truck say that it will blow the truck market wide open.  With the 6.7 Cummins engine, it should be interesting to see what happens.  Remembar that the 68RFE transmission is rated to handle over 1,000FtLbs of torque.

[Silver R/T]

If U.S. knows how to build something it's a truck. No import builder has so much experience building trucks

[ChargerRT440]

We have a Ferd LimpStroke at work and it had the diesel rebuilt at 320,000 kms. Theres Cummins out there that have over a million miles on them.

[ChargerRT440]

I forgot to mention. The Limpstroke is only at about 450,000 kms and it already needs a rebuild.

[dukeboy_318]

GO FOR THE CUMMINS MAN, you wont regret it.  motor will outlast the sheetmetal(and you )

[ChargerRT440]

I forgot to mention. The Limpstroke is only at about 450,000 kms and it already needs a rebuild.

oh and aparently our limpstroke just chewed the tranny up(cracked the case, and chewed a bunch of internals up.

[Steve P.]

i personally don't mind a truck that rides like an old hay wagon...in my eyes a truck isn't supposed to be too "comfy"

I tend to agree but years ago I fell two stories and broke my back in 4 or 5 places as well as my neck.  Yep, a plain miracle that I'm here and also that I'm not a quad and bedridden like Superman was or in a chair.
Later I had a motorcycle wreck and messed up my hip and hurt my back more. Now I have chronic back and hip pain and disk troubles and can't sit for long on hard or bumpy things. That was part of why I got rid of the Ramcharger and got the luxury boat. Damn I miss that truck and the Navigator isn't a real truck but then again I'm not what I used to be either. 

You ought to see me after day of boating 

Nope, if I expect to drive for very long and then get out and walk I need something at least a little comfy. I don't really need air bags but then I really don't need a rock hard ride either. Something in between.

I feel your pain.. I also broke my back. 3 blown out discs. 2 surgeries and blew out the same ones again trying to prove I could go back to work..  I know the everyday pain. Sleepless nights and the need for major comfort in the driver...

That being said, I too have been looking for a diesel for all the same reasons. I own a 2002' F-250 Super Duty Crew cab... It is the most comfortable pick up I could find. I looked for a long time and drove them all. The only truck that had a nicer ride was an F-350 supercrew with the KING RANCH package... All the Dodge trucks I drove including the owner of a Dodge dealer's personal truck, (it was a mac daddy loaded 3500 dually long bed), rode like a lumber wagon empty.  I did ride in Firefighter's 2005 3500 diesel dually and thought it was a pretty good ride, but I was not in the drivers seat navigating pedals and steering..

As far as power and fuel mileage it has to be the Dodge. I have heard of a few 6.0L Fords that got good mileage, but even the owners of those trucks were stunned as all they had heard was poor mileage from other like owners...

I agree with everyone else on the 2005 or newer in Dodge. Same reasons...

I have heard many horror stories from the Ford world on the NEW Power Stroke already...  I did however hear that the mileage and the turbo lag have both gotten much better on the new Ford...

I know some guys with the GMC Duramax. 2 of them have the Allison for sure. I don't know on the other one. All of them are happy with them except for the complaint about them loosing so much if they were to sell them now.. I guess they don't hold the value as well as Ford and Dodge..

From what I have seen the Fords interiors stay nice much longer. (It's a Florida sun thing)..

As I said in another topic, if DODGE would use a better seat I would own one NOW... I also have plenty of family that I cart around. The Ford back seat is bigger and more comfortable, BUT if I were buying a Dodge it would HAVE to be a MEGGGGGGGA-CAB. The back seats are more comfortable than the front....