opinions: which tow rig / daily driver.....ford, chevy,dodge

[KREEP]

I am buying a tow rig and want to spend no more than 20,000 on it.
What opinions do you have about some of these diesel trucks. I am leaning more towards the fords. My neighbor owns a grading company and thats all he has ever used to pull his tractors is a ford.

give me your opinions
ford F-250 6.0,7.3
dodge cummings
chevy duramax

[On_Her_Face]

2jz tacoma

[jfman]

if youre gonna drive it daily get the Dmax. Better handling, more comfy.

[Dracc]

i used to sell fords... f250

[KPowerEP3]

The Fords really are the best bang for your buck. I know the dodge "rather be cummin than strokin" fags will say otherwise, but cummins does NOT have a history of reliability. The for 6.0s are more reliable than the 7.3's, however the 7.3 is still a great engine. The Chevy is good, but meh, as much as I prefer Chevy's smaller trucks over the competition, I can't say I'm a fan of their 1 ton and up trucks. IF you're lucky enough to find a 2500 with a duramax that hasn't been beat to hell then I wouldn't advise AGAINST it, but it's much easier to find a nicer Ford in the price range you're looking for. Plus, I like the interiors on the newer Super Duties. They're really nice, and have a lot of features that they were the first to offer.

Bottom Line: I'd shoot for a diesel-powered F250 or F350 single axle.

[Leadfoot_mf]

depends on the year stay away from first year duramax and first year 6.0 i have had two f250 and two chevys with the duramax. the duramax chevys have the allison trans which is really good.
my fords were 99 and 2000 my chevys 2004 and 2005.

[KREEP]

The Fords really are the best bang for your buck. I know the dodge "rather be cummin than strokin" fags will say otherwise, but cummins does NOT have a history of reliability. The for 6.0s are more reliable than the 7.3's, however the 7.3 is still a great engine. The Chevy is good, but meh, as much as I prefer Chevy's smaller trucks over the competition, I can't say I'm a fan of their 1 ton and up trucks. IF you're lucky enough to find a 2500 with a duramax that hasn't been beat to hell then I wouldn't advise AGAINST it, but it's much easier to find a nicer Ford in the price range you're looking for. Plus, I like the interiors on the newer Super Duties. They're really nice, and have a lot of features that they were the first to offer.

Bottom Line: I'd shoot for a diesel-powered F250 or F350 single axle.
my thoughts exactly!
Dodge is great n cheap but the tranny in them is shat
duramax is the most expensive truck out there..reliable but too expensive
ford is just right with the extras comfort and pulling power.
If i could mate a cummins with an allison tranny and an f250 chasis you would have the perfect truck! but we are not in a perfect world so ford it is!

[Echonova]

My fleet has been running Ford E-350 diesel vans. The 2006-2007 Fords have all had transmission trouble. Every damn one of them.

[speedminded]

I want to stuff the 6600 V8 Duramax Diesel in a Land Rover Discovery II w/ the allison gearbox and transfer case for a race car hauler :yes: hell, i don't even care if it doesn't have a transfer case...full time RWD would work just fine. 300hp @ just over 3k rpm's, 520 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1800. The rover would sound like a school bus :tongue:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1470000/images/_1470372_rover_free_300.jpg


or maybe even a Range Rover 4.0/4.6HSE to really screw with people...

http://blog.goo-net.com/a-m-design/img/26/IMAG001725.jpg

[cactusEG]

chevy duramax...

[Seymour222]

A wagon and a Red Bull. Way less than 20 grand.

[Init2winit]

Duramax.

[KREEP]

Reps for everyone! Chevy just too damn expensive! dodge too cheap and ford is just right!

[DaMaGe ZWK]

FORD FTW... as soon as i sell my green ek im getting one... 03 and up have damn good trannys and the motors are bad ass if they have had the recall done for the headgaskets...

[Blitanicle99]

Oh the madness. I could literally write like ten pages on this.

First off, you have to realize the difference between a commericial grade motor and a standerdized motor.
The duramax is not a commercial grade motor. The dont use it in big rigs, or work trucks, just chevys line of 2500s, and 3500s. Also, the duramax was designed off a gasoline motor, coverted to diesel and then turbo charged. ****ty design. They are slow as crap also. I was born and raised chevy but they make a POS diesel motor.
Now, the two commerical grade motors are the powerstroke and the cummins. Ill save the best for last and start with powerstroke. The powerstroke 6.0 and 7.3 were both designed off v8 style motors coverted to diesel and turbo charged. They follow the same principals of gasoline style motors and yes powerstrokes are good trucks. They have the best suspension you can get under a truck. Choice wise between the 6.0 and 7.3, the 6.0 will out perform the 7.3. It is faster, tows better and gets alot better millage.
Finally the cummins. The CTD (Cummins Turbo Diesel) Motor is hands down the best diesel motor built. (This is excluding any and all semi grade trucks) The CTD is an Inline Six Turbo Charged 5.9 or 6.7 motor. The 5.9 which is offered in 24 and 12 valve applications are what the big sled pulling guys use. Mainly the 12 valve. All CTD motors are designed off Semi truck engines (Inline six) because of the torque curve. They outpull anything in its class and will outperform any other diesel with the same money put in. Cummins all the way.
Go look at the guys who pull cars or flat beds for a living. 9 out of 10 times itll be a Cummins Dually.
Go look at the guys doing huge sled pulls, even the guys who have 100 grand in their rig still run a 12 valve Cummins.

Now, those of you who are ford biased: How come a ton of ford people swap a cummins in to make a so called "Fummins"?
My roomate is one of the most biased guys I have ever met on trucks, things american and what not. Hates anything un american or imported. Refuses to drive anything but fords. His whole family is like that and all his friends all drive fords whether it be gas or diesel. But the one thing he and they will admit is Cummins is a better motor any day of the week.

Next, the transmission. Yes dodge is known to have weak trannys. Stock autos are good for 400 hp as long as your not brake boosting it and being easy on it. It will drive fine without more wear and tear as long as you baby it at 400 hp. Those who race build their tranny with billet everything and a huge torque converter. Or get a manual, they come in 5 and 6 speed. Makes it fun to drive with all that power you have. Slap a nice clutch, billet input and output shafts and you can throw 800 hp at that tranny just like that and t case without problems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLeQMG3j-6o
Watch the whole thing. This guy is one of the best in the sled pulling world. This was his old truck, his new truck is putting double the power down on the same engine just completely re done.

(Sorry for the long post, the redneck in me was really inspired haha)

[DaMaGe ZWK]

im not saying your wrong, but from what all ive seen, the ford motor is made by International, which makes commercial grade motors... why would they design it off a gas motor?

[Blitanicle99]

Yes and no.
Yes by company and what not.
No by sheer design. Go look at an engine blue print for powerstrokes. And one for say there gasser Triton motor. Not much difference.

[Blitanicle99]

Also, the f650s and up come with Cummins motors because their powerstroke is not good enough.
More info:
Cummins - I6 - 7 Main Bearings for 6 Cylinders
Power Stroke - V8 - 5 Main Bearings for 8 Cylinders
Which is more bullet proof?

Or check out fordcummins.com

Also Alison transmissions are junk. Absolute crap. Stock they are alright but any type of mod and they blow up. Also, they are the most expensive to rebuild and the most complicated. Have fun trying to find a mechanic to rebuild them. They hate them because they are so damn complex. The allison 1000 is a better tranny but still... junk. Too much stuff to go wrong on it... just like the powerstroke and duramaxx motors.
(ill keep editing this for more info)

[KREEP]

once again i will say it...............power stroke ftmfw!
dodge has a great motor but there trannys are shat and the interior stylings of the truck suck meh ballz!
ford looks good and runs good! ford hands down but if you are pulling something everyday..........dodge w/ cummings diesel and 6 speed manual tranny!
cheby is over price shat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that is all

[Andy_013]

ford f 250

[Blitanicle99]

Your buying a tow rig because you need something that can tow. Towing has to do with the power of the motor rather than the interior styling of a vehicle. I admit the fords (some of them) look better than most dodges. They just do. But cummins by far is a better motor. Your asking for trouble if you buy a ford. Be prepared to drop money in it regulary. Have fun when the injectors go out (when). They cost roughly 4000 dollars. Lift pumps are crap in them too.

Oh if I sound like an *******, sorry I am baked while typing this. :lmfao:

[SL65AMG]

GMC FTMFW


fords are all plastic. and have you heard about the new ford recall.... yeah... fords suck ass, but theyre pretty good lookin, ill give em that


GMC has the luxury and the bad-ass-ness of a chevy.


dodge is always another great alternative?


is this gonna be an 07/08 dually???

[jfman]

The fords+dodge are solid front axles. Very strong but really handles like trucks. They are a not as maneuverable as the chevy's

[KREEP]

Your buying a tow rig because you need something that can tow. Towing has to do with the power of the motor rather than the interior styling of a vehicle. I admit the fords (some of them) look better than most dodges. They just do. But cummins by far is a better motor. Your asking for trouble if you buy a ford. Be prepared to drop money in it regulary. Have fun when the injectors go out (when). They cost roughly 4000 dollars. Lift pumps are crap in them too.

Oh if I sound like an *******, sorry I am baked while typing this. :lmfao:
Dodge and their trannys? are they bad?
ford is just bad? no good?
I want a ford but I also want something that is going to last me a while

[DaMaGe ZWK]

Dodge and their trannys? are they bad?
ford is just bad? no good?
I want a ford but I also want something that is going to last me a while
the ford will last you a long ass time man.... the injectors are a recall, and so are the head studs.... I know many people that have one and no problems except the recalls and they fix that **** for free... Im going to buy one asap.... I would get a dodge but i heard their trannys are **** and to me they are ugly as ****...

[Blitanicle99]

Dodges have been known to have weaker trannies. However they have made big improvements. Stock automatics are now good for 400 hp. Be nice to it and it will last you. Same goes for any tranny. The reason people blow them up alot is cummins are the cheapest to modify so people see oh I only have to spend this amount to get another 150 hp and they dont even think about their tranny. They figure out that brake boosting is the hottest thing since pop rocks and blow their tranny up in 3 months.

Chevys dont even compare to Fords or Dodges. IFS sucks. Allison transmissions suck. Gas millage... sucks. Drive one... its slow as crap. Dodge hands down. Ask anyone that knows diesels. They will tell you that ford has the best suspension and dodge has the best motor. Most people wont even bring chevies in. The best possible set up is ford running gear and a cummins motor and built tranny.

Fords have so many more moving parts to break. Dodge not so much. And again dodge has 7 main bearings for 6 cylinders. Ford has 5 main bearings for 8 cylinders. What do you think is built better from the very start?

[DaMaGe ZWK]

I do agree with you that the cummings diesel is a very damn good engine and yes most people say the cummins is better.... im just saying that the powerstroke isnt near as bad as people are making it sound.... that is what im gonna go with, even if the dodge was thousands cheaper...

[KREEP]

does any one know the model i should buy if i buy a ford?
Is there a certain year model?
Any problems or are they all recalls?
basically i am asking what are the problems with the fords and are they all recall problems?

[KREEP]

I have heard these problems with the fords 02-04 250 ps :
injectors
oil leak or something and people blowin the motors
something with the ecu

[DaMaGe ZWK]

the trannys arent as good in the 99-02 but the 7.4 was a very good and dependable engine... the 03 and up have bad ass trannys but the 6.0 have had some problems with head gaskets UNLESS they have had the recall done.... I believe they changed the 2004 with the new headbolts and havent really had a problem with the headgaskets... they also had a recall on the fuel injectors... then in 2008 they did a 6.4 twin turbo... dont really know that much with it yet but i do know it still has the bad ass tranny in it... im gonna go with a 2004 up when i get mine f250 or f350....

[KREEP]

I was told to go with and 02 or older. But i am test driving an 03 today.

[DaMaGe ZWK]

just check and see if the recalls have been done and you should be fine

[KREEP]

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©2006 Center for Auto Safety
Ford's diesel drama drags on

Power Stroke woes anger buyers, drive up warranty costs

By Richard Truett
Automotive News / December 12, 2005

James and Penny Schrader have bought Fords faithfully for 30 years.

But persistent problems with the Power Stroke diesel engine in their 2004 F-250 pickup have unraveled three decades of brand loyalty. The Schraders, both 63, put a second mortgage on their home in Linden, Mich., to buy the $45,000 truck. Now they say they'll probably never buy another Ford.

"My husband wouldn't look at anything else," says Penny Schrader of their pickup. "But I don't care how good their product was in the past. They haven't treated me well as a loyal customer."

The Schraders aren't alone. Ford Motor Co. has been sued at least 58 times by consumers who bought 2003- and 2004-model Power Stroke trucks. The company also has fielded more than 12,000 consumer complaints, according to Ford's internal warranty data.

Not a minor flaw

This isn't a minor flaw that Ford can dispatch with basic service. The Power Stroke's warranty repair costs are battering Ford's bottom line. In a conference call with Wall Street analysts last March, a company executive acknowledged that Ford's diesel-powered super-duty pickups suffered from quality problems.

Ford has declined to estimate the cost of fixing those defective Power Stroke engines. But Ford has acknowledged that its warranty costs ballooned by $500 million through the first nine months of 2005, compared with the same period a year earlier.

Ford says it is honoring the engine's five-year, 100,000-mile warranty and doing everything it can to repair it. And newer versions of the engine in late 2004- and 2005-model pickups are more reliable.

But the problem will continue to fester. Ford already has sold more than 384,000 diesel trucks with potentially defective engines. And customers like the Schraders appear ready to abandon the brand.

Fixing its diesel problems - in terms of both engine performance and public confidence - is crucial for Ford because the stakes are enormous: Diesels account for about 25 percent of all F-series sales, and the 6.0-liter Power Stroke is a $5,000 option. The engine is offered on medium- and heavy-duty pickups, and had been offered on the discontinued Ford Excursion SUV.

From 225,000 to 250,000 diesel-powered F-series trucks are sold each year, at prices ranging from $30,000 to $50,000-plus.

If Ford can't put things right, the Power Stroke could cause a consumer backlash similar to that of Chrysler's problem-plagued Ultradrive transmission, which alienated minivan owners in the early 1990s.

"If this isn't fixed, and fixed right, and customer satisfaction put back on track, there will be fallout," says Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing Research Inc. in Bandon, Ore. "Ford will lose buyers to Dodge and General Motors."

Trouble from the start

The 6.0-liter Power Stroke engine has been troublesome from the day it was launched in the fall of 2002. It replaced a somewhat unrefined 7.3-liter diesel.

The powertrain was built by a longtime Ford diesel supplier, International Truck and Engine Corp., of Melrose Park, Ill.

For this version of the engine, International Truck designed a unique high-pressure fuel-injection system.

Most automakers use only electronic controls to operate the fuel injectors in a common-rail system. But the Power Stroke's fuel injectors are operated by a high-pressure oil pump as well as electronics.

According to several of the 150-plus complaints posted on the Web site of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some trucks never even made it home from the dealership before the fuel injectors or turbocharger failed.

The engine also has been plagued with leaky fuel injectors, oil leaks, broken turbochargers, wiring harness troubles, faulty sensors, defective exhaust gas recirculation valves and bad computers.

Since the engine debuted three years ago, Ford has issued at least 77 technical service bulletins. That is far above average, even for a new engine. These bulletins tell mechanics how to diagnose and fix various problems.

By comparison, there have been eight service bulletins for GM's Duramax diesel V-8 and none for the diesel engine in the Dodge Ram truck. Both engines debuted at about the same time as the Power Stroke.

After just a year on the market, International almost completely redesigned the Power Stroke's fuel system, replacing or redesigning nearly 500 parts. That helped reduce the number of problems, but did not cure the engine of all its ills. Ford has voluntarily recalled the engine at least twice to fix various problems.

The troubles have caused a rift in relations between Ford and International.

The engine can be repaired and made reliable, says International spokesman Bob Carso. Engineers from Ford and International have fixed the problems that plagued the early versions of the engine, he said.

But Carso says the engine is extremely complex and requires "outstanding diagnostic capabilities" to properly identify and repair the faulty parts.

Less help from Ford?

When the Power Stroke's troubles surfaced, Ford tried hard to keep customers happy. In the summer of 2003, Ford took the unusual step of buying back 500 trucks, mostly because of fuel system problems.

But two diesel technicians say Ford has changed the way it deals with the engine problems.

"When they first started out with the 6.0-liter, Ford had a team that was looking over every bit of it and just doing whatever it took to get them fixed," says Mark Ward, a master diesel technician at Landers McLarty Ford in Bentonville, Ark. "And then that just shut off like a light when Ford found out how much losses they were having."

Ward contends Ford is trying to shift more repair costs onto consumers.

"We used to replace turbochargers left and right if the fins had any damage to them," he says. "Now they (Ford) won't accept a turbo back with any fin damage. They are saying if there is any (turbocharger) fin damage whatsoever, it has to be from a dirty air filter. You have to inform the customer that Ford won't pay for that. It's $700, plus the labor."

The fin is the part of the turbocharger that is driven by engine's exhaust system.

"When the 6.0 is running properly, it has much better performance than the 7.3 did," says Charles Ledger, a Ford master technician from Oroville, Calif. "Unfortunately, the 6.0 is plagued with sensor problems." Ledger dispenses advice on his Dieselmann Web site (intellidog.com/dieselmann/home.html).

Ford: No change in policy

Cisco Codina, president of Ford's customer service division, says Ford is not blaming consumers or trying to shift repair costs onto buyers.

"We have not changed any policies whatsoever as it relates to defective material," Codina says. "We don't try to put this blame on the customers. We will spend whatever amount of time and money necessary to help customers who have problems."

Not all of the Power Stroke's defects can be blamed on Ford and International. Consumers may cause problems by installing unauthorized parts that boost engine output. Aftermarket computer chips and exhaust systems can upset the delicate tuning of the engine and cause head gaskets to blow out, Ward says.

Last year Ford and International officials told Automotive News that the Power Stroke's troubles were over. But that turns out to be only partially true.

The engines made today have a better record for reliability, according to NHTSA (see story, above). But those 2003- and early 2004-model engines keep breaking down. And consumers are angry at having to return to the dealership time after time for "reflashes" - new software to be installed in the vehicle's engine computer or other repairs.

Getting better

The number of complaints for 2005 Power Stroke engines has dropped sharply compared with earlier versions since last year's redesign of the engine's fuel system.

But there still are thousands on the road that are not reliable - and may never be. Design deficiencies in some faulty parts, Ward says, have not been addressed.

"If you look at the part number at the new one you are putting on, it's identical to the one you are taking out," notes Ward, the Arkansas technician. "If you start out with something cheap, what do you expect to happen?"

Ward details the engine's troubles and Ford's technical service bulletins on his Web site, flatratetech.com.

The Power Stroke's troubles are reminiscent of Chrysler Corp.'s A-604 automatic transmission - dubbed Ultradrive - that was introduced in Chrysler minivans in 1989. The first versions of the electronically shifted transmission had more problems than a calculus book. Technicians couldn't fix them, consumers were fuming, and Chrysler ended up replacing thousands of transmissions under warranty.

But Codina says Power Stroke has generated more complaints than rival diesels simply because more diesel Fords are on the road.

Says Codina: "We try to address each and every (problem) as we became aware of them. I am sure I am not aware of all of them. But if they (consumers) come to us, we try to do our very best. But today if you have one or two problems, people are not very happy with you."

One more chance

As for the Schraders, three days before they were to appear before a Lemon Law arbitration panel in November, Ford offered to buy back their old truck, waive mileage costs and put them in a 2006 model.

After consulting with a lawyer, the Schraders took the deal. The couple left Michigan a few days later for a road trip West. But they are still angry with Ford because they had to spend a year trying to get their truck fixed.

And they will not cut the new truck any slack. If the new truck so much as sputters, James Schrader says he will pull into the nearest Dodge dealership and trade it for a Ram.

[SL65AMG]

Dodges have been known to have weaker trannies. However they have made big improvements. Stock automatics are now good for 400 hp. Be nice to it and it will last you. Same goes for any tranny. The reason people blow them up alot is cummins are the cheapest to modify so people see oh I only have to spend this amount to get another 150 hp and they dont even think about their tranny. They figure out that brake boosting is the hottest thing since pop rocks and blow their tranny up in 3 months.

Chevys dont even compare to Fords or Dodges. IFS sucks. Allison transmissions suck. Gas millage... sucks. Drive one... its slow as crap. Dodge hands down. Ask anyone that knows diesels. They will tell you that ford has the best suspension and dodge has the best motor. Most people wont even bring chevies in. The best possible set up is ford running gear and a cummins motor and built tranny.

Fords have so many more moving parts to break. Dodge not so much. And again dodge has 7 main bearings for 6 cylinders. Ford has 5 main bearings for 8 cylinders. What do you think is built better from the very start?

are you kidding me??????? thats the strongest tranny out there! at least it was before they sold the allison transmissions away to another company.

[DaMaGe ZWK]

im still getting a ford

[KREEP]

i AM SO CONFUSED NOW I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I talked to the guy and he is saying that there has been no recall work done on the truck . one injector is all that has been replaced and he has had the truck for 75 ,000 miles

[KREEP]

someone do some research. are they still honoring recalls???????????? if you buy the truck used from an individual? that is the question of the day!

RECALLS STILL BEING DONE?

[DaMaGe ZWK]

get the vin and call the local ford place

[SixSquared]

I've always been a ford truck girl, myself... My dad had an 87 ranger that I drove into the lake and into the ground, and I've had an explorer and a ranger. We used to use F350s to pull horse trailers at Silverthorn Farms, where I used to ride... I've just grown up around ford trucks. My mom and dad both currently own chevrolets.. my mom has a tahoe and my dad has an impala. Both of them are 2000 model vehicles, and both of them have been plagued with issues. The tahoe less than the impala, but the tahoe it's little things that piss you off.... LED's out on the climate control panel, the antenna snapped off, 4wd doesn't work properly, the brake light wiring sometimes gets moved because it is RIGHT above the brake pedal and you cruise all day with your brake lights on... little stuff like that that piles up and eventually just gets you really pissy in the vehicle you have.

I'd never buy anything but a ford. :D

[DaMaGe ZWK]

I'd never buy anything but a ford. :D
agreed 100%

[Shawna]

Chevy

[KREEP]

BOOOOOOOOOOO

[Shawna]

Im a chevy girl... my papa is a gm certified mechanic and that's all I grew up around

[Leadfoot_mf]

Dodges have been known to have weaker trannies. However they have made big improvements. Stock automatics are now good for 400 hp. Be nice to it and it will last you. Same goes for any tranny. The reason people blow them up alot is cummins are the cheapest to modify so people see oh I only have to spend this amount to get another 150 hp and they dont even think about their tranny. They figure out that brake boosting is the hottest thing since pop rocks and blow their tranny up in 3 months.

Chevys dont even compare to Fords or Dodges. IFS sucks. Allison transmissions suck. Gas millage... sucks. Drive one... its slow as crap. Dodge hands down. Ask anyone that knows diesels. They will tell you that ford has the best suspension and dodge has the best motor. Most people wont even bring chevies in. The best possible set up is ford running gear and a cummins motor and built tranny.

Fords have so many more moving parts to break. Dodge not so much. And again dodge has 7 main bearings for 6 cylinders. Ford has 5 main bearings for 8 cylinders. What do you think is built better from the very start?
what do you base all your bull**** on????

how many diesel trucks have you personally owned?

[DaMaGe ZWK]

that's all I grew up around
me to... exactly why im not gonna get one

[Shawna]

me to... exactly why im not gonna get one

hahaha ok yes they have been known to have tranny problems but I love them and stand by them

[Blitanicle99]

Alright fine if you must go ford. Stay clear of the 7.3 and the 6.4. The 6.0 is the way to go. Yes they are still doing recalls to my knowledge. Your best place to look is powerstroke forums. Get the vin of the truck your looking at and there are websites where you can see what has been done at any and all dealerships online for free. One of the perks of ford.

Yes Allison transmissions suck. Stock, they are great. You put anything other than stock power through them and they break very quickly. They are the most complicated, most expensive to rebuild and hardest to rebuild. The Allison 1000 is a better tranny but still complete crap. More expensive than built transmissions and does not come close to the performance. I would take a ford Tranny over a Allison any day of the week. And a dodge manual tranny over anything. Dodge manuals are going to be the toughest.
As I said previously guys are running 1000 hp through a stock dodge tranny with a good clutch, input and output shafts. Thats it.

I am not biased towards Dodge because I have two friends with built diesels but because you simply cannot beat a cummins motor.
1. Based off a semi truck engine. (Those things run for millions of miles w/o problems)
2. Inline six's are torque monsters. Diesels increase their torque more than anything, why not start with a torque designed motor?
3. 7 Main bearings vs 5 main bearings (Dodge vs Ford) That says enough right there.
4. Price! Look up how much it takes to put power down in a ford or chevy and then compare it to dodge. You save lots of money with Dodge. Especially the 12 valve. You can damn near get another 75 hp with a set of tools, welder and a saw zaw!
5. Reliability. Simple designs that are proven and tested work.
6. Cut out the middle man! So many ford and chevy guys swap in cummins motors and trannys. I wonder why... Wait because Cummins rules the diesel world. You dont see Dodge swapping ford motors or any other combo.

[drmcivicsi]

chevy duramax i have one and i tow **** all the damn time i mean like 3-4 times a week and it has never let me down i hit the gas and it goes like i didnt have a trailer

[Leadfoot_mf]

Alright fine if you must go ford. Stay clear of the 7.3 and the 6.4. The 6.0 is the way to go. Yes they are still doing recalls to my knowledge. Your best place to look is powerstroke forums. Get the vin of the truck your looking at and there are websites where you can see what has been done at any and all dealerships online for free. One of the perks of ford.

Yes Allison transmissions suck. Stock, they are great. You put anything other than stock power through them and they break very quickly. They are the most complicated, most expensive to rebuild and hardest to rebuild. The Allison 1000 is a better tranny but still complete crap. More expensive than built transmissions and does not come close to the performance. I would take a ford Tranny over a Allison any day of the week. And a dodge manual tranny over anything. Dodge manuals are going to be the toughest.
As I said previously guys are running 1000 hp through a stock dodge tranny with a good clutch, input and output shafts. Thats it.

I am not biased towards Dodge because I have two friends with built diesels but because you simply cannot beat a cummins motor.
1. Based off a semi truck engine. (Those things run for millions of miles w/o problems)
2. Inline six's are torque monsters. Diesels increase their torque more than anything, why not start with a torque designed motor?
3. 7 Main bearings vs 5 main bearings (Dodge vs Ford) That says enough right there.
4. Price! Look up how much it takes to put power down in a ford or chevy and then compare it to dodge. You save lots of money with Dodge. Especially the 12 valve. You can damn near get another 75 hp with a set of tools, welder and a saw zaw!
5. Reliability. Simple designs that are proven and tested work.
6. Cut out the middle man! So many ford and chevy guys swap in cummins motors and trannys. I wonder why... Wait because Cummins rules the diesel world. You dont see Dodge swapping ford motors or any other combo.
why do you keep rambling on about moding his tow vehicle that would be the last thing you would want to do to it.

so you are wasting your time and his. nobody gives a **** about tracker pulls on this site....well except you.

[SL65AMG]

Yes Allison transmissions suck. Stock, they are great. You put anything other than stock power through them and they break very quickly. They are the most complicated, most expensive to rebuild and hardest to rebuild. The Allison 1000 is a better tranny but still complete crap. More expensive than built transmissions and does not come close to the performance. I would take a ford Tranny over a Allison any day of the week. And a dodge manual tranny over anything. Dodge manuals are going to be the toughest.


I would personally go with a dodge or chevy.

i dont know what youre talking about saying allison trannies suck. thats the strongest tranny on the market. ALL transmissions need to be beefed up(past a certain point) if you put more power through them because of the additional stress.

you are the only person ive ever met to say that they suck.....

a good friend of mine's dad has a chevy 3500(non dually) diesel with 4wd and the allison transmission and that thing is ROCK SOLID!




dodge would be tied with a chevy if not better.


fords suck ass, after 70k miles the trannies die

[DaMaGe ZWK]

fords suck ass, after 70k miles the trannies die
LMAO where the hell did you get your info???

[Blitanicle99]

why do you keep rambling on about moding his tow vehicle that would be the last thing you would want to do to it.

so you are wasting your time and his. nobody gives a **** about tracker pulls on this site....well except you.

Well modifying wise, I figure he is on a tuner forum so he obviously likes cars and is not the typical "Just drive it and never have fun" sort of guy. So he might be interested in modifying it one day. And why would modifying a tow vehicle be the last thing you would want to do? Why would someone swap a motor in a civic? It makes it faster... More fun to drive blah blah blah. Its the same reason. I am not trying to start a battle over this.

And yes I may be the only person interested in Diesel power on this site and tractor pulls. I personaly think its funny as **** to see some fast ass car get wooped by an 8000 lb truck. We are all out in the same boat of modding vehicles whether it be for speed, drifting, auto x.. racing a diesel or sled pulls is just another type of car/truck hobby.

But Kreep, if do go ford. Go 6.0, so far they have the least problems and best millage. My roomates F350 4x4 gets about 22 on the highway when he stays out of the throttle and about 18 when hes laying into it.

[Leadfoot_mf]

reliability last thing you want to be is broke down on the side of the road with a trailer.

[drmcivicsi]

reliability last thing you want to be is broke down on the side of the road with a trailer.

x2 that would ****ing suck towing a broke down car and the truck brecks to lol

[KREEP]

I have talked to many people and everyone has said different shat about the fords.
I did read that ford problem started in 2003 with the new 6.0 and the 2004 model.
They are just poorly designed motors. the injectors fail and some of them leak oil from various places , head gaskets blow. The exact motor you just said was the best ford has even stated that they are the worst. But I have read all this about the 6.0 and the 7.3 is the motor that everyone wants. I looked at consumerreports.com and the 2003-2004 6.0 liter scored lowest of of all. Where are you getting the research about the 6.0???????????????? I want to see it. I am not saying it's a bad motor cause I have never owned one but i have heard and read nothing but bad about that motor. Why do you think they went from the 6.0 to a newly redesigned 6.4???????????? I even talked to a Dealer of diesel trucks today and he said stay away from the 6.0 one left his wife stranded the other day. sOMEBODY DO SOME GOOD RESEARCH I SUCK ON THE INTERWEBZ


Oh and no I don't want to mod a diesel other that maybe a chip or something small.

[Echonova]

LMAO where the hell did you get your info???I have 5 Diesel Fords in my fleet of work trucks. All of them have had tranny problems. Granted none of them have had the same problem, but one had the tranny replaced because it got so hot the gears literally started melting and fused together when parked. That was at 3,500 miles. Yes 3,500. Also, since they have been fixed they have been trouble free, but damn. Never had a problem with any of the powerstroke motors, untill they hit around 350,000 miles.:goodjob:

[Echonova]

sOMEBODY DO SOME GOOD RESEARCH I SUCK ON THE INTERWEBZ Why? I'm not buying it... Google is your friend

[KREEP]

^ if google looks like that im gonna search it all night long! I did search and all i came up with is that the 6.0 liter has had its problems but i figure if the truck has 107,000 miles on it. Its problems have been worked out and taken care of by now! I think im gonna buy it and hope it lasts me till about 350,000 miles! lol I go through cars like i go through toilet paper. and my wife says to quit or she will divorce me. so i will probably sell this one real soon!lol

Real talk.....what do yall think? if it has 100,000 miles on it don't you think all the problems it would have had would have been taken care of by now??????????????????

[Echonova]

Danger Will Robbinson. Danger. What year because 107,000 sounds a little high

[SL65AMG]

^ if google looks like that im gonna search it all night long! I did search and all i came up with is that the 6.0 liter has had its problems but i figure if the truck has 107,000 miles on it. Its problems have been worked out and taken care of by now! I think im gonna buy it and hope it lasts me till about 350,000 miles! lol I go through cars like i go through toilet paper. and my wife says to quit or she will divorce me. so i will probably sell this one real soon!lol

Real talk.....what do yall think? if it has 100,000 miles on it don't you think all the problems it would have had would have been taken care of by now??????????????????

100k miles on a diesel motor aint ****.

thats like having 10k miles on a civic. its the other stuff that goes bad first

[DaMaGe ZWK]

I have 5 Diesel Fords in my fleet of work trucks. All of them have had tranny problems. Granted none of them have had the same problem, but one had the tranny replaced because it got so hot the gears literally started melting and fused together when parked. That was at 3,500 miles. Yes 3,500. Also, since they have been fixed they have been trouble free, but damn. Never had a problem with any of the powerstroke motors, untill they hit around 350,000 miles.:goodjob:
hmmm yall must bee giving them hell... but my question is are they prior 2003? cause i know those trannys are ****...

[KREEP]

2003 F-250 w/107,000 miles but thats not shat for a diesel! But my concern is weather at this many miles have all the problems been taken care of or will i have more problems with it in the future?

[Echonova]

hmmm yall must bee giving them hell... but my question is are they prior 2003? cause i know those trannys are ****...Nope, 2006-2007's. Some of the older ones were '03s and '04s were up there in the 300,000 - 400,000 range. We average around 75,000 miles per year per truck. But some drive more than others.

[Echonova]

But my concern is weather at this many miles have all the problems been taken care of or will i have more problems with it in the future?Welcome to the world of buying a used car/truck.

[KREEP]

ahhhhh i know that I have had more cars this year than most people have in a life time. I went through 6 cars this year.
acura integra
jeep wrangler
toyota 4 runner
toyota 4runner
chevy truck
volks wagen jetta

[DaMaGe ZWK]

Nope, 2006-2007's. Some of the older ones were '03s and '04s were up there in the 300,000 - 400,000 range. We average around 75,000 miles per year per truck. But some drive more than others.
damn that sucks.. I really havent heard of any problems out of the trannys on those years, but with any car, you cant get one made on a monday or friday lol esp american...


ahhhhh i know that I have had more cars this year than most people have in a life time. I went through 6 cars this year.
acura integra
jeep wrangler
toyota 4 runner
toyota 4runner
chevy truck
volks wagen jetta
ive had 13 cars this year, but Im planning on keeping the F250 i get for a while...

[KREEP]

YEAH......When i purchase an F-250....that is it for me and car buying unless I sell my trail rig and decide to buy another jeep but I am going to keep the 250 for ever!

[KREEP]

The truck I am test driving all day today is a black 2003 F-250 4x4 crew cab w/ sport package it's got everything a lariat has except the two tone paint and wood grain.
It's black w/ black leather and brand new bf goodrich all terrains.
http://images.autotrader.com/images/2007/9/28/231/157/2982201278.231157882.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.565x377.jp g

[DaMaGe ZWK]

The truck I am test driving all day today is a black 2003 F-250 4x4 crew cab w/ sport package it's got everything a lariat has except the two tone paint and wood grain.
It's black w/ black leather and brand new bf goodrich all terrains.
http://images.autotrader.com/images/2007/9/28/231/157/2982201278.231157882.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.565x377.jp g
nice.... how much are they asking for it?

[KREEP]

Well he is asking 20k for it but I asked if he was willing to work with me on the price and he said yeah. So i am shooting for maybe 19k?????? what do you think?
2003 f-250 crew cab
leather
power everything
sunroof
nice step bar
sprayed in bedliner
107,000 miles
power adjustable pedals...cause im short lol

[Allstar3.8T]

w/o question, in a diesel truck Cummins is the long standing leader, and is a high mileage king. If you dont mind it being in a dodge truck. The chevy duramax is so good now as well, making the 7.3, and 6.0 Ford PSDs pale in comparison (And I'm a Ford guy) I am not very familiar yet w/ the new Ford, but If I were going to buy a truck to haul anything, and be a daily, I'd get a 2500 Dodge diesel. Its avail in quad cab and short bed now, so it looks like a 1500, but hauls butt when lightly modded, and gets right at 20 mpg and w/ a programmer it has more tq than you'll ever need.

[lokciv02]

I'd go with Dodge as well...

[KREEP]

Bump anymore opinions???????????????????

[Blitanicle99]

Sorry for not helping out for a few days. I have been busy. And honestly felt that I had already made my point.
Kreep did you buy that f250? Good lookin truck man!

As people stated about the dodges I have already said alot about them. I never really went into commonrails (02-06) I didnt not know you were in the 20k price range or I would have gone more into that too. Also great motors, same inline six design and more power and some badass mileage. Reading up on some forums on what guys are getting is apparently around 26 modded. You cant beat that, at all. I read in a Diesel power of people getting 28-29 with intake, and exhaust and their programmer on the "0" Level.

As with fords. People argue back and forth 7.3 vs 6.0. On the 7.3 you had to watch the injectors as they are expensive to replace. The 6.0 had head gasket problems. Where I get my info? I am constantly reading Diesel forums, Diesel magazines I have lots of friends with Diesels that I find out what breaks on them and what not. Alot of my stuff I know about the 6.0, my roomate is a ford FREAK. Knows everything about for diesels there is to know, drives a F350 6.0, dad drives a F250 6.0, flipped a F250 6.0, roping partner drives a F250 7.3. Most of the guys in rodeo are very biased toward Ford.

I am a dodge freak, I love the motors and I can actually afford them. I have my eye on two diesels right now I have been in contact with for a week or two now and the day my truck sells I will be buying one of them. One of them is a 97 Dodge 3500 Dually 5spd. The other is surprisingly enough a F250 7.3 Manual. Dodges are expensive, the dodge is more than the ford and the ford is 4 years newer. Both have similiar miles and condition.

[KREEP]

I ENDED UP BUYING A 02 DURA MAX W/ ALLISON AND 85,000 MILES
4X4 CREW CAB AUTO TURBO DIESEL FTW! GREAT GAS MILEAGE W/ THE PROGRAMMER
I PICK IT UP ON MONDAY!!!!!!! IM EXCITED!