are there any common problems with them?

 

depends....what year we talkin?

 

94-2002?

Sorry if thats vague. I just really want a diesel PU that I wont have to make payments on and its now between Dodge and ford. So Im trying to see what is wtong with the dodge and the ford.

 

94-98 12v: KDP. Cheap if fixed before it falls out. Usually very expensive afterwards.

98.5-02 24v: VP44 injection pump and electric lift pumps. Ponying up for a quality lift pump system and monitoring fuel pressure supposedly reduces the chances of the VP44 dying, but they can and do fail. A rebuilt injection pump alone is over $1,000.

All years: Automatics are weak, especially if the motor is turned up.

All years: NV4500 5th gear will eventually come lose.

All years: NV5600 6 speed is an orphan transmission with parts and repair being expensive.

All years: Steering on 4WD models needs help. Steering box stabilizer and track bar upgrade at a minimum.

All years: Little stuff that goes wrong with any brand. Electrical and vacuum system in particular.

 

All years Balljoints are JUNK even aftermarket ones are junk.... buy Moog they carry a lifetime warranty.... mines already been replaced once under that warranty..... they were 6 months old..... go figure....

 

If you're thinking 4 wheel drive. Some Fords appear to have a Dana 60 up front when actualy its a Dana 50 with Dana 44 open diff and ring and pinion in a Dana 60 housing! Thats weak, in what they claim is a heavy or super duty!

 

Can't talk much regarding the 98.5 and newer but the 94-97 had some other issues. Not to scare you off, some of the issues I heard of:


Weak/dim headlights.
Light switch in dash failing due to much current drain.
Defrost/heat switch sticks in one mode, usually due to a loss of vacuum -- usually connector on firewall gets disconnected.
Thermostat fails - gasket slips and blocks thermostat operation -- usually blocks the thermostat open.
Air leaks in return and supply fuel lines or on at fiber gaskets on fuel pump or fuel filter.
Fuel cutoff solenoid relay failing.
Cruise control not working -- not sure how common this is
Air leaks in fuel heater caused by fuel heater burning out -- not sure how common this is
Rubber boost fittings failing -- not sure how common this is
Exhaust manifold "shrinking" and bending or breaking the bolts. (not sure how common this is)
Seat wear from getting and out.

 

I love my Cummins but I could care less about the Dodge it's sitting in. I have a 96 and I work on it alot (the truck not the engine). My buddy has 97 Powerstroke. All he does is change oil. I was getting better fuel mileage then him until they changed everything to ULSDF now I get what he gets. My engine doesn't seem to like ULSDF. This is my second Dodge Cummins, I don't know if there will be a 3rd. I'm seriously considering putting a Cummins in a Ford.

 

AMEN!!! I have been driving my buddy's 05 Ford this week, much nicer truck but it needs a common rail to really make it perfect.

 

I've had similar experiences with the balljoints in mine. The local shop I use has put in lifetime units, one has failed already.

 

Thats only in the F-250's, and honestly, how many do you hear failing? Ford used to make great trucks, the newer ones I could care less for. Put a Cummins in a 97 F-350, and you'd have a wicked truck.

 

Im serously considering that.



The new fords arent that bad either.

 

The only problems I've had; I HAD to have my clutch plate replaced...worn out completely and upgraded, some jack (would be edited) at the lube place forgot to tighten my oil filter and I got down to about 5 qt., stock u-joint went out and got replaced with 3 brand new greaseable ones from NAPA, a couple more (would be edited's) took it from me at gun point and got it dented, and a head light burnt out. Other than that, I love my Dodge with its CTD.

 

My 97 has been trouble free!

 

so would you say Id be better off getting a dodge or a Ford and dropping a Cummins into it?