I have never owned a diesel before, but i am looking forward to it in the next couple of months. I have narrowed my decision down to a 7.3 powerstroke f-250 or a Dodge 2003-current. I want a 2500 4 door short bed if i get a dodge. What year is the best for motor and tranny reliability? I plan on adding full exhaust, chip, intake to get me to the 400rwhp range. I have heard that the Dodge trannies are not the best, but i thought i would ask the dodge guys instead of only ford guys. BTW, i want an automatic.

 

well from wrenching i have taken out more ford diesel auto trans then i have dodge diesel trans so from my expirence the dodge trans is better but the allison (in the dmax's) is definetly the best auto trans imo. also the powerjokes (7.3l and 6.0l) are gut less when cold you can hold the acclerator pedal to the floor and it wont hardly move.
hope this helps you

 

If you get an 04.5 to 06 Dodge Cummins with an automatic......and add a Smarty programmer..........you will be at or above 400 hp with ease. Also, all the 04.5 on up trucks have the 48RE automatic which is the one you want.

 

Or you could get an '04 HO. 48RE tranny, no cat, better mileage. And easily pushed to 400 HP with a box. If you plan to change the exhaust it's nice to not have the cat to decide on. The HO is ready for action and the 48RE was installed in '04.

Wetspirit