ok, my friend is trying to get a diesel. He is a GM man, but doesnt like the duramax. So he found a 1997 ford f350 and a 1997 dodge ram 2500. Both are similar miles (160K). Great condition for both. He is torn between the two. He likes the Ford because it feels faster, but loves the feel of the cummins though.

So, what would you do?

 

Have him go on this site and the 1st gen. site and read about how fast the dodges are and with some modifications how much faster they can be. If he checks around he will find out the dodge will last him a lot longer!!!!!!!!!! If all else fails seek professional help for him

 

Hmm, I'd take the 12V any day of the week...

 

Buy a Geo Metro, it gets better mileage.

 

Have him buy the Furd and let me know where the CTD is.........

You don't want to let him have anything tooooo fast, he might whip up on ya.

 

let him get what he wants...just dont take any long trips with him in his truck...and if you do bring camping gear and food...u may become found on rr......u know how the story goes...but seriously...if ur friend is a wrench turner and likes workign with mechanical engines then he'll love the 12 valve much more once he gets started

 

Tell him this:

"Go ahead, buy the Ferd. And expect to always wonder what the Cummins would have been like. Or buy the Cummins powered Dodge and you'll never care about a V8 diesel again."

- JyRO

 

Bingo^^^

HOHN

 

If he buys the Ford, he WILL regret it sooner or later down the line once he starts getting into diesel power and comes online to seek more info and realizes that all the fast trucks are Cummins.

 

lolz! i once said the same thing.. figure i got my friends dad to get a diesel powered boat. whenit came to his truck . thats when i hit him.. he looked at my truck laughed and went to the ford dealer, then next day he came home with a 3rd gen, dodge.. now he wont stop asking me questions!

tell him to get the dodge and be done!

 

Not even a competition. A #10 plate in that dodge, and you are at 330hp/750tq if it is a 5 speed. It will take at least 2k to get that out of the ford, and even then you will be lucky to be making that much hp. If he doesent care that much about power, the ford would be ok, but if he eventually wants to be making some power the cummins is the only option!

Eric

 

What about the poopy brakes I read about?

 

not a problem on brakes- the rear proportioning valve screws up, but it is replaced with a hose from NAPA or Car Q for $18. Do a search on rear brakes on the second gen section.
Mine was night and day difference.

Where in MT? Kalispell here...

 

In MT, I hail from Billings.

Thats what causes all the problems? Ive read multiple thread about people pushing the brakes and it wouldnt stop like it should.

 

how will the dodge hold up in the frame? He wants to make power, but he will need it for work, so reliablity and durability are ABSOLUTLY required.