I currently own a 1997 F-350 7.3 diesel with 285K miles. I sometimes pull heavy loads of hay and cattle. I feel this truck isn't really cutting the mustard, it has been kept well and serviced regular. It is a dually but not a 4x4 and is terrible off road on our farms. Yesterday we were moving hay from farm to farm and I got stuck no less than 8 times (thank God for tractors). It was real muddy but I think a good 4x4 would not have gotten stuck. This is not my only reasoning for considering a Dodge/Cummins. I've always heard how well the Cummins pulls and it's strength. Not I've also heard that the Dodge truck itself doesn't hold up as well as the Ford and I do like my Ford truck but it's heart (engine) just doesn't seem strong enough. Well, I've only got about $10K to spend so please advise accordingly.

Thanks!

 

I would look for a 96-98. These trucks have a mechanical injection pump with limited electronics and if looked after will last forever. Look for a 5-speed as the auto's can be marginal.

 

I loved my 2001 powerstroke, but at 300k miles it was falling apart. Rusted out and one the third tranny. Found a deal on a new 2005 dually 4x4 cummins. It did not pull as well as my powerstroke until I put the Bully Dog on it. Now it will run laps around the powerstroke. At 400k miles I am totally original. I mean totally too. This includes the alternator and starter. It seems like the dodge was built better. Just my opinion. The only downfall I know of for Dodge is that they can be a electrical nightmare. They hold they value better too. I still get offers for mine.

 

Good work, 400K on an 05 is impressive, what do you do with the truck?

 

Man, the Ford guys are all over me saying I'll regret it. I guess you can't really get non-biased opinions on trucks as everyone seems to have a bias one way or the other. The Ford guys all say the Dodge will have more grunt but will be breaking down on a regular basis. I'm still undecided.

 

This is exactly the reason I left brand loyalty behind years ago. Everyone has an opinion (some have many more than one opinion) but the truth is without data, it's just another opinion.

My suggestion, therefore, is look around, drive many of them, consider what your needs and wants are, and buy accordingly. It's true that there are Trac-bar and front brake issues with the 2nd gen trucks, and the 24 valves have a problematic lift pums/VP-44 setup (that can be remidied) and automatics that will fail unless built correctly. Get byond these issues, and you have a very solid, reliable truck. Yes, after 300k you'll put on ball joints, and other parts, but it will keep going and left others in the dust in you choose.

 

I was a dye hard Ford guy myself. I could never go back to a Ford. More power and better MPG has been my experiance.

 

for 10k you could try www.fordcummins.com.

 

There was a post on this forum about the miles owners have on their trucks. There were many over 500K miles, with the usual repairs that come with high mileage. If you go with a 12 Valve (any year, '89-'98) you won't be dissapointed. Reliable, bulletproof motors, that can make all the power you need, especially for a working truck.

If I had a truck braking down on a regular basis, there is no way it would have anywhere near 500K miles on it, the Ford guys have no idea what they are talking about. Another thing a lot of Ford guys say about the Dodge trucks, is that the auto is junk. If you keep the truck stock )very few do) then the auto will be fine, but when you start messing with the pump, the auto becomes the wink link. I still wouldn't hesitate to buy a 12 valve in good shape equipped with an auto.

 

ok. on my 1991 ctd. it has rolled the odometer. and has never had an engine rebuild. yes she is neglected but i bought her as an ex oil field truck so she was bagged hard. and she only smokes blue on cold wintery days. no she wont win a race as she is stock. and the only thing wrong with her is the electrical is old and my lights and signal lights dont work properly. same trans, same motor same body pannels and hardly any rust. and over a MILLION kilometers. what more can you ask for from a 18yr old truck? im not an expert as im just a young guy. but i would say its a pretty good bet that that old dodge truck has served its time. and i know for a fact that if i go out right now she will fire up on the first crack. thats my personel experience. i cant speak for the newer dodges. but i sure can speak for the one i own and i love her dearly. and she has never done me wrong.