Well my pickup needs a new AC compressor, Torque Converter, possibly trans, tires and some misc. stuff. So I am kicking around the idea of using that money that I would sink into this one into a Used Diesel. So I am looking at Dodge's and Ford's. To be honest I think I am leaning more towards a Ford at this point. No real particular reason why just feel like trying something different, but I might end up with a Dodge who knows.

Can anyone suggest what I ought to be aware of when looking at these diesel pickups, what to stay away from, etc? Thanks guys

 

honestly not just saying this i would go with the dodge diesel and if you do go with ford the only one i would go near is the 7.3 Do you know what year or anything for diesel you want to purchase? there is a lot to the diesel world but i reccomend the dodge cummins over any other diesel

 

I am looking at 03 - 05's.

 

Dodge is the way to go then. Although I think the 3rd Gen dodges don't looks as nice as the super duties of the same year. The 6.0 liter powerstroke is just a shadow of theof the old 7.3s

24v CTD is where its at

 

i like the 7.3 powerstrokes. Mainly becuase my dad has had one for 7 years, and had absolutly no problems with it (2000) i'd look into a 2000 to early 2003 7.3 powerstroke. Or if you'd like to stay with dodge there cummins is a power house.

 

6.0's are junk.. get a pre early 03 ford if you do.. (7.3).. and 03-05 cummins are slow as hell unless you chip them. my dream truck is a 2002 dodge ram cummins.. (our body style) silver sport laramie package with leather seats and all... extended cab short bed

 

just remember,

anyone here (most likely) would rather be cummin than strokin.


that being said.

I have had experience with the ford 7.3 ford powerstroke diesel (2000 - 4door, shortbed), and the 5.9 Dodge Cummins diesel (2005 - 4door shortbed).

the 7.3 powerstroke had massive power, decent mileage (18-20),and was fairly easy to work on.

the 5.9 Cummins, in my honest opinion, much better throttle response (READ: less turbo lag), extremely easy to work on, better mileage (22 city, 25 highway... with only 80K mileage), and a better handling truck.

any ford with less than the 7.3 is a waste of time honestly. Dodge has much better performance, and is easier to park (especially at home depot)
Even then, the turbo lag in the 7.3 was horrible. If you test drive a 7.3 and 5.9, the difference is amazing.

I have towed plenty with both, mostly a heavy *** wakeboarding boat, and both felt like there was nothing behind it, but the 5.9 Cummins definately outperforms. Mileage with the boat on long distance trips averages 18MPG. (can't remember towing mileage with ford, but I think it was around 15-16)


just my .02 cents, especially with fuel prices as high as they have been.


just something to consider.... insurance prices are lower on the 5.9 seeing as how it is a 6 cylinder.


However, if you are doing alot of towing, it doesn't matter which diesel engine/truck you go with, you will definately feel some ease at the pump (minus the bigger tank) and diesel engines are notorious for lasting much , much longer than gasoline engine (with proper maintenence of course)

and in response to this, I thought the same about the '05 Cummins, until it really started to get broken in (around 50K miles), but after that, it felt like the truck had a brand new engine. Now that it has ~80K miles on it, it runs better than ever, and HAULS ***.

 

we've got an 02 Excursion 7.3L
this is the beast-mobile
has the intercooler factory installed and turbo lag on this year 7.3 is non-existent
spools up immediately... has 4.5" exhaust all the way back

we run the Superchips Programmer when we are feeling a little non eco-friendly lol

i recommend the 2002 7.3L Powerstroke, but of course the CTD 24V is the best

 

Uh huh so you wanna know what to stay away from?

I'd say stay away from a ford haha

 

go with the cummins, less crap to go wrong. Expecially with the international's heui systems[:'(]