diesel 4x4's - DODGE vs FORD

This thread is NOT to start an argument!

I currently have a '92 Cummins D250 2wd. Many of you may have read my numerous posts about "how can I level/lift my truck".

If I can't do what I want to the truck I have, I may consider getting the 4x4 version of my Dodge OR I might consider a later model Ford 4x4 Crew cab.

How do the 2 compare? Mileage? Dependablilty? Etc?

 

If you really want a crew cab your out of luck with Dodge they never did make a crewcab truck and the new 03 Crew cab is a glorified ext cab.

How much do you want to spend ?

What do you plan on doing with the truck ?

I'am a Ford man I wouldn't switch brands I have had good luck with them I make part of my living with my truck so it has tobe reliable and tough.

Is this your current truck your first Dodge ?

If not and you have had good luck with Dodge trucks go for another one if your worried about making the wrong decision.

I don't know where Randy is but he is a Dodge guy he would know what to look for in the Dodge trucks and what years to buy.

With Fords if you want PSD power and money isn't a concern go with a 99-2002 Superduty they are good trucks. If money is a bit tight and you still want a PSD I'am told the 96-97 is the best years but anything from 95-97 is good. The 94 is the first year for the PSD or the DI engine they also offered the 7.3 IDI with Fact turbo.

The 88-93 Fords are 7.3 IDI N/A are mechanical engines they are slow like the old 5.9 12 valve Cummins get fairly good mileage easy to work on. You put a turbo on a 7.3 IDI it wakes them up and will give you sufficient power it wouldn't be the same power as a 2002 PSD.

Good Luck

 

Just wait till 2006/7. Ford will be using the Cummins engines then.

 

In your dreams Grassmechanic!!!!!!! . Ford WISHES it had the MIGHTY Cummins.

PPPSSSSTTTT..........Ford does NOT own Cummins, never have never will. They owned a small percentage of stock back about 10 years ago. This percentage has been reduced to almost nothing (I would have to look at year end statements to verify EXACT amount, but under 1%).

A1, go with a 1st Gen. 4x4. Your current ride is a 1st Gen (89-93), just look for a 4x4. Check Autotrader.com, they show up around you from time to time.

Good Luck!!!!!

 

Sorry to inform you, but Ford bought Cummins several years back. Dodge is going to a 5 cyl Mercedes diesel. That engine is getting 30 MPG and close to the same HP and Torque of the Cummins. This come from an engineer friend of mine that is in engine design at DaimlerChrysler.

 

Mudmower is correct about Ford's interest/ownership in Cummins. Cummins and CAT engines are options for F-650 and larger.

 

Mike, you need to check your source - they're no good! Ford sold their shares of Cummins about 10 years ago, and now owns none of Cummins. There have been rumors galore about a MB diesel in Dodge, but Cummins has a contract to 2007.
As for the diesels, like GravelRat said, if you want a true crew cab, you pretty much have to look at Ford or GM, especially in older ones. As for which is better, that's a topic of hot debate (right Gravel?) I presonally prefer the straight 6 Cummins over the more complicated V8 Powerstrokes, and would be willing to sacrifice a little on the cab for the engine - although for me the Dodge isn't a sacrifice. The 1st gen Dodges, 89 - 93 are the lowest in power, but the easiest to upgrade - within limits. The '94 to '97 got progressively stronger, with the manuals having more ponies than the autos. Again, these engines are very easy to modify (for more HP and more mileage), and the liimits are much greater than the 1st gens. They also have the more reliable mechanical fuel pump, but suffer from Killer Dowel Pin syndrome. There's an assembly dowel pin at the front of the engine that has been know to make its way loose upon occasion. That is fairly rare and there is a fix for it. The '98 (mid year) - 2002 are great trucks, with nearly unlimited horsepower potential. However, they are prone to trouble with the fuel pump. As for 4X4, none of them are trouble prone, and of course the manuals are better for pulling than the autos.
As for mileage, the 1st gens seem to run in the low to mid 20's, the 2nd gen (94 - 97) seem to run just a tick lower, and the 3rd gen (98 - 02) are a little lower still, and not quite as dependable in mileage from truck to truck. I managed to get around 19mpg on mine, with oversized tires up to 160,000 miles when I traded it off.
With either a Ford, Dodge or Chevy for that matter, you'll get a truck that will work great from you. I will say I'd trust a high mileage Cummins more than the other 2 though.
Good luck.

Randy

 

Excellent answers and very little bloodshed!

The fact is the ONLY thing that bothers me about my current Dodge is the nose-down look. If my Super duty springs bring up the front I will be somewhat happy.

BUT NOBODY MAKES ANY LIFT-TOYS FOR MY TRUCK! AAAARRRRGGGHHH!

 

Info is right on about Ford not owning any of Cummins, but I am shocked how many people have heard that they do If there is still a question, read here

 

LOL its been a long time since I heard the "Ford is going to Cummins" story. And its not true. Like was said, Ford used to own a SMALL stock in them, but sold it long ago.

Actually if you go to south america you can get the cummins in the current body style. Well thats what I've been told. Who knows if that is any more reliable than the cummins story.