Ford vs Dodge?

I had only scanned what he wrote before, but I actually read it now. I will say that the tranny in my '99 Dakota was original and sound. The truck itself was in fine running order. The only issues I had with it was electrical [ABS and e-brake light always on, and the speedometer didn't work until 30mph]. A friend with the EXACT SAME truck had the same issue but it otherwise drove fine. My truck was easy to drive, and had incredible maneuverability.

Same friend also had a '98 Ram that decided it didn't like it's transmission this month, but I'm not entirely sure it was the original. That truck was also driven into the ground it's whole life, previous owner did a lot of off-roading in it, so I'm not sure the transmission issue was really the Ram's fault.

I have heard great things about the Cummins, never got to drive one, but when I can afford a new big truck, that's what I want.

I like chevy gas trucks. But when it comes to diesel, im done with chevy and dodge.

I had a 7.3 powerstroke and it was a good truck, but i'd take my 6.0 over it any day. The 6.0 isnt that bad of a motor. The issues with them are easily preventable. Should have been handled right from the factory, but all the diesels have weak links that are up to the owner to fix.

My head gaskets held to about 475rwhp and were only replaced because I was throwing more power at it. The transmission held to over 550rwhp and still worked great when I pulled it for a built transmission.

Only problem I had with mine was the turbo, but it was seein about 42 psi and only supposed to handle 25-30.

The new 6.7 powerstrokes are great. I've done a little work on a few of those at the shop lately and was definitely sold on them

I have had both Fords and Dodges for diesel trucks. Still love the Dodges. I just haven't had the luck with the Fords.

Again it depends on the year..blah, blah, blah...
Hubby and I are on the truck hunt again. Today I test drove a '10 3500 Laramie....holy sh!t, that thing made my 06 5.9 look like a turd. Ridiculous power and still 18 mpg. A little fancy for my taste though.

I think the Chevys actually have a higher GVW than any other, Ford, than Dodge.(again depending on yr and model) But I have yet to have a truck hold up to the abuse. We were just talking about one of our old ranch pickups, a '00 Dodge 2500, that has withheld 4 ranches its entire lifetime and 400,000 miles, I am certain less than 75,000 of those were highway miles. My husband drove that truck new on one ranch and then we ended up with it a few years later on another that we worked on...lol.

So anyhow..you can tell I like my Dodges...LOL

There in lies the issue woth Ford, Known defects that go unadressed year after year after, year. I mean the broken spark plug in the head is so common auto parts stores carry tthe 5.4 L broken spark plug extraction tool on the shelf. Rediculous.

The Cummings engine is its own entity. Dodge buys them I run nearly the same engines as generators, and main propulsion. On various boats. They last forever. My last tug boats Cummings generators are running with 25,000 hours on them. Granted they are starting to loose power and having issues carrying full load, but do the math, even at 40 mph, that's like putting 1,000,000 miles on it. I've driven fords all my life, but this 2006 Cummings powered dodge has impressed me so far.

I agree Joe. Honestly if Dodge didn't have the Cummins they be F'ed. They have all had their front/rear end, transmission issues, after that it is basically cosmetics or computer/electronics.

Dodge was stupid when they tried to upgrade the 5.9L, best truck/motor. Plenty of power, milage to match. My old 06 5.9L,today, I was offered 20K as a trade in.....why did they have to ruin a good thing? Lol

I agree with joe on the 5.4 110%.

As far as the cummins, I wouldnt say I disagree. But it takes a lot more than a motor to make a truck, especially if its being used for work or pulling.

But for all the cummins fans readin, pay close attention to what joe said he did with the trans on his truck. That's pretty good insurance. There is no year when dodge solved any problems with their transmissions. I replace a transmission in a cummins just about once every two weeks. I've done just as many newer ones as old ones.

A lot also has to do with if you're modding the truck at all. The cummins is a great motor, but it is overrated. I actually think the new 6.7's are a step up lol. We've had several customers bringing them in to the shop and all but one has said they'd take it over their 5.9. They get a lot more powergains from each mod than the 5.9 did. They also switched to vgt turbos now, which I believe should take stress off the transmission. Time will tell, but I think theyre on the right track

I have an 06 2500 dodge cummins. I love that truck:) its just about to turn over 100k miles and I know ill be dumping some money into the injectors (my models problem) at any time now- but they run for years and years!

My family owns fords! They haul great and are awsome! The dodges rust out morse fas on the body that the fords.

I've owned mostly Ford's my whole life and like them but Joe is right. Ford hates to admit there is a problem and fix it so the same damn issue just keeps not getting addressed year after year. Dodge has their problems too but at least they are more willing to admit it, just not good at fixing them.

It all boils down to personal preference.

"ve always thought of myself as a Chevy girl, but I've bought 2 brand new Fords over the years and loved them. Too many people around where I live that have big trouble with the Dodges, so I wouldn't even consider one now.