Sold my T :( need help with a diesel for new work please

natedog · 03-16-2012, 10:33 AM

yea it sucks i am still mourning.

, but i need a 1 ton dually for a hot shotting business im doing with a buddy. i know some on here know more about the cummins and the 7.3l international motors which i am looking for. i have found 03-06 cummins and 99-03 7.3L fords but not sure about the little things i should look for before i bring my mechanic, i would like to be able to spot any trouble myself. more than likely looking for a 6spd manny but if i spot a clean auto i would consider it too. seems like the front ends on the heavy duty trucks need more servicing than 1/2 tons because of hauling loads, are there any signs besides play in the steering that i should look for? thanks guys i will miss my T fo sho and i still might look for a new later

Shane06fl · 03-16-2012, 04:42 PM

Both those trucks share darn near the same issues and those are some of the best Diesels sill on the road.

Front brakes (caliper and rotors suck)
Front end death wobble. Dodge is more prone but Ford is where there with them
Transmissions are the weak link in the drive train
Both engines have fuel weak fuels system

*Toughtitan08* · 03-16-2012, 06:49 PM

Dodge has the weakest front suspension setup of all the big 3 diesel trucks. Their 3/4 ton shares components with the half ton and their 1 ton isn't much better. The Cummins and 7.3 Powerstroke are stump pullers both, but I'd go with the Ford SD for the stronger chassis. If I were gonna get any diesel rig used, I'd have a 06-07 LBZ Dirty Max with the A1500 6spd on my short list of possibles.

xxtitanxx · 03-16-2012, 07:37 PM

I'd get a duramax, my dad has an 03 and an 11. 03 is all work truck bought it new and it's still going strong.

NBhunter80 · 03-16-2012, 07:58 PM

Go with the Ford 7.3L PSD. If you can find an '03 with a 7.3L, that would be your best bet. That was the last year they made the 7.3L, and the first year they made FX4 package. The cummins is a great motor, but as was mentioned, I would go with the Ford because IMO it is a better truck overall, and they look tougher. I had a 6.0L PSD before the Titan, and although I had the classic 6.0L issues (head studs and cracked egr cooler), the truck overall was great. The 7.3 is pretty much bulletproof. I had issues with steering parts and front brake calipers and hubs, so look at those before you buy. I ended up installing some steering stabilizers to get rid of the death wobble, and some warn manual lockers when my locking hubs took a crap. Both were pretty cheap and easy fixes. Good luck!

sboyd18 · 03-16-2012, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane06fl

Both those trucks share darn near the same issues and those are some of the best Diesels sill on the road.

Front brakes (caliper and rotors suck)
Front end death wobble. Dodge is more prone but Ford is where there with them
Transmissions are the weak link in the drive train
Both engines have fuel systems

Don't most trucks have fuel systems?

greytitan · 03-16-2012, 10:16 PM

After driving both you are referring I would go with a 03-07 5.9 cummins. They get a few mpg better under load with a manual. Both trucks the trans is the weak link and the engine will last longer then the body.

Stovetop5535 · 03-17-2012, 08:17 AM

I vote for the cummins. I agree with the comments above about the issues the dodges have, but you cannot beat the cummins in the diesel world. That inline motor is built to work. I had a 04.5 cummins for a few years and it was an awesome truck. If you do go with the dodge, remember the 03-04.5 are slightly different than the 04.5 through 07. The 03 and early 04 trucks have slightly less power, a terrible frame mounted fuel system (which should be replaced, imo), no cat converter and usually get slightly better mpg than the later ones. I loved my dodge and wish I still had it. Ill even throw in a few pics to help ya make your decision.

Sittin a little low in this one. Left the scale with just over 4k of fill dirt in the bed.

Shane06fl · 03-17-2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sboyd18

Don't most trucks have fuel systems?

Yes they do but I figured another smart azz would fill in the blanks

NBhunter80 · 03-17-2012, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Ill even throw in a few pics to help ya make your decision.

Well I better add a few of my old truck to make things even

natedog · 03-18-2012, 11:20 AM

havnt really found anything i like yet, might be leaning towards a srw truck as i might not be towing as much weight as i initially thought. i think im leaning to the cummins.

*Toughtitan08* · 03-18-2012, 04:46 PM

Just better hope the previous owner took care of the front end on it. Wheel bearings, hub assemblies, control arms, all weak points on the Dodge. The Ford SD has monstrous control arms that look like a damn dinosaur bone. The 6.0L is a good engine too once you get around the head bolt issues and have good injectors in it.

lookzcustoms · 03-18-2012, 05:10 PM

heres some links from one of the best diesel magazines out there in my opinion

Best Diesel | Find Information on Best Diesel at Diesel Power Magazine

The Cheapest Diesels We'll Ever Love - Diesel Power Magazine

Eight Failures Of Diesel Engines - Diesel Power Magazine

vilim12 · 03-18-2012, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toughtitan08

Just better hope the previous owner took care of the front end on it. Wheel bearings, hub assemblies, control arms, all weak points on the Dodge. The Ford SD has monstrous control arms that look like a damn dinosaur bone. The 6.0L is a good engine too once you get around the head bolt issues and have good injectors in it.

Some go at 90k and some go at 300k. Ours took a dump at 96k and my friends took one at 230k and he was bullydogg tuned since brand new. Go figure right?

*Toughtitan08* · 03-18-2012, 06:39 PM

Yeah you never know. I know the 5R110 is a stout transmission. You know what I am talking about with the control arms right? They're huuuge!! I have a co-worker who bought a low mileage Ram Cummins 3/4 ton and had the wheel hub nearly shear off within 60k miles. Cost him $295 to get the part.