Tow rig shopping...

[82F100SWB]

Well, I've decided to turn my current tow pig/DD into a wheelin rig, and either turn my existing wheeling rig into either something totally not street legal, or just dump it alltogether...
Anyhow, I've got it narrowed down to a Cummins, or a Stroker, about 97-02 or so is what my price range allows. I'm very familiar with Ford diesels, having owned a 00 7.3, driving an 05 6.0 at work, and I currently own a 6.9 IDI... And have put in considerable seat time behind the wheel of every Ford diesel/body style combo... Countering that, I've ridden in one Dodge/Cummins truck, and, it was a 93, so it really doesn't give me anything to base an opinion on a second gen on... I have lots of experience with the B and ISB 5.9 in other applications, which is why I haven't just run out and bought another Ford, I would just go out and drive one, but, there are none on the market locally, and anyone I know who has one has 250K plus bush miles and it's a work truck which is just plain beat...
Not really something that will give you an idea what a good solid, well maintained truck is like, does have something to say for the durability though...
I'm going to be doing my truck shopping in the city, 4 hours away, so, it's not like I can just go test drive one...
Anyhow, I'm pretty set on looking for a reg cab 4x4 with a stick, maybe an ex cab shorty, I'm not too concerned about the extra room, I'm usually just hauling my own butt around, a bit of extra room would be nice and all, but, entirely not necessary. My SD was an ex. cab long bed, while really nice on the highway, manuverability just plain sucked, and I have no real justification for a truck that long...

Does anyone have experience with both rigs? With a Ford, personal prefrence leans towards a 97 rather than a 99 so I have serviceable wheel bearings and such, the S/D does ride a bit better and the interior is alot nicer, and they're easier to find but, previous bad experience with the unit bearings has me leery of another one.
For a Dodge, I'm leaning towards a 12V truck, I like mechanical engines, I like the simplicity, and how they drive. I know what to look for on a Ford, I know them inside out and backwards, as for a Dodge, I know of the few issues the engines have(KDP and such) and that the automatics suck(Ford's aren't that much better...) But, that's as far as it goes.
Anyone have any input as to comparing them?

[stelth2002]

If you want a more comfortable tow rig, go with the newer ford. You want a simple to maintain beast and reliable tow rig to with a Cummins. I choose the Cummins... and am happy I did. 98/12v/nv4500 here

[RajinCajunBronco]

I was almost 100% set on a Dodge... I too have been a Ford fan for many years.. I also work on the Cummins in other applications and I will admit for pulling the Cummins is tops IMO. But the recurring comment by Dodge owners is they love the engine, but hate the truck body.. I ended up sticking with Ford, 03 F-450, QC, 4x4, 72K, 6.0, auto and I love it...!! Over kill for what I need but I would do it again..

[thump93yj]

eh... all the cummins owners i hang with love the truck, body, engine... reckon it depends on who you talk to.:confused:

Personally... over all the numerous big three I've owned... Dodge has been my favorite. I like them all, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gens. My ford was ok, just more boring and never liked the gauges, dash display they used for ever. New ones seem a bit better. GM has simply had their collective heads up their asses forever IMO. Whenever I think back about the GMC, Olds, Chevy stuff we've owned over the years... I just remember being highly irritated over stupid crap that broke, fell off, etc. At least they finally stopped putting umpteen gray and orange buttons on the dash to control chit.

[4x4not]

From my experience I would agree that the Ford will have a nicer interior and the body will be put together a little better, but the Cummins simply cannot be beat for hauling, and the NV4500 (or NV5600 if you can find one of the later 90's models) are good, solid transmissions.

[X-Rated]

owned both in the last 3 years... The cummins is strong, but so is the 6.0L PS. One thing I like about the PS is the 4000RPM redline vice the 3000 RPM redline on the dodge. Dodge pulled a little stronger, but that truck weighed 2000 pounds less, so maybe it is the weight I was feeling. All in all, for hauling, both are great. If you want to modify the motor, Cummins all the way. I wont do anything to my 6.0 for fear of blowing boots of the intercooler or worse, stretching the head bolts....

Confort wise, ride quality, interior, happiness of the family, HANDS DOWN TO FORD. Dodge interiors are not bad, but they are nothing compared to the ford... Seats are to firm, to straight, never feel good driving it... Ford is the opposite... Love driving it...

Just my opinions

[82F100SWB]

I do like the 6.0, and, the 6.0/TorqShift is about the only auto I've ever driven that I liked how it drove, quite frankly, I love the 05 we have at work, but, even an 03 6.0L truck is pushing the outer edge of my budjet(read: I want to buy a new trailer too...) the Fords are holding their value better than the Dodges, and one dealer in the city is bringing in Dodges from TX... Unless I want a dually, they seem to be cheap either way...

I did rather enjoy my 00, other than problems with the front end, and the fact that it was just plain LOOOONG... I probably should have kept it, finding another 6 speed truck probably won't be easy, and it'd have been paid for by now...

I'm not horribly concerned about ride quality... Anything would be better than what I'm driving right now... Leaf sprung TTB under a diesel with a factory camper package = 3/4" thick springsx2 per side....
I guess I'll just have to drive a Dodge and see what I think, but, it's sounding like I may just get another Ford, as, this is going to be my DD also...