Cummings, Duramax or Ford - Which Diesel is More r

[N5IBM]

Hello Gang,

I am looking to purchase a new heavy duty pickup truck to pull a 5th wheel of about 15,000 lbs about 90,000 miles a year.

I have heard the Ford 6.0 diesel is being phased own in 2007 models.

I hate to leave Ford, but I am considering GMC or Chevrolet.

Any good or bad reports on Cummings or Duramax engines in your personal trucks ?

Thanks,

 

[simon says]

RE: Cummings, Duramax or Ford - Which Diesel is Mo

I was talking to a Canadian big truck driver recently, and he has the 7.3L IH engine in the Ford. A very reliable and proven powerplant, but it won't start reliably! He had to bypass the control unit and hardwire the glow plug system to stay on for the full 10 seconds or whatever. Then it would start fine.
I also just had a long CB conversation with a guy from Alabama who drives a Dodge 6 wheeler, pulling a flat-bed trailer who goes everywhere. The 5.9 Cummins does a great job and he gets about 17 mpg? pulling weight (but I don't know his payload).
For my money, I would definitely look at the GMC with the DuraMax. This is an 8 cyl V-8 made by Isuzu and I don't know the displacement. I don't know if it had glow plugs, but I didn't see a lot of electrical wiring. I looked at one in a crew-cab pickup but didn't start it. If the gearing is correct and it is hefty enough, I would forgive what it is IN, and buy it in a heartbeat. Isuzu has been making diesels since probably WWII. An old Imark sedan ran forever...

 

[greg334]

RE: Cummings, Duramax or Ford - Which Diesel is Mo

Both engines are really good and both have a bunch of mods to get mileage and performance out of them. Both are quiet and both have a proven track record.

I have owned several dodge Cummins powered trucks, 93, 97 and a 97.5 24 valve (yes a preproduction model) and each was an improvement from the other. My present one, 97 2500 4x4 has a little over 260K on it and runs great. The 97.5 had 475K on it when I got rid of it this past July and the only problem I had (which is still a problem with the 97) is the fuel gage crapped out on my, bad sender design. With my trucks plugged in, starts up even in 3 degree weather.

But seeing you are buying new, I would consider the dodge. It has a proven track record for towing and from what I read now has an Allison behind it (I think you can get a six speed mod for that). Being a Cummins, parts are easy to get, and service is easier to get than a GM product (not all GM dealers know how to work on the Duramax) simply because you have two dealer systems to work with, D-C and Cummins.

Ford? 6.0? good for light duty work, but.....

 

[MSinger]

RE: Cummings, Duramax or Ford - Which Diesel is Mo

1997 Dodge Ram 3500 with 12' cube. Dock high with jackstands. 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel.


I would definitely go with the Cummins. I just turned 486,000 on mine and have done nothing to the motor but preventive maintenance and replaced both ends on the throttle control arm...$6 a piece.
I would definitely go with the 6 speed manual transmission (I believe it is a Mercedes). The automatics still have their share of problems. As far as I know the Allison is still only available on the Chevy/GMC. I get 14-15 mpg either loaded or unloaded. If I had a Nosecone on the front of my box it would probably get a little bit better. The cab is very roomy and comfortable for the long hauls.
My dad goes with me occassionally and says it is more comfortable than his 2004 Buick LeSabre. The front seat is also quite comfortable for stretching out across to get a few zzzzz's. I see alot of RV transporters and the majority of them seem to be the Dodge/Cummins.
I would stay away from the 6.0 PowerJoke. My friend has an 04 F-450 that is non-commercial and probably has less than 10K on it and it has been in the shop more than it's been out. The 7.3's were ok but I still don't think they are getting the longevity out of them that the Cummins are getting.