I've heard a lot about dodge trucks when you get them with the V-10 or the diesel and put them under a load that really works the engine the frame will bend. Can anyone elaborate on this? (I'm looking into purchasing either a Ford SD with a Power stroke diesel, or a dodge 25-3500 with the cummins.
never seen or heard of Dodge frame probs. they're huge. if you want something to worry about on the Dodge, worry about brakes, tranny's, electronics, front ends. whichever truck you like, go for. I suggest the Ford...but thats just me.
Both Ford and Dodge Trucks are better than any Chevy Truck, but they all have there problems!! I mean look at the Ford Lightning and the Dodge Dakota R/T ohhhhh and wait for the new Dodge Convertible truck they're coming out with that sports a fine viper engine and monster rims!!
I've owned an F150 for the last eight years and have loved this truck. With 140k miles it's time for a replacement. Pricing for 150 and Super Duty seem very close. Close enough that the Super Duty might well be a better value. Mileage of course is a large concern. The new diesle rigs sure run great and mileage seems very good. While I don't have hauling requirements we do run Mt Hood highways every other week. Many Ford folks have recently purchased Dodge. The quandry is which might be the best value, Ford Super Duty diesle, or Dodge 2500 diesle?
Look what you can get on the used market. Also call your bank, a good loan officer can tell you which one will keep its value.
I am biased toward Ford but I bought a new F250 superduty 8/99. I did give Dodge a look, the biggest truck dealer around is actually Ford and Dodge dealer. I noticed the Dodge was MUCH MUCH louder than the PSD. It didn't seem like it was the same quality inside either. Last but not least, can you say "transmission rebuild please"? That is if you go for the auto.
I don't drive a diesel because of the noise and smell. I have been told that the dodge cab noise insulation is better than ford but that just standing outside the units the ford is quieter.
I've generally shared the same opinion, diesels are noisey. Dodge still seems that way. New Fords seem much quieter than ever. Mileage is also up over prior years. People I talk with are claiming up to 23 mpg highway. Net information seems to back those claims. Wish my 150 had been anywhere near that.
Doubt I'll switch to Dodge as the Ford has always been just fine. At least I know what some of Fords pitfalls are, Dodge would be a new learning experience.
I am not of this forum, but have some news potential Ford Pickup buyers might be interested in.
Don't know if this story has gone national yet or not. Investigative reporters at a Seattle TV station discovered that Ford is installing the recalled series Firestones as SPARES on their NEW Ranger pickups. The tires have the words "Temporary Use Only" stamped on them in very small letters that you could not even see in the dark or the rain. Ford defends the practice saying they are perfectly acceptable for use as spares. LOL!!
i have a 99 ram 1500 quad cab slt 5.2L 42k no problems, i have no need for a diesel but i know the cummins is very loud, seeing as one woke me up at 1:30am one morning trying to steel my 92 cougar back in 95. had he been driving a powerstroke i would have slept right through it. if your looking for a quiet diesel the new GM Duramax is said to be the quietest here's a look at the new Dodge coming out fall 01: http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/stories/03ram/ram_render.html
Yes i'm a Dodge fan go bill elliot ray evernham dodge dealers #9 intrepid 01. you can see my car and truck here: Racefan9's 300m / RAM
Most new Fords are equipped with Firestone tires. At this point it matters little which particular line those tires might be. I wonder what the dealers are telling folks that insist those be replaced with any other manufacture before the closing the vehicle sale. Don't think I want any Firestone tire on a new rig.
if that back door shown on the new Dodgem can operate independent of the front door? If not, looks like they have the rear door handle shown in the wrong place. Just wondering
For all you people that think Fords suck because it won't last "60,000" miles are screwed up to me. I really don't believe in 4 cylinders though. I have an 88' Ranger STX 4x4 w/ a 2.9L V6 5 spd. that is rebulit w/ 70,000 miles. 75% of the truck is stock. The first engine went threw about 296,000 miles until there was no compression left to start. The Transmission and clutch had 349,000 miles until it was replaced. It has gone to Michigan more than I have. It was well taken care of, but yet beat. The paint looks great, the style looks great with the stock Roll bar w/ offroad lights and stock pushbar w/brush gaurds, and stock front and rear end. I believe this truck will last until about 450,000 miles and then it will be so worn out that I will just have to part it out. This truck has never been in a serious accident, but just hit on the passenger fender, which I replaced.
Also my mom just got a 2000 S-10 LS w/ 4.3L V-6 auto with 5,000 down from her father and I tell her all the time how much it sucks. The fold out seats in the back squeak over every bump in the road. She went to the dealer numerous times for it and they claim they tightened bolts, but the problem still persists. The passenger seat has to be all the way back because it doesn't latch. That's what I call cheap. This truck costed $23,000 and it's only a 2WD and no power anyhting except steering. I changed the oil in it yesterday and I foufn out that the oil plug had magnet on it to trap all the particles in the engine. I thought, that's the most intelligent idea i've heard from them. The truck has almost 16,000 miles and I say it's okay, but I don't think that truck will last 100,000 miles.
So if anyone would like to disagree about Ford, go right ahead! For you Ford fans, if you would like to know something specific about my truck, Email me. I will be glad to answer your Emails. I do not have pics at the time, but I'll try to get some if you would like to see pics.
Anyone know anything about Ford making the 4.6L V8 standard on the XLT Supercab SB? Kelly Blue Book makes some reference to an August 10th date and the engines, but it is not explained well what this engine thing is all about. Edmunds also states the 4.6L V8 as part of the 507A XLT package. As usual, the dealers' sales people are not much help.
Had a Ram Diesel, then went to Powerstroke, now back to a 2001 Ram 4x4 cummins quad. So far averaging 18mpg overall and this truck never has less than 7000# hooked to it. Just hit 10,000 miles, and I think it's averaging a bit more than the 18 right now. Drives pretty nice too, changed the suspension this year. Noise wise, doesn't bother me. It's pretty loud on the outside, but not inside. I've never had much of a problem with either the Dodge or Ford, but maybe I'm just lucky. The F-250 blew out some tranny fluid twice but didn't seem to effect the longevity. It had a bit over 100K on the clock when I sold it.
There's definitely something to be said for the durability of Ford pickups that ive experienced in my lifetime(15 yrs)over that of the Dodge. My dad has had numerous Fords including a 1966 show truck that is basically original except for parts that normally wear out, a 1969 with nearly 300,000 miles on the original 390 3 speed with overdrive on the column that still runs fine, and a 1978 with a rebuilt 351 modified that is driven to and from work every day. I can compare these trucks to the numerous Dodge pickups bought and then resold each time they hace broken down by my uncle. The Dodge trucks just dont last as long as the FoMoCo products. My second vehicle(the one i have now) is a 1991 Ford F150 Laritat with a 5.0 V8 and only 70,000 miles. The only problems i have had with it were finding a place to run my amplifier wires. It is my opinion that the fords are better in durability, resale and styling than the Dodges or any Chevrolet.
I'm not sure I know what that is. I bought a 2000 ranger and have had nothing but trouble. First the "craftsmen" forgot to put an e-clip on the wiper motor, and the blade was falling off. Then I had to replace the drive shaft (not meshing with splines in rear end). Had to replace a tachometer, and now I've got a seal leaking in the transmission. Well thats the first 5000 miles anybody want to tell me about the rest or rub it in that I did't buy a Toyota. Better yet if anybody can let me know how to be more effective about spreading the word about this piece of ford quality job #1, let me know. I've tried to contact the dealer Mike Naughton ford in Denver about the transmission seal and they haven't called back in over a week. Truely sorry I bought ford.
I'm in the market for late 90s Ram 3500 Cummins or F-350 7.3 PSD for towing horse trailer. Would appreciate long-term reports regarding transmission (auto and manual) durability with Cummins and 7.3 PSD.
After an intense investigating of both, I recently purchased a 2001 Ram 2500 w/the Cummings Diesel (even though I like the looks of the Ford better). So far, the truck has performed better than expected. The primary reason I selected Dodge is because I know a few guys that "hotshot" loads across the country for a living. Every one of them drive Dodge w/the Cummings engine and place an insane amount of miles on them. The second is the Dodge dealer I purchased from gave me a great deal. It may not be as "pretty" as a Ford, but my Dodge will get me there ahead of schedule with whatever I decide to haul with me.
PS - If you live anywhere near South Alabama, send me an e-mail and I'll forward the dealer's info.
The time has come to look for a full sized pickup. I've priced both Ford and Dodge, pretty close for a Superduty 5.4 man.x-cab vs 2500 5.9 man.x-cab (w/few options but suspension,handling,hd-svr grp) I own a 91 Ranger/STX 3.0 man.x-cab w/181,000 mi. and have had fantastic service from it. Biggest repair has been the pilot bearing, died and almost trashed the input shaft of the trans. but I caught it just in time. I have been very pleased with Ford durability but I realize this could be an exception to the rule since this has been my FIRST Ford. We also own a Windstar 98 but the jury is still out on that w/66,000 mi. So what to do for a new 3/4qtr. ton purchase, go with the Ford or try the unproven? My main concern is the durability of either drive train from engine to axle. I know the components from front to back are proven winners on each side, but have only experienced the Ford side of the house. Help from the gallery would be appreciated. Towing 7,500lbs(trlr./car) and family for weekend services, daily driven vehicle.
For drivetrain durability go with the Dodge w/the six speed manual it seems to be the strongest of the bunch. Gypsie you have a CUMMINS diesel not a cummings.
You definately won't be let down when you stay with Ford. I have had many and all have done all that was asked of them. I looked at Dodge too but didn't like the brakes and the feeling that it was not of the same quality as Ford. I got the 00 F250,V10,sc,4x4. I am so amazed at its all around ability to do all I need and more. I pull a 34' trailer weighing 10,400 lbs, NO PROBLEM. I have no doubt that if and when I decide to sell it, it'll be much easier to sell than a Dodge too.
or as we say LA (lower Alabama that is) don't bother with a Dodge. Unless you want everyone in a three county area to hear you cumming (or is that cummins). Just because its loud doesn't mean it more powerful or will do the job better or outlast a Ford. I live about 30 miles east of gypsie and I wont even make you e-mail me. Treadwell Ford in Mobile, AL has a great selection. If I were a Dodge dealer I'd make a great deal for you too, unload all the junk I could before DC shuts em down completely. You can count on Ford to be there IF you need them in 5 years. And it is the best looking truck out on the road.
Why would DC shut them down? Obviously they disagree with the way Chrysler was managed but shutting them down would destroy thier investment. The people at Benz are stubborn, not stupid.
By the way it looks to me Daimler plans on running most of the Chrysler corp. into the ground and keep the Ram pickups.From a business standpoint it makes sense,the only product that Daimler did not already have before the merger is a marketable truck,I think most of us will agree that a mercedes is a little higher quality than a 300m. Anyway it is just something to think about.
They might keep the viper also,but if you look at what has happened recently DC has scrapped the 300m Hemi, the new charger and the larger SUV,they got rid of plymouth, then they continue to develop better truck engines though. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next 5-10 yrs with DC.
Ford or Dodge,engine wise-no contest ,the Cummins is clearly the much better engine.But truck wise,its a close call.The Dodge has beefier axles,front and rear.Transmissions are about the same,they both have quality control problems.The better local dealer would get my business,whether it be Ford or Dodge.
FORD & DODGE VS GM/CHEBBY oopps, i mean CHEVY... Ford copied Dodge's front end on F250HD, both very manly and macho looking. New Chevy HD's have nice rounded timid looking front ends... Please avoid burning up keyboards and laptops in rebuttal, just being opinionated is all, please, please do not take it to heart...
Just a quick not from experience. If you live in a cold climate, you need to also think about how well the heaters work on the diesels. The ford that I had took forever to get hot. And the 24 vavle Dodge I had did great until you started down a long grade where the engine did little or no work. Then the head was so efficient that it pumped all the heat out of the engine and the heater core. The 12-valve Cummins was just right, but that's the price you pay for power.
The Ford Ranger is superior over the Dakota because it looks and acts like a truck. The Dakota, on the other hand, isn't sure whether it's supposed to look like a car or look like a truck. It's way overstyled and just doesn't have that muscular look like the Ranger does. Furthermore, the name Ranger is much cooler than the name Dakota.
Your kidding right, Had a '92 & a '95 and could not see any bulges... newer Rangers have more grill enhancement just like new '01 Toyota Tacoma....Dakota looks very truck like, almost like big brother RAMBO, Dakota RT 5.9 is more muscular than SOHC Splashdown Ranger.....
I not trying to insult anyone preference here but most of what you read about Dodge trucks infers that they are not durable. I think most agree that they have the best looks but when it comes down to it it seems Ford gets the edge in durability. I getting a new truck in the next 6 months and have been seriously looking at the Dakota Club Cab 4x4. I have a f-150 and had no problems other than its not an extended cab and its a little tot big for me. The Dakota is the perfect size but I dot want to spend $22,000 on something that is not going to be reliable and breaking down all the time. I know you can get a lemon from any brand but it seems that Dodge has more problems. I starting to seriously reconsider getting the Dakota.
True, there will be lemons with any brand. There will be vehicles that have zero problems.
A lot of what you read here in the townhall are COMPLAINTS about vehicles.
I have a 2001 dodge dakota quad cab and have one minor issue with it regarding the operation of one of the windows.The dealer has ordered the part and will repair it when the part comes in. I did not want a full size truck and the dakota was just the right size for me. The other option would be a toyota tundra.
I would pick the dodge. The nickel and dime you to death, comes after they have long outlasted the ford in body and engine. I think ford is a fairly good company, and if daimler ruins dodge, I will buy ford. Until then dodge is my truck. I have owned dodge trucks for years, and I think I can fairly say that the 318, and 360 were the best two gasoline V-8's ever made! They last forever, and can take abuse like no other. Chevy 350's will last if you are careful, but they smoke like mad, and throw rods if you give them hell. It's rare when you see a blown up dodge, or even a broken down dodge truck. The old ones especially up to 93' were tough as nails. Don't even get me started on that rice burning toyota.
one way to help a cummins heat up is to have a Horton clutch fan installed. The dealers should have these. mine was installed for around 800. It gave me about 3mpg, the engine temp was 165f at -20f. it also quieted the jet engine noise of the fan running. The"turbo diesel register" has other after market products discussions about just the cummins engine.
From experiance I can say that Dodge s**k.I have owned 6 fords,(3 of them trucks, and 1 explorer) and now I have 2 Dodges. Next month I should be receiving my new supercrew. I have been kicking myself in the butt for a year now for ever leaving ford. I'm sorry, please forgive me. it will never happen again!!:) They are so bad that my wife has even mentioned getting rid of her caravan, and just sharing the one vehicle. Do not buy a Dodge.
Comments
I mean look at the Ford Lightning and the Dodge Dakota R/T ohhhhh and wait for the new Dodge Convertible truck they're coming out with that sports a fine viper engine and monster rims!!
I am biased toward Ford but I bought a new F250 superduty 8/99. I did give Dodge a look, the biggest truck dealer around is actually Ford and Dodge dealer. I noticed the Dodge was MUCH MUCH louder than the PSD. It didn't seem like it was the same quality inside either. Last but not least, can you say "transmission rebuild please"?
That is if you go for the auto.
Doubt I'll switch to Dodge as the Ford has always been just fine. At least I know what some of Fords pitfalls are, Dodge would be a new learning experience.
Don't know if this story has gone national yet or not. Investigative reporters at a Seattle TV station discovered that Ford is installing the recalled series Firestones as SPARES on their NEW Ranger pickups. The tires have the words "Temporary Use Only" stamped on them in very small letters that you could not even see in the dark or the rain. Ford defends the practice saying they are perfectly acceptable for use as spares. LOL!!
Pass the word as you see fit.
http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/stories/03ram/ram_render.html
Yes i'm a Dodge fan go bill elliot ray evernham dodge dealers #9 intrepid 01.
you can see my car and truck here:
Racefan9's 300m / RAM
Don't think I want any Firestone tire on a new rig.
it won't last "60,000" miles are screwed up to me.
I really don't believe in 4 cylinders though. I
have an 88' Ranger STX 4x4 w/ a 2.9L V6 5 spd. that
is rebulit w/ 70,000 miles. 75% of the truck is
stock. The first engine went threw about 296,000
miles until there was no compression left to start.
The Transmission and clutch had 349,000 miles
until it was replaced. It has gone to Michigan more
than I have. It was well taken care of, but yet
beat. The paint looks great, the style looks great
with the stock Roll bar w/ offroad lights and stock
pushbar w/brush gaurds, and stock front and rear
end. I believe this truck will last until about
450,000 miles and then it will be so worn out that
I will just have to part it out. This truck has
never been in a serious accident, but just hit on
the passenger fender, which I replaced.
Also my mom just got a 2000 S-10 LS w/ 4.3L V-6
auto with 5,000 down from her father and I tell her
all the time how much it sucks. The fold out seats
in the back squeak over every bump in the road.
She went to the dealer numerous times for it and
they claim they tightened bolts, but the problem
still persists. The passenger seat has to be all
the way back because it doesn't latch. That's what
I call cheap. This truck costed $23,000 and it's
only a 2WD and no power anyhting except steering. I
changed the oil in it yesterday and I foufn out
that the oil plug had magnet on it to trap all the
particles in the engine. I thought, that's the
most intelligent idea i've heard from them. The
truck has almost 16,000 miles and I say it's okay,
but I don't think that truck will last 100,000
miles.
So if anyone would like to disagree about Ford, go
right ahead! For you Ford fans, if you would like
to know something specific about my truck, Email
me. I will be glad to answer your Emails. I do not
have pics at the time, but I'll try to get some if
you would like to see pics.
Steve O
purchased a 2001 Ram 2500 w/the Cummings Diesel
(even though I like the looks of the Ford better). So far, the truck has performed better than expected. The primary reason I selected Dodge is because I know a few guys that "hotshot" loads across the country for a living. Every one of them drive Dodge w/the Cummings engine and place an insane amount of miles on them. The second is the Dodge dealer I purchased from gave me a great deal. It may not be as "pretty" as a Ford, but my Dodge will get me there ahead of schedule with whatever I decide to haul with me.
PS - If you live anywhere near South Alabama, send
me an e-mail and I'll forward the dealer's info.
I've priced both Ford and Dodge, pretty close for
a Superduty 5.4 man.x-cab vs 2500 5.9 man.x-cab (w/few options but suspension,handling,hd-svr grp)
I own a 91 Ranger/STX 3.0 man.x-cab w/181,000 mi.
and have had fantastic service from it. Biggest repair has been the pilot bearing, died and almost
trashed the input shaft of the trans. but I caught
it just in time. I have been very pleased with Ford durability but I realize this could be an exception to the rule since this has been my FIRST
Ford. We also own a Windstar 98 but the jury is still out on that w/66,000 mi. So what to do for a new 3/4qtr. ton purchase, go with the Ford or try the unproven? My main concern is the durability of
either drive train from engine to axle. I know the
components from front to back are proven winners
on each side, but have only experienced the Ford side of the house. Help from the gallery would be appreciated. Towing 7,500lbs(trlr./car) and family
for weekend services, daily driven vehicle.
Gypsie you have a CUMMINS diesel not a cummings.
I live about 30 miles east of gypsie and I wont even make you e-mail me. Treadwell Ford in Mobile, AL has a great selection. If I were a Dodge dealer I'd make a great deal for you too, unload all the junk I could before DC shuts em down completely. You can count on Ford to be there IF you need them in 5 years. And it is the best looking truck out on the road.
Ford copied Dodge's front end on F250HD, both
very manly and macho looking. New Chevy HD's
have nice rounded timid looking front ends...
Please avoid burning up keyboards and laptops
in rebuttal, just being opinionated is all, please, please do not take it to heart...
newer Rangers have more grill enhancement just like new '01 Toyota
Tacoma....Dakota looks very truck like, almost like big brother RAMBO,
Dakota RT 5.9 is more muscular than SOHC Splashdown Ranger.....
that they are not durable. I think most agree that they have the best looks but when it comes down to it
it seems Ford gets the edge in durability. I getting a new truck in the next 6 months and have been
seriously looking at the Dakota Club Cab 4x4. I have a f-150 and had no problems other than its not an extended cab
and its a little tot big for me. The Dakota is the perfect size but I dot want to spend $22,000 on something that is
not going to be reliable and breaking down all the time. I know you can get a lemon from any brand but it seems
that Dodge has more problems. I starting to seriously reconsider getting the Dakota.
A lot of what you read here in the townhall are COMPLAINTS about vehicles.
I have a 2001 dodge dakota quad cab and have one minor issue with it regarding the operation of one of the windows.The dealer has ordered the part and will repair it when the part comes in.
I did not want a full size truck and the dakota was just the right size for me. The other option would be a toyota tundra.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
I dont regret it...