toyfarm
ArboristSite Operative
Ford --- watch out for auto tranny (notoriuos for problems)
--- stick with Dana 60 solid front axle (lot less problems)
--- 460 underpowered compared to 454 (460 seems to last much longer
though)
--- powerstroke --- very good engine (expensive to maintain)
--- n/a 7.3 practically indestructible but slightly underpowered
--- early '94 turbo diesel would be my first choice (plenty of horse power)
pre-powerstroke mechanical injection (much cheaper to maintain)
Gm --- '91 or previous w/ gas powered engine would be an excellent choice
--- detroit diesel was a very good engine that will last forever, but
extremely under powered for any towing duties
--- '92 up models had intake manifold probs on small blocks
--- '93 was the best year for the turbo diesel (all mechanical) less probs
--- '92 up front ifs has it's place and can be very stout in most situations
but i just don't like it (does have car like ride quality)
--- Any year GM will be more than likely to have the best auto tranny out
of the three
Dodge --- 360 is always a good choice Cummins is an excellent choice and
considered the best by many (me included)
--- Auto trannies --- notorious for problems (though i've never had a
bad one
--- Crew Cab was a rare option if available at all (I don't believe so)
--- Ride quality (harshest of the bunch)
--- Steering shaft failure (very common)
With all three the manual trannies are not bullet proof, but are all good stout units, if they shift well and the clutch feels good, it will more than likely be good for years to come!
All of this info is given from first hand knowledge, as i've owned many of these trucks and am not brand loyal! Hope this helps in your quest for a new ride!
They all made good trucks, just try to find one that is still good. Looks are much less important than function!
With any of these trucks... make sure it has some sort of rear locking diffirential. A truck this big (especially crew cab) will spin if someone spits on a tire!
My $.02
--- stick with Dana 60 solid front axle (lot less problems)
--- 460 underpowered compared to 454 (460 seems to last much longer
though)
--- powerstroke --- very good engine (expensive to maintain)
--- n/a 7.3 practically indestructible but slightly underpowered
--- early '94 turbo diesel would be my first choice (plenty of horse power)
pre-powerstroke mechanical injection (much cheaper to maintain)
Gm --- '91 or previous w/ gas powered engine would be an excellent choice
--- detroit diesel was a very good engine that will last forever, but
extremely under powered for any towing duties
--- '92 up models had intake manifold probs on small blocks
--- '93 was the best year for the turbo diesel (all mechanical) less probs
--- '92 up front ifs has it's place and can be very stout in most situations
but i just don't like it (does have car like ride quality)
--- Any year GM will be more than likely to have the best auto tranny out
of the three
Dodge --- 360 is always a good choice Cummins is an excellent choice and
considered the best by many (me included)
--- Auto trannies --- notorious for problems (though i've never had a
bad one
--- Crew Cab was a rare option if available at all (I don't believe so)
--- Ride quality (harshest of the bunch)
--- Steering shaft failure (very common)
With all three the manual trannies are not bullet proof, but are all good stout units, if they shift well and the clutch feels good, it will more than likely be good for years to come!
All of this info is given from first hand knowledge, as i've owned many of these trucks and am not brand loyal! Hope this helps in your quest for a new ride!
They all made good trucks, just try to find one that is still good. Looks are much less important than function!
With any of these trucks... make sure it has some sort of rear locking diffirential. A truck this big (especially crew cab) will spin if someone spits on a tire!
My $.02
