[michaelsmalley]

I'm new to the board but looking for some advice. Here goes.

I'm a Kansas cattleman and know very little about diesel engines. I have a 1989 F-350 4x4 dulley with the 7.3 in it and it finally died a slow peaceful death. I'm looking to replace it with a 1999 F-350 4x4 dulley with a 7.3 powerstroke in it. My truck is used for feeding cattle in a 30 mile radius. In addition, I pull a gooseneck stock trailer with a gross weight of about 16k. I also pull a trailer hauling large round bales that will gross about 18k to 20k. No long distance hauling.

The F-350 I'm looking at has 156,000 on it and is a 5 speed extended cab with a haybed. My old 7.3 was never great on pulling power but I've been told the Powerstroke is much better. I'm not real concerned about fuel milage but I am about dependability. Since I can't work on em, that means shop time which isn't cheap.

I've also looked at a 1997 Dodge 3500 12valve that is about the same milage and money. I've had several people say I will be happier with the Cummings and have less problems than with the Powerstroke. Are there any particular problems with the 1999 Powerstroke that I should know about.

I'm looking for help and opinions as to the Powerstroke compared to the Cummings and the Powerstroke itself. All replies will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Mike S.