Looking to buy. Early Powerstroke vs Early Cummins

[mcompton1973]

I wll try not to bore you with too much detail. I know I am posting this in a partisan page...but it seems like the best way to get an answer.

I sell roofs. I use a truck to carry ladders etc. I need something that looks good will run forever. Right now I drive a 2004 Dodge 1500. What I really want is a cool unique older truck with some character. People I work with have newer lifted cool diesels...but I want something different.

The other part is that I have some horses...we used to have a 2002 Ford F250 with the 7.3, but when my wife got hurt we had to downsize...so we would like to get something to haul the horses around with better again.

So Here is what I am looking at. a 95-97 Ford F250 with the 7.3l in it...or a 91-97ish Dodge Ram 2500.

I am looking to find something with very little rust....4x4 (live in Nebraska) and regular or extended cab. I want to do a minor lift...redo the interior...maybe upgrade to captain chairs...nice stereo etc. I will be living in this truck alot. Engine wise I want it to be trouble free, and will do some minor mods...I want something that drives quick...but not trying to make it a race car. MPG's would be nice...but not the determining factor.

I have always been a Ford guy...but I do like the older Dodges...esp the 91-93s. I know the 99+ Fords are a little better....but I dont know how much. Likewise I know there are 12v Dodges and 24v...but I dont know if there is much I need to be aware of with the 12v.

What is going to be easier to lift? To make bullet proof? To customize? etc.
What do I need to be aware of out there on them? Any other advice or tips?

[Deathrod]

The first gen dodge diesels are not the most comfortable trucks in the world bit are super basic and will run forever.....any 12v cummins is a great motor. 94-95 second gens still had full hydralic auto trans with lock up....94-98 man trans all good.....dont know alot about the older fords.

Sent from my SCH-M828C using AutoGuide.Com Free App

[eurotrashb5]

Stay away from the 24v cummins at all cost unless its had the proper work done on it. And basically, you could flip a coin between the 7.3 or the 12v. Take the rest of the truck into account, rust, repairs, accidents, major issused addressed(or not) and most importantly, how it drives. The Ford has a more comfortable, better quality interior, and you can't go wrong with the powertrain of course, little bit better economy but can be a bear to drive sometimes with the heavy steering, on-center slop and the seemingly 12.5 turns lock-to-lock. The dodge will drive/steer much better, better feel, track down the road better ect. Also, its a bit easier to build the cummins for more power than a 7.3 is. Plus, Ford owned a share of Cummins back in the 90's so how can you really go wrong? I'd still go Ford for the dependibility reasons. The 7.3 isn't recognized the "the best" for just any reason.