First off, glad to hear your ok Tom. I used to sell auto parts and from the horror stories I heard I would never buy a Chevy diesel. Granted this was a few years back and they are making a better diesel, but I don't see how they could fix everything and beat Ford or Dodge. Most of my family and the other old ranchers I knew swore by the Dodge. Seen many an old Dodge w/ 46' flatbeds loaded down. Most would be at least 3-4x's heavier than what they were rated to tow and would keep on towin. Any problems I saw was rearend, tranny or frame. All from overloading. No major engine problems. The hot shot rigs would most always be Fords with a few Dodges in the mix. The occasional Chevy hot shot rig was always a big block not the diesel. Either Ford or Dodge would be a good choice. Chevys look good, but I don't think I could trust a diesel that didn't sound like a diesel! For me I'd have to go w/ the Cummings for proven performance, reliability and price.

I have a 2003 Ford F250 7.3L, the best engine out there and it will last longer than I will

ford for sure!

I have an 01 F-250 7.3L 3/4 4X4 Crew with a 4.10 rear.I'm at 120k & can tell you this truck as well as my last one which was a 97 have been work horses.I did however at 50k have to replace a cam sensor.This past month I have had some problems replaced the water pump,thermostat & put a new belt.Here just 2 days ago I had to replace the cam sensor again 166.00,regulator 301.90,synchronizer 187.50.My guess is I'm good to go for another 100k with a tranny filter change coming up soon.I talked with 2 very upset 04 & 05 6.0 owners while at the service department.I was gonna buy a new truck a few months back but was told to hold off for the 6.4's because of exactly what I encountered with disgruntled 6.0 owners.With my recent investment in my truck I'll probably wait untill they clear out the 07's to get a good price & see what kind of feedback comes in on the 6.4 through the course of the year.Good luck Tom 7.3L is my recommendation.More importantly great to hear you you weren't injured.

Tom,

Glad you're okay.

While some may be prettier and have more bells and whistles, there is no better 3/4 ton than a Dodge with a 300k mile Cummins!

Give me a call/e-mail before Sunday (when we go back to Fork) if you want to look/drive at or drive that truck and what it has pulled over Hoover Dam and a lot of other places. There will be no charge and the truck is not for sale. Martha may even make us some lunch.

I had a 03 F250 with the 6.0 and it was a great truck. Started having problems around 90,000 miles, was in the shop 4 times for various issues in 2 months. I traded it for a Dodge 3500 4X4 dually and I will never have another Ford after buying the Dodge. They restyled the interior on the 06 models and it is the strongest truck I have ever owned. I don't get the alleged 18 to 22 mpg that everyone claims, but I ain't complaining. For a 1 ton truck it gets right at 14 mpg around town and towing the boat. I am VERY happy.

If you can hold off Ford may release their new desiel this year which is suposed to be a lot better than the one they have now. The super duties are very comftorable to ride in and the deisel noise aint that bad. At least its got some noise unlike the chevy. I would go Ford!

Tom,

I've always driven a Chevy 1/2 ton. When researching this same issue a few years ago, I decided to call around to a few horse trailer dealers in the area (Weatherford) and ask what truck they recommended based on what they see everyday towing trailers. I think about 95% of them told me to buy a Ford F250/F350 diesal. Then I went out and drove a Ford and Chevy. I ended up buying a Ford F250 Crew Cab with 6.0 Powerstroke. I love it. I'm getting 18 mpg in the city and 22-25 mpg on the highway. Pulling my boat (21' ProCraft)...15-16mpg and horse tailer (4horse slant goose)loaded...12-14mpg.

Not to highjack this post or nothing, but I am suppossed to look at a 3/4 '94 ton Chevrolet tomorrow. Does anyone have any opinion on this year diesel truck? I need something that can pull my boat and 32' travel trailer.

94 is the old 6.5 liter diesel... DONT DO IT! Unless you like having to replace fuel injector pump assemblies( not a do it yourself job either) Those are notorius for going out! Good old Standyne fuel systems!

Save yourself the hassles and buy a used Dodge... or FOrd 7.3liter. (If you get the FOrd just make sure to buy an extra cam sensor and keep it in the glovebox)

I considered trading my 105k miles '98 Dodge 2500 HD with Cummins for a 29k miles '04 Powerstroke 4x4, four door the other day. The dealer, who is a friend said apologetically, the best he could do was $22.5k difference. The Owner of the '04 Ford told me, as we talked about pulling our RV's, his very well maintained and equipped and fitted out Ford was a great truck but it was not a Cummins. The Ford was indeed a beauty and Martha loved it - handled like her Expedition.

For $22.5k, I lose my Dodge and gain a Ford? No Cigar! I'm with you! Get a good one and drive the wheels off of it!

Good luck.

I have a 2000 F-250 that is just about broke in now at 145K...never been in the shop...never even had the cam sensor replaced...18-20 mpg hwy and 15 with the boat...had a 2000 Dodge 1 ton Cummins HO...very disappointing...the 7.3 Powerstroke was not something new made for Ford...it is made by International who has been building diesels for quite a while also...The Navistar diesel was in use for sometime before being installed in Ford pickups in large box trucks...As for Cummins is what all the big trucks run....well..I think if you would look under a few hoods you would find that the majority are Detroits with quite a few Cats mixed in....in line six is the best diesel...well I would say John Deere is into diesels a little bit..whats under the hood of their largest tractor...a 475 hp V-8 diesel..well thats just a tractor...go out and buy ya a motor home...I am not talking about a $100,000 one but a good one...one that people buy when they want the best...a Prevost or the likes..what powers them..yep...a 500 hp 8V92 Detroit V-8 diesel just like the buses that GreyHound runs all over the country. I drive a diesel to work and I drive a diesel at work and I prefer the Ford...

I had an 00 7.3 stroke.. Got it new it has 241,450 miles on it and the only problems I have had have been a tranny which was warrintied and a water pump and your regular wear and tear. The truck has been awesome. I agree the new 6.0 the late 02 and 03 motors were new and they didnt have them dialed in. The new 04,05, and 06 motors are awesome.. If you can wait, wait until they come out with the new 07. They are going to be twin turboed, and all new body.. Dodge has a great motor but no drivetrain to back it up. Have had to many friends with dodges and my ford can pull them around.. Chevys just suck I have not known many people that like them unless your just a die hard cheby guy... Check out FordTruckWorld.com you can find alot of answers there.. Good luck with whatever you get..

Brandon

I just "dumped" my 04 F250 FX4. I had 60,000 miles on it. Had to replace the cam sensor twice and EGR. My breakline broke and had to be replaced, U-Joint broke. My transmission started to slip and Ford would,nt fix it (they said it was normal).

The cost of owner ship was just to expensive for me to justify keeping this truck. Oil changes, air filters and fuel filters are very expensive.

I replaced it with an 06 extended cab Silverado Z71 (thanks Monte) and really like this truck. It doesn't pull my boat like my old F250, but I drive my truck 80 to 90 percent of the time without my boat.

Good luck in what ever you decide to buy.

Robby, don't spend anymore on it before calling me I will save you plenty on your parts. Tom if a Ford is in your future I will be glad to help with no pressure during the process. Like Monte at Moritz I would rather have friends than sell trucks so I will not pull any suprises. I have sold many trucks to fellow TFFers and anglers alike. Call me at 903-813-5056 any time or email ctilton@bobutterford.com