Best Full Sized, Diesel Truck for towing? (vehicle, auto, fuel)

[58robbo]

my brother has a 2002 F250 powerstroke and was looking to get another ford, but the reliability reviews of the new 6 liter, aren#t great. Are the dodge's or chevy's any better?

[NJGOAT]

The 6.0 and 6.4 in the Fords had a lot of issues and I wouldn't personally recommend one. The new 6.7, however seems to be off to a good start. The GM models seem to have far fewer issues than the Fords in the past few years. A lot of people opine for the GM drivetrain in the Ford chassis to make the best truck, lol.

In all honesty, I would hold on to the 7.3 as those things are just about bullet proof and see how the 6.7's perform over the next year or so. If he needs a newer truck NOW, I would look at the GM offerings.

[Merc63]

Agreed. Overall the '99-03 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke turbodiesels seem to be the best trucks out there. The Cummins can be stronger engines, and the GMs nicer inside, but for an overall package, the Fords seem to be best. And they also seem to last forever. Too bad they hold their value so much that I had to settle for a mid '90s GM 6.5 turbodiesel instead.

[rbohm]

put me down for another vote for keeping the current 7.3 powerstroke. unless your brother wants to pony up the $50k or so for a new truck.

[jazzlover]

A fellow I know has a 2002 7.3 Powerstroke. He was also looking at buying a new truck, as his 2002 has over 200K miles. After looking at all the offerings available--and the exorbitant prices--he opted to do some refurbishing on his current truck (mostly cosmetic and minor stuff--the powertrain is still strong) and keep it.

Were I to look at a new pickup today, I would opt for the Chevy/GMC Duramax--best powertrain, in my opinion--though I'm not a fan of the independent front suspension on the 4WD models.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by rbohm

put me down for another vote for keeping the current 7.3 powerstroke. ...

Me too If you are happy with a Ford, Definitely stay away from the 6.0, our Fire Dept has spent many $$ keeping them running.

Originally Posted by jazzlover

... I would opt for the Chevy/GMC Duramax--best powertrain, in my opinion--though I'm not a fan of the independent front suspension on the 4WD models.

I can understand the apprehension to the Duramax front suspension, I am also not sure how I feel about the Aluminum heads on a heavy puller. I can't say I have any reason to worry, but having them on my VW's it is certain they are a weak link. Be sure to watch your EGT Alum will really crack like a web when too hot. Some of our 'pumped' VW Diesels just totally destroy the aluminum head (far beyond just a warp).


You don't mention WHAT you are towing, or WHERE, or age. That makes a lot of difference in vehicle and tranny choice.

I will stand behind my choice of 1st Generation Dodge Cummins. (1993 W350 for me). They are known to go well over a million miles with ease. I scaled at 28,800# a while back, and frequently tow 25,000# over steep mtn roads. (small dozer, excavator, or Bobcat and 5,000# trailer). The 12V Cummins is rugged & EZ to tweak for free HP, and the early trucks are very stout (and ride rough too). They only have 160 hp stock, but I have seen them twin turboed and pumping 780+HP and 1200 ft lbs of torque. Not bad a for a workhorse you can find for under $4000. They are exceptionally inexpensive per mile to operate and maintain. Body Parts are interchangeable for about 20 yrs of prior trucks. You can buy them 'rust free' out of SW USA and west coast. You can buy a spare cab for ~$300. Lots of aftermarket stuff.

[12GO]

NOOOOO!!! STAY AWAY from the 6 OH NOOOOOOO OH SH** i'M WALKING AGAIN 03 AND UP FORDS. 13 SETS OF INJECTORS, 3 TURBOS, 9 EGR VALVE ISSUES, is it any wonder I took my 03 f350 to ford credit and told them to crush it in 05? I was hoping my truck would have been built with the 7.3, but it ended up being built on nov. 11, 2002, the 21st truck ruined with the 6 oh no diesel. If he can find an 03 7.3, it's the newest good ford diesel he will get. The 2003 7.3 is also the most powerful and best mpg 7.3 diesel. That is because they finally got their act together on programming it from ford. And the 6.4 is also a nightmare, as removing the body for an injector change is insane.
If he wants newer than 03, I would look at the Dodge Cummins with a 5 or 6 speed stick. He won't beat the fuel milage.
If he wants an automatic, then the Chevy/GMC duramax and allison trans is the only way to go.
I have had all these, and the Dodge cummins is my pick only with the stick as the chrysler bean counter approved auto trans will have you spending for a rebuild. In the background you can see my Duramax powered Chevy replacement for the 6 oh noooooo on sh** I'm walking again 03 ford.

[SD4020]

Keep the 7.3.

[PDD]

If you are towing up a spiral ramp pulling 10,000 lbs and the ramp is on fire why not go for the Toyoda? They seem to be the only pickup that can do that.

The Ford, Chevy, Dodge pickups are only good for towing on roads that are not burning.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by 12GO

...
If he wants newer than 03, I would look at the Dodge Cummins with a 5 or 6 speed stick. He won't beat the fuel milage.
If he wants an automatic, then the Chevy/GMC duramax and allison trans is the only way to go.
,,,

If you must have an automatic, and you prefer a Cummins, you can get a 'bullet-proof' Dodge tranny done in Canada, but budget about $5k for the 'full meal deal' (or you can get by with about $3k, if you are fugal)