Topic: 12V Cummins or 7.3 Powerstroke?

[alwayzbroken]

I am going to be replacing my 454 K3500 GMC tow rig. I know I want either a 12 valve Cummins equipped Dodge with a 5 speed or a 7.3L Super Duty with a stick as well. What are the Pros and Cons for these vehicles for those who have or do own them. What parts have you had to replace? I known this comparison has been made but I don't think between these specific models. I pull a 20 foot steel trailer. Thanks.

[wa4x4]

Just remember that cummins is the result of stroking...

Personally I prefer Dodge. I would take a dodge deisel over my truck anyday, but that's because I have a gas truck...
This is a controversial conversation, Fords are usually more expensive too, keep that in your decision if that is a problem.

[Vic stuff]

seriously buy the truck you like the most(take each for a test drive and do a comparision on each), both are good trucks and each have pros and cons, in the long run though youre gonna be happier buying the one you like the most just my    though

[derek]

the 7.3 and 5.9 cummins are both great engines.
just drive each one and decide which you feel most comfortable in.
i personally have a 96 dodge 3500 with a 6 speed swapped in. love the truck, hate the price of diesel 

derek

[skid]

Cummins all the way.  Cheap to crank up also.  One weak link is 5th gear in the 5 speeds.  Upgrades are available though.

Powerstrokes are know for losing cam sensors.  As in "over 50,000 miles, best to carry a spare."  Also have their funny dual mass flywheel/clutch.  Expensive to replace.  And Fords door switches,  look for dome lights on at stop lights.  They have had issues with them.

[mudmaster]

I like the Cummins, not Dodge trucks 

[RockSlayer]

If it were me, I would keep the K3500, get rid of the valve spring breaking 454, find me a 5.9 out of a garbage truck, or bus, or really anything other than a Dodge, ( Side note, the Dodge version of the 5.9 used proprietary sensors and electrical connections, not the more common Cummins sensors. On the 24 valve engines, Cummins can't even reprogram the Dodge ECM's, which is an easy HP upgrade depending on the CPL #. Dodge also did not get a Cummins warranty, they just bought the motors)
Slap the 5.9 in the Chevy with whatever tansmission you like. You could get a burly Allison from a garbage truck, bus, etc. or anything from a 5 speed NV4500 to a 9 speed truck tranny. Theoretically you could but an 18 speed truck tranny up to it, but those transmissions weigh in around 1500 to 2000 pounds. And, if you get a 5.9 that was used in an application with air brakes, you have a REALLY mean air compressor gear driven off the motor.
I guess it wouldn't be cheap, but it would be cheaper than a whole truck. And you still get to keep the Chevy.

[Skinny_Pedal]

yes both are good engines, they have there pros and cons. but bye far the 12v cummins is superior in more ways that one. personally i would go with a newer 24v with a 6 speed, but i guess keeping it mechanical is nice. the 12v can be turned up easy, the aftermarket loves them, and hell they're just plain bad ass. i plan to purchase a 24v myself this summer.....hope you make the right choice.

o and ford manual trannies use that awesome 2 clutch setup.....you'll love replacing that

[alwayzbroken [OP]]

I forgot about that $1000+ clutch swap on the Fords. I am leaning towards a Cummins but the Superduty trucks are so much easier to find. I have been spooked by the cost of the injection pump for the 24v. Does the 7.3L have any weak links besides the cam sensors?

The truck I really want does not exist. I want a 2002 dodge 4 door with a 12 valve and a 6 speed, or better yet a Tundra with a 12v and 6 speed. The worst part about the Cummins engine is that you have to buy a dodge to get it. \

[freds40]

My 12 valve is wrapped up by a '97 Ram and I love the whole truck. I've heard the gripes about Dodges but I've heard them about every make and model out there. Just depends on who you talk to. The 24 valve trucks are thought to be a poor choice because of all the problems with the injection pump. In reality, if you throw a guage on the truck, you'll see when the lift pump goes and know to turn off the motor before loosing the more costly injection pump.
 
My truck is a 12 valve and I absolutely love it. Granted it is "mildly" bombed    , it's still a great truck. I work construction, I usually put on 90 miles a day, I get 21 mpgs empty, and I can get 16 towing. On the note of bombing, all makes can hit similar hp numbers, it's just a matter of how much money you want to throw at them. The Dodges, because of their design, tend to be much more cost friendly than the power strokes. When you get to the point that you want to change turbos, there are many more options that bolt on for the Cummins than the p-strokes because it is much easier to design and build a turbo that hangs off the side of the motor than it is for one that sits between the hood and the top of the motor.

 Bottom line, figure out what you want to do with the truck, drive them both, and get what will make ya happy.