I wish Dodge would produce there heavier line of trucks. I am looking at selling/trading my two pickups, 01 F350 CC Dually 4x4 lariat 7.3 PSD and my 05 F150 lariat 5.4 and getting one new pickup. I like the new F450 pickup and wish Dodge has their new line of heavier duty trucks out. Seems like they are stepping on their Schwans on that one. I need only one truck and do not need two. I bought the F150 as it was my recently departed brothers and he only owed 9K on it. I am either going with the Cummins. gotta love the Cummins but both Cummins and International are producing new engines so it seems to be a gamble either way. But lets just say for the record that the new 5.9's they introduced did not blowup like the 6.0 that was a miss from what I have read on the TDS website. I dont find TDR that informative since I am not a member. I refuse to pay for something that should be free in my book. Among diesel lovers. TDS is a great site. TDR has their hand out. So...I am looking for input and information. Not trying to start any wars or disses. Just trying to find information. I like the F450 for the towing capacity and Dodge seems to be around this area as well . I am debating over dually and SRW so that would mean a F350 or 3500 from Ford or Dodge. Just weighing the differences or advantages/disadvantages about something heavier. I am one of those types that wants to be able to "tow whatever I want" so that is why I am looking at the heavier duty line of trucks. What is it Johnnie 5 said " I need input INNNNPUT!!!"
Doug

 

well doug, you used to only be able to get 550's and up with either a cummins or cat in them. does that still apply and to a 450 as well? you may be able to get the truck you want with the engine you need.

 

Have too agree. Cummins powers Ford's bigger trucks, not the PSD. The 450 looks like a pretty good towing rig but if the 6.4 is not radically better than the 6.0, I wouldn't buy it. Only time will tell how the 6.4 holds up.

The 6.7 Cummins, while new, really should not be considered much of a change from the 5.9. The real question is the trannys. The Aisin and the 68RFE are new and could be the best thing to happen or otherwise.

For my money, I would stay with the Cummins in a 3500 dually. I do like the 450 but the 6.4 is just too big a gamble at this point.

 

The 6.4 is the 1st cousin to the 6.0

If load capacity is the big thing, then you would have to go to a 450.

But if the load capacity of a 3500 Ram works, then the 6.7 is ONLY choice until few years go by, and the reliabilty of the 6.4 is really known.

Remember the 6.4 still only has TEN head bolts!!!!! Two cats (one on top of the engine), Two EGR coolers, and 50 miles of pipe and wires before you can even see the engine.

Plus the new 6.7 has a 6-speed auto versus the 5-speed of the Ford.

There are quite a few guys over on the Ford sites even, who are gun shy of the new 6.4 because of what happened with the 6.0 and Ford's handing of the debacle.

 

Remember, the 6.7 CTDis basically a larger 5.9 CTD (bore.stroke). The overall design, for the most part is the same old motor that we all love.

The 6.4 Ford, while it is twin turbo and that is cool, I am STILL NOT sold on that motor, as the 6.4 is basically a larger 6.0 that it replaces.

Since you are considering a SRW, you obviously do not need a 450 series truck. My .02

 

It's the 650 and up that has the Cat or Cummins. The 550 is still a pickup body.

 

so upgrade.....

 

i would stay away from the 6.4L fords, everyone that i know that is a ford diesel mec. has said it is pretty much the same motor as the 6.0L. it will still have the head gasket problems, needs head studs, and now instead of 1 turbo blowing, u gotta worry about 2!!!... even when a buddy of mine was up at ATS, clint told him that there going to be just as bad as the 6.0L, cause they pretty much changed everything but the problems areas....

 

Your asking a question that not many will be able to answer for a while , I think my answer would be wait and see if you can . I would like to say the Cummins is going to be the better but time will only tell in my opinion .

 

A TDR membership gets you a pretty nice magazine and it keeps the trolls out. Why don't you take a look at the 3500 c/c?

 

Have to give credit where credit is due. I think that TDR magazine is one of the best Dodge deisel magazines in print. Has some very informative articles broke down ito 12v 24v and 3rd generation

 

You might just get a Dodge 3500 and put some more suspension, brakes, and wheels under it to match the 450. You can get a better aftermarket brake controller and you don't really need the tailgate step do you?

 

I totally agree. I love getting the TDR magazine every quarter. Obviously I am a member there, and under the same screen name, but I spend all my online time here.

Naturally, I love DTR and have sent in a contribution here too.

 

I agree with the others that I would shy away from the 6.4 powerjoke and get a Cummins. The 6.7 is a bored out and stroked 5.9.......with the required additional emissions stuff for 2007 model year.

Get a dually if you are concerned about maximum towing. Not because of towing capacity but because of rear axle ratings and GVWR with a heavy pin weight from a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer.

 

i'm not a ford fan but like the new f450 - just wish they'd put in a CAT engine...then i would consider one.