Hello,
My name is Ken and live in Flagstaff Arizona. I am a Paramedic by trade but for now I am going back to college for a degree at NAU. While being a Paramedic, I have driven many diesel trucks and pushed them to their limit over and over. I have also seen some trucks with 400K+ miles on the engines and going strong.

I am currently looking to buy my first diesel. I am looking at the following two vehicles and wanted some feedback from other members for their opinion on which one they would buy.

1) 1995 Ford F250 7.3 powerstroke xtra cab 4x4. 150K miles 5-speed with current issues of grinding 2nd and Reverse gear. I am ok with swapping out the transmission if the price is right. Currently he is asking 6k but said he would come down to 5k. I was going to offer 3k since a rebuilt tranny will cost me 2k plus shipping and core. I am familiar with this truck more than any due to the use in the ambulances I have driven, but I know that there are a lot of moving parts under the hood, which kind of makes me nervous. I'm mechanily inclined to the point of using Haynes manuals, YouTube, and members on sites like this. I have swapped a Jeep 4.0L, replaced a few transmissions and rebuilt a transfer case (wow, scary).

2) 1993 Dodge 12v xtra cab 4x4 230K miles 5 speed with exhaust brake. Currently he's asking 7.5k, however the body condition needs some attention, but can be driven as is for a while. For the past 6 years I have been on a helicopter as a Flight Paramedic and have found that our aircraft mechanic is extremely **** with the work that is done and refuses all help offered to him. He is a unique guy and would trust my life with his work on anything. That being said, this guy that ones this dodge 12v, is an airplane mechanic, which make me believe that he really took care of this truck and might be a diamond in the ruff. He says that he just rebuilt the front axle, and took care of all maintenance of the rest of the truck. I have heard so much about this 12v that makes me consider this as an option. all mechanical and no electronics to mess up. I would love this truck if the price is right, plus only one head, 6 of everything not 8, and one turbo instead of two.

My goal with the truck;
I want a rig that can haul water, since here at 7000 ft some of the outlying neighborhoods have to haul in your own water to a cistern in the ground. So a 500 gallon tank in the bed is a must. 500x8.34=4170lbs twice a week in the bed. Both trucks should be able to handle it. I think the Ford looks better and has a better looking interior, but the Dodge has that awesome 12v with limitless potential and many less moving parts to work with. I have never owned a diesel and look forward to this buy. It is not my only vehicle, just a fun truck to have for the winter snow and hauling wood and water. I also volunteer for wood4warmth.org. We collect wood all year long and haul it with our personal trucks back to the wood lot to process it for the winter months. We then give it away for free to those who need it. I have delivered wood to people without electricity and use wood as their sole way of heating and cooking. So it is important to me to do and very rewarding.

So that's me....

Please let me know what you think about my two options. I can't wait to hear what ya'll have to say about these two trucks.

Have a great day.

Ken

 

Hi, Ken,

I'm no super wizard like some of the guys on this forum, but I figured I'd throw out my opinion for what it's worth. I am a HUGE fan of the Cummins! Especially the 12V for the obvious reasons that you mentioned. Whne I was building my truck I came across a 7.3L for pretty cheap and considered using that, but I ened up holding out for the 12V Cummins and I am SO glad I did. Like you I am fairl ymechanically inclined, but I've never been educated so I have to figure things out as I go and I'll tell you there is a huge difference in how simple the Cummins is compared to the 7.3! Like I said, I'm not "THE GUY" or anything like that, but I figured I'd give you my opinion so that at least SOMEONE out there replies to your post.

 

It relieves me to know that someone else out there has been in a similar situation. It's also good to know that you didn't regret your decsion about which truck you bought. I am totally leaning toward the 12v because I am a self taught "shade tree wanna be", so the simpler the better. Thanks for your input, it means a lot. Have a great day.

Ken

 

Welcome to db
As for your first diesel, both are great motors
I have a 97 12valve and I love this motor. My last truck was a ford with a 460 gasser and by far this motor blows it away. The 460 got crap for fuel milage, and this one it's around the mid teens city and mid 20's freeway with some mods. The power is incredible and keeps getting better. If you do get the 12valve i'd recommend doing the kdp(killer dowel pin).
We can explain later if you get it.
These 12valves can get addicting once you start modding them.
Good luck in your decision.

 

Go to the engine room section on the home page and post in the in potential owners forum. That being said if you are already leaning towards the Cummins because of the simplicity then just go with that. Only reason why someone would chose the 7.3 in this case would be exterior and interior. Plus that exhaust brake will be EXTREMELY helpful with a load of water.