I wll try not to bore you with too much detail. I know I am posting this in a partisan page...but it seems like the best way to get an answer.

I sell roofs. I use a truck to carry ladders etc. I need something that looks good will run forever. Right now I drive a 2004 Dodge 1500. What I really want is a cool unique older truck with some character. People I work with have newer lifted cool diesels...but I want something different.

The other part is that I have some horses...we used to have a 2002 Ford F250 with the 7.3, but when my wife got hurt we had to downsize...so we would like to get something to haul the horses around with better again.

So Here is what I am looking at. a 95-97 Ford F250 with the 7.3l in it...or a 91-97ish Dodge Ram 2500.

I am looking to find something with very little rust....4x4 (live in Nebraska) and regular or extended cab. I want to do a minor lift...redo the interior...maybe upgrade to captain chairs...nice stereo etc. I will be living in this truck alot. Engine wise I want it to be trouble free, and will do some minor mods...I want something that drives quick...but not trying to make it a race car. MPG's would be nice...but not the determining factor.

I have always been a Ford guy...but I do like the older Dodges...esp the 91-93s. I know the 99+ Fords are a little better....but I dont know how much. Likewise I know there are 12v Dodges and 24v...but I dont know if there is much I need to be aware of with the 12v.

What is going to be easier to lift? To make bullet proof? To customize? etc.
What do I need to be aware of out there on them? Any other advice or tips?

 

Try John@used cummins trucks.com,pretty nice stuff,has a couple of lifted trucks in his inventory

 

The F-250 up to 97 had a twin I beam front axil. Lots of wear parts.The Ford F350 used a solid front axil. In 99 Ford saw the light a put a solid front in the F250
Dodge uses a solid front axil the whole time.

I say if you want a auto go with a Ford. If you can drive a manual get the Dodge (which is a all around better truck)

 

I like Ford trucks, but I'm a huge fan of Cummins engines, especially the 12v. If I had to decide on one of those 2 trucks you mentioned, I'd buy the ford and eventually, swap in a Cummins. The 7.3 is a decent engine, it's just not as good as the 5.9

 

I'm new here but thought I would give my opinion. I have a 98 12 valve dodge now with 342,000 miles and the only thing I've ever done to it is a new clutch.I also have a 01 dually 4x4 I purchased from my friend the original owner it has 520,000 miles on it. It has had 2 clutches and 2 lift pumps on it. I call that great service on both trucks.