I'm going to a great diesel school and im planing on going straight to work for a shop after my schooling, but down the road im gonna start a mobil repair service f250-550 dodge chevy. But witch truck do you think will be best for a service body and crane with tools? 1991 f450 7.3 idi, chevy duramax, power stroke or cummins all r going to be late 80's to 1997. Just askin for an opinion because of weight and mileage, also over the long haul.

Any and all opinions r more than welcome

 

I'm gonna say id go for the powerstroke or a cummins I'm also in school to be a diesel tech and I just got my 94 idi turbo she's my baby I love it and only had it for a month awesome truck, but I'm gonna say powerstroke is my number one choice great engine very reliable, comes with a Garrett turbo, number 2 choice cummins, the 12v are unbeatable, power and they last. All mechanical and easy to tune. May have to do some tranny work but will run forever and the 94+ I'm pretty sure they put intercoolers on all of them. Duramax on the other hand I'm pretty sure started in 01 but I can't stand them I don't recommend them.

 

our service trucks at work are cummins. they have all the power and durability needed.

 

I'm kind of wondering what you mean powerstrokin7.3 Do you think the other engines are more pratical for milage and power for a service truck? How come ya think the IDI is impratical for this purpose? Or is it just the weight concern?

 

Yes I think the milage in them is better and the power is there a little more but the idi would definitely make a good work truck they are a work horse engine I'm not down grading them I have one that's turbo from factory with lots of mods and its got plenty power so mostly about what you prefer I suppose

 

Thanks for explaining it to me sir

 

Personally Im a cummins fan, you cant beat how easy they are to work on, the low end torque, and mileage they get, If you get a crane your either gonna use a generator or a PTO and I think the cummins would be a better choice for a PTO, but powerstokes are good engines too, and the older OBS ones are easy to work on to, a lil more expenisive to maintain than a cummins. The trannies will last as long as the engine if you take care of them by changing fluid frequently and adjusting the bands thats for autos. Mine has 244K and you can imagine what I pulled with by my name. The standards of ford or dodge are bullet proof the NV4500 on a dodge has a tendency to back of the 5th gear nut but you can just tack it.

What I hate about the Powerstrokes are the HEUI system it just can be a pain in the butt some days, but on the 7.3L its not nearly has bad to deal with as the 6.0L you can change out the HPOP on a 7.3L in four hours compared to six for an injection pump on a cummins, but a cummins the injectors sit out side of the engine and are cheaper to squeeze the extra power out of.

IDI, im not a big fan off even if they have a turbo on them they only push 10 PSI compared to 20-25 psi on a Powerstroke or Cummins. You will enjoy the powerstroke or cummins power alot more than an IDI, since your truck will be loaded down with tools, parts, and a crane it will weigh close to 10,ooo pounds that is on the heavy side.

I got my certificate in Heavy equipment and Diesel repair a year and a half ago, and just got my Associates. I work on the family ranch as the mechanic, and help out the neighbors when needed. It will be hard to get customers to hire you since you will be a beginner. I dont know what field of Diesel mechanics you are getting into, Light duty, heavy duty, or heavy equipment. What ever you do learn as much as you can about engines, and there systems. Even though im quilty of this dont take sides of which is the best diesel. They all have their problems, and what makes them popular. Learn them all you wont regret it.