Doing Research on Trucks, input appreciated
 

My wife has given me the green light to purchase a truck in the near future and I've been trolling around here and many other sites for a couple years and done a lot of reading and done a lot of research but cannot make a decision.

I would LOVE to do a fummins conversion, it seems to be the most ideal vehicle.
I have driven a few trucks, my uncle has a mostly stock early 99 powerstroke and also has a 05 powerstroke dually that has been studded and a few basic mods.

Last year i drove the 05 from Michigan to Sturgis, SD and i was really impressed with the towing capability and I love the body style and the looks of the interior. I was not impressed with the mileage we got and the dual rear wheel is not appealing to me.

I have driven the 7.3 and it is completely stock except air filter. It feels like a dog and i know it has extremely good reliability and longevity, but i think it's just because it's stock.

I havent driven any newer cummins trucks, but an old friend has a 92 12v that is highly modified, but not exactly sure of the mods, although i could find out. He is a graduate of WyoTech and that truck was pretty peppy.

I'm not crazy about the looks or interior of the dodge, and I've ridden in a bunch of duramaxes and they don't really tickle my fancy. Although i do like the Allison transmission, again because of their reliability.

There is a few things that I do know i like and have to have.
1) Crew Cab truck, long or short bed does not matter
2) I love the better turning radius of the 05+ Powerstroke, so much easier to turn and i like the wheel style.
3) I want reliability and longevity, I plan to drive this truck for 10 years so I want to make sure that it is built and upkept properly.
4) I like the simplicity of the 12v and it's dependability.

I live in Michigan and I know people that have to leave their trucks plugged in all the time and I don't want to have to depend on having it plugged in in order for it to start on cold days.

I am open to input and feedback as I see lots of conversions already done and I want to know more about advantages and disadvantages of the motors.

Thanks for your time

Personally, i like my 04 dodge turning radius is 10x better than my 99 ford 7.3 i had. Rides nice the laramie edition is way more comfortable than any truck ivw owned and thats about 7 and im 21. I loved my ford but didnt like the glow plug system and the high pressure oil system needed for injectors. I avg. 15-18 in town with 35s with light modifications. I also owned a 99 dodge i liked but upgraded to a four door short bed. If you buy a ford first thing id do is glow plugs,relays,wiring harness for them,and batteries to rule keep you starting in cold temp. If your plug your truck in regardless of brand it will be easier on starting components. But its a battle there will be three guys who say ford,three who say dodge,and three who say chevy. But ITS ALL IN PERSONAL PREFERENCE. I think weve ruled out chevys though or you have it sounds. Drive a few dodges in your price range,and a few fords both with different interiors. All truck has pros and cons remember that my friend. Good luck.

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i have a much simpler question. i'm looking at used dodge rams and i know i want diesel for the mileage, but i'm not real familiar with it and wanted to know some warning signs i should look out for. what you got?

Well front ends make sure their tight no slop in wheel.kinda depends on year as well. Check for blow by you does by starting truck after its hot take off the oil cap and place it on fill hole if it moves off serious blow by if there's excessive steam blow by. Check the 4x4 system. Drive shafts for bad joints. I always check all the fluids for color,levels etc. You can check the turbo for play. Don't let the seller warm it up for you,start it cold and look for excessive white smoke or blue smoke. Check all gears and make sure they shift fine and don't search for the next. I always get on it hard and I mean hard and see how the truck reacts then slam on the breaks. Hope this helps.

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