Hope the questions in this post are not too repetitive and long for you all.. I apologize if they are to some of you, I just want to make a good decision with my limited financial resources...

Looking to get back into a diesel truck after 10 years without one. Had a 12v and a 24v Cummins in the past. Last truck was a 2001 Dodge Quad cab, 6 sp, 3/4 ton, LB, exhaust brake, great truck for hauling and fuel economy, could get up to 24 on the highway empty if I kept it at low rpm. Ended up being too small for kids, had to sell it.

In general, I prefer a manual to an automatic when driving on long mountain passes that we have here in Colorado. Also more control in nasty/snowy conditions.

With that said - I am looking to get a work truck, and a 2 kids with car seats hauler. Have settled on the 99 and 2000 model F250 or F350 7.3 Crew cab or an 03-04 Dodge 2500 - 3500 Crew cab. Hoping to get a combination of strong hauler and decent fuel economy. Not looking to do major mods, just a solid diesel work truck. Would prefer a 6 sp but they seem harder to come by in either of these vehicles. Need a crew cab, and after reading many reviews and scouring forums, these 2 are in my price range and sound like they can serve my needs well.

Here is the dilemma:

There is an early 99 (6/98 on door tag) one owner crew cab for sale in my town. 127K original miles. Slight lift to add an extra leaf to rear suspension, otherwise stock. 3.73 rear end. In amazing shape. Spray in bed liner, topper. All maintenance records. Exactly what I want except for the automatic transmission and the fact that it is an e99 model.

Is the earlier e99 something to be avoided if I am patient and shop around for a 99.5 or 2000 model?
What are folk's experiences with the automatic transmission vs the 6 sp on these Fords?

This truck is pretty darn nice, and it has been maintained here where I can ask the shop that did all of the work their opinion. Would also save travel time and cost to purchase right here in town.

I have also been shopping around for a Cummins, have found a few that meet my criteria, none close to home. One guy that I spoke with had a 3500, 293k that he put on it, well maintained, HO 03 with the 6 sp, he claimed to get 23.9 mpg on the highway....

Thoughts, feedback, ideas? Again, just looking for some solid advice based upon experience. So, that is pretty much the whole story. Sorry to be so long winded!!

I don't want this post to become a Ford Vs Dodge battle, I am really in need of some shared experiences, especially from anyone who has owned and driven both of these models.

Thanks again for any feedback on all of this!

TWW