Calling all ex-powerstroke owners...

[GLedwig]

I need some opinions from ya'll boys who have owned the PSD. It seems to me that I'm having a power crisis... at least I think I am. My two previous trucks have been PSD, and as much as I hate to say, I think the PSD has more balls than the Cummins. Is this possible? The only reason I'm asking is because many people who have had experience with both say that the Cummins will walk all over the PSD. I've read alot on the TDR that has basically said the same thing and I've bit my fingers to prevent typing something about it hoping one day that my Cummins will turn loose and open up. Ain't happened so far. I can't really complain when I'm not towing. It's when I'm loaded down that gets me. It got the best of me today when towing a load of fertilizer (about 10,000 lbs. ) up a slight grade. It didn't completely fall on its' face, but I felt there was something lacking. My Cummins and previous PSD were basically the same set-up. The only difference is I have 3. 55 gears now, whereas I had 4. 10 with the PSD. It seems that 2200 rpm is where the power is at, so when I drop below, I just downshift. But like I said before, the Cummins 2200 rpm ain't delivering like the PSD 2200 rpm. Don't get me wrong. I love the Cummins. I just want to know if somethings wrong. If this is normal, I'll just do a little upgrade and be on my way. Maybe it ain't broken in yet. I only have about 8000 mi. on it.

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2001. 5 4X4 24v ISB. Reg. Cab SLT 5-speed 3. 54 Dark garnet. BFG Mud Terrains on all 4. Gooseneck hitch. Grill guard. Not equipped enough to be my official ranch truck-but gettin' there

 

[jkern]

sorry to hear those words!! first i would suspect that with only 8k miles the cummins needs a little more time to get really broken in and loosen up. the diesel gurus usually say up to about 25k miles. i have just read a report in a comparison magazine (can't remember the name right now) that said the PSD and the Duramax will out perform a Cummins in an unloaded, comparitivly equiped truck. (using their testing methods) however, load the trucks and hook a trailer on them and the Cummins legendary power shines through! i think the quote was " the Cummins/dodge maybe a little slow just running around town, but put it to work and the PSD and Duramax can't hang with it. " i have driven some PSD's, and seat of the pants testing seems that my cummins feels a little stonger in a stock mode... maybe i am just partial!! but i turn the computer on, and they can't touch the mighty Cummins then #ad
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!!!


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Jeremy Kern
1999 2500HD 4x4 QC,SB, ISB, 5spd, 3. 54LSD, 33x12. 50 cooper STT's Denver off-road bumper with Ramsey RE12k, PIAA series 520 lights, Rancho RS9000's, heavy ft. springs, JVD Torque Enhancer, DiPricol boost and pyro gauges, and a bunch of other little things! www.geocities.com/phrn30 for pics!

 

[WeirCummin]

Bull, I can't call myself an ex-powerstroke owner, the truck I got rid of to make room in the stable for the Ram was a old 6. 9, had it for 15 years. I see by your sig that you have BFG mud TAs, what size ? If you increased your tire size you have decreaced your overall gear ratio. I'd say you are just about over the limit of those 3. 55 pulling 10K I'm sure others will disagree. It hard to compare any two trucks pulling when there are equiped with different gear ratios. I'm sure jkern will tell you that the JVD torque enhancer is there to compensate for those 33X12. 50 he's running. I'd give it alittle more time to break in and if you still want more BOMBS away

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Y2K(BD. 11. 18. 99)PW7A BE2L34,(A4OP=ETC/DDX),DMDP w/DSA,AHJ,Autometer Pyro& 50#Boost,STD. PE&EZ,275RV injectors, PSA, Majestic HX40,4"exh. w/Stan's downpipe

[This message has been edited by WeirCummin (edited 02-25-2001). ]

 

[Vaman]

I have to agree with Weir... the gear ratio can make quite a difference. I've never owned a PSD but the general consensus seems to be that the Cummins is a much better engine. As far as BOMBING, it made a huge difference in my truck. It's rendered my cruise control inoperable... it just can't handle the fact that the smallest touch of the accelerator results in a huge speed change. #ad
Good luck.

 

[kevin1]

I had a '97 F350 with the powerpack in it and ats propane injection there is no comparison my cummins is bombed but it is a pullin sob let me tell you I have 9000 miles on it and it will not stop now wether the truck holds up that may be a different story but for now it pulls good and I pull very heavy between 20 and 30,000lb regularly I would say put in some dd3 injectors and that thing will really suprise you

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2001. 5 ETH/DEE 4x4, DRW QC DD3's, EZ, HX40 machined out for more flow, Custom 4" exhaust turbo back staight pipe with 5" chrome tip in front of rear tires,spa's, mcleod clutch, fuel lines,mag hytech rear end cover,psycotty air system,relocated blow by bottle,Lucerix power heated mirrors,more to come

 

[amsoilman]

Gear ratio's do make a BIG difference! So do the size tires you have installed. The FOrd PS trucks do come standard with the 4. 10's where the Dodge/Cummins standard diff. ratio's are 3. 55.

Wayne

 

[Runaway]

I believe the Fords come standard with 3. 73's, with 4. 10's as an option. And yes gear ratios do make the difference

 

[Bad340fish]

Thats a pretty harsh comparison since the PSD has 4. 10s. Are you pulling this hill in the same gear with your cummins as with the PSD. If your holding the same speed or close in the same gear then that will tell you your cummins is working. Put 3. 55s in the PSD and you will see the Cummins shine.
Does ford even offer a 3. 55??
Clark

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Clark
1999 2500 QC SB 5spd Flowmaster 3 chamber, K&N Re-0880
1968 Barracuda Formula S Viper Blue 11. 98@112

NHRA member for life

 

[Papa Joe]

A PS Module and 275 injectors will solve your dilemma for around $450.

In my most humble opinion #ad
Joe

 

[GLedwig]

I agree that gear ratio makes a difference, but I'm not comparing how much power I sustained in 5th gear with 4. 10 to 5th gear with 3. 55. Obviously you're gonna downshift alot more with 3. 55 to keep you where you want to be. I'm talking about raw power at 2200 rpm. I've never had to deal with this because I've always had 4. 10 in my trucks. Why did I switch? Well, there's several circumstances that I would rather not get into right now. Anyway, if I'm running 2200 rpm in 5th gear with 4. 10, whats the difference if I'm running 2200 rpm in 4th gear with 3. 55 (besides your actual speed)? Seems to me there's no difference. Correct me if I'm wrong. Like I said, I'm new to 3. 55.

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2001. 5 4X4 24v ISB. Reg. Cab SLT 5-speed 3. 54 Dark garnet. BFG Mud Terrains on all 4. Gooseneck hitch. Grill guard. Not equipped enough to be my official ranch truck-but gettin' there

 

[Jar Head]

I traded an '99 F-250 SC SB 2WD auto PSD w/ 3. 73's for my '01 Cummins. I also drive (a LOT more than my Cummins) an '87 F-Super Duty (F-450)w/ service body w/ the old non turbo'd 7. 3L w/5. 13's and a four speed manual with "overdrive". With a GVW over 17,000 lbs, this truck crawls up hills in second gear and has no passing power but does good on flat, open highways. This is the kind of truck you do not want to be behind on hilly and/or windy roads. Over 300,000 miles on this well abused truck w/ just one total engine rebuild and stock driveline. My Cummins Ram will out perform this truck in any test I could imagine comparing them to.
My friend and neighbor drives a totally stock '00 PSD CC F-350 4X4 SRW w/ 3. 73's (4. 10's are an option only w/ DRW Super Duty's). His truck is quicker and faster than my Cummins in every test we have run them through - both loaded and unloaded. This guy ABUSES his truck and has had zero problems.
Seat-of-the-pants tells me my old PSD was quicker than my Cummins and pulled everything I ever attached to it very well w/ zero problems, I just hated the way that particular configuration of truck looked to my eye.
The PSD should be quicker with up to 10 HP and 40 more lbs-ft of torque, and any comparison testing I have seen backs this up. Just read the write up in issue 31. The '01 PSD has even more power.
Having owned both the Cummins and PSD, I have concluded that they are both great trucks that have different advantages and disadvantages and shopping for this class of vehicle is harder than any other. I would have no problems buying another PSD, we'll see what the year '03 brings us.

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Made in Mexico: 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 HD 4x4, LWB, Regular Cab ST, ETC, Auto, 4. 10 LSD, Camper Package, Trailer Package, 100% Stock.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Bull - have you installed EGT and boost gauges yet? It's always possible that your engine isn't running right (loose intake boots, etc) - gauges will tell you that.

-Steve

 

[Guest00]

My 97 PSD w/410's would out pull my bombed DC. I could pull Sedillo hill w/ car hauler and Merc and accelerate from 50 to 100 mph 1. 5 mi. from summit. My DOdGe will pull the same trailer and car at 75 and if you slow down there is no making up any speed. I traded for the Q Cab and the fact that the Ford body sets below the bottom of the frame, this means if you high center that you will crush body panels till it rests on the frame. the Ford got 18 mpg all city driveing and,16 mpg hauling car, and 14 w/ 5th wheel. My DOdGe has never gotten over 18 MT hiway, 12 with car hauler and a best of 10 w 5th and an average of 8.
The bs about it is not broken in yet, ( dealers say thats normal but no one believes that one either ) say it enough times and you might believ it. I have seen no dyno #'s to prove it.
I have not said that the Cummins is not a quality piece but there is no substitute for cubes.

Now I will admit that the DODGE has better cup holders, good factory 3"lift and rides smoother.

This is just my opinion.

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2K, 2500, Quad, SB, 4x4, 3:54LSD, A/T, reese 15k 5th slider, EASLEY BULL BAR, WESTIN NERFS, TA's, 9000's, stealth DD2's, DD Boost & elbow, ISSPRO pyro & boost, Turbo Lifesaver, JARDINE 4", DTT VB,TC,TC SAVER and AUX COOLER, PAC BRAKE, MAG HYTECH TP& DC, AFE filter onboard. Taylor Wing and Gear Vendors on order
pullee #1 26' Arctic Fox 5th
#2 22' car hauler w/ 76 Pinto 392cid or 68 Cyclone GT Cobra Jet FB
NRA-LIFE, VFW-LIFE, SoCSA-LIFE, SASS

 

[JKloppe]

JNutter- Are you saying the gears made the difference or are you falling into the classic american thinking that you have to have a big V8 under the hood to make power?

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·1999 2500 QC LB Auto 3. 55 4x4
·Armorthane Bed liner, A-pillar gauges, RE-0880, EZ, Husky mats, strait pipe

 

[Homicide]

My two bits on this Powerstroke thread.....

Raced a stock 4 door 4x4 Powerstroke with 3 girls that I met in a bar yesterday night up a 5% or so grade, and the Ford zipped along with my EZ boxed Cummins 4x4. The Ford surprised me with its accelleration from 55 to 80 mph. Once it hit its band it caught up and zipped right along. Part to blame is my Dodge doesn't downshift and rev quikly when you stomp on it..... torque converter lockup????

I was loaded with 2-200 lbs guys. The Powerjoke was loaded with 3 girls with DDD, D, and B-minus bazookas, so their load was respectable.

I agree that there ain't much of a "substitute for cubes".

Anyone race a DuraMax Condom yet????

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1999 2500 Quad SLT, 4x4, Auto, SWB, white with Agate leather interior, all options except fog lights. Very happy with the changed 4. 10 gears to 3. 55. 285/75 tires. Towing a '96 21ft Boston Whaler Outrage with 225 hp Johnson and galv. TT. Getting ready to BOMB because the Dodge is a little doggy towing the Whaler and my big Asian butt. Bomb run #1, Edge EZ box. Next???

"LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR CHEAP BEER/DODGE PARTS"

 

[Guest00]

Originally posted by JKloppe:
JNutter- Are you saying the gears made the difference or are you falling into the classic american thinking that you have to have a big V8 under the hood to make power?

I am saying that an 8. 3 would out pull a 7. 3, and I know a stock 7. 3 can out pull my bombed 5. 9. I am not worried who can go fasr M/T but who can go fast loaded and get better fuel mileage. I know the bennies of a I-6 as I had a 72 ford 300 I-6 that would out pull a 302 v8 loaded but not m/t. That was apples to apples as displacement was equal.

 

[DaveO]

Bull,

"Anyway, if I'm running 2200 rpm in 5th gear with 4. 10, whats the difference if I'm running 2200 rpm in 4th gear with 3. 55 (besides your actual speed)? Seems to me there's no difference. Correct me if I'm wrong. Like I said, I'm new to 3. 55. "


The amount of available torque to the rear wheels is a function of the overall gear ratio. Without getting into the specifics, the higher numerical gear(4. 10) will deliver more power to rotate the rear wheels.

You cannot compare a truck with 3. 55's to another with 4. 10's accurately. Like you stated the speeds are different @ the same rpm. It's like trying to peddle a 10 speed bike in 2 different gears.

Dave

 

[RonaldLarson]

Daveo, your statement on ratios is a bit off the track. Why does a 3000 pound car with 300 horsepower and 4. 10 gears get from A to B quicker than the same car with 3. 55's?
Because gears are torque multipliers. It simply takes longer to accelerate when the torque multiplication is smaller. It's not rocket science, just physics. Put a ten pound rock at the end of a four foot rope, and a ten pound rock at the end of an eight foot rope. Spin the ropes as fast as you can. Now which one will get to maximum speed first? Four foot.
Newton (oops) Ron


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'99 QC SLT 4X4, Forest Green, long box, camper/trailer pkg, 3. 55 axles, auto, CD/cassette, power seat, heated mirrors, HD xfer case, Two meter Radioshack ham transceiver (license KC7MME),Proud member of the vast right wing conspiracy!
'98 Arctic Cat 300 4X4 ATV
'00 Honda Recon ATV
'99 Grand Cherokee
NRA Life member
"Bible thumping" Rush Dittohead!

 

[joesoot]

Great post Newton er- Ron
exellent analogy.

 

[danandamy]

Originally posted by Papa Joe:
A PS Module and 275 injectors will solve your dilemma for around $450.

In my most humble opinion #ad
Joe

I'd get a few more miles on it and really break it in but really Papa Joe is right. It's time to bomb. When I bought my 2wd Cummins I was really disappointed. My dad's PSD walked all over it. Loaded, unloaded, didn't matter. A little minor bombing #ad
fixed that. Now he's not even in the same league. Now that my wife is driving that one and I'm in the newly aquired 4x4, I'm reminded just how much I HATE stock power in these trucks.

Daniel