Coming over from the "Dark Side"....

[madams]

Welcome to the right side of the fence.

Like everyone said . . once you have a few miles on it . . run the heck out of it.

I'd do the first oil change at about 2k . . keep the synthetics out until the engine's broke in. About 10k if you tow 15k+ if you're a city no-load user.

There are several threads on the board about the break in time . . several about power improvements at a few intervals until about 20k.

I for one have experienced this . . City mpg was in the 15-16 mpg range until about 10k. A slight drop to 14-15 mpg between 10 and about 17k miles. Another jump beyond 20k. I now average 16-17. 5 city unloaded. 20-21. 5mpg hwy unloaded. Also noted was a power improvement at each interval. No one has confirmed what's happening whether there is a computer / hour timer thingie going on . . but definately noticable.

On a personal note . . and not to start a brand war . . besides the reason to get a real diesel . . what drove you to switch?

Welcome to the best diesel users group on the WEB . . don't be a stranger!

Michael

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00 Driftwood 2500 ST QC ISB LB 5spd 3:54 LSD Tow & Camper Groups . . SunnyBrook 33FKS Travel Trailer

my photos

[This message has been edited by madams (edited 03-12-2001). ]

 

[Jfoster]

I agree with Madams, not to start a brand war, but my reasons for switching are many. Every vehicle has it's quirks and problems, some with one or two, some with many. The new body style Powerstroke seems to have a group of about 6 or 7 problem spots, any one of which on their own would not be a big deal. Mine truck, however, had 6 out of the 7, which to me is unacceptable when you spend 35K and drive it everyday. These were not safety related, more of a "pain in the butt" related. I just got tired of driving to the dealer for service. My sister has two Cummins, a 3500 and a 2500, both of which have 100K+ and her record of reliability was the final straw to drive me to the Dodge.
First impressions from each vehicle:
The Dodge is easier to manuver, drive, has a more usable power band, and I think it's more comfortable. The Ford felt bigger inside, you could pull a house with it, but it couldn't get out of it's own way unless you chipped it. Both were (are) 6 speeds, the Dodge has a tighter shift throw, and takes a bit getting used to. The Ford was wide and long and very definite as to when you hit the gear. At speed the noise seems equal, the Dodge may be a bit quieter. Around town the Dodge is louder. The cummins is a beautifully simple engine. All you need to do is look under the hood of both and compare the maze of Turbo ducting, wires, etc on the Powerstroke to realize the Cummins is simple, clean, and elegant.
Bottom line, and again not to start a brand war, both have their merits, both have their problems. I honestly believe the Dodge/Cummins package is a better all around outfit, otherwise I wouldn't have switched.
Thanks for making a newbie feel welcome. Great trucks, great site, and great members.

 

[RamRunnerRob]

jfoster,
Guy , welcome to our side of the world. . And thanks for being so candid about such a touchy subject. I, for one, appreciate your honesty!!

Keep on, keepin' on!!

Rob

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'94 2500SLT, LB, 3. 54, Automatic, TransGo Shift Kit, DunRite Convertor, TST HD Clutch Pak, TST #5 Fuel Plate, TST AFC Spring Kit, 16 sq. cm turbine housing, PacBrake, AutoLoc, EGT Gage, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover & transmission Pan, DeeZee Chrome Full Length Running Boards, Northwest Custom Rear Flaps, Vent Shades,. Pull 35' HitchHiker Premier WideBody 5th Whl (13,850+ lbs). 160,615 miles as of 3-11-01 Full Time RV'ers, Portsmouth, Ohio is "home".

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

After working for the Ford Motor Co for 7 years The Towel was thrown in and the rest is history. Welcome aboard!

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Y2K+1 3500 4X4 Quad Cab Powerpacked , Jakit's Front End Leveling Kit with 255/85R16 BFG M/T's Custom Rhino (as seen on website under tool man's truck feature) http://www.rhinoliningsnlc.com DeeZee Goodies, Hadley air systems 150 psi comp and air storage.
Keeping the rubber side down 'n' shiny side up Will Bring a smile at the end of each day (hopefully) #ad


[This message has been edited by ToolManTimTaylor1 (edited 03-15-2001). ]

 

[Irontrader]

Jfoster - Best way to break it in is to pull a trailer with it. Mine didn't have 1k miles on it before I made a 2k mile trip with my triple axle flatbed trailer to haul a tractor home. At 70k miles it runs great and doesn't use or leak any oil.

If you need something to pull, I just bought a tractor last night that is in southern CA. Would make a nice break-in trip for you if you'd run down to CA and pick it up for me ;-) Wouldn't even charge you for letting you do this!