I too was a newby to the Diesel about a year ago.
I love my cummins, and am very satisfied with my decision. There were several factors which effected my decision.
What worked best for me was to select the truck first. Forget the engine . . we'll get to that later.
The interior fit and finish of the ram is a BIG plus. Second was the intergrated seat belts in the front seats. Have the passenger buckle up then recline as you would on a trip. Easy to see which is the safer feature. Rear leg room, size of the seat bottom and higher & angled seat back for the rear seat. Much more comfortable.
Then go on to the vehicle itself. Let me say this before I start. I believe there are more vehicles out there in both camps without the following problems . . but they seem to get the most attention on the forums.
I'm lucky . . "knock on wood" no issues to date.
Both have auto trans issues that need attention if you look to increase the power beyond stock. Both have front-end and braking issues. So as far as mechanical goes . . its a wash . . kinda even hand delt. Everyone has a chance for a lemon . . it's dependant of how good of a service facility you have as to whether you can get beyond any of these areas of concern.
The kicker for me was the stats on the engine. Our ISB is rated as a light/medium duty engine, whereas the PSD is rated as light. There is a link . . but I can't find it . . maybe someone else can post that.
The PSD has 2 more cylinders and greater displacement yet is about 20% lighter than the Cummins. Larger bearing, larger crank, more steel in the block = greater potential for longer service with a heavier duty engine? I think so.
The Cummins is better in MPG department typically 2mpg on average better. And will out tow an equally equipped PSD usually without exception.
For the PSD you need to constantly keep up with the coolant condition. Test strips to monitor SCA level to keep the block from getting eaten up by the effects of cavitation. To date . . not a concern for the Cummins.
Glow plugs just don't cut it. My cousin with a PSD fears temps below 40. After about a year with his rig. 3 times during the last cold snap he needed to get the vehicle towed to the dealer for componient failures. 3 glow plugs and 2 controlers later . . he still fears the real cold. No confidence?
Then there is the cackle / engine knock issue. For a engine manufacturer and Ford not to have a clue of the cause is a major issue in my book. What's even worse there are hundreds of documented cases of this engine knock, do a search on "cackle" on the PSD board.
Cackle Survey - Over 20 pages!
And even more scary is the condition could show up months after you purchase the vehicle . . bringing it to the service isle will result in a service manager adding your vehicle to a list for whenever they find the problem they will call. Nearly 18 months now of this documented condition without any clue to its cause.
The only issue is whether your buddy needs a crew cab. Or if he trades out every 2 years and have no intention on keeping it beyond 100k miles. Then the ford is an option.
In my family . . I have the only cummins below 150k miles. My brother in-law's fleet of delivery vehicles was converted from PSD in 1997. 8 3500's and 4 2500's . . all over 150k and the highest with 463k. He claims he will never to return to a PSD fleet.
If he's gonna tow get the standard!! My 5sp is one of the easiest clutches and smoothest transmissions I ever shifted. Unless a personal requirement save the bucks, get the 6sp HO and keep the extra $1100 for some "upgrades"
I have behind the wheel time in all of them and wouldn't trade mine for any of the others. Yeah the Cummins sounds like a real diesel and its a little louder . . but at least my truck doesn't sound like a school bus!
Sorry for the long post . . Good luck . .
Michael
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00 Driftwood 2500 ST QC ISB LB 5spd 3:54 LSD Tow & Camper Groups . . SunnyBrook 33FKS Travel Trailer
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[This message has been edited by madams (edited 05-12-2001). ]
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