New Ford

[Diesel Man]

Switching to Ford

I've been a Mopar fan all my life but after a year of research, I've decided to go with a new Ford Super Duty Diesel Crew Cab for my next new truck. I just ordered it yesterday. It's a fully loaded 4X4 Lariat with all the goodies including trailer brake controller. My price, $40,678.

WHY? (you ask)

Well, the main reason is simply that Ford is building the best product at this point. The new front suspension, the heavy duty 5 spd auto, the fact that the transmission has a drain plug & an external spin-on filter, the engine oil and fuel filters are mounted on top and easy to change and it's made in the USA instead of Mexico!

I still think the Cummins engine is the best of the three but what good is it to have a million mile engine in a 100K mile truck with a auto transmission that is still behind the times? I guess I just got tired of waiting for Dodge to catch up.

Don't get me wrong, I still like Dodge and I had to work hard to put aside my preconceived ideas to make an intelligent truck buying decision based only on the facts. And right now, per all of my research, Ford is making the best product.

One final note, ALL three brands are making damn good trucks and I don't think a person be disappointed whatever the choice. But after carefully weighing all the facts, Ford came out on top. I'm not posting this to offend anyone so my apologizes if anyone takes offence. I just couldn't sit by and let my brand loyalty become blind loyalty.

 

[DPelletier]

Don,

I'm sure you'll be happy with your truck. I guess I disagree that Ford is making the best product at this point. While your argument for the Torqueshift over the 48RE has some merit, the Cummins is much better than the PSD. Is it worth it to have a better motor or transmission? Or conversly would you rather have a sub-standard motor or transmission? For me its all a moot point as I wouldn't want any other transmission over my NV-5600, so as far as I'm concerned, I have the best motor AND transmission. I agree that brand loyalty for the sake of it is a bad thing, but Ford hasn't convinced me that they have the best truck at this point. If they'd go with a HD I-6 with common rail, I'd definitely sit up and take notice.



Cheers,

Dave

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I still think the Cummins engine is the best of the three

Great! We are in complete agreement.

I have the best motor AND transmission.

We have consensus here. Great thread.



" Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" KJV

 

[TJMIV]

o. k. guys I have a question, was told by a Dodge dealer in another state that they expect to see a Mercedes diesel & 5 or 6 speed auto in the Dodge H. D. trucks in place of the Cummins possibly as soon as 2006 models. Say it ain`t so ,the cummins is why I like my truck so much. This fella also told me that in that same timeframe to expect to see the cummins available in the F-250 & F-350 trucks. I did`nt want to make him made but I told him that if that`s the case I would most likely buy the Ford to get the cummins. Any body out there no if there`s any truth to this.

 

[DPelletier]

o. k. guys I have a question, was told by a Dodge dealer in another state that they expect to see a Mercedes diesel & 5 or 6 speed auto in the Dodge H. D. trucks in place of the Cummins possibly as soon as 2006 models. Say it ain`t so ,the cummins is why I like my truck so much. This fella also told me that in that same timeframe to expect to see the cummins available in the F-250 & F-350 trucks. I did`nt want to make him made but I told him that if that`s the case I would most likely buy the Ford to get the cummins. Any body out there no if there`s any truth to this.

MOST salesmen spend the majority of thier time talking out thier rear. I've yet to meet one that knew as much as my potential vehicle purchase as I did. I know they are out there, but I haven't seen one yet! (No offense, Tommygun and rare others!) Anything is possible, but I sure wouldn't believe it even for a moment just because a salesman said so. Honestly, if the Getrag doesn't prove to be as good as the NV-5600 and Ford was to get an I-6 common rail diesel, I'd have to consider one again.



Dave

 

[Big Sur]

If you really want to do your homework, and want the real invoice pricing including dealer holdbacks, dealer incentives, customer incentives, market analysis, and more, go to www.fightingchance.com. Edmunds is ok, but is nothing compared to fighting chance.



Peter

On a new CTD would you spend the $35 with your source if you were already getting $1000 below invoice?



Btw, thanks for the link.

 

[jsimpson]

I think we all bought our RAMs for the engine and the styling. Ford and chevy have us beat in every other area.

 

[DPKetchum]

I was told several years ago that the plan was the Cummins and Chrysler made auto was to be standard engine and trans combo and OPTIONAL was to be a MB designed BIGGER diesel and a 5 or 6 speed auto for the BIGGER Dodge truck that was coming. This was by factory reps who said this was at least on the drawing board/discussion.

 

[thejeepdude]

I think we all bought our RAMs for the engine and the styling. Ford and chevy have us beat in every other area.

They don't have Dodge beat on every other area... IFS SUCKS. Dodge is building the last true 4x4 with a solid front axle. We also have the best ground clearance by far. For people who want a truck to take them off the beaten path, there is no other choice, IMO.

 

[DPelletier]

I think we all bought our RAMs for the engine and the styling. Ford and chevy have us beat in every other area.

Speak for yourself, as well as Engine and Styling, I would add;

- better transmission (NV-5600)

- better front end than GM

- better Interior and QC (compared to extended cabs for those of us that don't want a 80' long CC)

- better turning radius than a Ford (at least before the '05's)

- better brakes



When I look at my truck I realize that the;

- engine, transmission, transfercase, axles, u-joints, ball-joints, tires, lightbulbs, etc. etc. are all made by someone other than DC. I think DC did an exceptional job on the styling and a good job with the rest of the stuff. The entire drivetrain was sourced out to others and I believe that drivetrain is superior to anything offered by Ford or GM. The rest of the truck would really have to be crap for me to take the 2nd or 3rd best drivetrain.



Dave

 

[Hohn]

.



Personally, I'm glad to see one of the big three finally start to get serious about the trailer towing market.



Rusty

... and *I* am personally disgusted that it WASN'T Dodge!!

 

[jsimpson]

Dodge has a better interior??? My brother's three year old Duramax's interior beats my 03 dodge hands-down. And his seats are as comfortable as my Buick seats were. My wife has an 01 Tundra, out of warranty and has only had brake pads an an 02 sensor replaced in three years. It drives, handles, and rides as good as new. Itrplaced her Buick. Toyota is the primary reason the big three have made so many improvements in the last four years on their half-tons. If Toyota made a 1 ton diesel, the big three would REALLY be working to make improvements!

 

[Punkineater]

If DC abandoned Cummins as a powerplant I would be gone. My father has a GMC with the Duramax and with the exception of the engine it is a far superior truck.

 

[jsimpson]

If DC abandoned Cummins as a powerplant I would be gone. My father has a GMC with the Duramax and with the exception of the engine it is a far superior truck.

After spending some quality time with my brother's Duramax, I had a REALLY difficult time deciding to go again with Dodge. I believe styling did it. I had, and have, no complaint with the Duramax. It performs great, is reliable, and has had nothing but oil and filter changes with over 100,000 miles under its belt.