I have been a Ford man all my life. First of all, I would not even consider a gasser, Diesel all the way! Ford is going with a new 6.4L in 08 when they haven't even gotten the bugs out of the 6.0L they are running now. Chevrolet is a passenger car, not a truck, built for comfort, not work. Dodge has the Cumins Diesel, yes a new size but hte same basic engine. I would not get a pickup, I would get the new 07 3500 cab and chasis and put either a flatbed or a ranchhand type bed on it. Cummins motor, Allison Tranny, now they have a frame and suspension to go along with it! DODGE
Buddy has a Dodge 1500 Ram. Thing is total junk. It will not get out of it's own way. Once he has it paid off, he is going to sell it and buy another brand, has no power for the amount of fuel it eats up. If you don't mind the money, you can get the 3500 and upgrade to a Banks' System. Sounds like a semi going down the road and gives you a major boost in power.
Ford's are good tough trucks. Yes the engine's have been very tempermental but they are still strong trucks. Lots of interior space if you go with a crew cab. Like the mechanic friendly environment under the hood. Nothing like the old days, but no more pulling the oil filter from underneath the truck. It's up on top of the engine now and it's a small thing compared to the old filters that were the size of a 2 liter bottle of soda.
I have a Chevy S-10 and it has done real good. Would agree with the Silverado's being built for comfort. If you want a cozy comfortable truck, the Chevy is the one.
It all comes down to what brand you like, they are all about the same, the Chevy is just prettier looking inside while the Ford is a man's truck with no comforts and the Dodge is a little of both.
Go with the FORD i have a 6.0 and only been back for one recall. Never had a problem yet with it. It just turn 40,000 miles its a 04. Witht he 6speed tranny. Here is a pic.
I have a 2002 Chevy 2500 Silverado Diesel Crew Cab with long bed. I love the truck. However, Chevy did have some fuel injector problems. I have had mine changed at least 3 times. Chevy did extend the warranty to 200,000 miles. I bought this truck for tow reasons: The towing capacity and how quiet things are in the cab.
I considered a 3500 when I made my purchase. After some research, the only difference was in the carrying capacity and not the towing capacity. I wanted the vehicle for towing my fifth wheel. A friend pointed out that why get a heavier suspension and buy a rougher ride when I don't really want it.
At least have some idea why you want a 3500.
At this time I plan on buying another Chevy or GMC unless another manufacturer can match the towing capacity.
I've had good experiences with Fords. First was a 94 F-150 with a 300 6 cyl. Sold it with 179,000 and was still going strong.
Now I have a 2003 F-350 7.3 Diesel with a 9' utility bed for work and it's a beast, I love it. It's 4 wheel drive w/35" tires, and a 8' Meyer plow. I have about 105,000 on it and a recent oil analysis was done and it looks good.
My other one is a 06' F-350 CC 6.0 Diesel, has 5000 miles since I took delivery in May. So far so good, but too early to tell. I haven't done any mods to it yet, still pondering what to do to it. So far though I like this truck. The only complaint I have is, it seems a little bouncy in the front end. That can be fixed with some good shocks though, I hope.
My wife drives a 96' Chevy 3500 Dually ex. cab w/ a 454. It's been a great truck too, just usual maitenance, it has 120,000 miles on it. Tune ups are expensive though. I'm trying to talk her into a Ford for her next truck but not having much luck.
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