Ford F-350 or Ram 3500, DRW vs. SRW

Me Again wrote:



As you point out the 25K budget is an issue. Low 40's for a new RAM tradesman gets one lower interest rates, new vehicle warranty and a reliable new truck.

Chris

That's a valid point. Even if OP has $25 in cash, borrowing the difference at low rates might save money in long run on a new vehicle.

$25K will put you into a 6.0 or 6.4 Powerstroke. No brainer, go for the Cummins. New versus new there's a debate, but any generation Cummins versus a 6.0 or 6.4 Powerstroke is a no brainer. There's a reason they're cheaper.

Just a note I own SRW F350 6.0 & an F250 7.3 the only difference is an over load spring on the F350. You can also look for a good F250 add air bags (about 800) and you can tow anything the 350 can.

SRW Vs DRW Parkig. A crew long bed is long then add DRW and your now wide too. Plan on parking away from buildings in the out back. I have been in Milwaukee with the F250 and had problems finding parking down town, the spaces are not large enough for trucks. Measure a parking space at your local Walmart, then measure any long bed crew length & width. The DRW will be more stable in cross winds.

JMHO

FishOnOne wrote:
My '12 6.7PSD has 128k miles and has had one repair to date for a bad Nox sensor. So far I'm really pleased with my truck. No oil leaks, all diffs are bone dry, original ball joints and still running factory alignment, interior is still very quiet and rattle free. Fuel economy is still as good as when the truck was new.

With a $25k budget you're going to have to maybe look at the XL/tradesman models and perhaps even be prepared to spend a little more.

Good luck...

As you point out the 25K budget is an issue. Low 40's for a new RAM tradesman gets one lower interest rates, new vehicle warranty and a reliable new truck.

Chris

My '12 6.7PSD has 128k miles and has had one repair to date for a bad Nox sensor. So far I'm really pleased with my truck. No oil leaks, all diffs are bone dry, original ball joints and still running factory alignment, interior is still very quiet and rattle free. Fuel economy is still as good as when the truck was new.

With a $25k budget you're going to have to maybe look at the XL/tradesman models and perhaps even be prepared to spend a little more.

Good luck...

A good lift pump makes the VP44 a solid injection pump.

itguy08 wrote:

zell66 wrote:
My preference at this point would be a 2011 or newer F-350 with the 6.7

That's the best choice.

LOTS of issues with the 2011's.

C Schomer wrote:
I went from a 97 CTD to an 03. I skipped 98.5- 2002 so I could get the HO 305, 6 spd and it's a towing monster... especially after a few smart mods. I also avoided the 51 block and VP44 pump. Craig

For those years a Fauss or Air Dog fuel pump will make the injector pump last longer than you.

zell66 wrote:
250000 on a deisle is not bad from what I have read. But that his my range. Or would consider a 2002 F-350 with a 7.3

Would you consider diesel as the correct spelling?

zell66 wrote:
My preference at this point would be a 2011 or newer F-350 with the 6.7

That's the best choice.