98 5.9l Cummins 12V vs. 99 7.3l Powerstroke

[3930dave]

Hi, I'm trying to assess 2 trucks, mainly for the motors.

FIRSTLY - No disrespect implied to either motor, both seem well regarded by smarter folks than I. :thumbsup:

3/4 tons - Dodge vs. Ford: '98 5.9l Cummins 12Valve vs. Late '99 7.3l Powerstroke.

I've read up on the KDP issue with the Cummins, and am aware of the 5 speed Dodge stick trani issues.

I've started reading up on the 7.3l just now. The impression I'm getting is that the above 7.3l motor has more electronic/electrical controls than the above 12 valve Cummins (ex. the solenoid controlled (I think) fuel regulator on the 7.3l that seems to go/plug up... called the IPR if I'm getting this right).

1) While I welcome all feedback on these motors, I'm firstly trying to verify if my gut feeling (above listed Cummins is more purely Mechanically controlled) on this is correct.

2) Above 7.3l seems to be listed as indirect injection, I'm thinking the Cummins is direct injection - correct ?

I'm looking at these 3/4 tons to tow about 10k#. I tend to keep vehicles effectively forever, so am leaning towards these older/simpler diesels - mainly trying to get a sense from the brain trust here which of these two is the simpler (I guess I'm really saying easier) to maintain in the long run.

Best Rgds, D.

 

[Skyco]

Both are direct injection.
I won't comment on all the other stuff:laughing:

 

[Diamondpilot]

Both engines are great. The 5.9 is probably a little better but the overall Ford package is probably the best diesel rig ever built. Check over the frame, suspensions, look for rust, ect. Both have good points and weak points.

One other thing to check is the GVWR and GCWR of each truck. Some 3/4 tons of that era were pretty weak in these departments. Many would only carry 1,000# payload and be over weight and may have a pretty pathetic tow rating.

Just because it says 3/4 ton does not mean anything.

Chris

 

[MFRED]

I would give my right, well maybe left, arm for a 98, 12V with a 5 speed. I am not a Ford guy, but, I think the 7.3's were the best diesel engine Ford ever put in a pickup. They seemed to hold up well and were pretty reliable. Both are pretty easy to get more power out of if desired. Both will probably treat you better than a current production truck. You can't beat the fuel mileage of that era truck. With a little tweaking, you'll get better than double what a new truck will.

 

[scesnick]

Cummins, no doubt.,.. Although if I was forced to drive a Ford, I would want the 7.3.

 

[3930dave]

Thnx Skyco, Chris, MFred, scesnick

A local ace mechanic drives a 7.3 of that era.... I went to talk with him about the Cummins - had good things to say about he 5.9, points to ponder about the trani, and had a good lead on a '99 7.3.

Was trying to hold a cell call on my way thru the back country on Friday - Chrysler Canada had to go to paper records to get the specs - lost the call, will use landline 2moro, but did get a 1800lb payload spec before losing the call.

TrailerBoats.com - Tow Ratings Database

Above rates the Ford at 10,000# tow, and the RAM at 14,000# with 4.10 rear. The RAM I'm looking at has the 3.55.... main thing I want to comfirm with DC is the tow rating, I expect at least 10,000#. Consensus seems to be with the RAM is you are ultimately tow limited by the brakes, not engine - some easy fixes help though.

My local ace pretty much echoed your comments about the overall Ford package.

Lots to consider..... if I'm right, I'd prefer the mechanical simplicity of the Cummins, but I have to admit.... the OBDII scanner I just saw for the 7.3 is pretty slick..... looks like it would just plug in, and deliver many/most of the operating parameters that I'd need.

Terminator Engineering

There may be the equivalent scanner for the Cummins, just haven't stumbled across it yet.

I can wire up discrete sensors..... just often don't have enough of those 'RoundtoIts in my toolbox !

Thnx again guys....... Dave.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would watch the tow ratings on Trailer Boats. What they do state is that is bumper pull limit and just may be a limit of the factory hitch. The 5th wheel/gn limit is higher but of no concern to boaters. I am a boat dealer and use there publications all the time.

Chris

 

[flusher]

Hi, I'm trying to assess 2 trucks, mainly for the motors.

FIRSTLY - No disrespect implied to either motor, both seem well regarded by smarter folks than I. :thumbsup:

3/4 tons - Dodge vs. Ford: '98 5.9l Cummins 12Valve vs. Late '99 7.3l Powerstroke.

I've read up on the KDP issue with the Cummins, and am aware of the 5 speed Dodge stick trani issues.

I've started reading up on the 7.3l just now. The impression I'm getting is that the above 7.3l motor has more electronic/electrical controls than the above 12 valve Cummins (ex. the solenoid controlled (I think) fuel regulator on the 7.3l that seems to go/plug up... called the IPR if I'm getting this right).

1) While I welcome all feedback on these motors, I'm firstly trying to verify if my gut feeling (above listed Cummins is more purely Mechanically controlled) on this is correct.

2) Above 7.3l seems to be listed as indirect injection, I'm thinking the Cummins is direct injection - correct ?

I'm looking at these 3/4 tons to tow about 10k#. I tend to keep vehicles effectively forever, so am leaning towards these older/simpler diesels - mainly trying to get a sense from the brain trust here which of these two is the simpler (I guess I'm really saying easier) to maintain in the long run.

Best Rgds, D.

I've spent the last year doing what you're doing--comparing 10-15 year old 3/4 and 1T PUs, gas vs diesel, std cab vs extended cab vs crew cab, etc.

One thing you might want to do before pulling the trigger is check out the cost of replacement parts, especially drivetrain, steering and suspension, and labor cost for repairs. Expensive parts like diesel injection pumps, turbos, high pressure oil pump (in the case of the 7.3L), and injectors can really be an annoyance when they go out.

It helps to read the relevant forums and get an idea of what parts are likely to need repair/replacement after your purchase.

 

[windy acers]

the 7.3's are ran by wire and computer above 1994 look behind the gas pedal all wires no linkage!!! on the 4r100 autos the torque converters go bad and sound like a can of marbels. A $1500.00 repair. I own a 99 f-250 power stroke and love it. every used truck has a reason it is for sale. just expect you will have to fix something and go with it . consider it as a truck payment once in a while

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

...mainly trying to get a sense from the brain trust here which of these two is the simpler

With all else being equal, an inline 6 beats a V8 for simplicity. And, no glow plugs either, but a more reliable intake grate heater. Routine maint. is easy with the 5.9. I can change the oil filter from above. Only have to crawl under to drain the oil and grease the f/end. And it helps that it sits high! With Dodge not offering a 3500 SRW, the 2500 HD was effectively their 1 ton SRW.

The 2500 HD and 3500 duallie had the same tow ratings. IIRC, it was around 9000 lbs with 3:54 and 14,000 lbs with 4:10 (don't quote me though). I've had no issues with either KDP or the 5 spd manual in my 95, which I bought new. I have the 3:54's. At 100 kmh, or 62 mph the tach is at about 1900 rpm in 5th gear.
It has been a great truck and I have no intention of replacing it with anything new that is currently on the market for pretty much the same reasons you're looking at this era of diesel pickups.