Deciding Duramax vs Powerstroke

rockyridgefarm · May 4, 2002

That was two generations ago, and this fall will be a third. I am not really arguing against the others, but I think the Cummins has a lot of strengths, and is a simpler engine (lerss to break)

My main point is that this fall, there will be a new unit that is stronger and far quieter under the DR's hood. BTW it is quieter due to block geometry, not some frilly add on....
If someone is making a choice soon, it might be nice to know that the new Cummins is due out in a few months.

I can tell you that the '96 Cummins were a little better than what you'd find in a '96 Chevy.... Or Ford.... (from a durability standpoint, especially)

BTW the standard engine in the new trucks will NOT be the old push rod 360 (as mentioned) It will be a Hemi, and its little brother. the 4.7L is actually a fine powerplant *do not tow with it, though)

Anonymous Poster · May 4, 2002

I have a Duramax / Allison combo and have about 12,000 actual tow miles. My L3010 with backhoe and front-end loader is attached to the back of it at least 3 to 5 days a week. I was on my way to sign the papers for a Dodge / Cummins when I spied the Chevy and after test driving it the Dodge was nixed. The Cummins noise would be REALLY bothersome to me and I was concerned about it all along but need a HD tow vehicle. The Allison was replaced for a fluid leak at 16,000 miles but I was told it was a GM assembly problem and not an Allison issue. The dealers are only allowed to do a very limited amount of repair on them and they swap them out for a new one. The old ones go back to Allison for tear down and diagnosis. The dealer said they sell a bunch of Allisons and mine was the first one back. The Dodge, Chevy, and Ford diesel trucks are all very good, all have different strengths and weakness. I just really love the hell out of my Duramx and have not had any other problems at all with it. Although I maintain it well I also work it very hard, just like my Kubota. BTW – My Kubota needed warranty work from the first day I picked it up, they also have a good quality reputation don’t they?

Jeff396 · May 5, 2002

I have a '97 F350 diesel with 50k on the odometer without a bit of trouble. A friend of my mothers and her husband purchased just about the exact same truck a couple months after I did. Get this....the darn thing blew the engine ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP! To make matters worse, the dealership refused to replace the vehicle but was going to replace the engine. Took them a bit of argueing and going up the chain at Ford to finally get a NEW truck.

My parents bought a brand new Merc Grand Marquis. That car blew the engine before they had 10k on the odometer. Oil pump drive sheared off. With all of the stuff that goes into these cars from all the different venders I think it's amazing they are as reliable as they are. Sometimes, #$%# just happens./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Jeff

cowboydoc · May 5, 2002

Curious why you think that the cummins is more durable than the Ford when the Ford will run for the same amount of time that the Cummins will. My little brother has a 95 powerstroke and last time I talked to him that engine has just turned 400k. Look at the advanced HEUI injection system on the Ford etc. Prior to I believe 98 the Cummins was easier to work on but then they computerized the motor, added all the smog equipment to comply with standards. You look under the hood today and it's no easier to get to a cummins, powerstroke, or duramax.