</font><font color="blueclass=small">( I really have no "bad" news for you. I've been in the industry to have access to literally hundreds of thousands of breakdown claims. I do NOT take my advice from any publication that may have a lot of advertising dollars hinging on whether the next write up for their truck will be favorable or not. Also, I've seen "great" mechanics who make their entire living fixing vehicles who had absolutely no clue as to the actual comparative analysis between similar vehicles that include important factors which not only include frequency of repairs, but many other variables such as severity as well. Basically, what I'm saying is that I do have lots of friends in the business, but I make my decisions on rating and rates on actual facts on actual repairs. I deal in pure facts. Emotions have no place in what I do.
First, on your '99 PowerStroke. Keep it!! If what you tell me is correct and you do maintain your vehicle as you say, you're not half way to statistically having expensive repairs appear with any frequency. Your take on the transmission is also correct. You can get an automatic transmission for a Ford, Dodge, or GM that will hold up over the long haul even when hauling heavy loads, but that will cost you (with labor) over $8,000.
The 6.0 liter replacement for the venerable old 7.3 has already been phased out. As to not upset anyone, I'll just say that Ford agrees with the actuarial data that says the engine is not a winner. I think the slated replacement for '07 will be a 6.6 or 6.7. I obviously have no data on them.
Although I personally own a Dodge truck, I prefer the Ford truck (other than the power train) better. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Not that it will ever matter for most people, it will not be uncommon to see 300k to 600k on your 7.3 PowerStroke. You can about double that for the Cummins. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Also, in every diesel drag race bracket and every truck pull bracket, the Cummins is the world record holder. Bluntly, more power and more reliability if you can take the box around the powerplant.
The GM offerings is a tough issue for me. Most all of my relatives are die hard GM fans. The 6.2 diesels were terrible. The 6.5 were not much better. The "savior", the Isuzu Duramax has had more than it's share of issues as well as the stock Allison "bulletproof" transmission. But, GM seems to have the strongest following and they are also addressing their short comings in the diesel area. They better, Toyota is close to bringing out a 1 ton diesel here in the U.S.
The bottom line: what do you like? If you like your Ford, stick with it another couple hundred thousand miles while you figure out your next move. If you can take the truck (and I've gotten used to mine) and want what is simply the longest lasting and strongest pickup diesel engine, go with a Dodge. If you don't mine shifting gears, go with a stick. If you go with an automatic, just figure on dropping about $8000 after you run out of warranty and you'll be done for life there. I've lit up all 4 rear tires on my Dodge and have about melted them off of the rims on several occasions with no ill issues with my expensive aftermarket tranny.
If you want to fight the brand wars with others, feel free. I go by stats only. I assure you, otherwise, I would not drive a Dodge over a Ford. Besides that, I can run in the high 13's in the quarter mile with my 4X4 dually with a 4" lift kit that weighs 8000 pounds. That does have a certain fun factor. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )</font>
Just to add a little......
The new Ford engine will be a 6.4L Navistar with common rail injection through peizo injectors..
Dodge is also releasing its replacement diesel next year(last I heard) for their sake, I hope its as bulletproof as this generation..
Both are due to the stringent '07 emissions.. The current engines will not pass... We'll get another set of new engines(or modified versions) in '10...
BTW, about the trans.... I prefer the auto, but I wouldnt race the truck /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifso the $8k version would be overkill to me.. With a temp gauge and extra cooler on it, maybe even a shift improver along with regular maint I like my chances with the Ford auto, especially the TqShift(I've ridden in a 4x4 with 450hp and if I remember correctly about 900lb of tq, talk about impressive, it aint broke yet).. I have no experience with the Dodge auto, but I havent heard any good about the stock box /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif...
