1999 F-350 or 2004 duramax

[alwaysxj]

so I am looking at two trucks a 99 F-350 and a 04 duramax. I have never owned a diesel before and Know little to nothing about them. I have read these years of the two trucks are good to have. The 99 is leather has DVD in the dash and is well kept carfax looked good other then it hit a deer a year or so ago but was fixed. it has the 7.3 with an auto and has 205K the tranny has never been rebuilt or at least it doesn't show it has. The 04 duramax is the LB7 with an Alison (i have heard good things about this tranny?) it has a mild chip and it is cloth interior. Seems to be a little run down as far as shape of the interior and a couple good sized dents on the outside, tranny has never been rebuilt and it has 180K miles. Both trucks are listed for around 12K

Here is my question I tow a 7-8K camper a couple times a year, the truck will be mainly parked in the summer and drove daily in the winter. what are some known problems with these two trucks and should I be worried about the tranny's not being rebuilt with that many miles on them? what kind of MPG are these trucks going to produce? I am sure I can't go wrong with either one but I figured I would ask around. I am leaning towards the Ford just because it is in such good shape and is everything I was looking for other then the tranny not being rebuilt already. My wife is leaning towards the duramax because it has lower miles and it has the Alison tranny. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

 

[SLC97SR5]

That is a tough question. Are they the same body configuration, i.e. crew cab long beds etc?

I am a Ford lover but the Duramax will pull your trailer better than the ol' 7.3

The overall cost of maintenance will likely be lower with the Ford although it will surely need a new 4R100 so I would budget for that and slap on a transmission cooler from a 6.0 powerstroke.

Is the Ford tuned, chipped or have gauges?

Are there gooseneck hitches in the beds of either truck?

What are the rear axle ratios?

Keep in mind that I am totally biased towards the Ford but that is the direction I would go.

 

[alwaysxj]

both trucks are 4 full doors and short beds, they both have a B&w turn over in the bed. I don't think the ford has anything done to it as far as a chip or anything. also, not sure on the axle ratios.also, both trucks do not have any gauges installed. So the tranny on the Ford is a ticking time bomb then? how much are these things normally to rebuilt or to buy a new/used? why put a 6.0 cooler on it, is the 7.3 not good enough? also the 6.0 is junk right? I can find dang good deals all day long on the 6.0's but I don't want something with a bunch of problems. if a 6.0 already has the head bolts and the egr delete kit are they worth it?

 

[mbryson]

I'd drive both trucks and take the one that drives and feels better. Both have their issues and they are well known. I'd go with the F*rd if it's a dead heat. As mentioned, the Duramax will likely outtow the F*rd and you'd be wise to put a trans in the Ford at 200k (at least have $2500-3000 in savings for when it goes out). 7.3L will need a CPS every once in a while.

In my opinion, the GM interior and suspension are suspect (not just the IFS, the rear is nicely sprung but is kinda funky to drive with the soft front end). Nothing you can't get used to.

 

[alwaysxj]

I guess I should of mentioned. The Ford is in SLC and the GMC is in pocatello Id so it would be two trips. I am fine with the two trips but I were to go with the GMC with would be one trip down to drive it and one trip back down to get it once I sign on the loan. the ford is at a dealer and I can sign right then with them.

 

[Toad]

The repair bills on the ford will be cheaper. The 4R100 in the ford is on borrowed time. At least 3 grand to replace. Find out the manufacture date on the 7.3 early or late 99 superduty? There is some differences between the two. Any idea if the Dmax has had injectors replaced?

 

[alwaysxj]

yes the injectors on the duramax have been recently replaced by the dealer. so I haven't really heard anything bad about the duramax so far other then the ride and the interior. I want the ford but I am not in the position to buy the truck and then turn around in a month to a year and put a tranny in it. it did say on the car fax that the tranny was recently serviced and flushed does that really mean anything though?

 

[Toad]

Carfax is BS.

 

[Bart]

I've had both and I think the DMax is a better ride, has more power, and has a much better tranny. BTW, I loved all 3 of my Fords, but I really love my 03 DMax.

 

[boogie_4wheel]

why put a 6.0 cooler on it, is the 7.3 not good enough? also the 6.0 is junk right? I can find dang good deals all day long on the 6.0's but I don't want something with a bunch of problems. if a 6.0 already has the head bolts and the egr delete kit are they worth it?

The 6.0L transmission cooler is a big upgrade to the stock unit on the 7.3L truck. Even some Dodge/Cummins people are running them.

The last time I looked at it, it would take you right close to $5k to bulletproof a 6.0L. The 5spd auto behind them is pretty stout. They like to rev, and can make good power. But I would be more worried about the engine of a 6.0L than an aged 4R100.

 

[redrussell]

From Experience I prefer the Duramax. We have an 05 2500 crew cab with the Allison and it has never had a hiccup and it towes the 5th wheel, 6 horse horse trailer, equipment trailer with various farming equipment. It runs I80 across Wyoming all the time and never misses a beat. It is much nicer to ride on the freeway and offroad than our Powerstroke and has cost A TON less to maintain and operate. The PS we have is a 99 standard cab. Both of these trucks were bought and have been used for the same duty as a farm/service truck. In winter weather the PS isn't as nice to drive either and slides more often.

 

[alwaysxj]

So I found two duramax's a 02 and a 03. They both have 220+ the 03 had the injectors done and that is it. The 02 had the tranny rebuilt at 180k and has 8 new injectors ready to install. They want 13 for each. Are these trucks still good buys with that many miles? They both have leather and the nicer things I was looking for to so that is a plus!

 

[hoosier]

I know MULTIPLE people that have the Duramax with WELL over 200k. Still running strong. They have all had to replace components in the front end. The oldest is an 01 the newest is an 08. 1 is a manual and the rest are Allisons. On the other hand I know of a few people with the PS. Trannies are issues and if youre going to replace it you might as well do it once right and never worry again. (upgrade TC, better servos ect...) My old boss was a Ford tech and he said "The 6.0 is the fastest/strongest running diesel in a light duty pickup... Too bad you cant keep them out of the shop long enough to enjoy them" I have only ever owned Cummins, but I think if these were my options I would strongly consider the Duramax

 

[LT.]

Duramax all day long. I don't hate Fords but, tranny will need a build sooner rather than later. Chevy will be much more compliant driving every day than the ford. Chevy will return better mileage than the ford even on Ford's best day. Be prepared to replace the chevy display gauges. The Ford is more truck like and the Chevy is more car like but, all things being equal the Chevy will out pull, is more comfortable to drive, and will return better mileage doing it. It has also been my experience that the 7.3 stroker is good for about 300 to 350k miles or so. We have replace quite a few around that kind of mileage anyhow. Duramax, I don't know how long it will go but, we have not had to replace one yet.

LT.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Are you opposed to buying one with a manual transmission? That would eliminate your worries of having an auto fail on you. Back when I was searching for a tow rig I knew an auto wouldn't work for me, I grew up around my dad's manual Chevy work trucks and they were never in the shop for anything but routine services. I lucked out when I found our truck with under 140k miles and manual transmission within an hour of home, the interior/exterior were nicer than most trucks 10 years newer, granted it was a 95 model with the 6.5 that some people don't think are that great. Turned out to be a great choice and has towed flawlessly.

Problem is there are not many PS or Duramax trucks around with a manual transmission, most buyers ordered autos.

 

[Maverick]

I'd take either. If you like the ride of the Dmax, get one. The front end seems softer than my F150, the rear stiffer.

I find it interesting that both trucks are around the same price. Is that typical? I haven't priced used trucks for a while.

I don't know why you'd want a '99 over the '02 or '03 7.3. They bumped the power up in '01, plus the truck will be 3 years newer. I'd be looking for an '02 7.3 F*rd crew shortbed with either the 6spd or plan on building the auto (mine was $3600 5 years ago), decent chip, cold air intake, 4" exhaust and it will tow whatever you have.

Dunno if it will be better or worse than the Dmax but only pulling 7-8K lbs you'll be able to exceed the speed limit on most summits around the state and go a LOT faster than you are comfortable with the rest of the time.

That's how my '02 7.3 is anyway.

Brett

 

[Toad]

Are you opposed to buying one with a manual transmission? That would eliminate your worries of having an auto fail on you. Back when I was searching for a tow rig I knew an auto wouldn't work for me, I grew up around my dad's manual Chevy work trucks and they were never in the shop for anything but routine services. I lucked out when I found our truck with under 140k miles and manual transmission within an hour of home, the interior/exterior were nicer than most trucks 10 years newer, granted it was a 95 model with the 6.5 that some people don't think are that great. Turned out to be a great choice and has towed flawlessly.

Problem is there are not many PS or Duramax trucks around with a manual transmission, most buyers ordered autos.

I was they same way when I bought my truck. I grew up driving manuals. Thats is what I had to have! Well I settled for an auto. Yes it started slipping shortly after I added some extra power. Now I have a built trans and I love it. 5 years and 70000 miles later I am glad I went with the auto.

 

[AddictedOffroad]

Been a 7.3L die hard for a few years now. Owned 5 of them to date.

Every 7.3L is a turd until you tune it. Literally, every one. Even mild tunes wake them up a lot.

My late 99 F350 7.3L CC DRW 4x4 auto I own now is the best truck I have ever owned as a whole. I tow a 10K/lb 5th wheel 12-16 times a year. Took it to KOH in Feb this year a week after I bought it. I paid $12.7K for it with 167K on the clock. It had an upgraded turbo, Banks exhaust brake, exhaust, and tuner on it. The tuner has since been replaced to get more power. It shows no evidence that the tranny has ever been replaced. And, the torque converter definitely feels stock in it. That being said, this truck is literally a 10 out of 10 both condition wise and mechanically. Worst part of it is mileage. Whoever tells you they get 20mpgs in a 7.3L is full of it. Its just like the Cummins guys who claim they get 23mpgs. It might have happened this one time "At Band Camp", but its not the reality. I average 14mpg in everyday use commuting to my shop 12mi each way. I get 11mpg towing under 7K. But, I get around 9mpg towing my 5th wheel. IMHO, I would love to get better. But, its a 7500lb truck. Deal with it. The Duramax won't do much better.

To date I have put 10k on it. A lot of it towing miles. Gauges are a must. You will need auto temp, pyrometer(EGTs), and boost.

Other thing. 99 is a mixed year. Mine is a late 99. so, I have the better injectors, intercooler piping, better turbo, and stuff. But the early 99 was much like the 94-97 trucks in that it has weaker injectors and a smaller turbo. It is intercooler compared to the 94-97, but its different intercooler system(Y-pipe and tubing). Late 99+ is better. The 02-03 models used powdered metal rods instead of forged like the earlier models. So, you cannot turn the power up as much on a 02-03(over 350hp).

A set of 7.3L injectors will run around $1200 for reman-ed or new. $1600 for upgraded Stage 1-2 injectors. I know the Duramax in 04-06(some years) require pulling the heads to get to them. which is big $$$. The 7.3L is just under the valve covers. At 200K, the 7.3L needs injectors. PERIOD. Same goes for Cummins, and Duramax models.

The 7.3L IMHO is just as good as a 5.9L Cummins if taken care of. But, its got real 4 doors, a legit solid axle up front, and the rest of the truck doesn't start falling apart around it. My old 94 7.3L OBS truck was a badass pulling machine. I routinely loaded 26K on it. I had upgraded stage 1 injectors, 5spd manual, upgraded clutch, exhaust, intake, etc. Likely 400hp/800ft/lbs. I only sold it to upgrade to a new truck with more creature comforts.

My current 99' will be getting injectors before next spring. And, a new tranny at the same time. Not because it needs it, but because it will need one once the new injectors go in to handle the power.

IMHO, the 7.3L will tow just as good as even the new trucks if you want to take the time to do it right

 

[SLC97SR5]

To echo what Scotty said about the 7.3 being a turd until tuned; my IDI-T will destroy my buddies '00 7.3 in a drag race until he bumps his Edge tuner up to level 4 (race).

Granted, my Ford is not totally stock but it is still impressive to watch my 20 yr old mechanically injected truck walk away from his Stroke. The point is, get the maintenance caught up, tune it and don't look back.

 

[1adam12]

The dmax will win at drag strip the cummins will pull a sled 300 plus feet. A powerstroke will work in real world settings. My 96 powerstroke has passed plenty of dmaxs and cummins in the hills but it wont win any drag races. And by the way its for sale. I love the fords amd my whole family runs them but I wouldn't mind a dmax either.