My ideal would be the Cummins in a Ford. Since that wasnt and still isn't available, I opted for the Dodge. '03, high output, long cab, long bed, SRW, NV5600 with a Jake) I'll admit to having not being real impressed with the durability of the front end. U-joint on the left front axle went at 38k. They had to destroy the hub/bearing asssembly to change that out, so I got a new bearig on that side. RF axle U-joint went at 80k. They were able to get the hub and bearing away on that job and save it, but the bearing eventually shelled out at 102k (just out of the extended warranty I'd bought!). Had a u-joint go in the rear drive shaft at 98k, and since it was a warranty job, they replaced the whole durned shaft. So the running gear has been the only problem. It was worth it to pay for the extended warranty, just for the cost on tht and I have to admit that, except for when the right front bearing went, I never got alid up for any length of time for any of the repairs. And I love that Cummmins. It's been trouble free, and pulls anything I ask it to without complaint (behind a six-speed handshaker). Ford cab ameneties are a little nicer but those in the Dodge are perfectly adequate. Ford hasn't had the problems with the front end that the Dodges have, but on balance, no more than the Dodge problems have inconvenienced me, I'll go for another Cummins if I ever wear this one out. I haven't heard of any problems with the new Cummins 6.8. Certainly nothing like when Ford/Navistar brought out the 6.0.
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