Ranch Battle! Can a 26-Year-Old Ford F-250 7.3L Power Stroke Outwork the Legendary 5.9L Cummins?

( www.allTFL.com ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our TFLstudios content, from news to videos and our podcasts! You see modern trucks on TFLtruck all the time, but this is a different kind of battle: Our 1997 Ford F-250 takes on the third-gen Dodge Ram HD with the 5.9-liter Cummins turbo-diesel. Which one is the better work horse at Happy Yak Ranch?
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#ford #dodge #truck

[@314roberts]

Fellow Coloradoan and 96' 7.3 owner. I exclusively use my 7.3 to tow my camper up and down the Rockies and I'm glade you covered these two dinosaurs. With that said, the 7.3 tows whatever I throw at it but they drive like a run away horse wagon, have a turn radius of a cardo ship, and do a 0-60 in 1 to 2 business days. Keep up the old school truck content!

[@BrandonLeech]

They are lazy stock. They'll get the job done reliably but not in any big hurry. 4.10 or 4.30 helps if you're going to dare to pull anything 10,000 lbs or worse with one in any sort of challenging terrain.

[@joshuaquilliam2887]

Ha sounds about right lol. My old man had an old 93 IDI when I was a kid, man I loved that truck and thought it was the badest thing on the road back then. It was turbo non intercooled made all of like 8lbs of boost but it was always fun for me. Looking back at it today with it's like 145hp it's crazy how far diesels have come along. Everyone seems to have a 1k hp truck these days.

[@welderdude1]

My '95 7.3 is slow even after the chip. To be fair it is a 350 in XLT trim with a welding bed and a bunch of welding gear including an '78 SA 200. About 13,000# as is. I'm glad it's a 5spd standard.

[@The-italianstallion]

I love my 95. I actually swapped from the auto to the stick for towing my enclosed trailer around. Love it but she ain't quick! Be prepared to be brutally passed by 18wheelers

[@welderdude1]

@@The-italianstallion I like the fuel economy in mine and the fact that it's very reliable.

[@cap10newport95]

I would love Ike Gauntlets comparing the different generations of trucks. Nothing super scientific like factory original trucks but seeing $25,000 used trucks vs $80,000 new trucks to see what the general differences are.

[@AccountantByDay553]

This needs to be a video!!

[@Jason-mu3km]

that would be awsome

[@frostybandit1]

@@AccountantByDay553 my 95 f350 with 7.3L is up for the task. And the manual transmission has higher towing than what the automatic offered. only starts to bog down after you pass 20k payload.

[@rustbucket9318]

Great idea. The differences will be astronomical. I drive a 97 7.3 f350 personal truck and a new 6.7 power stroke f350 at work. I love my OBS but the new 6.7 will run circles around my old truck. I’d love to see this video though.

[@theblindredneck747]

I don’t know! Factory original trucks might be kind of interesting.

[@elcaminomant]

Love seeing these older, simple diesels on the channel. Thanks guys. Looking forward to some Ike runs!

[@jamescharles8663]

The smiles on these 2 guys driving the F 250 is priceless. You can tell these are truck enthusiast

[@issaccarrizales1989]

You guys did something I wish I would've done. Real world reviews. Growing up on a small farm we had all three makes. '93 6.5 GM diesel, '98 1/2 24 valve Cummins, '94 & '97 Powerstroke, and '05 & '06 Cummins. Hauled livestock everywhere with Dad. I have to say the '05 & '06 Cummins were great albeit for the automatic transmission. '94 & '97 Powerstroke both manual kept up with the newer trucks. '93 GM diesel was no pulling king but it did what was asked of it. '98 1/2 Cummins pulled like nobody's business but I'm pretty sure it was because of Grandpa's heavy right foot 😄 These trucks were built for work. Unfortunately now for luxury.

[@ryancollins3227]

Like i said, old trucks dont care if it fits it ships, it will be slow but its on the way 🤣

[@issaccarrizales1989]

@@ryancollins3227 Exactly and while the new diesels are parked either in limp mode or regen. I'll be passing by in my older pre-emission truck.

[@bradleyswaney6100]

My 99 F350 2wd pulls like a beast. ❤❤❤

[@allenvines4411]

I love hearing David's thoughts and opinions.

[@Oljeepguy]

I have owned five diesels. Two were 7.3 Power strokes, two Cummins 5.9 24 valves, and one Cummins 6.7. The 6.7 was the best to drive, but the extra pollution equipment caused the turbo to fail at about 90,000 miles. At about 115,000, it started having more issues, so I sold it. The Super Duty and Excursion had much nicer interiors than the Older Dodge, but I preferred the Cummins 5.9 engine. I currently drive a half to Ram, but am looking to purchase another diesel. While I like the power and features of the newer diesels, I am looking for something built before the additional pollution requirements were added. I am looking at 7.3's (1999-2003) or a 5.9 Cummins. Wow, the prices are high for anything with descent miles and no rust. Of course, with the price of new trucks, it is no surprise. Thanks for the review on the older diesels. Now compare your 97 Ford with Kace's Dodge. Thanks for all of the channels. Nice job guys.

[@invalidargument479]

As a Ford and Dodge guy I personally feel like if all the pollution crap wasn't in the way, both the 6.7 Cummins and 6.7 Power Stroke would probably be equally as powerful and tough. But imo nothing will ever beat the old school diesels. As for the gassers the old Ford 300 I6 could probably out pull and outlast a lot of these newer gassers they have on the road. If I ever get rid of my 2nd Gen 318 I'd only replace it with a 300 I6 or a 460 big block, just because I personally love the sound of a 460 lol.

[@minnesotatomcat]

I have a very early 99 powerstroke that had the older smaller turbo/intake setup. Converted it to the later bigger Garrett, slightly bigger injectors and T6 tuner. I’ve got about 5 grand into this truck total and it’ll keep pace with much newer trucks, with no def bullshit to deal with. I wouldn’t trade my old rattler for a brand new one.

[@casonhampton1478]

The new gas ones will pull and no def crap but we also have a 23 year old one and u can tow just about anything you want to

[@bluceree7312]

I love the summer rain. David is a skilled, calm dude. Living the life.

[@huntere185]

I have 02 F250 and its mainly a fun truck at this point, havent towed in a while esp since I put a new engine in. They are just awesome trucks, the 7.3 has such a unique sound and sounds just so great with an upgraded turbo and straigh pipe.

[@invalidargument479]

I agree! I've owned 2 7.3s in my day (a 2000 and a few years after I sold it I got a 1996) there's nothing like the sound of a 7.3! I hope one day I'll be able to buy another one. I regret getting rid of them but thanks to the economy I just couldn't give them the care they deserve. Maybe one day I'll be able to have another one and a Cummins as well!

[@davidgenthnerjr4995]

I drive a 1997 OBS F-350 XLT 4x4 Crew Cab with the 7.3. Mine when I bought it was tuned for towing rather than racing. The previous owner added bigger injectors, Turbo, Cold Air kit, and 5 inch exhaust. Its equipped with Ranch hand front and Rear bumpers with heavy duty running boards. I also have an electric brake controller and Reese hitches front and rear, and a gooseneck 2-5/16 ball in the bed. I have not towed with it yet but just driving down the road, I feel it gets better fuel mileage than most diesels cause it breathes better. I have driven 1997 Blue Bird transit buses with the mechanical 12 valve Cummins engines and they seemed gutless compared to my pickup with the 5 spd manual. I do plan on @500K doing the recommended complete overhaul from Ford, as well as going through my ZF-5 Manual and B&W transfer case. Always wanted one as a teenager in 1997 and I got one now. Dream come true. PS: The whistle of my turbo scares off the moose on the side of the road.

[@timgonzalez1708]

I know I tend to complain about the bias sometimes on these videos and that Andra is the exception. This video proves my point! Andre is the man!! He continues to bring straightforward videos that people can use for everyday life! I really enjoyed this video, and the comparison was brought fairly and completely. Great Job!!

[@craigcontofalsky4387]

I had both a 99 and 03 Dodge Cummins Rams with automatic. Both 2500. Both stock bought new. I could get 25 mpg with the 99 and 23 mpg with the 03 with the 305 HP. Loved them both. Wish I had kept the 03. No stupid converter or DEF to worry about either.

[@edwardman1742]

I bought a 2006 2WD Dually for our family travel trailer. They’re not easy to find. It’s lower to the ground, super stable, and steers like a car. Simple front end will last forever with no issues. Has higher payload than 4WD too. Just don’t get it in the mud!

[@clappgen5.949]

or the grass

[@edwardman1742]

@@clappgen5.949 if the grass is on saturated ground, then yes. Here in Texas grass is no problem.

[@clappgen5.949]

@@edwardman1742 I live in Texas. Moving dew cripples 2wd trucks.

[@simply.5570]

@@clappgen5.949depends also where in Texas, I live south texas near the border, 2WD not much of an issue most of the time. Less like you mentioned there’s saturated dew in the am.

[@clappgen5.949]

@simply.5570 central TX and there's still dew on the grass in south Texas spent alot of time there.

[@espi3324]

I love the old trucks but with a young family and going on long trips these trucks are ridiculously uncomfortable. These two definitely produce the best videos on the channel hands down. Great video guys!

[@CowboyNC]

Or maybe we have just gotten to the point of being over pampered with the newer trucks lol . Drove 3300miles in a 97 350 with a gooseneck trailer /2 horses an the ride wasn’t bad. Now empty yes it’s not very smooth

[@-MOYST-]

Rsk and bilsteins my straight axle one ton rides really well. Factory suspension did ride really rough. This generation wants their truck to ride like a caddy. 😂

[@maxracingteam23]

I rode in my friends 2022 f350 single rear wheel power stroke and holy shit it was rougher than heck. I thought for being a new truck it would be a nicer ride than a 20 year old truck

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

progressive springs with overload leafs solves this problem. You can have your cool old truck and also have good ride quality. Slap a GOOD quality (5k+) lift kit on it and enjoy

[@mromatic17]

i daily a 1994 f-150 4x4 5.0 5 speed and I think its really comefortable. the bench is super cushy and it gets a little bouncy but its a truck not a 1965 cadilliac.

[@jameswilson8169]

Literally bought a 97’ 7.3 last week and put an exhaust and hydra tuner on it two days ago. It’s insane how much power it unlocked

[@danbsimpson]

I wish they had bumped up the tune while he was driving it

[@JoshuaOverman]

The mini van at a stop light will still pass you while doing half throttle and you can be flooring it. 😂

[@Brian_P]

​@@JoshuaOvermanyou have no idea what you're talking about. Go back to watching cat videos

[@MCatwar]

@@JoshuaOvermanagreed. they’re realllly not fast. they just make a ton of torque and the gear shifts give you the illusion it’s fast. that’s what driving mine for 3 years has taught me

[@dash456789]

Just wait until you change injectors. I run 180/30’s, intercooler, and a stage 2 hpop in my ‘96 5 speed, and it’ll walk some modern trucks.

[@RiggyRonnie]

Love that David’s completely unbiased, you get more accurate reviews.

[@weegeemike]

I dont watch every TFLTruck video, but when i see our man David I HAVE to watch. Super cool and knowledgeable guy.

[@TFLtruck]

Could not agree more.

[@joshuaquilliam2887]

A stock 5.9 doesn't even need a pyro, especially the 03-04. They have much thicker piston crowns, and are so timing limited in stock form they can run all day. Just my experience with two 3rd gens, my 05 runs way way hotter than my 04 does. I have also had to rebuild my 05 from broken rings, my 04 hasn't skipped a beat. Good video for the newbies that are looking for an older truck. Address that stock fuel filter on the common rail 5.9 and replace the injectors and they are awesome trucks. I love the v8 but man I get heartburn just looking under the hood of a 6.4 powerstroke or a duramax.

[@seanbutler2291]

This comparison would have been better with the 6.0 vs the 24 valve 5.9, the 24-valve is 1 generation ahead of the 7.3. a 12v would have made more sense to me personally.

[@zakkul6242]

The 6.0 would of had a catastrophic problem towing that load

[@DaltonShady]

@@zakkul6242you must be talking about the 6.4 not 6.0

[@freedom24v86]

Ehh no the 24v came about in 98.5-02 2nd gens would make the most sense lol

[@Bert805b]

Or the newer body 7.3 they have more power

[@freedom24v86]

@@Bert805b eh the upgrades done to this truck even on "stock tune" will actually punch what the dutys do in hp/torque ... lol

[@roburbina6089]

I have the 7.3 powerstroke and the 6.7 Cummins. The 7.3 has very impressive power for its age. Sometimes I think it even pulls just as good. Great video 😅

[@RiggyRonnie]

Modded, my 7.3 would tow it, but will struggle. 583k miles

[@ryancollins3227]

​@@RiggyRonnieif it struggles with 9k pounds you nwed to do a refresh lol my 01 Excursion pulls 15k easy with 353k, 4k mpre than its "rated" just fine

[@RiggyRonnie]

@@ryancollins3227 I bet my 7.3 runs better than your excursion, and it’s slow af.

[@BrandonLeech]

@@ryancollins32279,000 lb loads are not all the same. A larger empty gooseneck flatbed can easily weigh that. A 10-11 foot tall camper tag trailer with a flat nose weighing that much will be a total boat anchor by comparison.

[@ryancollins3227]

@@BrandonLeech aint no goose neck or fifth wheel weighing 9k pounds unloaded fooooh 🤣🤣🤣🤣 even then take a camper or a full load for a single rear wheel vehicles is much different than a dual real wheel vehicle. They made duallys back in the day they could easily tow way more than 9k pounds. But for everyone else if all you tow is 9k most of the time and 20k every now and then. The 7.3l and the 5.9l will do it no problem.

[@propertypreparedness6846]

When trucks where strictly for business. Love it.

[@lincolnls0416]

26yr old Ford has over 400k miles on it. Just had a turbo replaced. Then take a newer truck a duelie against a single axle Ford. Still more impressed with the Ford.

[@michaelwalsh3474]

Having a 4x2 truck doesn't seem that odd if your main focus is towing. You get more towing capacity and the dual wheel arrangement is great for stability.

[@pinolyzerproductionsinc.1062]

Agreed my 82 GMC C3500 fits that bill perfectly

[@myk1_sp]

I loved seeing David's thoughts and seeing both trucks being worked. The 7.3 sounded amazing and they both pulled like dreams! I'm also with David on owning a 2wd dually for regularly towing!

[@vancejohnson4395]

So glad to see David on this, along with the update on his rock crawler project. Andre and David work very well together also. Good job guys.

[@Mount56]

As a flatbed truck driver, I am very happy to see proper securement used on those hay bales. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've seen pickups hauling trailers full of hay bales with only a front and rear strap, or in some cases, only chocking the bales in place.

[@nathanmcdonald610]

Really loving see the OBS Ford get put through it's pace's. I've always been a Ford man and have always owned Ford trucks, my first truck in high school was an OBS Ford "albeit with a gas engine". I know it wouldn't be easy as these older trucks are getting harder and harder to find with every passing year, but I'd love to see an old school big block showdown. Get an OBS Ford with a 460 a GTM400 with a 454 and I guess the Dodge would have be a V-10 since they quit using the 440 V8 sometime around the late 1970's. I know it's unlikely to get this test, but one can dream.

[@taylorray3168]

I have a 93 f250 with a 7.5L. Let's go haha. By the way it's my daily. Oh yeah

[@forterierocks]

Old 7.3 was a great engine for the time, had one in a F250 roofing truck it never broke! Are newer Duramax will obviously tow way more weight but it's not as fun to drive as the old Ford.

[@frostybandit1]

If you want to have fun and get a lot of kids mad at you. Simple use an early 90's 7.3L and ride 1st threw the neighborhood on the weekend . The joy of seeing all those kids rushing out the door thinking they'll miss the bus is priceless.

[@2L8CO]

I love my RAM 2003 3500 Laramie LB HO w/129K. Modded and solid as a rock. I will never part with it after 20 years. Thanks TFL for another great video, coming from a neighbor in the Mile High City 🤙

[@jmurphy1973]

A 12 valve Cummins vs a 7.3 could be called the Rattle Battle Edit: fixed spelling

[@Matts000]

Haha yep😂

[@RiggyRonnie]

Stock vs stock yes they compete, both modded the 12 valve is king. Can’t get a 7.3 over 400hp on the heui system.

[@jason0870]

Wouldn't want it any other way. 👍

[@lincolnls0416]

My point a Duelie vs a single axle isn't a good review. It's almost like they being bias against Ford on this show. Like 1 time they took a Hellcat vs a GT Mustang. Not in the same class.

[@blakeseales6143]

⁠@@RiggyRonnieabout 1,000 hp on fuel only is the heui injections max, somewhere around 1,500 hp on the spray.

[@rabbitcreekadventures]

I worked for a roofer in high school and he had a 1995 7.3 f350. We could hear him coming 5 minutes before we saw him. Those trucks have such a distinctive sound.

[@brayleebender]

David is always a great addition, they're both nice trucks!. Love that David’s completely unbiased, you get more accurate reviews..

[@EnriqueSonora]

So glad you are doing reviews on older equipment, this is very important considering that new trucks are so expensive ("Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous of truck buyers"" ought to be the newxt KZbin channel to create, otherwise, the vids on new trucks won't really matter until five or more years from now when we we will actually consider purchasing a currently priced vehicle today. More reviews on old trucks until the dealers get a life!

[@Privat3Kag3]

Ford is the better truck, the cummins is the better engine.

[@zachmatisko]

Id say Ford and powerstroke on top

[@DuaneCaldwell]

Great video guys! Always good to see and hear from David on the practical, hard-working, real world applications of these trucks. Also always glad to see how TFL helps David keep those yaks happy.

[@evanhovis9126]

The only powerstroke i would want is the 7.3. cummins is just a more desirable diesel to me. I like the straight six sound and feel. The problem with them is they put them in rams. Ford is a better truck. I need a ford with a cummins

[@dylancampbell8064]

People hate on Ford for some good reasons, but their frames, bodies, and interiors were much better than the other two at the time. My OBS chevy literally just rattles apart lmao

[@grantog123]

Amen.

[@bruceklassen8261]

I really appreciated this episode, I’ve always had Cummins, but have always wondered about the power stroke

[@zacharynoe4913]

Can i just say, since the beginning when andre was brought on to TFL, His English has improved Substantially, and his knowledge of the auto world as well. Fantastic progress andre, keep it up!

[@scottyellis3442]

Both are nice trucks & I'd take either one of these over a new diesel truck, but with that said I'd take the Ford all day long over the Dodge.

[@299charles]

Until u hav to work on that V8 crammed under the hood….. Cummins 5.9 all day, everyday……PS I’ve owned 7.3 Ford Powerchoke, 6.6 Dirtymax and 5.9 Chummin

[@DolphinDivingChamp]

The fords great when you completely restore it and upgrade the turbo and manual swap it.... cummins just needs a front end

[@scottyellis3442]

@DolphinDivingChamp Cummins is a good engine. The problem I have is what they put that good engine in. The truck will literally fall apart around that Cummins.

[@scottyellis3442]

​@299charles if you've owned them then you would definitely know. Thanks for the tip, something to consider. I know I said ford & that's mainly because I'm biased to ford but I wouldn't mind a Cummins at all. Just don't like a Dodge & I've owned plenty of those.

[@KamionKing]

@@scottyellis3442what falls apart? just curious

[@pherdog82]

That construction company trying to get someone killed. The flag guy needs to be visible from further away. He's standing not far from the work going on.

[@Hengsha]

David is always a great addition, they're both nice trucks!

[@LRShooter78]

Thank you for strapping down your bales. Here in Texas I see so many hauling bales and no strapping at all. I haul hay, my friends and neighbors haul hay and we, mostly, agre that it takes one accident and the regulators will be all over us.

[@stevedvorak6188]

See that here In SW Wi... occasionally bale broke apart in ditch fell off.

[@Eyore82]

That has to be one of the classiest trucks on the road today 👌🏻

[@quentonmillstid850]

The video is two trucks. Obviously you mean the dodge

[@JAMESWUERTELE]

@@quentonmillstid850that’s just a shipping container 😁

[@dash456789]

@@JAMESWUERTELEI’ll cheers ya with a PC lite on that one

[@patrickjerzak5267]

I wish Dodge would address the quality issues the have had over the years, they all break down for sure but truck around the motor is the issue with Dodge. I have seen the break repeatedly in the oil field in Alaska brand new.

[@theglitch99]

I picked up my 1st Cummins a year ago! 04 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4, she is a good running truck!

[@toddbob55]

cumins is good dodge trucks are junk

[@michaelhoneycutt7138]

Good seeing older trucks at work. Well they will pull way more than that. We put about 20k behind ours when hauling hay. Keep turbo spooled and up the hills they go. 7.3 is happy at 2500 rpm. Manual trans is the only way to go when towing. Yes they make good autos. But most of the time we hardly had trailer brakes working properly. We use gears to slow the loads down with. Most of the time the only thing that will go wrong is the clutch and it will normally tell you when it gets close to failing. Auto can leave you walking. And no def fluid junk to shut you down. Crazy government doesn't use it in military vehicles but everyone else has too.

[@jimh.412]

Awesome video Andre. Ford for the win!!👍👍

[@joshelkins6189]

You can’t beat either of those trucks! Both will give you decades of absolute reliability and simplicity. I own both and love both, people can keep their new diesels, I’ll stick to the old dependable ones

[@schafn]

I have a 1995 F-350 with an automatic transmission. It's got the TS6 chip, 6637 air filter, Wicked Wheel turbo, and straight pipe 4" exhaust with a 3" down pipe. The reason we bought the truck was nastalgia for me and to pull our camper for my wife. The camper is a 36 foot fifth wheel that weighs 9,200 pounds dry. I have to say it pulls the camper just fine. It's not a sports car and it could be modified to have more power but it does just fine the way it is. I wouldn't even catagorize it as slow. I can get up to 55 pretty fast even with the camper on. I like the auto trans. Yes it is more high-maintenance but it keeps you in the power band of the engine better. I have a friend with an early 2000's 7.3 with the ZF-5 transmission and he complains that every time he shifts the turbo has to spool back up to get the max boost out of it.

[@kyranevans1890]

I love these old standard transmission farm trucks, would love to own either of these!

[@J.Young808]

The perfect truck is a Fummins- an OBS F-350 with a 5.9L Cummins & NV6500 swapped in. The Cummins is a 1 million mile engine I the Dodge/Ram 300,000 mile body

[@highplainsdrifter9631]

The 7.3L Navistar diesel engine is also known for being a million-mile motor. Best diesel that the Blue Oval ever installed in a pickup truck. I also love the 5.9L Cummins, especially the coveted 12 Valve.

[@kynadonfan]

This is my favorite vehicle ever. I have wanted one ever since my grandma pulled in the driveway with her new work truck back in 2000 and it was a 97 f250 power stroke in white. I have loved it ever since I was 5 years old. It made my week when you guys released the first video of this truck!!

[@Grumpys_Auto_Services_and_More]

I have a 02 F250 7.3l I have loved these models ever since they were first put into production. I am right around 250k it pulls like a king even with running an automatic and 35 12.50/18’s. Keep up the content fella’s!

[@stevencampbell1603]

The 97 F350 crew cab 4x4 long bed 7.3 power-stroke with manual transmission is my dream truck.

[@codyadle9499]

When it comes down to it 7.3 is one of the best built diesel ever designed. They are super reliable when doing regular maintenance and not dogging the hell out of it. They arent really known to make big power, aftermarket set of injectors and a chip and tuner they are pretty decent. Cummins are really good trucks as well! But its just something about the OBS 7.3 that gets me everytime. I got a 95 f250 7.3 and fixing to pick up another 97 f250 7.3

[@ntme6506]

That 7.3 is a childhood dream truck. Great video

[@314Dillman]

enjoy the video as a heavy duty mechanic, and loving my 7.3! want to comment on EGT's 1200F is the warning mark, but not a big deal if its only a couple min. pulling a hill loaded, have had mine at 1350F gong through the mountains, no issues

[@zacharymcmahan40]

The 7.3 performed better at higher rpms due to the intercooler great video!!

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

the cummins has a intercooler. The differance it the Powerstroke need more RPM to make power. Uses WAY more fuel! The Inline of the Cummins just makes more power down low thyan the V8. Way better fuel Eco. I know. My 5.9 3rd gen gets about 26mpg no load on the hwy crusing at 1400 RPM.

[@GMbowtie350]

@@OutlawFarmersRCYou cruise at 50 mph?

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

@@GMbowtie350 gears

[@6litreteaser904]

​@@OutlawFarmersRC torque has nothing to do with V8 vs I6, it's mostly about bore vs stroke, but also turbo and fueling setup. A V8 with the same bore-stroke as an I6 will make just as much torque as the I6

[@johnbrzenksforearm8295]

The 7.3 powerstoke is known more for it's wolf vs cheetah ability. It will run and run and run and just keep running. That truck isn't afraid to pull anything you put behind it.

[@ChrisRoy-t9b]

Awesome video! Brings me back to the days where I used to read about the diesel shoot outs in Diesel Power magazine. 10 out fo 10. Great job.

[@Ireland-bc2gx]

8 years ago I bought my son the same truck just a regular cab 1997 1 owner 7.3 4×4 Florida truck brilliant truck 328,000 Going strong, both of these are great 👍

[@billcashman4006]

I have a 96 dodge 3500 Cummins Dually, 5spd. It runs perfect. My dad was original owner and I have all the paperwork back to original window sticker. I love that truck. . I used to run a 96 7.3 powerstroke wrecker. I loved that truck. Neither were as nice and comfortable as my work truck which is a 2020 6.7 Cummins Ram 4x4 3500 Dually. That’s just because of technology and refinement. My other favorite truck was my 02 Silverado 1500HD with the 6.0 gas engine. Only ever replaced fuel pump, alternator,, driveshaft carrier bearing, and vehicle speed sensor. It was horrible on gas, but it was very comfortable, made it through all 4 of my kids learning to drive, and paid for itself many times over. Each of these were great trucks, but my 2020 Ram is the best out of all of them, simply because of technology and refinement like I said.

[@PersonalBestOutdoors]

I have 4 different diesel rigs. A 2008 f750 with a 6.7l 24v cummins on an Alison trans. A 2005 f650 with a 6.0 powerstroke with an eaton fuller 5 speed manual. A 2003 Dodge ram 2500 with a 5.9l 24v cummins and a 48re auto. A 2002 f350 srw with a 7.3l powerstroke and zf6 manual. Here's what I've learned about them. The f650 won't go above 63mph empty. This truck is registered at 26,000 gross. Empty, with no trailer behind it, it comes in at 11,500. We don't use this truck very often. It's my backup chip truck for my tree service. It dogs under load and simply put, always feels under powered. The 2008 f750 on the other hand, fully loaded, with 7000lb chipper in tow will roll at 75mph all day. At hills, that Alison knows which gear to give, and the 6.7 cummins delivers all the power and low end torque you will ever need. The 2003 ram 2500 is my daily driver, and road trip rig. I've built the trans to the hilt. We travel every year for our anniversary, pulling our 7000lb camper. This truck has never let me down. I do wish it had the nv5600 in it, because more gears will always be better for towing. But going through passes, logging roads, loaded down it provides a one-off driving experience. This truck is happiest when it's working, and it does its job well. My 14k dump trailer you know is behind it, but she will pull it without prejudice. The 2002 f350 is another work horse. There have been times i was glad to have the low gear at a stop light on a hill with that 14k dump trailer behind it. The displacement and gearing really helps it to get going, and up to speed. Plus, it's really fun to drive.

[@cjrod9443]

I like that f250, but I'd still take the Cummins.

[@wb5mgr]

I have owned both these vehicles (‘96 F250 PSD and an 03 5.9 3500 dodge SRW) If I could buy one again it would be the dodge because it had more power and was somewhat more refined. But my dad still has the ford to this day.

[@bradenconway9066]

7 bales is absolute peanuts to what guys haul out here on them, but then again guys don’t worry about maximum towing out here. I see alot of old cummins, powerstrokes and duramaxes pulling 30 ft goosenecks yanking around 17-18 bales. Those trucks can do way more than what they were rated for

[@jeremyhowell2332]

Old duramax? What’s your idea of an old truck, lol!

[@JimLBon]

Cool video! TFL is the best automotive content with excellent practical videos. I totally understand why people love these simple old diesels. That said, I’m always glad I chose an old 460 truck. Just works better for my use case, which is not long distance towing. Keep these videos coming!

[@jeradsadoski4724]

Had an 06 duramax, once hauled 37 large square bales on a 30 foot tri-axle gooseneck. Actually handled it well

[@guylecourt50]

as a fellow Canadian we like your video and comments. very helpful in my decision to buy a new 3500.

[@troyehnisz9907]

I like the superduty 7.3 it seems to be a more modern truck and the build quality is better

[@shaggydaboy2]

I daily an '02 5.9 HO, and while its not neaely as fancy or as eye popping as the modern trucks it gets the job done, and its super, super, super reliable. The one thing ill say about the older 5 9 vs the 7.3 is that stock for stock, the 5.9 is no match. Both are phenomenal trucks with great motors, but when you start building the motors those 7.3s can get meeeeeeaaaaaan.

[@Dale37]

I can appreciate a Powerstroke and a Duramax. I am a little partial to Cummins though. I have a 2015 Ram 3500 diesel with the manual transmission. The gear shifts are close together, so I only use 2nd, 4th and 6th when unloaded. I have accidentally started in fourth before and the thing barely struggled to get started. 😅 Unloaded of course. Edited to add, after he mentioned the low value of his Ram at the end of the video I know what he means. Mine is equipped the same way as his truck and with only 77k miles in really good condition, blue book is only $39k the last time I looked.

[@playanddisplay3636]

It's criminal about the depreciation but having sold Dodge/RAM the good ones are some of the best trucks on the road the bad ones though.... they live at the dealership and are rolling lawsuits in a lot of cases. Just a shame because it causes mistrust in the brand overall that may or may not be deserved.

[@Dale37]

@playanddisplay3636 This one hasn't been bad. It is deleted but not tuned to have much overstock power. The a/c just quit, I had to replace the expansion valve and desiccant bag. Done that all myself for a hundred bucks.

[@playanddisplay3636]

@@Dale37 Should be a great truck for years to come. I feel like most my customers got good trucks. The bad ones you know almost immediately, they will do weird shit like the wipers will turn on as you walk away from the truck, or the dash will give you a random light show. Then the long crank no start issues happen, or fuel pumps stay running while the truck is off. Electrical gremlins. If you don't have those weird issues, and like the Cummins. KEEP your truck don't play RAM roulette and find yourself in a nightmare.

[@T410ce]

As a 14 yr. Dodge tech the 2007 5.9 Cummins with the 48RE was the epitome of Cummins power/ reliability in a Dodge. With a mild chip an 07’ Cummins Auto could swing 28mpg and that trans would hold up for 300K miles easy. Wasn’t the smoothest shifting trans but they had that old school 4spd down to a science.

[@danbourg76]

Great video guys! What a good comparison between these two classic trucks. Nothing against the Cummins but I prefer the 7.3 OBS Ferd only because I have owned 3 of them and never had any major problems or issues with the motors (other than a valve cover wiring harness on my 97'). Also the exhaust note is awesome especially with a 3" downpipe, a cat delete, and a nice high flowing muffler.

[@effigy42]

Valve cover wiring harness issue happened to me also its all thats ever happened

[@danbourg76]

I also had a cam sensor go bad on my 96' but it only happened once...@@effigy42

[@PaulAngileri]

What I find most interstellar is that for all the generations and displacements Ford’s PS has gone through, a 7.3 sounds like a 6.0 sounds like a 6.4 sounds like a 6.7. More or less noise from peripheral items, but the primary running sounds are the same.

[@salimoneus]

Cool video, appreciate the more mature approach to comparing two legendary trucks/engines. Although, I think it would have been more apples to apples to compare that Ford to a 12v cummins with a single rear axle, both from the same era and much closer in power specs. I think the results and comments would mostly be the same, but the difference just not quite as noticeable. Also it would be clear that for both trucks in the same era, one would quickly appreciate what Ford did with the rest of the truck aside from the engine, compared to the Dodge. Ford was well ahead of Dodge at the time when it came to the durability of the body, suspension, interior, etc.

[@georgek.papafilippou2583]

Personally I think that in most circumstances the slower revving motor is the best in towing heavy loads. It offers better fuel economy and the feeling of a safer engine function. Many thanx guys.-

[@Danzilly]

I'm with David on the Cummings easier to work on and cheaper if there a dually. Powerstroke has a good sound though.

[@Lonewolf23-26]

Yep I own both and hauled with both but find myself using the Cummins far more than the powerstroke. Both are nice old trucks though!

[@PrivateBeeBop]

Colorado native, my 99 7.3 f250 pulls 10k all over the rockies. Love the 7.3s!

[@keithhall4009]

It’s crazy how much engines have changed in (what seems like ) a short time. My little Ford V6 ecoboost has way home horsepower, and even more torque!

[@IKhanNot]

It does but the longevity just won't be there if it's worked the way these trucks are worked. The EcoBoost will probably go through 3 sets of cam phasers and VCT units along with turbo issues.

[@richardmitton4115]

Hook the trailer they hauled in this video, pull it a few hundred miles a day and report back in a year... I'm a die hard ford fan and and have been since I was old enough to drive.(over 40 years ago!) I own a 2000 7.3, and several other ford/mercury products. That Ford ecoboost runs like a runaway circus monkey, but still scares the heck out of me! I'm still a proponent of a bigger "detuned" engine doing work for maybe up to 600k miles, vs trying to "wick" up a smaller motor to do the same work. Just my .02

[@IKhanNot]

@@richardmitton4115 Exactly. Bigger, simpler motors are the way to go for hard work. A lot of these "efficient" turbocharged motors you will save on fuel in general but repair costs are higher plus potential down time. We had a Chevy Silverado 2500 with the Vortec 6000 motor. A total pig on fuel but in 270k it only needed valve cover gaskets (when we took off the valve covers the cams were pretty much free of wear), spark plugs every 100k and a MAF sensor all of which were done quickly in the garage at home. Even at high mileage it never burned oil and turned over quickly in cold weather.

[@andywills5964]

I could watch video's like this all day guys. Thank you

[@happyrootsfamily1276]

We use the super duty 7.3 trucks wit 7k in the bed and 20k in the trailers and sorta baja through the woods only have problems with the transmissions bought some 3rd gen cummins trucks this year and every single one is broken down with different problems so for a work truck the fords are way better in the woods and holds up better than the cummins

[@travismongeau9698]

So I have a 1990 f250 with a 7.3na. I replaced the auto with a zf5. Which was a better direction but still not enough. I wanted the low gear ratio for the towing but super high for cruising. So I put a 5 speed out of a 1969 chevy c60 in backwards. I made it so reverse and first were not available. ( due to them being 700% overdrive) so I now have 20 forward gears in my pickup. I can cruise at 80mph in 4th in the front and 3rd in the rear 1600rpms. So far a few thousand miles later and still working well. Still tows the same as before but I gained the fuel economy while empty. And it is really fun to drive

[@ELFLIFE-zw3hv]

That ford is gorgeous 😍

[@jason0870]

New trucks are great, the only problem for me is that i work with my hands. The price of a new truck makes them un- obtainable to me. I will stay with my 2000 f-250 powerstroke 4x4. I bought it new when a man that earned a honest dollar could still afford to do that. I really do appreciate owning this rig. It's a big plus to me that i can repair this truck in the unusual event that something happens to go bad. Great video guys keep on keeping on.

[@ryannash8143]

I’ve noticed peak torque comes higher in the RPM range on the newer trucks vs these older trucks. Thats the big difference for me.

[@c10chebby69]

I as well have multiple trucks for separate purposes 😂 old man is a legend.

[@wb5mgr]

I had that exact 03 ram 3500 2wd quad cab 6spd but in a SRW setup. My favorite truck ever.

[@jacobsmith8981]

Fellow Coloradoan, Yak ranching, squarebody ford owning silly human. Mines a '92, with the 460, and Ive field hauled a flatbed 12 to 16 1200lb bales. That ol truck does not even wince at all that weight.

[@williamcrowder2226]

"he bails it himself" lol

[@Brandon68plus1]

Man I hauled a lot of feed with 7.3 & IDI back in high school working at feed store. The IDI was soooo slow the 7.3 Stroke was an awesome motor upgraded from the IDI.

[@cyumadbrosummit3534]

Single rear wheel vs Dual rear wheel on a tow feeling test?

[@charlesrogers1471]

Not every day you see hay getting hauled on a shiny new aluminum trailer.

[@ac-6569]

Both are AWESOME pickups, the larger tires on the ford will make it work a bit harder, Hauling loaded trailers is a real world test of trucks, add a 6% or 7% incline and you will separate the men from the boys. I have an older 1997, 12 valve Cummings with some minor upgrades. It is a beast and has never left me wanting more. Yes, different trucks for different purposes, my daily driver is a 1500 Chevy, perfect for what I use it for, the Dodge in my towing Truck. Great video, Thank you!!!

[@justatool]

Just bought a f350 96, 7.3 4x4, I'm okay without that next GEN stuff. No emissions being pre99 diesel. I love the sound of the motor.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

If you want that 7.3 to last, put a stock air box back on it and run it with the stock Ford tune only. You'll get 1,000,000 miles out of it!

[@vincefairleigh6899]

Those cotton air filters let huge particles through, that’s why they flow so well, good on a hot rod that doesn’t see dust, not on a truck, I agree, aftermarket air filters all suck badly, especially the cold air intakes, I have yet to see a cai that’s designed to articulate when the engine moves, I took my cold air intake back after it tore off the throttle body, although it sounded great.

[@JoshuaOverman]

Cost a lot of much money in repairs to get a 7.3 to 1 million

[@ashokjames3467]

@@JoshuaOverman I assume you don’t have knowledge about 7.3

[@BrandonLeech]

Stock tuning I agree with. The 6637 style round paper filters like Napa or Donaldson are perfectly fine and flow a little better than the stock airbox. Oiled cotton filters are a bad idea on anything but a street rod or a dyno/dragstrip queen. Not a good idea for a truck that does any sort of truck stuff.

[@JoshuaOverman]

@@ashokjames3467 I have more then you you don’t understand reality.

[@OzarksWildman]

I’ve never seen anyone strap hay down, or use an aluminum trailer. I’ll be darn! 👍

[@rustbucket9318]

I’d still take the OBS over the Cummins. Both great but the last truck that drives like a truck was the 97 Ford. All the newer stuff drives like space shuttles.

[@yesno1793]

I would love to see an “early modern” diesel truck series. The 06 5.9, 6.0, and 6.6 used as working trucks. I think this was a great era of truck for everyone.

[@JaredSVX]

I hope you guys patted that hay and said, "that's not going anywhere!" It is man code, a requirement.

[@MrToad-actual]

If it were a perfect world…you could buy a Ford, Dodge or GM with your choice of Powerstroke, Cummins or Duramax with an Allison auto or 6 speed manual. I’d pick the Ford, Cummins and 6 speed manual in this dream

[@Astrox326]

96 ford has always been my dream ranch truck