general opinions about a new truck

[Shaggy]

that pretty much sums up the m series block

I disagree.. when built right it is a very powerful engine

[BroncoJo]

when built right it is a very powerful engine

agree

[Chadnutz]

In the mid 90s they didn't make many 250 crew cabs. But don't worry a 350 is the same thing with an overload spring in the back. I always liked the old 7.3s, and would advise anybody against a 94-97 powerstroke. If she would go with a single cab we should have a 99 f-350 single wheel single cab with 7.3 and 6 speed and 4x4 in good condition coming up for sale in a couple months.

Why? Because there aren't 234213543 of them on the road? I see a **** ton more 94-97 Fords than I do those year model Dodges, but no one here seems to think the Cummins ever had a problem. I not trying to get into a brand war, but you guys told me the same thing when I bought a 140k mile truck and it has 225k now...

Only major problem it had was the timing gear sliding on the crank shaft which required pulling the engine to reset. Pulling an engine isn't that big of a deal. Any other problem I've had (including that one) I was able to drive home on.

Since I've bought it the only thing I've replaced that needed replacing was flywheel ($900), alternator ($200), batteries ($300?), A/C clutch ($50?), glow plugs ($100), Serpentine belt, intake hoses, CPS ($100).

The rest of it was preventative maintenance or fluid/filter changes.

[william_ace]

those 7.3's last forever, or at least they have for us. we've got 370 k on one and 456k on another

[Seth]

Pulling an engine isn't that big of a deal.

LMAO - at what point to you consider something a big deal? I am not sure what you were defending....er whatever.

[jerryg79]

LMAO - at what point to you consider something a big deal? I am not sure what you were defending....er whatever.

For real, Im pretty sure that's probably a $2000+ job if you dont do it yourself.

[Chadnutz]

It was about 4 hours to get it out and 5 hours to put it back in. Both of those numbers were 1-2 hours higher than they should have been because I didn't move the transmission back.

I worked on the bottom while my brother worked on the top. They aren't that complicated. And engine from the 2000s would be a real PITA, however.

[Sharpe]

LMAO - at what point to you consider something a big deal? I am not sure what you were defending....er whatever.

Was thinking the same thing, but all of my motor installs before have involved some sort of fabrication too.