Question for those who switched from Dodge Cummins to the 6.4 - Diesel Forum

Mike1124 · 10-18-2007, 12:14 PM

I am in the market for a new truck and am looking at this new 6.4, I know that Ford is much better in the comfort catagory but how do you like this diesel compared to the 5.9, pros and cons. I will be using this truck for everyday driving and pulling 8 to 10k pound trailers pretty regularly. Thanks for any opinions I do appreciate it. Mike

TurboForMyTurbo · 10-18-2007, 05:45 PM

Well the 5.9l seemed to hold OD pulling trailers much better. Mine had a 90hp box on it and would stay in OD always. never downshifted but i can attest that to it being a 4sp and not having many gears to play with.

To be honest, i havent looked back from my 5.9l CTD. stock for stock the 6.4l is just going to be a pulling monster compared to the 5.9

EKUgrad · 10-18-2007, 06:33 PM

There are several things about the Dodge that I liked better. The fuel economy is the first thing to come to mind, but I also liked how the 5.9 mated with the 6speed pulled. The comfort is no comparison, though.

If you are going to be pulling a lot, I would still go with the Dodge 5.9 / 6speed combo. If you drive around empty a lot, it is hard to beat the new Super Duty.

NatesDiesel · 10-18-2007, 07:29 PM

I dont really know if its fair to compare the 6.4 to the 5.9. You probably wont find any new 5.9's around unless you are very lucky, and don't mind lot-rot. Also, power ratings are higher with the 6.4 and emissions controlls are gonna cost you dearly.

Trannies are totally different even from 5.9 to 6.7 Cummins. I think it would all boil down to your test drive experience, really.

Personally, my opinion would be, I love Cummins. They are extremely well built engines, with quite a history of high-mileage, high-resale-value and high owner satisfaction (engine).

I loved my 5.9 CTD, for all the 239,000 miles, but that was ancient technology compared to today's vast display of emissions control. I can almost guarantee that the new systems will not be trouble-free for 250,000 miles. Its just too many parts. Too many radiators. Too many EGR, well, just too many of everything. I say this directed mostly at the Ford. Not the Cummins 6.7. It is much simpler at least when considering pieces-parts and potential leak points.

I wouldnt doubt, however, that Ford's 6.4 will be trouble-free for the warranty of 100,000 miles, though.

Its all up to you bud. Your opinion of everything.

Nate

mattmeyer05 · 10-18-2007, 07:52 PM

Ok so the cummins 6.7 is going to be a better motor and last longer than the 6.4... thought most people were having a hard time keeping the 6.7s on the road, but hey thats just what I heard.

Deeregreen · 10-18-2007, 07:55 PM

I had a 5.9 and loved it. You will not be able to make a comparison from the looksof your sig. Are you really interested in a new truck with all the mods you have on your old one. To me the 6.4 is still very strong, definately stronger that a stock 5.9.

Texrob1 · 10-18-2007, 08:01 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mattmeyer05</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok so the cummins 6.7 is going to be a better motor and last longer than the 6.4... thought most people were having a hard time keeping the 6.7s on the road, but hey thats just what I heard. </div></div>You heard correctly,DPF issues mostly,hopefully Dodge will get it figured out shortly,the days of high MPG & simple easy to fix Diesel's are over sadly.

Lightningfast01 · 10-18-2007, 09:00 PM

I had a couple buddies go find and buy new 06 5.9's to get back to the simple reliable diesels. Generally Dodge autos have sucked hard. I don't know how thier new 6spd auto is. Everyone knows you can't beat a 5.9 with a 6spd manual. The rest of the truck lacks comfort and refinement though.
Heck the new CTD has a VGT turbo just like the 6.0 Dodge gambled on a passive regen system and it bit them in the butt.

skidmarks · 10-18-2007, 09:21 PM

My 2004.5 5.9 got about 1mpg more than my 08 6.4.
The Dodge auto tranny was cooked at 85k and the truck was no where near as comfortable as the Ford.
The Ford definately outperforms the Dodge in towing and the ride is much nicer in the Ford.
The audiophile sound system in the Ford blows away the Dodge Infinity system or whatever they call it.
The navigation system is 10x better in the Ford.

The Dodge truck just seems cheap and cheesy compared to the Ford.
The Cummins 5.9 is a FANTASTIC engine though.

NW Contracting · 10-18-2007, 09:28 PM

I am trading my 06 5.9 6 speed in on a ordered a 08 450 with the 4:88s.My Dodge is stock just wondering how you guys think the Ford will tow my 26000lb equipment trailer in comparison.

F350_6 · 10-18-2007, 09:57 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: case580</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am trading my 06 5.9 6 speed in on a ordered a 08 450 with the 4:88s.My Dodge is stock just wondering how you guys think the Ford will tow my 26000lb equipment trailer in comparison. </div></div>

A 450 with 4.88's, I'd say you'll be pleased with everything except fuel mileage.

Welcome to the site.

Mike1124 · 10-18-2007, 11:04 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Deeregreen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had a 5.9 and loved it. You will not be able to make a comparison from the looksof your sig. Are you really interested in a new truck with all the mods you have on your old one. To me the 6.4 is still very strong, definately stronger that a stock 5.9. </div></div>

I love my truck and I agree with what you are saying there is absolutely no comparison in pulling power to what I have now but......and I cant believe that I am actually saying this, you can modify these things to much. Also the county we moved into a couple years ago require emissions and last but not least the wife would like something a little more comfortable that does not sound like a F-16. I actually went and test drove the 6.7 with the 6spd auto and it was really nice but the interior is exactly the same as my early 04 maybe a couple of cosmetic changes but that is it and the Dmax Allison combo I drove was nice as well, but I do not care for GM to much.

NatesDiesel · 10-18-2007, 11:40 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lightningfast01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Heck the new CTD has a VGT turbo just like the 6.0 Dodge gambled on a passive regen system and it bit them in the butt. </div></div>

The VGT design on the 6.7 has very little in common with the design of the vane-troubled 6.0 turbo. Cummins' turbo has not been the victim of sticking like 6.0 either. Check it.

Nate

NatesDiesel · 10-18-2007, 11:43 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mattmeyer05</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok so the cummins 6.7 is going to be a better motor and last longer than the 6.4... thought most people were having a hard time keeping the 6.7s on the road, but hey thats just what I heard. </div></div>

DPF problems are problems, yes. Also, they are not actually Cummins' problems, if I may go that far.

I dont really want to stand up for one brand of truck, just because I like the engine. I cant stand the Dodge Truck, or the Dodge brand anymore. But Cummins is still a superb engine.

Nate

Gerry40 · 10-19-2007, 12:08 AM

I actually have both sitting in my driveway right now. I have my buddy’s '03 3500 CC DRW that I borrowed until I bought my new '08 F350 CC DRW. The Dodge is a nice truck and gets great mileage but the interior doesn’t come close to the F350 and the rear CC down right sucks. It's too small and the rear seats are very uncomfortable. The motor seemed strong and did very well around town. The ride in the Dodge is a lot rougher then the ’08 F350.

As for pulling power….. The Dodge pulled my ’36 gooseneck car trailer that weighs 10,500lbs loaded just fine and got 12.5-13mpg doing 72-75mph. Without the trailer on the highway I could get 17-18mpg doing the same speed and around town I was getting 14.4-15mpg.

I’ve been driving my new truck for about a month now and I haven’t pulled the trailer yet but with the power I have without the trailer attached I see no reason why it won’t do what I need it to once it’s attached. In a nutshell I won’t go back to the Dodge unless I need to move a load of dirt or gravel and I don’t want to scratch the paint in the bed of my truck

. I’ll use the Dodge as a beater until my buddy wants it back.