[mpeastend]

I know nothing about trucks but would like to relate an interesting bit of info I heard. Was talking with a guy who's father has a '05 F250. He told me that after much research for his Dad, he found out that Ford installs block heaters on all it's Powerstroke diesels (just easier/cheaper on the assembly line). Ford will charge $600+ for the option but they only wire it up.

I found this hard to believe but the guy swears it's true and he's a solid, trustworthy guy who also happens to be my lieutenant. Take it under consideration. A block heater could be a few bucks in wiring/insulation/grommets away.

Not trying to hijack this thread but I'm trying to get informed as I'll be in the market for a 02-06 diesel dually in the spring and you guys all love to talk about your trucks. I'd appreciate any advice/insight you'd care to give. Researching this on the internet is pretty aggravating since I dig up horror stories for all trucks, but especially Fords. Apparently, any kind of mods to the 6.0 liter Powerstrokes is a recipe for disaster. The chips, etc. push the already high strung motor over the edge. Even a stock motor has it's fair share of issues.

GMC/Chevy had some class action suits with the injectors, etc. but nowhere near as bad as the Powerstroke's problems. Allison tranny- bulletproof.

Dodge has the mighty Cummins, and it would be a slam dunk for me, but wouldn't you know it, the auto tranny's got issues (according to the internet). I've read that if the Dodge trannys have the fluids changed, maintenance done regularly and aren't overheated, they aren't any less reliable than Ford trannys.

I'll probably go with a Dodge 3500 & hope for the best with the tranny, it's just that my budget will only allow for a higher mileage truck (around 130k+) so alot of potential problems could be just a few miles away. That's why I'm looking for the most reputable truck to start with since I know I'll have some inevitable issues to deal with in a higher mileage truck. I would go for a manual tranny but my limited prior towing experience tells me my life would be much easier backing into tight spots with an automatic. I watched a guy maneuver a 36 ft trailer backwards down Auto Associates steep, curved driveway. He stood outside the truck and just kept his foot on the brake. He had great visibility & made it look easy. Anybody who knows the AA driveway, knows it's no cakewalk. Took me 20 minutes to back down with a single car open trailex...but then again, I'm a newbie & suck bigtime.

Anyway, hope the block heater info may be of some use to you.