I've got another thread up top about PSD vs. Cummins. I am not wanting a war here, I've spoken with the Dodge fans, now I'm speaking to you Ford fans. I personally am both, and am torn between the two.

Here's what I'd like to know. What am I looking for problem wise in a 7.3? What gas mileage, 4x4 or 2wd?

Its going to come down which I like better obviously, but for budget reason I want to be aware of what I'm getting myself into. So far, the Dodge Cummins seems to get better gas mileage...

Thanks guys!

And for reference, I currently drive a 99 Ford Ranger w/ 3.0 auto, and occasionally my fiancee's dads 97 Dodge Ram w/ 5.9L v8 auto.

 

It true the scummins will get better mileage in a similar equipped vechical. My truck running 36's gets between 14-15 empty, with my lead foot, on stock gearing. The average seems to be between 13-17 for a 4 wd. For 2wd idk. Problem wise, the only real problem that is a known one is a CPS sensor. They are $25 from fords, they just have a tendency to go out at random times. Take 5 minutes to change, other than that they are pretty reliable. Mine has only left me stranded once and i was a dummy and didnt think the fuel might had gelled up(STUPID ULSD).

 

For just pure mileage, it seems the Cummins is the winner. However,
my 7.3 4WD crew cab with the 3.73 gets around 17-18 average (highway and town) with no load. The Cummins is a great engine, but the rest of the truck is the problem.
I looked at Dodges when I bought mine, but the quality was just not there IMO.

Jack
2003 F250 4WD 7.3 PSD Lariat Crew Cab

 

Check out my pdf file attached. Has my detailed mileage records since I started recording it last fall. Haven't updated in about 3 weeks, but no change in that time frame.

 

F250,

Very nice spreadsheet! You keep good records.

Jack
2003 F250 4WD 7.3 PSD Lariat Crew Cab

 

Thanks, Jack. I'm actually running through a series of trials on different synthetic oils, which will take at least a year or so, but it will require good details in order to determine any "statistical significance" for any changes I may or may not see. I also get reimbursed for business mileage, which is where most of the Hwy and Mix runs come from on the spreadsheet. I also want to be able to see trends and step changes when I install various mods.

All-in-all, it only takes a couple of minutes to record the details when I fill up, and then 5-10 minutes once/month to transfer the data into my spreadsheet. It will help me make better decisions in the long run.

 

Pete's results are pretty close to what I'm getting. I get between 14.5 & 15.5 in the city, and this is a mix of driving nice and putting my foot into it. The last time I went on the road was when my truck was bone stock (I got about 17mpg doing 75-80mph on the interstate), but I have since done some of the common mods (exhaust, 6637, CCV, Rotella syn., etc.), but haven't gotten my DP yet. This weekend I'll be going on the road without the chip, and I'm really hoping to have the chip for the trip I'm doing the following weekend to see if there's any difference. If this thread is still alive, I'll post the results here. If not, I'll start a new one...

Joe

 

Do it for the love of it not for MPG's. This merger you are considering needs to be a commitment of maintenance as well operating cost. If you haven't realized this by now poking around in this Forum you should buy something with MPG's as its strong point! Not only are they expensive (Diesel Superdutys) they stay that way.

 

I would probably mostly have to record "mix" if using Pete's spreadsheet (which IS nice, BTW).....Mostly commuting right now.....but the commute is 80% highway....but I do all my errands and stuff with the truck....Having said that......

I've been getting 17 to 18mpg on my "mix" driving (last one was 18.05)..........

When I do a good "highway" drive, I've gotten 18 to 20mpg and sometimes 21 or 22.....and my all-time high was 24mpg on a Beaufort, NC to Salisbury, NC run (near 300 miles)..........

It's mostly driving style (light foot....reasonable speed....I keep it at 1800 to 2000 rpms if practicable).........

And my 2000 only has 75000 miles, which probably helps......

 

Well, my DP is ordered!! Now I'll run my trip this weekend without it, and the following with it running the 80HP econo tune. BTW, at 75-80mph, I think my tac is right around 2300-2500 RPMs (can't remember exactly), and that's with 3.73 gears and 265/75/16 tires. I'll take some good notes this weekend and next to see how it does.

Joe

 

I'm going 70mph at 2000rpm, what's my gears. I have the 265/75/16 tires.

 

My first long trip with my 03, I got 20 mpg. That was strictly highway driving, and driving at 120 km per hour, with the cruise on. Im sure I could improve a ton if I set the cruise at 100, but I was in a hurry. My truck is in my signature, and has 3.73LS gears, and had 265/75/16 inch tires.

 

3.73... same as mine

 

Don't want to cay you're not right, but 20 mpg sounds a bit unrealistic for running 80mph. Could that 20 mpg number be from the "lie-o-meter", or was it really hand-calculated with "in the filler neck" fill-ups. From everyone I've checked with and seen report here in FTE, the lie-o-meter typically runs about 2-3 mpg on the high side of reality.

 

Ok, that's what I was thinking, but twhen Izzy said "75-80mph, I think my tac is right around 2300-2500 RPMs" I got wondering.

With 2500rpm I'm going out from the speedo...