as much as i like fords... i am also a mopar fan.. and i have to give it to dodge.. their cummins deisel are alot tougher than the power choke fords and the dura-junk chevies.. i had a picture of the connecting rods from all three. the cummins bottom is built like a tank. if any of the big 3 diesels where to be seriously modded out i think dodge would take both on power and longevity. just my .o2 cents worth. though at the the same time, my cousin owns a 99 sd 250 with the 7.3L and it has enough power to burn the 35" tires at half throttle thru 2nd gear. the only mod he has is chip and 5" exhaust. (now if he can keep an transmission behind it long enough it would be a great truck...on his 3rd on now..)