5.9 vs 6.5

[Jcdiesel]

Hello
Which is the better truck between a 1996 Ram dually cummins 12v 4wd extended cab manual transmission and a 1995 Gm dually crew cab 6.5 td 4wd manual transmission.

I read that the Cummins is good for heavy loads, and the 6.5 for highway driving. I know the transmissions are the same (NV4500). No heavy loads for my truck, just a Harley.
Thank you

 

[u2slow]

IMHO, the truck qualities are similar and not especially great.

The dodge has the better engine, but the worse front steering/suspension. The chevy will be lower and easier to load a harley into.

 

[Jcdiesel]

Maximum speed and rpm are similar or better on the 6.5?

 

[u2slow]

6.5 revs higher.

Axle ratio and tire size decide the vehicle speed.

 

[Jcdiesel]

.

 

[Jcdiesel]

The Peninsular has a forged crankshaft.
I've seen a lot of 6.5s on YouTube with broken cast-iron crankshafts.

 

[Black dawg]

Broken crankshafts, blown head gaskets, pmd issues, those will be the days of your 6.5 life.


I do like the 6.2 and 6.5s, but reality is that a p pump 12 valve motor will more than likey give no trouble.....as long as the dowel pin is fixed.

 

[Black dawg]

as far as the trucks, the gm is a nicer truck, and the real crewcab is nice if you can deal with the length of the truck. Those trucks typically drive really nice as well.

The dodge is ok, typically drive poor without doing 3rd-4th gen style steering stuff. But with the newer steering stuff (track bar) they usually drive ok.

 

[PLANET AUTOMOBILE]

The length of the Dodge is 244 and the Chevrolet 249.
not a big difference
I like the sound of the Detroit V8 and the style of the Dodge
but I think I'll go with a Dodge because of the reliability of its engine.

 

[u2slow]

Those years chev and dodge are cut from similar 'cloth'. IME, both rust out structurally... faster than the generation before them.

 

[Jcdiesel]

Third option: The 1996 Ford F350 Powerstroke manual 4WD

 

[u2slow]

Better truck than the other two. Engine falls in between.

Personally, I had some poor 7.3L powersteoke experiences. Prefer the 12-valve cummins.

 

[Jcdiesel]

You must be registered for see images attach

1998

 

[u2slow]

1998

Those started for '99 model year.

Watch out for oddball parts that first half/full year. Can be bit of a pain.

 

[Jcdiesel]

With straight pipe , the sound is amazing