Shopping For A Diesel Pickup?
If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty truck, you’re probably considering two of the most popular options: the powerful Ford SuperDuty with the reliable Powerstroke diesel engine or the mighty Ram boasting the popular Cummins. But with a plethora of configurations, options, and features available for each truck, making the right choice can be a daunting task. Today we’ll be exploring the ins and outs of these iconic trucks, the unique specifications of each, and the customizable features that make these trucks truly stand out.
2023 Ford Super Duty
The 2023 Super Duty has undergone a few changes for the 2023 model year, and it looks incredible! It’s equipped with a 10-speed transmission and the option between the 6.7L or 7.3L engines. While the 6.7L options may be more expensive than the 7.3L, the benefits it offers in terms of reliability, performance, efficiency, and technology make it a worthwhile investment. We highly recommend going with the 6.7L Powerstroke engine.
F-250, F-350, or F-450?
Now, let’s get down to the details. F-250, F-350, or F-450? In our opinion the F-350 is the best option it’s a versatile and capable choice for many truck owners, striking the perfect balance between power and practicality. While the F-250 may be more accessible in terms of price and easier to handle for daily driving, it falls short in towing and payload capacity, which can be essential for heavy-duty work or recreational activities. The F-450 boasts impressive towing capabilities and a larger turning radius, but its higher price tag and increased operating costs, such as fuel and maintenance expenses, can be daunting. Additionally, the F-450 may be excessive for everyday use and it’s larger size can make parking and maneuvering in urban areas a challenge. All that being said, the F-350 emerges as the ideal option for many, offering a well-rounded combination of power, affordability, and usability suitable for a wide range of applications.
Ford Super Duty Trim Packages
Next let’s focus on the cab and bed configuration next. Although sometimes I wish I had a short bed, a long bed is definitely more practical. Trust me, the long bed on these trucks looks massive! They seem like they could be 10-foot beds, but they’re actually 8-foot beds. We’re going with a single rear wheel. So, for the trim level, we have options like XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Decisions, decisions…
The Lariat package for the 2023 Ford F-350 Powerstroke is a fantastic choice for those seeking a balanced combination of luxury, utility, and value. We won’t go into every single detail and trim level differences but in a nutshell, the base XL package certainly offers affordability, but it tends to lack the creature comforts and advanced technology features that many truck owners have come to expect in today’s market. Meanwhile, the high-end Limited package might be enticing with it’s fancy features and advanced safety technology, but it’s steep price point makes it less appealing. Additionally, some of the exclusive features found in the Limited package may be unnecessary for everyday use or the needs of the average truck owner.
The Lariat package strikes a harmonious blend of style and function with it’s leather-trimmed interior, touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated/air conditioned seats – all without the need to break the bank. In summary, the Lariat package offers a compelling mix of premium features and practicality at a reasonable cost, making it an excellent choice for the 2023 Ford F-350 Powerstroke.
Must-Have Ford Super Duty F-350 Factory Options:
Gearing: If you’re planning to run larger-than-stock wheels and tires or lift your 2023 Ford Super Duty Diesel pickup, the 3.55 Electronic Locking Axle Ratio is your best option. The 3.55 ratio is more optimal for larger wheels and tires because it provides better fuel efficiency and less strain on the drivetrain, making it perfect for those who are planning on modifying their trucks. On the other hand, the 3.31 stock gearing can be less efficient with larger wheels and tires, leading to reduced fuel economy and increased drivetrain stress.
Bedliner: The Tough Bed spray-in bed liner is a superior choice over the drop-in bed liner for several reasons. First and foremost, the spray-in bed liner provides a seamless, custom fit that adheres directly to the truck bed, eliminating any gaps or shifting that can occur with a drop-in liner. The textured surface of the spray-in liner also offers better traction and prevents cargo from sliding around in the bed. Not to mention drop-in bed liners can warp and crack over time.
2023 Ram 6.7L Cummins
The 2023 Ram Cummins doesn’t bring significant changes from the previous year models. The updates are relatively minor, with most of the core features and specifications remaining consistent. While there may be some tweaks to the technology and infotainment system, the engine performance, towing capacity, and overall design have remained largely the same. If you’re familiar with the 2022, 2021, or even slightly older Ram Cummins, you’ll find the 2023 model to be quite similar in terms of functionality and performance.
Ram 2500, 3500, or 4500?
When it comes to building a 2023 Ram Cummins, there are several considerations to take into account. The choice between the Ram 2500, 3500, and 4500 largely depends on your needs and preferences, as each model offers unique features and capabilities. Our top recommendation for most truck enthusiasts is the Ram 2500. One of the standout features of the Ram 2500 is its rear coil spring suspension, which provides a smoother and more comfortable ride compared to the traditional leaf spring suspension found in most heavy-duty trucks. This makes the Ram 2500 a great choice for daily driving, long trips, and towing trailers.
While the Ram 3500 and 4500 offer increased towing and payload capacities, they may be overkill for the average person’s needs. You might not want a dually, and the 4500 isn’t available with a traditional truck bed. These models are better suited for commercial purposes or for those who require extreme hauling capabilities.
Ram HD Trim Packages
Ram offers a wide range of trim levels for the 2023 Cummins, including Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, and Limited. Each trim level has its own set of features and price points to cater to different preferences.
We recommend the Laramie trim level as a balanced option for those looking to build a 2023 Ram with the Cummins engine. The Laramie offers a mix of comfort, style, and technology without breaking the bank. It comes with a host of features such as leather-trimmed seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced safety features. This trim strikes the right balance between affordability and luxury.
At the lower end of the spectrum, the Tradesman trim level is the most budget-friendly option, but it lacks many of the features that make the Ram an enjoyable and comfortable truck to drive. On the other hand, the Limited trim level is packed with high-end features and premium materials, but it comes at a steep price. Additionally, many of the exclusive features found in the Limited trim may not be necessary for the average person.
In conclusion, building a 2023 Ram involves considering your specific needs and preferences. We recommend the Ram 2500 with the Laramie trim level as a versatile and balanced choice that offers a great mix of features, comfort, and performance.
Regearing A Ram 2500 Cummins
For those planning to run larger than stock tires on their new Ram (basically everyone!), bear in mind that factory gearing options are limited on the 2500. Especially if you’re going to a 37″ or larger tire, the need for a 4.10 or lower gear ratio is pretty imperative in order to maintain a proper speed versus RPM ratio, but this 4.10 isn’t an available option on the 2500’s. That said, you can definitely upgrade after-the-fact using aftermarket ring and pinion kits and have the rear coil springs you’re after out of the 2500.
Price Comparisons
The pricing of the 2023 Ford F350 Super Duty Lariat package and the 2023 Ram 2500 Laramie package can vary based on multiple factors, such as optional add-ons, regional incentives, and dealer promotions. However, the difference in base prices between these two trucks are typically not significant. Both the Lariat and Laramie packages offer a great balance of luxury, technology, and performance, making them excellent choices for those looking to invest in a heavy-duty truck without sacrificing comfort and style.
Stock Is Boring…
Let’s face it, having a stock truck can be a bit boring. While factory configurations are designed to appeal to a wide audience and offer reliability, they often lack the individuality and enhanced performance that many truck enthusiasts crave. Customizing your truck allows you to inject your personality into your vehicle and tailor it to fit your specific needs, whether it’s off-roading, heavy-duty towing, or simply making a statement on the road. Modifying your truck can also significantly improve its performance, handling, and overall driving experience. So, why settle for the ordinary when you can create something extraordinary?
If you’re ready to transform your stock truck into a powerful, unique machine that turns heads wherever you go, check out our builds for inspiration and part recommendations that will help you take your truck to the next level.