FYI, cavitation's primarily a problem with the 7.3l IDI. The 6.9l doesn't really have this problem simply because the cylinder walls are thicker, and the Powerstroke has a completely different block. It's a moot point, though, 'cause it looks like Tom's chances of getting a Ford are about equal to my chances of getting a Chebby

I beg to differ on the "quite reliable" part, unless they made the (same model, essentially) pump stronger somehow on the GM version. At least the Ford version of the Stanadyne DB2 pump usually runs for about 100K miles before needing to be replaced. One of the main reasons is that nylon flex ring in the governor, but I've heard of other failure modes as well. There's also the throwaway injectors; again, this may be limited to Fords, but those two factors, I think, are pretty fair justifications for my "Stanadyne's USELESS" comment above. While still tougher than g@$$er parts, the Stanadyne fuel injection systems on the Ford IDI's (and probably GM's as well) don't hold a candle to the Bosch system that Cummins used or the setup on our M-B's.

On the medium-duty stuff, I think that Peter was thinking that Tom was planning to tow a lot more than he is. I wasn't attempting to push Tom in that direction; while a medium-duty is fun to drive it's not practical for a daily driver in most places and, to me, doesn't really sound like what he needs (and certainly not what he wants). It is true that many pickup trucks out there are overloaded, but it doesn't sound like that's what Tom wants to do at all. Lastly, when I say "overloaded", I'm not referring to the drivetrain or the suspension/frame...I'm referring to the braking system. The drivetrain (even on my 175 hp 6.9l) and suspension on most of these trucks can handle a lot more weight than the brakes can safely stop. BUT, if you keep to the load ratings (I do disagree with Peter's saying that the GVWR ratings on pickup trucks are "optimistic"), you should be safe. Also, trailer brakes are our friends.