258's, etc...

["Jason and Maria Colavecchia" <jasoncolavecchia@domain.elided>]

No offence taken.  You have seen that I try to be fair when comparing
different manufacturers of similar equipment.  I always felt it was
important that all sides be heard. I go through these kind of processes
every day in my job, where people have to choose between a bewildering
array of hardware that can be custom built into a heavy truck these days. 
It helps alot when a clear assessment of said hardware is made, especially
from different viewpoints (ie servicability, parts availability,
maintenance schedule, initial cost, resale value.)
I would never totally knock one manufacturer, although I feel that there is
some merit to the statement that SOME manufacturers build stuff better than
others.  Even different manufacturers building the SAME part can have gross
differences in quality, availability, warranty, etc.

Some days, I feel that if it wasn't for the extreme longevity,
servicability and durability of the IH engine and related components, there
would be no way I could put up with all the BODY and wiring problems that
constitue 90% of my headaches with my Scouts/Travelalls.  This isn't saying
I hate the look or design of the IH bodies (quite the opposite,) I'm really
pointing out a poignant reality that it's almost a given that most IH's
(without loving, caring owners like on the digest) have some pretty serious
body problems by the time we get a hold of them....