Starting to think about a newer truck

[crbr]

The duramax's any better?

I'm not getting a dodge, dont try to talk me into it. Other than that I appreciate any nuggets yall have picked up along the way.

Stay away from the Duramax LB7 (2001 - 2004 engine). Injectors and fuel pump are problems waiting to happen. It's almost a certainty. Many write-ups on this issue on diesel forums. Been there myself.

Otherwise, don't expect huge great miles per gallon on a diesel. It isn't there.... they tow good but honestly, a late model diesel comes with a high maintenance cost as well. A simple oil change is not cheap. Fuel filters are recommended to be changed every 5000 miles, and diesel fuel is not going to get any cheaper.

The best engine model in the GM diesel burner is the LB7 (2006 through 2007.5). The engine model changed in late 2007 to the LMM (with the new body style) which has emission add-ons.

Dodge has the best diesel engine going but that's all I can say for Dodge. Been there too, and not going back. $0.02 It's each to their own....

PM sent to your box hrcarver...
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[gumshu]

I'm now looking mostly into gas trucks, the gm 6.0 w/4.10 rear or maybe the new ford 6.2. If I can put a pallet of fertilizer in the back and haul 11k on the tagalong, I'm happy.

The 4.10 seems to be a rare option, anyone know a reason for that? Mileage shouldn't take that much of a hit, should it?

I think you can find the 410 on the diesel dually and the V10 prior to 2011.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think you can find the 410 on the diesel dually and the V10 prior to 2011.

4.30 was also available on the V10 My uncle has a 05 and its a stump puller. Averages around 10mpg and he can squeak 12 if he is being good. He could care less what it gets. He owns a Shell Station and bought it to pull a load and push snow.

As for the gear ratios I have had all the gear ratios and all 4 of my diesel trucks had 3.73 gears but had 5 speed trannys. Gear ratios do not mean as much today as they used to when all we had was 3 speed autos with overdrive. You can now get a 3.23 or something like that and a low first 2 gears in the tranny to do the same work. This is all possible because of the new 6 speed trannys. 8 speed ones are on the way.

Tire sizes have also changed so much that final drive ratios can change just by ordering 2 identical trucks with different sized wheels. Remember, you wheel/tire is your final gear.

Chris

 

[catskinner]

On the 03 and 04 Ford F250/350 Tow ratings for them are low on the Crew cab, and the 6.0 has a high maintance cost. I have the 04 f250 6.0 with a 100,00+ on it has been bullet proof so far, but I know guys that has had high repair bills also. Find a low milage 03 and older 7.3 and you'll love it forever.

 

[rilesdav]

Run away from the ford 6.0, had 1, 10 egr valves in 5 years then it was off to the gmc dealer for a new duramax. So far so good

 

[Diamondpilot]

Run away from the ford 6.0, had 1, 10 egr valves in 5 years then it was off to the gmc dealer for a new duramax. So far so good

We have a 04 F-250 and a 06 F-350. Both are diesel and both are bullet proof. Neither have been in the shop a day except for a bad fuel gauge on the F-350 when it was about a month old.

I had a 05 Dmax 3500 that was in the shop right and left for overheating, injector issues, bad glow plugs, bed repainted, broken power seat, 2 limp modes on the tranny, ect. All that in 9 months then traded on the F-350 at a big loss.

I guess some have luck and some do not. My Dmax experience was one I will never forget while my 6.0 Fords have been trouble free and get worked hard.

Chris

 

[Raspy]

I can't imagine why you would absolutely eliminate a Dodge from consideration and yet seriously look at a Ford 6.0 or 6.4. The Dodge's problems seem relatively minor by comparison and are also easy to fix or easy to avoid with a different model.

No intention of brand bashing here, just do some research on the Ford's before making up your mind. I think you'll be glad you did.

Just because a few have had good luck with Ford's of that era doesn't change the fact that they have turned out to be the biggest warrantee disaster in Ford's history, lead to a lawsuit with Navistar that resulted in the engines being produced under court order and that servicing the engine often means removing the cab for some relatively simple work!

Fords are comfy and seem to have nice suspension. If those are the priority, then it makes sense to get one. If you want a reliable workhorse and can't get a Dodge, look at the later Chevys, right before the DPF.

 

[MacLawn]

Whew, this truck shopping is tough!! Been through it, and hate/love it! I am not brand partial at all - I am serious - if a VERY dependable truck was made by Yugo, I would buy it!! I've had or still have these brands:

1. Ford F100 and F150 (1971 and presently, 2002)
2. Chevrolet 1500 (1996)
3. Nissan (1980)
4. Dodge Dakota (1993)

I still have the F150 and Dodge Dakota 3.9 V6 - the Dakota is the BEST vehicle of any kind I have ever owned. So many problems with vehicles now days, it is hard. I say, just get what your gut tells you, after doing research, and live with it... Good shopping, and hope you get something that serves you well.

 

[WH401]

I'm now looking mostly into gas trucks, the gm 6.0 w/4.10 rear or maybe the new ford 6.2. If I can put a pallet of fertilizer in the back and haul 11k on the tagalong, I'm happy.

The 4.10 seems to be a rare option, anyone know a reason for that? Mileage shouldn't take that much of a hit, should it?

The new 6.2 Ford is a really good piece from what I have seen so far, nothing like the aging 5.4 that's for sure. The only ratio's that are available with it are 3.73 and 4.30, in a 250 that is. The way Ford designed the new 6 speed torqueshift to have the first 3 gears lower than that of the outgoing 5 speed allows the user to have a higher final drive ratio in 1st gear with a 3.73 than that of a 5 speed torqueshift and a 4.30 rear axle ratio. The 6.2's are doing pretty decent on mileage too. I read today that a guy with a 6.2 & a 4.30 axle got 16 mpg at 75 on an all highway 200+ mile trip. Regularly in a normal mix of city/highway driving he is seeing about 14 mpg +/-, which is in no way shabby for a 3/4 ton gasser.

 

[crashz]

Wow - thats nearly what I get in my 1/2 ton with 3.73 gears and 4 speed auto. I think the new offerings by Ford and GM have really raised the bar for the HD line of trucks.

My father just bought a 2011 Chevy 2500HD withthe 6.0L and 6 speed auto. I haven't seen it yet, but can't wait. I'm waiting to see how he does on fuel, but I'm really leaning towards a new 2011.