Why Diesel???

[JESSE1]

Ford offers a 6 speed manual standard with the diesel engine. I've really liked the TorqueShift trans in my truck. In Tow/Haul mode, when you start to apply the brakes it will start downshifting. It also senses how agressive to downshift; if you're going fast and hit the brakes hard it will downshift faster and at a higher rpm to help slow down, on an easier stop it will downshift at a slower rate.

 

[wushaw]

Ford and GM both use the Meritor ZF6 for their standard tranny. It is good but is only rated for the 520lb torque setting, another reason so many like the Allison. The computer works with the tranny to not over torque it and it can't do that with the ZF6.
If it is my choice I would take the ZF6 and I have had both.

 

[JESSE1]

I don't know how much torque the 6 speed is rated for but Ford derates the 6.4 diesel to 325/600 only on the F-450/550 equipped with the 4.88 rear axle and manual trans. All other axle ratios with the 6 speed get the 350/650 version of the engine. They make a note of this in the '08 truck specs listed in the brochures.

 

[Rara Avis]

No disrespect to Spiveyman; but I can't stand dually pickups unless the pickup body has been replaced by a flatbed or similar type of truck body. From the front, a dually looks like it's being held back by a boat anchor so to speak; and from the rear, a dually looks like a woman with a fat butt.

Here's what I have on my newest 2007 GMC 3500...


Hillsboro Industries - Aluminum Truck Beds

 

[VA_Joe]

don't feel bad about that V-10 my friend. that is one heckuva motor! i'm still scratching my head as to why GM quit with the 8.1 option and now only offer the 6.0 as an alternitive to the Duramax. a farmer that i'm good friends with has a f-350 with that V-10 in it and he wouldn't trade it for the world. loves the thing! i'm not against a diesel motor, i'd love to have one, but i also don't want to have to live on the street just to afford to drive one.haha i make it just fine with my '04 Z71, works as hard as i need it to. maybe when i buy again i'll look for a good used diesel who knows. this is a very interesting discussion though.

I think it was because the 8.1 was such a gas hog that it no longer made economic sense with $3.00 a gallon gas. Plus - you needed the Allison transmission to really make use of it. At that point - you might as well go with the Diesel option.

 

[VA_Joe]

Great idea on the CVT, and I agree 100%. I used to own a car with a CVT and it was really nice.

I agree on the CVT - very nice. Unfortunately - I don't think anyone has one that can handle the HP/Torque requirements of a pick-up. My experience with CVT was on a compact car.

 

[VA_Joe]

Well, you may not have driven a GM Allison with the tow/haul button pressed. Coast down a steep hill and it will hold speed, tap the brake and it will downshift smartly. No hunting with my 10k loads.

A manual will have better control, but fewer and fewer people know what to do with one. Only Dodge still offers a manual with a diesel in the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, which is a shame.

jb

They offer the tow/haul mode on the 6.0 gas engine as well. Very nice feature. It basically negates one of the last advantages of auto versus manual.

 

[john_bud]

You're right - Ford does offer a 6 speed manual.

I was wrong --oops!


Still looks like GM does NOT offer a manual in the HD lineup.


jb

 

[Rara Avis]

You're right - Ford does offer a 6 speed manual.

I was wrong --oops!


Still looks like GM does NOT offer a manual in the HD lineup.


jb

With the Allison and its M position...they won't need to...

 

[mjncad]

Well, you may not have driven a GM Allison with the tow/haul button pressed. Coast down a steep hill and it will hold speed, tap the brake and it will downshift smartly. No hunting with my 10k loads.

A manual will have better control, but fewer and fewer people know what to do with one. Only Dodge still offers a manual with a diesel in the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, which is a shame.

jb

I haven't driven the GM-Allison as I'm not in the market for a truck and I'm not a GM fan; I'm just basing my opinion on my experiences.

My wife and I just got back from a trip to the West Slope of Colorado to visit a friend and coworker of hers. We took her little Honda CRV SUV automatic in the unlikely event she would have had to drive. I forgot to set the trip odometer; but I estimate we put a 1,000 miles on her car over 5-days. Her CRV is a fine little vehicle; but if I had my choice, I would have taken my 5-speed Accord for the transmission. Plus my car's smaller trunk would have limited the amount of junk she brought along.