which diesel truck - Lateral-g Forums

ParkerRS · #13 10-03-2011, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratman67

if you plan to do a lot of towing go with the dodge and manual trans, the d max is a great engine but the cummins is incredible...

all the big diesel trucks have auto trans issues when you start towing HEAVY loads...i was into off shore power boats and towing 40ft offshore boats will let you know who makes a good driveline in a hurry.lol

I'll second this comment strongly. If you intend to tow a lot of heavy loads go manual. The automatic transmission is the weak link in diesel trucks.

I know all of you chevy guys are going to jump in and brag about the Allison, but it's an Allison 1000. These transmissions are weaker than you think, just ask diesel drag racers. They are also the most expensive to modify for increased power or load levels. Allison transmissions in buses, motorhomes and heavy trucks are a different animal. For motorhomes, buses and trucks wieghing between 18,000 and 30,000 lbs allison provides the 3000 series in these applications. With a P/U rated at nearly 20,000 GCVWR the 1000 series is on the light side in comparison.

Dodge and Ford also have problems with autos when worked hard. GM relies on the Allison reputation even though they are using a very light duty version. If you intend to tow max or near max loads a manual (preferably 6 speed) is the only way to go regardless of brand.

I've owned two with autos and the rest were all manuals. The autos both required rebuilding and strengthening. If you want the real skinny on diesel autos talk with the guys at www.suncoastconverters.com , these guys buy the latest trucks new, turn them up high and see what breaks in the transmission at the drag strip. Then they tear them down and see what it takes to make them survive the strain. I've been running one of their units in my Ford for 130,000 miles with 0 trouble. the original blew out it's front seal while towing a 15,000 lb tailer at 34,000 miles. Ford's reply to the problem was that they all do that if you load them heavy and pull. WTF?, It's a one ton truck!