which diesel truck

[COYBILT]

Originally Posted by EBMC

I'm looking into getting a new crew cab 3/4 ton truck. Anybody have any thoughts on the Duramax, good or bad?

Ive got a 07 new body style 2wd duramax and I couldn't be happier, The truck throws down 22mpg on the freeway and 17.5 city.
With a 20ft enclosed on back with a car I average 15.6 mpg. If your looking for a great truck with out all the Smog crap on it, Go 2007 old bodystyle with the duramax. That engine is Known as the LBZ and has a fairly good rep, the earlier LLYs had some overheating issues at first and the early LB7s had injector issues.
The newest LML is a great engine and the chassis is awesome but as long as you don't mind throwing in DEF(Diesel exhaust Fluid) then go ahead.

[Jr]

My buddy rob has his truck for sale:


Rob Phillips
FOR SALE, I need to move this before Friday, don't ask, just listen. 2006 dodge ram 2500 mega cab 4x4 diesel w/63000 mi I have to get 22500 for it. It blue books for almost 30k. 310-941-3237. Rob

I need to figure out how to post a picture from his fb page... This truck is very clean!

[Stuart Adams]

Just like Coke and Pepsi, personal preference. No one can convince me to drink Pepsi or drive a diesel truck made by anyone but GM. I'm sure everyone has had good and bad with the 3 choices. Duramax for me, best truck I've had. Drive what you like.

[wmhjr]

Originally Posted by Stuart Adams

Just like Coke and Pepsi, personal preference. No one can convince me to drink Pepsi or drive a diesel truck made by anyone but GM. I'm sure everyone has had good and bad with the 3 choices. Duramax for me, best truck I've had. Drive what you like.

It is personal preference to be sure. However it's far from a pepsi vs coke comparison. People should have open minds, as there are clear factual differences that might make one a better fit than another based on the need. For example, if I were building a competition pulling truck, I'd likely go with a dmax. If I were buying a used truck and wanted maximum engine durability over high miles I'd buy a dodge. It's not a brand thing. It's a design thing. Just saying.

[Stuart Adams]

It's a personal preference thing for me Im saying. I wouldn't buy a dodge diesel truck period. I have no desire to even find a reason to. Just saying.

[ParkerRS]

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!

[EBMC]

And the winner is.........................



Picked up a 2011 Denali Duramax HD2500, and so far love it. May be picking up a new customers car in LA next week so I'll get to put it to the test over the grapevine. Thanks for all the input guys.

[Stuart Adams]

Very nice

[98ssnova]

Those things are so nice I really want one I have a gas truck right but might have to trade mine in soon. Congrats on your new ride you wont regret it my only regret is I though I bought enough truck for what I wanted to do.

[suark]

Originally Posted by EBMC

And the winner is.........................



Picked up a 2011 Denali Duramax HD2500, and so far love it. May be picking up a new customers car in LA next week so I'll get to put it to the test over the grapevine. Thanks for all the input guys.

This will be my next one...very nice