rOoStEr Bait - Let's Talk Diesels

[daddy]

Okay, so, um... I might be... Yeah, the Tahoe (gray one) may be on its way out and a truck on its way in.

Just wondering thoughts on Dodge versus GM diesels (Can't do a Ford. Sorry, J-Rod, they just be tooooo ugly for me.)

Pro's, cons, etc.

I really don't need a diesel on most days, to be honest, but now with me taking off two states away to ride the Teryx and living in a place where I'll likely be moving tractors, large loads of wood, etc., I do like the thought of the available power, easier towing and good MPG's. I have buddies who already have them and who haul my stuff now but I hate being dependent on others for stuff like that. I like to be at my own mercy.

Anyway, let the flames begin.

Saw a really nice 2012 RAM 2500 Crew in white the other day.

 

[mr_bots]

Just throw a LSA in the 'Hoe and beef up the tranny.

 

[Zembonez]

I think the big 3 are all good choices if you have a need to haul heavy shit. I do think the Ram and GM trucks look better... but it's pretty hard to beat that Cummins.

 

[jhoff8487]

From what I've read, the Duramax vs. the Cummins is a push. Many may not agree and will give the Cummins a slight edge but I'm not sure that's not just louder fanboys. The real powertrain difference that you get is the transmission and I don't think anyone would argue the Allison isn't the best in the business for the 2500/3500 series pickups.

 

[Zembonez]

I challenge anyone to match the long term durability of the Cummins. The oil field guys down here run them into the ground and get 500K out of them. GM and FOrd have not figured that out.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

What's a diesel?

 

[ksblacksilvy]

I'd prefer a Duramax over the others. I don't buy into any one being more reliable. That depends on the use and maintenance, and there are just some that do better. I have watched people dump thousands of dollars into Cummins to keep them going though. From my experience they are the least reliable. Between the guys I work harvest for, there are 5. Every one of them is in the shop more than once a year. My neighbors I work for have 2 ford diesels, a 6.0 and a '97 7.3, both bone stock. The '97 is near the end of the road at ~170k. The 6.0 rarely has anything go wrong. But I also know 2 guys who had 6.0's and sold them within a month. So much depends on the specific truck.

The bonus of a Duramax is the IFS, which is far better than a solid on the highway and is a piece of cake to work on. Honestly for your uses, a gas HD would be best IMO. The new Ford and GM gassers HD's are great. The ford at work really impressed me, even though it's ugly as hell.

I would love an LBZ. That's the only truck I would trade this one for.

 

[Bowtie2Sierra]

I've driven & have friends with both.

Buying brand new? Duramax
Buying used? 5.9 Cummins

However, if you are looking to get a GMT900 Duramax, Dodge's interior is better...IMO.

 

[66nova]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the big three. If I were going 3/4 ton GM or Dodge would be the choice too. I'm sure the powerstroke is fine, but I have too many friends that have had too many issues with them. I'm sure the cummins is the way to go if you plan on buying something with 200+ thousand miles, but I doubt that is the case. I think for the most part it boils down to which you like the looks of the best. Either of them can pull and small city and have a large number of tune options. I think Justin is even starting to get into diesel tuning.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

If you don't buy GM, then you and I are finished.