Question about best overall Diesel truck???

03BlackGTP · 07-11-05, 10:57

Question is: Whats the best all around diesel truck a person could buy??? It can be Ram 2500/3500, F-250/F-350, Chevy 2500HD/3500HD. I'm talking about frame, engine, tow, etc. etc. etc. I dont want prices, I just want whats the best truck now-a-days.

I know I want the best overall Diesel truck out there. I have a buddy that has a 03 Ram 2500 and he has not had a problem since he put 35.xxx miles on her.

themightytimmah · 07-12-05, 04:08

I think you'll find that all of the 3 are pretty good nowadays. I'm partial to GMC (great track record), but I hear that the Dodge's have really come around from a few years ago. I like the DuraMax engine, and the GMC sits quite a bit lower than the others, making loading much more convenient if you're not 6'10.

If you want to impress the block, get a Ram though. They really are imposing, in person.

rjstaaf · 07-12-05, 04:29

Here is a great site by Ford. They disect several popular trucks and compare them. I think you will be suprised.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/f150/truth/

gunner6165 · 07-31-05, 06:33

Ok, I know this has been left alone fro a while but here's my opinion. Keep in mind I'm a Chevy guy at heart.

I researched and drove the offerings from the 'Big three' and with some experience I think the best motor belongs to Dodge. The Cummins is hands down the best motor available. If you can drive a manual tranny and don't have a need for a true crewcab this is the way to go. The motor is very upgradeable (more power)

The autos have a questionable life expectantcy behind the Cummins.

The best diesel/auto tranny combo is the Duramax/Allsion combo from GM. The looks of the Chevy is a matter of taste, the GMC offering isn't near as ugly IMHO. 2001 and 2004 could be bad years (new model and redesign years). Upgrades are available. Not all stealers are knowledgeable in diesels.

The Fords I would look at a pre-2003 (7.3 Powerstroke), they're just about bulletproof. There are upgrades also. The new 6.0 Powerstroke has a checkered record of reliability. Transmissions have no major issues.

Now keep in mind this is just my opinion. I can site many people who have had bad experiences with the Dodge, Chevy/GMC, and the Ford. And just as many who have had nothing but good luck with them. Every mfg can build a lemon.

I was alll set to get a '05 GMC Crewcab 2500HD Duramax/Allison combo recently, but thanks to a drunk,

we had to replace my wifes truck instead. Luckily my 98 will pull whatever I need it to, just not near as easily.

03BlackGTP · 07-31-05, 07:37

Wow, Thank You Sir.

I have heard just about the same as what you have said.

I thought about it and I went with Dodge. Got a good price on a 3500 Dually. Here is the link if you would like to see "Big Red."

http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=59687

Thanks again.

JDookie · 07-31-05, 07:46

I would normally pick the Ford, but with the track record of the new 6.0 liter Power Stroke I can honestly say that I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. The Super Duty trucks themselves are built the best out of the group, but the engine is trash. I, along with another friend of mine, but F250's with the new diesel and both were bought back by Ford. Yes, we got full refunds, including any accessories we put on. Mine was an 04' Lariat and his was an 05' Harley Davidson. You can also go to thedieselstop.com and check out how many other Ford owners are having problems with the new engines. The amount of buybacks is just mind boggling.

Now, that only leaves two left to choose from and if I purely base my decision on engine quality alone, I'd have to pick the Dodge. The revised Cummins is supposed to be absolutely insane, and I'd just never buy a Chevy, but that's me.

gunner6165 · 08-01-05, 05:57

That's a beautiful truck. What does the Big Horn package have? Hopefully you will find a dealer who is knowledgeable in the Cummins or are not afraid to do your own maintenance. That seems to make all the difference in owning one of these. Congrats and enjoy.

Dennis

Pontman43 · 08-01-05, 08:13

Dodge, I'm sorry. lol j/k enjoy the new truck!

98GT · 08-04-05, 08:05

From my research, the 05/06 Super Duty is awesome. As posted 03/04 6.0 (International manufactured motor) diesel's had a lot of various issues, and thedieselstop.com is an excellent place to get some background on them. I bought an 05 Lariat (fully loaded) F-250 crew cab and could not be happier, the 6.0 is even more quiet this year, more towing, more power more everything...including money! $49,500 all said and done! Good luck any of the big 3 are a good choice IMO, my second choice would be a duramax, but i'm a ford guy :-)

kgb · 08-04-05, 09:37

Not the Ford. I work with builders and contractors all day and they are always complaining about their Ford Deisels.

JDookie · 08-04-05, 04:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98GT

From my research, the 05/06 Super Duty is awesome. As posted 03/04 6.0 (International manufactured motor) diesel's had a lot of various issues,

Doesn't International still manufacture them? Congrats on the new truck, I hope yours isn't anything like mine.

klnyc · 08-04-05, 05:54

Best truck? Go for the International CXT. This sh!t is bigg.. It make the H2 like a baby