Running a gasser right now. Reason I got it was because we didn't need a diesel, nor were we informed of their benefits at the time we were buying. On the prowl for a 01-02 24v HO Cummins right now - will probably sell the Z28 here soon and make my move later this spring. I'd go for a newer one but the $'s just not there for new..... Why'd you pick what you have as your tow rig?
I bought a diesel because they are better all around. Having a TD is something hve to experience....there's something really cool about going over overpasses and short hills and hearing that turbo accelerate for a few seconds and then slow back down.... Fuel mileage is great! I get about 17 average, 15 in town and 20-22 on the highway. I originally wanted to a GM dmax, rode in one and didn't like it and I can't stand the "angry chinamen front clip"....then wanted a newer 6.0 PS powerstroke but after driving a one with an 80HP chip I was a little disapointed. The SD's have a great drivetrain but at the time they were still all on leaf springs. I like the SD body style but I don't care for the "bland" interior. Then I desided I would check out a dodge cummins. I have always liked how the cummins sounded, it sounds like a real diesel unlike the DM and PS. I am also partial to inline sixes since they make more torque and all of our semis have inline sixes. Plus, the cummins has the best BOMBing potential currently. Like a lot of folks, I thought dodge trucks were cheap....wrong these days. I was amazed of how nice the interior is layed out in the 94-02's. Much better than the Ford and as nice as teh Chevy IMHO. The body style really started to grow on me, especially after seeing a Sport front end with billet everything! I like the Quad cab because it shaves off a few inches of wheelbase over a true crew cb and there is enough room back there for a 3rd passenger anyway. Most of all Dodge has the toughest drivetrain out of everyone, especially in the 94-00 trucks when Ford was still using the D50 under their trucks. You can't beat the beef of a cummins with an NV5600, 271 case, D60 front, and a D80 rear...and thats in a 3/4 ton! Auto trucks like mine have an HD 241, D60, and slightly lighter D70 rear. The 47RE is a good transmission despite what some people say. It's only problem is it doesn't have enough pump PSI at lower RPM's for the cummins power, a valve body and torque converter upgrade and the venerable 4L80E from GM looks like a th700R4. I also prefer the suspension under the Dodges. The rear springs in the dodges can hold a LOT of weight. Unlike the 2004 and earlier fords, Dodge uses a nice coil front suspension. Obviously GM uses the IFS setup, inferior strength wise IMHO. Dodge suspension systems sit the tallest too. Regardless, whichever truck you choose from the big three will be a good one.
Diesel. After towing with a gasser for years this was a no brainer. I think the Ford is the nicest truck from what I've seen. I woudln't own a heavy duty truck with car suspension so I didn't look at the GM trucks at all, despite being a huge GM fan. I went with the Dodge. It has more power than the Ford and the latest generation PSD has had all sorts of problems. I'll tell you what I think of the Dodge in a few weeks when I pick it up. I drove a lesser equipped SLT model with a 6 speed and I was quite impressed...much better than the older bodystyle Dodges that I didn't care for one bit.
I would go with a Ford F-350 - F-250 with a 6.0L or the 7.3L DI. I would not use the 7.3L IDI, or 6.9L diesel engines because there is NO TURBO and there are other reasons (I would put the 6.9L or the 7.3L IDI in a mudder rig). Diesels are better at towing, they have a great pick up when you hit the gas with 6,000 pounds towing behind you. In most of the USA diesel is cheaper than gas. Diesels engines have better MPG. Want me to keep on going I could wright a book on why diesel is better then gas engines. Thanks Adam
Hmm, better fuel milleage, great power and easy to upgrade to the moon, longevity, turbo benefits dealing with altitude changes (we have a lot of that around here), lower fuel cost (at the time), and I like the sound when quitened down like the Dmax.
I don't see any humor, go read about the kind of power stock 47RE's can take with just a good converter and VB.
Bobby is right. The Dodge transmission upgrades from companies like ATS are capable of handling in excess of 1000 ft/lb and 500 hp (how much "in excess" is a matter of discussion). Same is true of the Allison. In stock form, it is more than capable of handling the DMax output (something that can not be said for the Dodge, which makes a stock 700r4 look strong ), but it requires about the same money/work in upgrades to handle the big output of a bombed Dmax..
Diesel, no question, if you're towing more than about 5,000 lbs. On my third diesel tow rig. Here are my reasons: Torque - gobs of it right where you can use it for towing. Fuel economy - my truck is also my daily driver, so it can't be a hog like a big block gasser is. I also like that I can plan a wheeling trip without worrying about saving up for fuel. I've had those big blocks before, I know. Longevity - I know I have an engine that will last far longer than I need it to. Mine is at 126K, and runs like new. This does not always apply to the "other" diesel offerings. BOMBability - If I want more HP and TQ, there's plenty more to be had. Resale has treated me well too. Besides, the sweet sound of a Cummins working under load, and the turbo whine, is just icing on the cake. Diesels aren't for everyone though. Some people don't want to "wait to start" in the winter, or wait to cool the turbo after working it, for example. Auto trans? Not interested, not an issue.
Currently I have a 7.4 Burb, chose it do to funds at the time but the next one will be a new Diesel truck for sure, towing at a speed of 28 MPH up Colorado passes is not my idea fun.
Yep, its amazing what a few parts can do to really bump up the power handling of these autos. I will agree also that the Allison is a better trans "out of the box" but when you spend $5K on a built auto it doesn't matter if it's a 47RE or 1000 Allison, it's going to last.
To be more specific and complete, you actually can get the Allison into "reasonable upgrade" (up to max 500 hp or so) territory cheaper than the other options. I think the typical upgrade for that now is just a transgo shift kit and a single disk converter. No other internal mods required and that's well under $1k including labor. I've considered that route since I had to delay my trans upgrade due to financial issues. But yeah, to go "bombed", the Allison needs between $3 and $5k of upgrades.
