Wyldman
Active Member
Safety & Education Chairman
IXOYE
Posts: 643
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Post by Wyldman on Nov 16, 2009 21:27:00 GMT -8
I need some advise...
I'm looking to buy a truck to pull my Jeep on a trailer for long distance trips.(Jeep weighs about 4800 lbs plus the trailer)
Hears what I'm looking for; Pro's and Con's about Chevy and Dodge - Diesel and Gas I have been a Toyota driver all my days and don't know a lot about current domestic trucks. I want to buy a 2000 - 2005 truck with 70,000 - 80,000 miles on it that is capable of pulling this kind of weight for 3500 miles in the Rockies with no worries. Please explain why you have come up with your opinion. Don't just say "I like Chevy's cause they're cool" I'm trying to make a smart investment in a truck that will serve me well.
Thank You for your opinion and time.
Wyldman
P.S. I'm sorry Ford is not an option. Please don't waste your time with it. Thanks
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fry
Ok to Drive
Posts: 114
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Post by fry on Nov 16, 2009 22:58:09 GMT -8
never owned a diesel, but always wanted one. have tons of friends who have them. dodge cummins/6speed manual.
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Post by fivendime on Nov 17, 2009 8:37:03 GMT -8
Well, I have never owned one but I would Highly recommend a Diesel pickup. Why? Here are my thoughts.
I think that now days the diesel market is more then just torque, it has rolled over into the Horse Power market as well. I think that the stiff competition of a diesel with all three big makers is fairly close in comparison. You can do much more with a diesel since they generally have more power and torque then a gas rig. Granted you will pay more but you get far more life and reliability from a diesel engine truck. I would honestly go test drive both the Chevy and Dodge products you are looking at, that might give you a better idea. Who knows maybe the interior is hideous on one of them, or there are small details you cant stand. Ask a local mechanic you may know about the motors and drive train. Also for towing get a manual. Just my opinion.
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Post by pistonschick on Nov 17, 2009 8:55:07 GMT -8
No question. Dodge. Diesel.
The Dodge Cummins is hands down the most reliable diesel engine on the market. I am preferential to the new Ford 6-speed automatic tranny - but would choose the Dodge Cummins engine over the Ford 6+ liter any day of the week.
Even being a Ford person - I would not recommend the newer Fords - they are extremely high maintenance...
Happy hunting.
Crystal
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shortbus
Charter Member
Every great day ends in POO!
Posts: 254
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Post by shortbus on Nov 17, 2009 10:27:40 GMT -8
dodge is the better of the two hands down
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Post by racincowboy on Nov 17, 2009 10:50:04 GMT -8
Since you are a non ford guy. I would also have to say dodge as much as it pains me. Diesel all the way. I wouldnt waste my time with a gas motor to tow anything again. Diesel while more expensive for maintenance. The milage and power will out do a gas motor anyday.
Chevy's and GMC have always been known for a nice cushy ride. But with that trade off you sacrifice strength in the front suspension.
For what you want to tow any of them will work but I would still recommend the dodge w/6 sp manual tranny. With that minimal amount of weight you shouldnt even notice it back there.
If you want to know what it will do for yourself. I would load your jeep on a similar trailer that you want to use and go out looking and find someone that will let you pull the trailer with each brand so you know for yourself what you are getting. Also the difference between an auto tranny and 6 sp manual. That is what I would do if it was me. If you have never had a diesel before they drive somewhat different then a gas motor. If you are going to keep it bone stock then I would still look at putting in EGT , boost and trans temp (If an auto tranny) gauges regardless of what truck you get.
Hopefully this helps.
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Post by 4bangerYJ on Nov 17, 2009 12:23:40 GMT -8
I Have been towing a 13000 lb fifth wheel with a ford diesel for about 3 years now and would not change.But with that said I do all the buying of equipment for the shipyard and purchased 2 Chevy's with the duramax and Allison transmission. One is three years old the other is two years old. They are driven by several different drivers and i sure not treated like you owned it. We have had Zero breakdowns and only one warranty issue with both trucks and that was a failed fuel Gage. If I was going to replace my FORD at this time I would have to go with the Chevy or GMC . My ford has about 3 grand in mods (exhaust,intake,tuner,) that helps with power and fuel economy But the Duramax in stock form will do just as well power wise but not as well for fuel economy. Good Luck Happy shopping. Jim
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beatcj
Ok to Drive
Flat out LAZY...
Posts: 169
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Post by beatcj on Nov 17, 2009 16:51:01 GMT -8
Why not Ford? Just curious. I haven't driven the GM product, so I can't comment there, But I have put a few miles on my Mom's 2002 Dodge 4x4 dually. I am second owner (stepdad ordered it) of a 1987 Ford with a 6.9, Turbo added before delivery with 263K, and drive 5 different SuperDuty's at work. If I were looking for a replacement, I wouldn't say no to any of the 3 US manufacturers. I would limit the Ford to a 2002 or earlier, so I avoided the 6.0 liter. The 7.3 is a great engine. The Dodge in you model year range is comfortable enough, and gets better fuel economy, and I think has a better seat of the pants power rating. I would be concerned about the transmission, though, I believe they had some reliability issues.
One thing I dislike about my manual transmission in my Ford, and I know the 5 speed is a little better, is that speed while backing is a little fast. An auto has an advantage there.
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Post by bigstuck on Nov 17, 2009 19:48:39 GMT -8
Here are my 5 cents on the situation.
If you want to be comfortable for the long haul hand down by a chevy. They ride way better and tow just as nice. my expeirience as at a young age i get back spasms. I rode in my buddys dodge for a long 6 hour road trip rideing in the dunes. I was worthless when we got there. its an 04 ram 2500 4x4 diesel. Then the next summer we took another friends chevy p/u to st anthony ID. Much longer drive. I was fine comfort hands down GM has it in the bag.
GM: Pros. Duramax allison combo take alot of abuse. trucks are fairly cheap on the used market for 01-07 2500hd's. COMFORT!!
Cons: my only one is the IFS frt suspension which adds to the comfort but not the best suited for lifted trucks that see off road or abuse/large tires.
Dodge: Pros you get a cummins what more do you want? the manual trannys are stout. Heavier frt end better for wear and tear. (both GM and dodge share the same rear axle the AAM 11.5 in newer trucks)
Cons: Ride is stiffer. more of a work truck. interior not my favorite.
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Wyldman
Active Member
Safety & Education Chairman
IXOYE
Posts: 643
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Post by Wyldman on Nov 17, 2009 20:07:10 GMT -8
Thanks everyone for your comments. It really helps me a clear decision. Now I'm going to talk to tranny shops about auto tranny's vs manuals. I've always been a manual guy so I think that's what I will get, but they're harder to find.
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