I currently own a '04 6.0 CC Superduty. I love the truck but have been in the shop 5 times in 4 months. My questions are:


Is the Duramax more of a quality/reliable truck?


Is the Allison tranny going to hold an extra 200 ft lbs of torque? (I am about 420hp/740ft lbs at the wheels in my current truck)


Does the Allison have shifting/slipping problems with modules?


How strong is the front suspension when lifted 6"?


Please be as non-bias as possible. I am not brand loyal, I just want a quality truck.





Thanks!


MarkEdited by: VegasSuperDuty

Mark,


That's kind of a loaded question. Every manufacturer of every type of vehicle makes quality products. Every manufacturer of every type of vehicle also makes poor quality products. If you get a good one, you've got a quality product. If you get one with problems, you have a poor quality product.


The Duramax in MY opinion is a very high quality product.


The Allison in MY opinion will NOT hold an extra 200 ft lbs of torque without modification.


The Allison is a smart transmission, you may have shifting problems with it shortly after adding modules (depending on the type), but it will smooth out over time. So far I haven't really noticed anything to get upset about.


Can't help you with suspension lifts, but if I were to get one, it would probably be the CST kit. Seems to be a pretty high quality kit.


You could probably buy another Ford and have better results, or buy a Chevy or GMC and have better results. These are just MY opinions, so take them for what they are worth, I've always had good luck with my GM products. Not everyone else has had the same.


Good Luck,
Dennis

I would say the only reason the superduty might not be as good of a quality vehicle as the GMs is because of the 6.0 and it's problems, but I am sure they have most of them worked out by now. I would think by now ford would have the problems figured out for the 2005's.


The frontend "probably" won't be as strong as your superduty. It would just depend on how you were going to use it. I've seen more Super Duty rearends tear up than GM IFS frontends at truck pulls. This isn't to say it the SD rearend is weak...it just depends on what you are using the truck for...


I can't really comment on the other stuff b/c my truck is currently stock, but I would think that the alli would stand as good of a chance holding up to the extra power as the ford's tranny would. The only difference would be from what I understand with the Ford the tranny will allow you to run more power through them at the expense of trans itself whereas the Alli will "protect" itself with the limp mode feature....

Vegas superduty....I don't know if you have dynoed your ford but....if the quad 160 box is all you have done its closer to 370 at the wheels...at least the three 6.0's I have seen dyno with this unit have made right around that number. With that being said...can a stock allision handle 200 ft/lbs. of torque...yes...for how long..depends on how ya drive it. Would I run that thru my alli...nope..however, the alli can be made rather stout for a moderate amount of money. I would say a suncoast level 3 is good for 500 plus ponies...cost with install...about 3500 bucks. As baimpala said...all brands make good vehicles..it all depends on which one you pull out of the hat....I am very happy with my 04 D/A.....my last truck was an 03 cummins. The torqshift from what I understand is grenading over time....it has no protection like the alli has...it is still a pretty stout unit in my opinion...better than the alli...don't know yet but anything is possible.

dpower,





I base my estimate on the guys I know who have the Quad160, they have not dynoed less than 411hp as far as I know. The Quad125 which is much more common of a module dynos in the 370-80s. Powerstrokes vary some as well. Aside from the 30-50hp difference the Quad is still putting 700+ tq to the ground period.


Thank you for the replies and am still up in the air. So there is really no benefit to going Duramax? If there is please speak up. Do you guys have EGR problems? Is there common problems?





Mark

What everybody is saying mark is that you CAN get a lemon no matter what brand you try....The duramax has many things going for it. I switched from a dodge and drove the ford before I bought a duramax. I didn't like the ford. The 6.0 is notorious for being a less than durable unit. Its future is rather uncertain....by 2007 the ford may no longer have the 6.0 navistar plant. Which means that the 6.0 will have only had 4 production years and parts down the road may be difficult at best to find. The aftermarket power add ons will all but dry up if thats the case. Look around at the track..be it truck pulling or drag racing...what do you see...dodges and Dmaxs.....the dodges are on top but the duramaxs are comin on strong. In the near future the dmaxs will be even with the dodges...thats coming from a guy who used to pull with a cummins. Its easy to get 500 hp. and 1000 ft'lbs of torque from a dmax with some tranny upgrades....there are so many guys on this board that have done that its hard to say how many. There are some 600 hp units, some 700 hp units and then theres Superdiesel who almost pulled 800 hp on a stock charger and injectors. Mike Tomac has really impressed at the track with his 500 hp machine.....proving that you can get that 500 hp to the track with the IFS. Again...Mike I beleive runs stock injectors and for sure a stock turbo...when more air becomes available for the dmax via a turbo....watch out cummins fans. As far as the 6.0.......people have had a heck of a time getting much more than 450 or so out of it. Just can't keep the dang thing together long enough to make much head way. What have I left out.....other members?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

dpower thanks again for the help, you are right 6.0s are having a hard time with power because of our fuel system.

My LLY is great as long as you don't use it to pull anything. Does anyone want to mention this problem called "cooling"? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

My LLY is great as long as you don't use it to pull anything. Does anyone want to mention this problem called "cooling"? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif





Now you have my attention! I tow about 1000-2000 miles a month.

From what I hear if you gat a 2005 with the different hood on it, it will have a 30% larger raditior, otherwise just plan to take brakes along the way so the neddle can get out of the red. Sorry one on this site was willing to say this, I guess they must feel they have a overheating pig and so should you. Come on guys, lets face the facts. The LLY is a overheater and cannot cool itself properly at all what so ever!!!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gifEdited by: dwrat

From what I hear if you gat a 2005 with the different hood on it, it will have a 30% larger raditior, otherwise just plan to take brakes along the way so the neddle can get out of the red. Sorry one on this site was willing to say this, I guess they must feel they have a overheating pig and so should you. Come on guys, lets face the facts. The LLY is a overheater and cannot cool itself properly at all what so ever!!!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif





I did a side by side comparison of 04 and 05 and while the hood is taller the radiator looked the same as did the fan and fan clutch.


Didn't see a 30% increase unless its hidden some where?


I think we will see soon if the 05's still overheat now that they are out on the road.

I must have a good one cause i have towed our 26' Toyhauler up to Idaho and back over the Teton mountains and Blackhills by South Dakota and never had a overheating problem. Granted it wasnt 110 degrees outside but it did get up to 90 ! I was running the Quad box at the time and running the shiat out of it ! I have had issues with the A/C taking a bit to cool down but havent seen the temp guage go over 210. Maybe the guage is broke ...

I'm w/ u Fast, I haven't had any over heating trouble and I am running larger tires too.


Maybe the K&N has let SOOOOOOO much dirt in the motor is shot http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


OOOOOPS, I see both of u are running K&N.

No heating problems here. Towed 8000#s in 90 plus degree weather here in South Dakota. Drove the Sh** out of it. 82 on the interstate. I'll admit that the LLYs run hotter than the LB7's but I haven't had problems with over heating. And why would you put a K &N on? That's the worst thing you could do for your turbo. I've seen the reports there are far better intakes out there.

The lack of cooling seems to only be an issue with GCVW over 18,000#. Depends on what you are towing.

I'm towing about 13K, Had temps of 210 consistanty while towing all summer. Temp has dropped a couple of degrees since I disconnected the EGR. I rumn the AC all the time and have not had an overheating problem.

Fire Guy, the only time my truck gets hot is on long steep grades. I have never been to MD but I talked to a guy from there and he says you don't have much for hills locally. I am talking about 6-7% for more than 5 miles.

OK so the cooling is debatable.


Why did you guys buy Duramaxes vs the competition?

I bought duramax because I did not trust the new furd tranny or 6.0. Never thought about a dudge. I heard a quote from a dodge guy once, " the only thing wrong with my cummings is that it is strapped to a dodge".


I think they all are good. The allison really was a key point. I bought my LLY before I understood the differences.


My only regrets or what I see as short commings from the chevy are the worthless mirrors, poor fuel mileage for a diesel and the cooling thing. None will leave me on the side of the road. The interior of the chevy sold my wife.

OK so the cooling is debatable.


Why did you guys buy Duramaxes vs the competition?





Being the new guy here, I'll give you my easy answer. How could anyone tow a 800HP Trans Am WS-6 with the competitions truck? I'd never live that down with my Mustang friends up here in Motown. :)


In all serious though, they all three have good reps. The cummings being the edge for Dodge and overall quality and silly rear doors giving them some knocks from time to time. The Fords are solid when the 6.0 is cooperating and even I'll admit that I'm putting a Ford 9" rearend into the Trans Am this year. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif The Duramax and Allison are a very solid stock combo and as mentioned above, my wife was all about the interior of my truck. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


We'll see how she does with the Edge/Attitude and the MBRP S.S. T-409 exahust to match it tomorrow. Have to get ready for the Woodward Dream Cruise up here on Saturday. 30K classic cars and one Big Bad Black Max all on 10 miles of 8 lanes of Motown blacktop. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif Should be fun.


Rick

I like my Dodge for it's curb appeal http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif, excellent parking and turning radius, strong motor, and simplicity overall. It may not blow in the competitions doors but most aren't buying a diesel 4x4 to do that. GM's do not have the classic 4x4 look and feel that Ford and Dodge have insisted on keeping sacred. It's makes for selections for all desires. It's a good thing.

Get the GM if you want power, comfort, room and a carlike truck.

Get a Ford or Dodge if you want a true 4x4 classic.


yikes

Ride like a lumber wagon if Ford or Dodge alsohttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif

I owned one of the "dreaded" early build '03 6.0's, 4x4 CC f-250 torqueshift xlt sports. I'm being honest here, I flat loved that truck! It was one of those trucks that,every once in a while,comes off the assembly line perfect in nearly every detail. That truck was nothing but fast!,great milage too,you could be at a stop sign,stomp the pedal to the floor,(no powerbraking at all), no lag, and roast the tires all the long way through 3rd gear easily,in fact you would have to guide the durn thing to keep it in a reasonable straight line as everything around you dissappears in tire smoke! I never had a single problem with it until I took it in to Ford for an oil change, I was very clear to them I did not want a flash, but when I picked up the truck, as soon as I started it, I didnt get that "burapp!" you get with a 6.0 when it starts. I open the hood, and there's the damned sticker with the new PCM code on it. Immediatly, the truck was a POS,period. Smoke on startup,lost about 1/3rd power milage dropped to 13mpg at best,major turbo lag at any speed,that POS couldnt spin a tire on sand!! And Ford's customer service, what a joke! They could'nt care less about me or anyone else that did'nt buy their flagship f-150,and I got real tired of that "lets try this flash" game real quick, so I bought this spiffy Chevy,and I've been quite happy with it,I even understand GM takes care of its customers,(even though there are isolated cases,I'm certain). But like everybody says,they're all great trucks, and they all have their problems, maybe International will quit fooling around and build another light truck some day.

Vegas, get a D-Max and then call you know who.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif I bought my dmax in WY. in Oct. I love this truck and I will never go back to a gasser. Spent about $1000 on mods and have never looked back. I have a Predator set on level 3 out of 4 levels. I am 26, and it has more than enough git up and go for me. Even pulling stock before the mods through WY. and CO. it inpressed me. I believed if you got one, you will be as happy if not happier than me and the other guys on this forum.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Vegas, get a D-Max and then call you know who.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif





Ya and from what it seems the DMAX is making more power. I am not convinced the Allison is any stronger stock that a Torqshift. This means even more shifting/slipping problems. Looks like I will have to spend a few more thousand at Suncoast :)

My LLY is great as long as you don't use it to pull anything. Does anyone want to mention this problem called "cooling"? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif





Now you have my attention! I tow about 1000-2000 miles a month.





My truck is in my tagline & I tow 8500 to 11000lbs at least 3 time a week & have had no problems .

you could be at a stop sign,stomp the pedal to the floor,(no powerbraking at all), no lag, and roast the tires all the long way through 3rd gear easily,in fact you would have to guide the durn thing to keep it in a reasonable straight line as everything around you dissappears in tire smoke!





With all due respect, I don't believe this statement.

Vegas, get a D-Max and then call you know who.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif





Ya and from what it seems the DMAX is making more power. I am not convinced the Allison is any stronger stock that a Torqshift. This means even more shifting/slipping problems. Looks like I will have to spend a few more thousand at Suncoast :)





I believe, along with many others I might add, when you start putting mods on any kind of truck (chevy, ford, dodge, nissan, toyota, etc.) sooner or later some stock equipment will not last. Or not last as long if left stock. Stock is boring though. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


But like always, that is just my opinion.


Good Luck on deciding what you want.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Vegas, thats ok with me,no hard feelings, you dont have to believe it,neither did the other people I've smoked their doors off of. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


Go to TheDieselStop.com , if you hav'nt been there already,there's lotsa info there, also go to flatratetech.com ,you will learn all about whats happened to your 6.0 there!


BUT, this Chev I have now ran excellent even b4 I put goodies on it, I am very impressed with this Duramax, (I'm still running in level 1,enjoying the excellent power it puts out!) http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


Happy Truckin!

Coolbeans,


I assume you were talking about a stock truck. If not then I know what you mean, I can spin three gears as well but there still is turbo lag.


I am on dieselstop everyday, quite aware of mods to the 6.0 as I have used 5 different tuners/modules and still have not found one perfect yethttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif My next mod will be a ATS or Suncoast tranny. Thinking of a AFE proguard 7 in the hopes of reducing EGTs but who knows. Water injection may be the answer.





Mark

Personally, I think the suncoast is the ticket,and all my buddies really like the AFE proguard 7, I think it's something like 480cfm? I could be wrong,anyway,have you checked out Dale Isley's tymar intake?