First of all i would like to comment on how informative this website is, it has been very extremely helpful thus far. Heres my deal, I am in the market for a truck, 4x4, diesel, crew cab. My options are either of the 2500HD's w/duramax, f-250 w/powerstroke, or the dodge 2500 w/cummins.


I live in southern california and will be using the truck primarly to tow a 24ft toy hauler to glamis, pismo, and dumont. Now i am a die hard GM fan but after reading the problems that people are having, im second guessing myself. The overheating, the EGR problems, i mean this is a brand new truck and it seems like GM is having all the problems. I should also mention that i intend to lift the truck and have tires that are arounf 40" tall and after all that i have read so far, sounds like it would be hell.


My 2000 silverado had the 5.3 in it and i had 35" tires on it for 5 years, no problem, and pushed her to the limit more than once.I would like to avoid any problems like this with my new truck. So if anybody could possibly give me some honest insight about possible problems i might have with the GM models or the other models mentioned i would appreciate it. Edited by: Xenon

This is a terrific web site, full of useful information. However, you need to keep the feedback in perspective. The total number of members in this forum would not even qualify as a reasonable representative sample relative to the actual number of diesel trucks sold by GM in a given year. All of the members here meet a number of criteria. They love diesels, are computer literate, and have a keen interest in learning new things about what most people consider to be simply a mode of transportation or work vehicle. And of all the members on this site, I bet it is only a small number that actually have serious mechanical issues. The rest, like myself, are just interested in the technologies and the different kinds of things people are doing with their very sizeable investments.


Are there Duramax lemons? Of course. Does GM have a higher percentage of lemons than the other two manufacturers? I doubt it and to draw that conclusion you would certainly need more empirical data than what exists on this web site.


Relax, have a couple of drinks, and then go out and blow $40k on what most of us here think is a truly remarkable vehicle. In fact, a recent poll of LLY owners on this site overwhelmingly rate the vehicle above average, even with most of the incidental issues discussed here.

xenon - ask yourself one question . would you be happy driving a ford or a dodge? i didnt think so . they have there own problems. a few bugs will be worked out and you will be fine . a majority of the trucks have no problems at all . i have a 2004.5 lly 4x4 crew cab and with 725 miles on it and was back at the dealer for injector problems.since then i have been using fuel additive supplied from the dealer . and now with 2000 miles on the truck everything has run good . i have 38s on my truck runs strong with the atitude/edge. where are you in so cal ? i am in orange county. checkout outlawoffroad.com.


diesel manEdited by: diesel man

I HAVE A 04 1/2 DMAX WITH 6500 MILES. NO PROBLEM, EDGE INTSALLED AROUND 1700 MILES. TRUCK IS DRIVEN HARD EVERY WHERE I GO. SOME HAVE PROBS. SOME DONT. I LOVE MINE. NEW DODGES RUN GOOD ALSO.

I had a 02 2500 HD CC LB 4X4 that I drove for 73,000 hard miles all over Mexico and Central America on the roughest roads you can imagine at unreasonable speeds, towed up to a GCVW of 33,100 lbs on I-5 and over the Grapevine, and it never went back to the dealer for a engine or transmission problem until I had 2 injectors crack near Guadelajara Mexico at about 65,000 miles. I drove it home 3,000 miles plus loaded with carved stone columns at about 13,000 lbs or more GVW, driving 70 to 75 mph, filling my crankcase to the max with diesel fuel in about 20 miles on fresh oil, changing my oil every 200 miles or so. Engine never sputtered, never got warm (190 all the way). Got home, no damage to the engine. Put in 8 new injectors, got a 200,000 mile warranty on injectors, and it is still going today. Not many engines would run on diesel for oil for than many miles. My trucks get very hard use on road and off - and the 02 is the best truck I have had in 45 years of owning trucks and 40 years of buying new trucks. Note below I have had a lot of diesels.

Thanks for all the responses, and to diesel mans question: I am probably the last person you would find driving a ford (unless its at work), genral motors all the way. So, i just got back from the GMC and the Dodge dealership. I drove an 05 2500hd CC, 4X4, I must say that it was very impressive and amazingly quiet. I also drove the ram 2500 w/ the cummins, also very impressive. To top it all off, i went with my budy today to pick up his 05 F250 w/ the powerstroke, so i kinda got a feel for al lthe trucks in the class.


Heres my opinion:


1. GMC- Nicest interior, quietest motor, nice power, sits a little low


2. Ford- Most room inside, Feels the biggest, nice power, simple inside


3. Dodge- That Cummins is potent, Awsome power, Sits nice, Back seat space is kind of compact


Im gonna think about it for a while, i appreciate the input from this forum, thank you!

I am pretty new to this forum as well and I can tell you this much..I am a die hard FORD guy, but I bought a GMC Duramax. I have owned nothing but Fords, then a GMC and now the Duramax...well, other than a Typhoon years ago.


-In my opinion the Duramax is quieter than Ford and Dodge..i.e. I have never had anyone in a drive thru ask me to kill my engine to hear me. I have had friends pull up next to me and say how quiet it was. GMC seems to be just a tad bit more refined than Chevy,but both have the same engine.


-Ford is having all kinds of problems with this new 6.0 diesel and the Duramax still makes more power.


-Dodges are just too freaking loud and just too big for me period..over kill in my opinion.


Its true like someone said, there are going to be issues with any new car/truck until they work the bugs out, its typical.


I get more compliments on my truck than any Ford truck I ever owned and I pull my car and trailer like its nothing. I have actually forgotten I was towing something until I looked in the mirror and was like..WHOA...tailgater!!! LOL


site is great, thanks


Go with a Duramax, just my $.02

I rode in a Cumminns recently and I think the Interior looks real cheap IMO. It is very basic and simple.


I don't know about you but when I'm sitting behind the seat along with my family or passengers I want comfort good looks and features.


If you want a plain Jane work truck that your going to park when the job is over then buy cheap.


As far as Power they all are so close stock it's a toss up IMO. One thing is for certain the Injector issue with the Duramax is over rated and BB like this will bring them out.The main problem is more directed at the earlier years.


The Allison is by far a workhorse of a transmission and relatively inexpensive and cheap to make it near bullet proof.Forget the Dodge car Transmission slush box.The Torqueshift (Allison spin off) seems to be holding it's own.


The IFS is hands down the best riding truck out there. I drive my truck daily so it's important that I enjoy the ride for what we're paying for these trucks today.


In saying that if your goal is to lift the truck as you desire then ride comfort is moot and IFS will be expensive to get up in the air.





Good luck, some things to ponder.





Mac

I've got 92,500 miles on my 2001 DMax with hardly any problems at all. You've got to look closely at the numbers of problems versus the entire population of vehicles. Of the people on this board, I'd say that probably no more than 5% of them have real serious problems. Now consider for a moment that the ENTIRE population of this group may represent only 2 or 3% of the total DMaxes on the road. That works out to a less than 1% problem or failure rate for the truck nationwide! I love my truck, I would recommend a DMax to someone in a split second.

you guys are great, thanks for the replies. I never thought about the numbers you guys are throwing out there, its nice to think positive about good ol GM.

3 guys I work with went from GM gassers to Ford diesel (1) and dodge diesels(2) After listening to all of the talk about wishing they would have gone with a GM diesel, and driving my sons dodge gasser, I bought a duramax.


There comments. Cummins is a great engine. If what you want is tow power or low cost, go with the dodge. Ford power stroke was nice but the guy with the Ford wished he would have stuck with Chevy.


If you want comfort, great interior, quite, go with the Chevy. After driving my sons Dodge I'd have to agree. So far I LOVE the duramax. the comfort and features are outstanding, and for what I pull it's great and gets great comuting mileage.


The ideal truck. A Chevy with a cummins allison and at the price you can pick up a dodge for.


I fairness, there is one guy with a Dodge Cummins and he loves it, wouldn't switch for anything. All are great trucks, need to decide what is important.

I love my Duramax. I use it as a work truck and it weighs in at around 8700 -9000 lbs. My first diesel. Love that Allison transmission. Takes a little getting use to this combo, but I've never had a work truck that I look forward driving. Always puts a smile on my face. Like everyone said, Ford and Dodge are having their problems too. Just search their forums and you'll see. Use a diesel additive like Stanadyne performance formula and you'll have have less problems down the road. Mac


http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/394748/tn_9-19-04.JPG

My dad has a ford and several people I know have dodges. I am a GM man but I honestly considered a Ford Powderstroke at one time. Dodge is completely out of the question for me. The only reason I considered Ford was because it was quite a bit cheaper at the time. In the end I have NO regrets. Had I bough a Ford I know I would have regreted it. My truck puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Edited by: Max Power

I got my Duramax for the same reason, Going to Glamis!!!! SOON


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/dwrat/2004-10-14_220925_45.JPG Edited by: dwrat

LOL guys. This is great. Hay I have always driven Fords. They were great when they had the 7.3 then they screwed them all up. I buy a new truck every 2 years. They have always been Fords but that 6.0 is a piece of sh*t. I have 4 buddies with them and everyone one of them has blown them up. 3 Banks and 1 Edge. I now own a Duramax. The Ford can not handle the power that the CHEVY and DODGE can. Plus the Chevy offers way more luxery than any Ford I have ever owned. Ford needs to get a grip on the 2000's. We want comfort and speed not some baby motor that is way to pumped up. No one I me No one leaves the diesels stock. We all power up and love it. The new fords are complete junk. ( MOTOR ) Not the truck. I still like Fords strait axle. It is better for long abuse. Just my O.


I love my new Chevy, 8000 miles, juice everyday, level 5, fuel 5, not 1 problem.


Get it FORD go back to 7.3 you dumb asses. JMO


Thanks

The Dodge is a great truck but I find the interior kind of cheap and its so big and rough that it feels like you're driving a Freightliner whereas the Chevy won't feel much different than your Silverado (I had a 2001 Silverado Z71 extended cab). That plus the Allison transmision make it the best package going IMO.

While I've owned a lot of GM diesels over the past few years, I am not a GM nut - last great cars they built were in the 50's and 60's. If I could build a truck, it would have the earlier super dependable 500,000 mile Cummins 6BTA-2 engine in it, the allison trans, Fords crewcab roominess, Fords ground clearance, GM interior, GM IFS for confort and great ride, and be built by Mercedez with a Mercedez warranty and dealership behind it (GM, Ford, & Dodge dealers can't come close to Mercedez service. The Duramax has been a very dependable engine for me in my 02, and the GM truck is as close to what I need as I can get. Determine your needs. GM costs more, although both Ford and Dodge are getting there on loaded versions, but GM returns FAR MORE on resale, and so far, is in demand and scarce around here. I put my 02 CC 4X4 LB with 73,000 miles in the Auto Trader and had over 60 calls in 3 days. First guy took it sight unseen at full price. Got $4,000 more than dealer would give me. Very happy about that, as I trade every two years. Already have a buyer for my 05, if he doesn't buy one before I can order a 07. Determine your needs, and decide what works for you. All are decent trucks for somebody.





Edited by: gardnerteam

-Dodges are just too freaking loud and just too big for me period..over kill in my opinion.


You must not have driven a 3G Dodge. My '05 is quiet, much more than my neighbors Dmax, also a lot less fan/engine noise when towing.


"Too Big" What do you mean by that, "overkill"?? I'm confused. I'd much rather be "over-trucked" when pulling my 10k+ 5th wheel.


Interior wise, the Dodge is every bit as nice as the GM, we looked at all 3 before deciding on the Dodge with the Laramie interior and heated seats. The ONLY thing I liked more about the GM was the memory settings for the seats etc.

tschwab,



While I agree that the Dodge is a pretty nice truck, overkill is nice,
and also very quiet, I can not agree that the Dodge interior is every
bit as nice as the GM. Seen plenty of both, enough to know the
Dodge is not as nice on the inside.



Dennis

"Too Big" What do you mean by that, "overkill"?? I'm confused. I'd much rather be "over-trucked" when pulling my 10k+ 5th wheel.





as for the size, for me period I think they are too big. I guess I mean in the cab. I have driven one before and didn't like the blind spots as apposed to the GMC or ford, but I have no doubt they are strong trucks.


I have not gone down to personally listen to one of the cummins, but I can say that I have heard them around town and they are pretty loud, but maybe its not one of the news you are talking about.


Cummins has been around forever and I do know that you can drive a Dodge Cummins truck until the body falls off, but the motor will still run.

Well guys,


Thats what makes this a great forum - that we can agree to dis-agree. For me - The Dodge/Cummins was the best choice. Personally, I like the looks of the exterior AND interior better than the competition. The main reason I bought the truck though was to pull our 5th wheel and once again - IMHO the Dodge/Cummins was the best combination FOR ME.


One thing for sure - competition between the big 3, makes for better trucks for all of us, no matter which brand you choose. Good luck with your trucks and enjoy it, I sure do with mine, every time I get behind the wheel.

qq this piece of crap software isn't letting me post what I typed
so I'll be putting it in piece by piece untill I find the culprit.





Whatever floats your boat. I had GMs for years. I wouldn't waste my
money putting 40" tires on one. You would have to go too high. They
aren't good rigs to go high with. You can't beat a straight axle if you
want big meats.



My interior in my Dodge... Seats aren't as nice as the GM. The dash is
in my opinion similar quality wise as the GM. But it has less buttons.
Less buttons but still does all the things my GM did. That doesn't make
it cheap. Looks can be decieving. I used to feel Dodge was really
elcheapo but they have improved immensly.



My Dodge has a better sound system, better environmental control
system, great looking gauges, very ergonomically designed, huge center
dropdown console that holds a laptop inside and has a power plug
INSIDE. The center seat up front also lifts up to expose another
storage area. I got steering wheel stereo controls, wheel mounted
cruise control, Infinity sound 6 disc changer (they also offer full
GPS) I got the mpg computer, the self dimming mirror, compass/temp,
much better towing mirrors.



I got a truck... a truck that rides high from the factory with solid
axles. I got a Cummins that no matter how I look at it, it makes me
feel a whole lot more <span style="font-weight: bold;">come fort able</span> than having the expense and risks
of the other V8's. It rides nice, handles well, puts more stock power
to the ground than my GMC did (Dmax 240/Cummins/264) at the same hp
rating. You can put 35" tires on it and everbody will ask you what size
lift you have on it.



flame suit on




Edited by: hoot

Friggin software would not allow me to type the word comfortable. I had
to break it up or it wouldn't submit. Just went back and tried to edit
it back and it won't submit.


Edited by: hoot

In spite of the problem I am experiencing while overheating (not boil over) under limited conditions, this truck has not left me stranded, and not lost power. I know this problem is fairly unique, and unfortunately has struck me, but I had seriously considered Ford & Dodge and still feel that the Duramax IMO is the best combination out there. All the trucks look great, have great features, but where I spend the most time, the interior, it is the most comfortable, with the best overall features.

I don't know if they can fix this truck, but if they can't I will ask for a replacement. Other than that issue, and it is a very important issue, I love this truck.

I am a first time diesel owner and new to this site. But I think if you are looking for a great truck Chevy is the only way to go. I have an 04.5 LLY with 22,000 miles on it. I bought it about 5 months ago. I do alot of driving everyday and tow a 22' toybox. I have had almost no problems with my D-max. The largest problem to date is getting larger tires calibrated for acurate MPG readings. I have an AFE stage II intake, Hypertech programmer, Magnaflow exhuast from the downpipe back with the Cat removed. I was towing my buddies 16' toybox a few days ago and smoked a lexus (not kidding) off the line and through the intersection. I believe you will be very happy with the D-max. Good luck in your hunt.

Well guys,


Thats what makes this a great forum - that we can agree to dis-agree. For me - The Dodge/Cummins was the best choice. Personally, I like the looks of the exterior AND interior better than the competition. The main reason I bought the truck though was to pull our 5th wheel and once again - IMHO the Dodge/Cummins was the best combination FOR ME.


One thing for sure - competition between the big 3, makes for better trucks for all of us, no matter which brand you choose. Good luck with your trucks and enjoy it, I sure do with mine, every time I get behind the wheel.





agreed..its nice to be on a forum where you can agree and disagree and be adults about it. I help run a local car club forum and the number of arguments that start from behind the keyboard is insane.


good site, good folks here.