have an '02 F-350 Crew 7.3L, only 65k....any people go from ford over onto the duramax wagon? I am impressed with the Duramax, but since my truck doesn't have any problems I don't know if it would be worth it or not. any thoughts? I am looking at am '05 Sierra CC D/A. Thanks!

Do it! You'll be glad you did. Then again, I've never owned a Ford.

I am a convert. I had a '97 PS. Sold it at 63,000 miles. I know the transmissions in the 97's were weak. Mine had the first transmission replaced on the first owner at around 25,000 miles. I replaced the transmission with a much better built one when the second one went out at 58,000 miles. I never abused the truck, however I was the third owner. It had 29,000 miles on it when I bought it.

At around 60,000 miles the starter went out then the lift pump went out. I got out as soon as I could. Bought a used Toyota Tundra (great little truck by the way) and drove it for a little over a year till I came accross my "used" 2005 Chevy D/A.

The Ford had plenty of power but was unreliable for me. Bought my Chevy just before Thanksgiving with 2080 miles on it.

I'm loving it so far.

A buddy of mine (Converted 6.6) recently bought a Dmax. He has a '95 Ford F350 Stroker. I know he likes his 350 but there is no comparison.

right now I still think the duramax/allison combo is the one to beat, especially if the new 6 speed Ally is as cool as rumor has it.

Personally I'd run your Ford for another year since it's been reliable than go looking at the next version with the new allison. Power is great, but putting it to your wheels is even more important.

i did do some work to it: intake, chip, exhaust, edge ez, fass, dtt tranny, fuel system, etc....so the typical problems aren't plauging me. I just want to make sure i'm making the right choice.

my ford was a good truck back in the day, as of now you have to beg me to drive it. I only do my dirty work with it . my chevy is such a pleasure to drive in comparison.:grd:

I think the only thing you will loose is size, the Ford C/C is huge. So unless you are carrying 6 full size adults all the time, you will love the D/A ride quality, manuverability, and quiet.

I think the only thing you will loose is size, the Ford C/C is huge. So unless you are carrying 6 full size adults all the time, you will love the D/A ride quality, manuverability, and quiet. The Chevy CC isn't exactly small... It's a lot roomier than a Dodge...

right now I still think the duramax/allison combo is the one to beat, especially if the new 6 speed Ally is as cool as rumor has it.

Personally I'd run your Ford for another year since it's been reliable than go looking at the next version with the new allison. Power is great, but putting it to your wheels is even more important.
:exactly:
What he said!

Bill

so is the 6spd going to be a risk the first year? i have always followed the "never buy first year" philosophy... so will the 6spd be an '06 model? thank you all for the responses

After 25 years of Ford I decided to go with the Chevy.Ford's body style got too big for my needs. It would barely fit into the garage at home. Parking garages are questionable. The Chevy is 4" lower than Ford. The ride is more comfortable and power and handling are good. I guess I am just getting old.

so is the 6spd going to be a risk the first year? i have always followed the "never buy first year" philosophy... so will the 6spd be an '06 model? thank you all for the responsesI used to think that way too drinkin....But, I've gone against this philosphy 3 times in the last 5 years...01 HD with the 8.1...no problems..02 Honda VTX 1800...no problems...04 LLY (ordered 1-13-04) no issues....
Perhaps I'm lucky.....
Personally though, I woundn't be worried about that 6speed allison in the first year...

I am not sure, but I think I read that the Allison was originaly a 6 spd. but they took out 6th gear for our application. Probably so that those of us that bought 01-05's would want to trade up.

I still own 3 fords as per signature. I personally do not drive any of them. I drove 99 gasser for 5 years with no problems Only changed brakes at 140000 and waterpump at 165000. Since we had so much problems with f450, I went and bought Kodiak 7500 for the Heavy pulls and my 04.5 duramax for me. I have 52000 miles now on dmax and plan to go at least 500000. Kept my 99 for my son and looks like it will see at least 350000. All trucks pull the same same equipment and trailers. To me there is no comparison.

My previous truck was a 99 F250 Crew-Cab. I had all the Banks stuff, fuel line upgrades, and a <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Sun</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Coast</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> transmission. A customer of ours had a stock Duramax and we installed an Edge / Attitude combination on it. He wanted to race, so I did. He made me look silly, and I got the truck I have now soon after. The Ford did have the bigger passenger compartment, and fit 35’s with only a 4” lift. My Chevy only fits 33’s with a 6” lift. I don’t use my truck as a truck, so what I have is fine. If you want to plow with it you can’t beat a solid front axle. I love my rocket ship with the cushy leather seats, Bose radio, and smooth ride. Each has their own strengths. If you want to be in the power game you are on the right track here.:ro)

33's with a 6" lift?? My tires almost measure out to 37's and I don't have any issues.

i had a 97 powerstroke. Sold it at 180k. Replaced starter at 155k, rebuilt front end at 160k. After driving the dmax i had to get one, the interior is awesome, it pulls like a dream with the ally, and in stock form is faster than my 97 with a superchip. The powerstroke was a very reliabel motor for me so i cant complain. If ford still had the 7.3 i would have looked harder at them but i do not like the 6.0 PSD.

i just traded my 01 psd f-350 4 door 4x4 for a 02 duramax and love it. it turned a die hard ford person into a chevy person