I am looking at getting a new truck i currently own a 99 Sonoma ZR-2 and i just got a new job in Wyoming. Being that i am a truck man and could never drive a car especially in Wyoming i am looking at getting a diesel truck. I would do some occasional light towing but mostly just highway mileage. I am really sold on a 2005 cummins, they look great, awsome power, awsome motor, i am just a little learly about the tranny. The other truck i was looking at is a 2003 Dmax with 40,000 miles for $26,000. Now i am not much of a tower but would deffinatly like to hop my baby up with a juice attitude and a few other things. I really like both the trucks, they both have their ups and downs of course. I was wondering what you guys think would work better for a guy. I just cant decide on which to get. Thanks

I would start looking at the new trucks especially with all the rebates and incentives right now. Go drive both and see what you like. I think in the end you will go with the DMAX.. I am kind of partial but I like the interior and features of the GMC/Chevy better and they look better in my opinion. Do some reading and you will find tons of info on both.. Good luck...

The tranny is a big issue here. The 48RE in no way compares to the M-74 Allison 1000 :grd: . That alone would be enough to swing me over from considering the dark side (Dodge) :lol: . Also the creature comforts Dodge offers in no way compare to a Chevy. IMHO the only good thing Dodge trucks have going for them is the Cummins. :rant: Good luck in your choice................SWH...

go with the duramax/allison. fantastic combination.

don't get me wrong, though. the cummins is a great tried and true engine, it's just the junk they build around it that i don't like.

I have a Dodge with 253000 miles on the clock, it has been a great truck, BUT- the automatic is a HUGE concern, mine smoked it's stock torque converter pulling 7000 lbs. What everyone else has said is true, The Chevrolet is more comfortable, the transmission is much better, I haven't heard that many stories about the Duramax's longivity, but the Duramax is the "new" kid on the block. Either engine should last you 250000 miles easily. The Dodge dealers I have had to deal with have been a$$hole$ and have gone out of the way to make my life miserable.
The Cummins is a great engine, the Dodge end leaves a little to be desired.
I am currently selling my Dodge and trying to find the right Duramax (I'm picky)
Keith

We have a two '90's, a '92 and had a '95 Dodge cummins. The engine is great but like others have said the rest of the truck has a little to be desired. I did love my 95 but it had a 5 speed. Two years ago was facing the same question as you and I bought a 2003 Dmax/Allison and I have been very happy with it. If you read on these Dmax sites you will see there have been some issues with injectors but mine is fine so far with 42000 on it. The new Dodges have went to a similar injection system and are having a higher rate of problems from what I hear. My opinion is if you are going with an automatic go with the Chevy hands down; if you want a manual it would be a close call for me.

Go drive each and then purchase the one you like best. |Check out new GM's as the dealers really seem to want to move them out and rebates are pretty good. Worth a few more bucks to go new in either case.

I haven't been playing all that much attention to the dodges but is the "improved' trans in the new cummins truck holding up?

Well if you ask 10 people on a GM site this question you SHOULD get 10 positive GM replies. If you ask the same thing on a Dodge site you SHOULD get 10 postive Dodge replies.

This is a very loaded question.
I would say about 99% of the prople on this site that are GM owners are happy with their decision on buying the D/A, me being one of them.
Dodge fans will state that the Cummins is a tried and true motor. Yes it is but that is not the only thing that makes a truck move.
I would say if you are concerned about one of the major components on one of the trucks you are considering than I would strongly steer clear. The Duramax has not been in production as long as the Cummins but since it's debut it has done very well.
The Allison has done exactly what it was and is designed for.
Now if you start putting the Juice to it you will need to upgrade the Allison. And the same goes for the Dodge trannies.
But stock for stock the Allison beats them all. And maybe even when they have been altered.

Dunno about the "improved trans", but DC still has a warning about braking frames on the 1-tons.

In that case, get 2 Cummins...one to tow with, and one to bring the first one back!

RF

i am a ford person by heart but by the grace of god i stumbled uppon my duramax. I have never been happier with a car. one of my friends has my exact truck but dodge and tells me he wishes he would have bought the chevy. just my .02c good luck bud

As a company, I've had less problems over the years with GM over Chrysler. As I've never own a Ford, (But we've had many in the family), I can't speak to them. Fords seem to run OK, they just look like crap after a few years.

It seems that every Chrysler product I've owned had some weird quirk with it. My 1976 Dodge Charger was a great car, (if you didn't mind putting brakes on every 5000 miles, threw a rod at 110,000 miles). My 1987 Dodge Shadow Turbo was a great car until the computer puked at 75,000 miles and the transaxle bearings went out at 110,000 miles. My wife's 1993 Dodge Intrepid was a great car if you didn't mind fixing brakes, AC, Injector seals, right front axle, and a computer with a mind of it's own, (I forgot some things but they were less than $300.00, so I don't remember).

My 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been the best so far at only needing 3 window regulators, 2 sets of front rotors, (see a trend?), and a new camshaft sensor. I admit that I will fix the rotors this time with aftermarket ones, and the camshaft or crank sensor seems to be the current Chrysler favorite part to fix.

I do love the jeep though.

On the other hand, I've got a 1964 Corvette that is a dream to work on, (no warranty ):h ). I've had a 1968 GTO, want a screamer that one was, Darn near got put in jail with that one. :ro) A 1978 Chevette, (Cheap go to work car, paid $400, sold for $500), a 1980 Gran Prix, no problems, 1986 Monte Carlo SS, (that thing ate exhaust systems, and for some reason, my wife couldn't keep the rear tires from wearing out in the middle. ):h ), a 1973 Chevy/GMC C20 custom pickup, (another one that about got me in jail), a 1990 S-10 Blazer, (still running strong), and my current toy in my sig that is a towing monster and runs great, and is a pure pleasure to drive. :ro)

I've also had 2 Mazda 626's for go-to-work cars that the frame rusted through before I was done driving them and a 1990 Honda that I've got less than $3000 total into it and have been driving for 80,000 miles now, it owes me nothing.

Maybe Chrysler products just hate me, but I've poured a bunch of money into the Chrysler products I've owned.

Just the money alone in my wife's Intrepid was about the same money I've spent on all of my GM vehicles for repair.

The only thing nice about Chrysler products is that they don't rust like GM does, (except the Charger).

If we could just get the paint engineer from Chrysler over to GM, Chrysler wouldn't have a prayer. ):h

Drive both, buy what you like, and anything that happens, chalk it up to experience.

That is why I choose the GM over the Dodge, along with the Allison and Dmax combo. ):h

I am biased like most eveyone else here, love my Dura/ZF-6 and would never consider anything else. My buddy bought a 04' Dodge based on their 600ftlb "claim" as we do a lot of heavy pulling. Not only did my LB7 Dura out pull the Dodge especially in the Mountains but after 6 months of ownership and being at the stealer some 20 times for a varity of issues he traded it in. He took it hard in the wallet just to get rid of it. He smoked one tranny and one rear end and averaged about 7-9 mpg pulling 20K, might as well buy a Hemi for that kind of mileage and I second Radio Flyer... only save the money on the Cummins and buy 2 Hemi's... one to tow the other to the stealer every time they break down! My opionion...buy 1 Duramax and be happy for as long as you own it!!!

The goal of the the big three is to build a vehicle as cheaply as possible, sell at a reasonable price to make a profit. Obviously, lower your cost of productiuon, and whala - bigger profit. Chrylser has (or had) a better margin than Ford, and then GM last, meaning GM spends more money building a vehicle, on average, than ford or chyrlser. To me, buying a competative GM means you're getting, or maybe getting, in general, a better designed and built vehicle, more expensive to build, and maybe designed as well compared to ford or mopar. I've always thought mopar vehicles were cheaper designed and built, and ford not far behind.

The most convincing evidence to me is that I know a friend who is involved in leased vehicles, on a national level, thousands of cars, of different manufacturers leased to many different companies. He tells me that overall, GM vehicles have about half the repair costs as ford or mopar. Any company can build a lemon, but after analyzing thousands of vehicles, mostly cars, it tells you something about the quality of design and build of their products. Currently, I own 3 fords, one mopar, and 4 GM's. I work on all of them. In general, the GM's are nicer, better built and designed. However, GM always seems to lag regarding innovation, and styling compared to Mopar and Ford, like ford now offering electric trailer brake comtrollers in their trucks. Ford came out with the larger extending side "tow" mirrors before GM. GM just seems to lag on alot of these "convience" options, but overall, I still think they build a better product.

i'm a first time d/max owner, and i cudn't be more plzd...i bought it used, but it was primo...

i looked at both ford and dodge before i bought...the creature comforts on the ford lariat was ok, but the dodges were like something prehistoric -:t ...we have a '99 caddy sts, and when i looked at the interior of my d/max for the first time, it was like looking in the caddy...the ONLY difference is that the caddy climate controls are digital, and the d/max are knobs...BUT the d/max climate controls can be set on auto; which is VERY nice...as ur going to be FAR north, do urself a BIG favor and get heated seats...ur buns will thank you :lol: ...i DID have to have my injectors replaced at 41k, but other than that the d/max has been a joy...a good friend of mine has an '01 550 ford diesel, and it's towing leaves a LOT to be desired...she likes mine MUCH better, but cudn't find the size she needed...she hauls a BIG horse trailer, and more than a one-ton was recommended...:rant:

based on my research and my 1 yr d/max experience, i have NO hesitation in recommending a d/max over ford/dodge...

good luck! :thumb:

You want to run with the big dogs..then go with state of the art...Duramax/Allisson combo

I don't hold with rigid brand loyalities like a lot of the Ford crowd. I have owned all 3 of the major manufactures trucks, and with the exception of the TORX introduction(long story) I've never had a major problem with Chevy trucks. Ford bought back their lemon, and I traded my green Dodge lemon.

FWIT,,, "As a trained EVO driver" I can tell you that I owe my life and the lives of my family members to that Allison transmission. It saved my butt the first time I towed the 5th wheel.

Doug B.

I owned a 2001 dodge cummins and put over 100k on it. I also drove a 04 cummins at work and I like them. The engine rocks but the trucks are not as good as a chevy or ford in my opinion. I bought an 02 duramax last week ans 2 days later the injectors went out so I don't have much of an opinion on it yet but I do know for sure it is alot more comfortable to ride in then the dodges but I think the dodges have a slight edge in the power dept. My 01 dodge was a standard and I had zero problems with the tranny and I was very hard on it. I pulled heavy trailers and had 37" tires and did a lot of off roading andf it held up. The 04 is an auto and we pull a 12k trailer with it and no problems so far but it only has about 7k on it.


That being said they are both good trucks in my opinion but to me the chevys are nicer. The dodge is more of a work truck in my opinion. The chevy should do work, but it has comfort features and lots of doodads where the dodge is plain.

I had a 2000 Dodge / Cummins / 5 Speed. Replaced rear axle seals twice, brakes once, and must have had a dozen screws fall out from under the dash in the 2.5 years I had it. My '03 D=Max with 80K on it has had oil changes, fuel filter changes, a new cold air kit, and tailgate cables replaced (recall). No way I'd buy another Dodge. But that's just me.....

I just wanted to put my imput in the comparision because I have been doing the same debate in my head. I want to make a quick note that the new dodges come with the same allision transmission in the Duramax - One of the farmers on my boyfriend route just got a new one and it drives just like the allision does in the Duramax. Cummins is a good motor and it has considered one to the top towing motors - I really think it is going to come down to how much are you going to tow and how heavy. I am looking at both but I am also going to be pulling regularly a large horse trailer (12-14000#) so drive and decide which one is best for you. My dad has a 2003 GMC 2500 and he loves it - but he doesn't haul alot and he doesn't haul that heavy. Just my .02

Good luck

the new dodges come with the same allision transmission in the Duramax -

Good luck
I don't think so. I read they are coming out with a 6 spd auto for '06 but from a different vendor than Allison. Can't remember who it was - something like Aeis
dunno.

No allison attached to a cummins, cummins only wish they had an allison......

Personally I don't think the Allison 1000 would stand up behind a Cummins. Now the 2000 like is in the FL-60 is a different story!
At least you have it norrowed down to the 2 best trucks. I will never be stuck with a 6.ohno and a torxshaft you.

I thought it was common knowledge that Allison 1000 is more or less bullit proof up to 725 ftlb tq. that should definately be able to handle a cummins.

Personally I don't think the Allison 1000 would stand up behind a Cummins. Now the 2000 like is in the FL-60 is a different story!
At least you have it norrowed down to the 2 best trucks. I will never be stuck with a 6.ohno and a torxshaft you.


MMMMMM Allison not stand up to a Cummins? Allison has been standing up to bigger diesels then the Cummins that they put in the Dodges for years. Next time you look at an Transit bus, there is an Allison putting the power to the ground.

ON EDIT: T1000 would with a real torque converter. Otherwize I agree with you...
):h ):h

:iamwithst :iamwithst :iamwithst :iamwithst :iamwithst :iamwithst :iamwithst :iamwithst

MMMMMM Allison not stand up to a Cummins? Allison has been standing up to bigger diesels then the Cummins that they put in the Dodges for years. Next time you look at an Transit bus, there is an Allison putting the power to the ground.
):h ):h:iamwithst

I bet if you look it's not an Allison 1000!:ro)

I thought it was common knowledge that Allison 1000 is more or less bullit proof up to 725 ftlb tq. that should definately be able to handle a cummins.
It's not the tq. so much as the racheting(sp) action of the engine.

Allison in the Prevost motor coach in the avatar! Its behind a 12.7 litre Detroit series 60!
Richard

5th gear will not take 725 ft/lbs in stock form (for too long). The 1000 should however be able to handle what a stock 05 ISBE Cummins puts out.

5th gear will not take 725 ft/lbs in stock form (for too long). The 1000 should however be able to handle what a stock 05 ISBE Cummins puts out.

Then why is the duramax defueled to lower power in 1st and 5th gear :confused: . I think its for the Allison........... So then it would not be able to handle what a stock 05 cummins puts out - 325hp and 610ftlbs since the duramax numbers are lower...... Unless we defuel the cummins also.

Then why is the duramax defueled to lower power in 1st and 5th gear :confused: . I think its for the Allison........... So then it would not be able to handle what a stock 05 cummins puts out - 325hp and 610ftlbs since the duramax numbers are lower...... Unless we defuel the cummins also.For whatever reason, Allison designed their 1000 transmission to run with lower hydraulic pressure in 5th, than compared to the other gears, so there is less clamping force on the clutches, and will slip easier. The Allison trasnny upgrade kits help alot by about doubling the hydraulic pressure holdiong the bands/clutches together.

I'll try to find the link.

http://www.atsdiesel.com/products/products-gm-transmission-valvebody.asp

http://www.atsdiesel.com/products/products-gm-transmission.asp

Then why is the duramax defueled to lower power in 1st and 5th gear :confused: . I think its for the Allison........... So then it would not be able to handle what a stock 05 cummins puts out - 325hp and 610ftlbs since the duramax numbers are lower...... Unless we defuel the cummins also.:exactly: :exactly:

I never said that the allison wasn't derated for 1st and 5th only that I thought it would handle a stock 05 Cummins. This is based on what every body else is running around with on a LB7 or LLY with power enhancers without limping the tranny. It seems to me that in Edge's testing that the 1000 will handle up to 680 ft/lbs in 5th before slipping and over 900 in the other gears so all you DC guys can put your flame throwers away. Yes, the cummins has 5 more ft/lbs and it is a fine engine in its own right. Didn't imply the allison was infalible just up to the task.

Then why is the duramax defueled to lower power in 1st and 5th gear :confused: . I think its for the Allison........... So then it would not be able to handle what a stock 05 cummins puts out - 325hp and 610ftlbs since the duramax numbers are lower...... Unless we defuel the cummins also.
This makes all the difference. It looks like I made a big mistake buying GM. I should have bought Dodge.

:badidea: NOT.

Then why is the duramax defueled to lower power in 1st and 5th gear :confused: . I think its for the Allison........... So then it would not be able to handle what a stock 05 cummins puts out - 325hp and 610ftlbs since the duramax numbers are lower...... Unless we defuel the cummins also.:funnypost

Time for a reality check here. The new Cummins peak TQ and peak horsepower is 610/325 not max continuous or that puny 48RE auto MOPAR tranny would fly apart driving it off the showroom floor. The new Dmax maybe 605/310 but I guarrantee the Allsion will put more of that power to the ground then the 48RE just for the simple reason the Ally is a 5 speed versus a 4 speed. I can't wait to test drive the new Allison 6 speed auto that will be out this fall in the '06 models. :grd: When it comes to a transmission duel Dodge is unarmed ie: that 5 speed auto they put behind their HEMI. Instead of building it with a TOW/HAUL feature all they gave it was O/D lockout. :badidea: Talk about chinsy. :lol: Great engine, the Cummins is, to bad about what surrounds it..................SWH...:)

As mentioned, Dodge is coming out with a 6 speed auto tranny designed to be mated with the Cummins diesel in either late '06 or early '07. So,,,,things will get more interesting. Allison is an excellent transmission no doubt. Don't forget though, the current LLY does not produce rated HP/Tq in 5th gear.

Unless we are blind and stupid - that was an Allison underneath that dodge - it works exactly like the one in the Duramax - I can't tell you for sure if it was the 1000 but it was an Allison and more the on person has told me that. Allison has been making transmission for years in larger trucks so I am sure that they are quite capable of making on to be used with the Cummins (they do in larger trucks). I do realize that this a a Chevy place and I do own a GMC myself and I love my truck, I really like my dad's truck (GMC 2500 Duramax) but that doesn't mean that I am not going to chose what is better for pulling a rig. But for me I rather go with the 6 speed anyhow and Dodge does have one heck of a truck with the 6 speed behind. I stated my honest two sense and am leaving it at that.

I have had a Dodge (Cummins) for the past 5 years, I am on a Dodge diesel list, and I am a member of the "Turbo Diesel Registry". That being said, I just bought a Duramax:D . I have not found anything on the Dodge list to indicate that Dodge is even planning on using an Allison, I am not saying they won't, but the information isn't out there yet. Everyone I know of with a third generation Dodge (and an automatic) has the crappy Dodge unit....AND some are having problems even though Dodge has tried to upgrade this transmission over the years....it's still a 48 RE....it's still crap behind a diesel.
Even Dodges new manual transmissions wont hold up to the Cummins, it seems Dodge has a hold on ALL manual (G56) equiped trucks because of transmission problems! On top of all that, Dodge went to a "Dual Mass Flywheel" to halp save the transmissions and some say the "DMF" has to be replaced with every clutch job (at CONSIDERABLE expense!!!!)
Diesel Chick, I hope you are right, I hope Dodge does use an Allison in the future. Competition HELPS all of us, the end result will be more people using these transmissions and more options when we go to build high horsepower (and torque) trucks.
Keith

Diesel chick, I have to apologize! I was at the local Chevy dealership talking with their Duramax mechanic and he received a call from a mechanic at the Dodge dealership asking about an Allison problem!!!!!!!!!! The Chevy mechanic said that they just started using them in the Dodge!!!!

DIESEL CHICK IS RIGHT!!!!

Now, if they can make their truck as comfortable as the Chevrolet...there might be trouble....
Keith

If the t1000 Allison transmission is backing the Cummins :rolleyes: now and the new transmission behind the Cummins is a six speed by 07, and GM has a 6 speed by 06? What will the Dodge boys have to beat up? :confused: I guessing Ford. ):h

Whew....Time to start duckin and runnin! I posted the question to the Dodge list and the TDR. You would think I was talking about their mama's! The answers range from ...your an idiot... to - the 48RE is too good a transmission for Dodge to use an Allison
:rolleyes:
I give up, after all "I" have an Allison and thats all that matters!!
Keith

Diesel chick, I have to apologize! I was at the local Chevy dealership talking with their Duramax mechanic and he received a call from a mechanic at the Dodge dealership asking about an Allison problem!!!!!!!!!! The Chevy mechanic said that they just started using them in the Dodge!!!!

DIESEL CHICK IS RIGHT!!!!

Now, if they can make their truck as comfortable as the Chevrolet...there might be trouble....
Keith

Keith - Your apology is accepted. I do agree with you in regards of the Comfortablity in a Chevy. I always felt that if you are looking for simply a towing machine to use a Cummins if you want a everyday truck that you can tow with on weekends go with a Chevy/GMC because they make them ride smoother and have more interior feature then any truck I have ever seen.

Have a great day!!:)

):h I Heard today that Dodge will soon loose the Cummins as Mercades will begin to use their own motor sometime in the near future. :eek: ):h

:p: :stirthepo :gr_grin: :evillol: Boy, that should make some big power. should be at the top of the pulling circuit in 10 or 12 years!