While my 02 d/a is in trans shop I am thinking of buying a regular cab gasser as a back up. I have never bought anything other than gm so what do you guys think would be a good solid truck. Fords and dodges are cheaper but I dont know if they can hold up to hauling sheds and plowing snow. What are gms differences in 01 and up (motors)? If you know of a good truck in ct let me know. Tedd

What's you budget? 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton? Triton V10 is a really good gas engine, 8.1 Chev as well. Other than those two you'll really notice the power dif from you D/A.

All the Big Three hold up just fine if you get a well maintained one.

Personally, I have never been a fan of Dodge automatics or Dodge trucks for that matter. Haven't done much with Fords but have been interested in the V10 although I believe the 8.1 Chevy is a better motor with similar numbers. Like Carl said, budget makes a huge difference in what to suggest.

When my 06 ECSB D-Max was in for repairs this spring i went shopping for another cheap back up vehicle. I found another 06 RCLB D-Max for the same price as most gassers so i went with another D-Max. Back in Feb i picked up my RCLB LT with 35k miles, Fisher plow, running boards and Line-X bed liner for $19,900. Depending on your wallet you may be able to step into another diesel or at least a low milage gasser with the same capacities as the truck you have. If you really want a gasser i would look for an 8.1 GM, gas milage will be th same as the 6.0 but you will have more power and a far more reliable tranny IMO.

Haven't done much with Fords but have been interested in the V10 although I believe the 8.1 Chevy is a better motor with similar numbers.

I have owned both (2005 F250 V-10, 2002 Chev 2500HD 8.1; both crew cabs, 4x4, both 5spd auto, 4.10 on the V-10; 3.73 on the 8.1) and don't need to speculate on the performance.

Towed 10,000# the same, got the exact same mileage (7 mpg at 55 mph) on the exact same route I tow my boat all the time.

I saw no advantage to one over the other. Unloaded mileage was a little better on the V-10.

V-10 likes the 4.10 to get in the towing/torque sweet spot. The 8.1 could have used 4.10 but was okay with the 3.73.

Both have good torque numbers: V-10: 457ft lbs./8.1 455ft. lbs.

At least Ford still makes the V-10.

used to drive the ford v-10 dump truck pulling a bobcat. terrible truck. had no power to leave the line and start moving, and once we were moving if we would need more power, it pretty much went to the floor. also driven a 8.1 while riding with my buddy pullig his 5th wheel camper. he had better response and better all around power. i will say go with the 8.1 or 6.0, besides you wouldnt want to drive a blue oval anyway.

I own both an 08 duramax and an 08 6.0. You'll notice the power difference on the highway. No comparrison between the two. If i had to do it again, i would go with another diesel. Not to mention the gas mileage on the gas... But don't think you'll be getting anywhere near 10 when towing.