I currently own a 03 F350, 6.0 psd, cc, 4x4, srw. I move heavy equipment for a living, I have a few customers that want me to move there small equipment (12,000# & less). my delema is I just don't trust the 6.0 for this job.
I have never been a bowtie fan, I have ONLY owned Ford trucks. we went to the auto show last weekend & I looked at the new GMC, & I'll tell ya, I was impressed. I came home found this site & started reading. I'll tell ya one thing that I found here I find it so hard to believe that the mileage difference in trucks (Duramax) 14-23 highway empty / 7-14 towing. what gives?:confused: are there a bunch of crack smokers here? (I mean no disrespect), or is there really that much difference in each truck? I have read every excuse in the book here, everything from tire size to aggressive tires. in my buis. I track fuel mileage, it is a huge concern when you spend $50,000 a year in fuel. my 03 psd gets 18.77-19.38 empty highway (68-73mph) / 15.01-16.73 local / 9.98-11.63 towing 20,500#gross. absolutely no difference in mileage going from stock 265 tires, to 305 pro comp tires, to 285 all terrain tires.
I need some input here, I will not be buying a new truck it would be a 03-04. but will it cut the mustard for what I will be using it for. it will spend a lot of time weighing 20,000# or greater.
I will be making a decision by the first of the year, I have even thought about a tried & true 7.3 psd. hands down you see more of these on the road towing 3+car haulers than ANY other brand truck.
looking to here from those of you that tow heavy loads, & have a lot of miles on your truck.
the truck I end up with will be a 4x4, cc, drw, diesel, is it going to be a Duraslack or a Powerjoke?

Hi-- Good to hear you're thinking about giving the Dmax a shot! As far as ride quality, the Duramax will be much nicer cruising down the highway due to the IFS. You said you were looking to buy a used 2003 or 2004. If you are looking to get a 2004, definetly look for an LB7 Duramax. To check which engine the truck has, look at the 8th digit of the VIN. If its a 1, it has an LB7. If its a 2, its an LLY. That way you wont take the chance of getting an LLY that MAY or MAY NOT overheat. There are some LLY's out there that overheat. Others dont...nobody really knows why... The LB7's have a little trouble with injectors nobody can really deny that, but using a good additive such as Stanadyne helps. Also, all LB7's have a 100,000 mile engine warentee and a 200,000 mile injector warentee, so as far as injectors go, GM has you covered. I definetly recommend the Allison tranny too. The grade-braking feature really works well and it does a good job selecting gears, especially when towing. As far as mileage, dont trust the DIC (driver info center)...hand calculated I think the LB7's see around 18-19 or so empty on the highway. Roughly the same as a 6.0 'stroker. The difference you see in Duramax mileage is probably between LLY's and LB7's. Empty on long trips, the best I have seen with my LLY (12000 miles) is 18.7. The LB7's get slightly better MPG. My LLY doesnt overheat. Yes, maybe it has SLIGHTLY more power than an LB7 stock, but you can easilly throw a Predator tow tune or an Edge Juice on an LB7 and it will tow perfectly. I dont know how the Fords are, but my truck is really nice to drive on the highway. At 80 mph I can let go of the wheel and it just cruises straight and true. Over BIGGG bumps the IFS can be SLIGHTLY floaty (think Crown Victoria), but putting a coupel cranks on the torsion bars fixed that completely. Because you are going to be in the truck a lot, I recommend a loaded LT model. The 12 way adjustable seats are nice, and the heated seats are nice in the winter because they heat up before the engine does. As far as interiors, I prefer the Chevys. They just seem "tighter" and have more features than the Ford's. XM radio is nice on long trips, and the steering wheel controls and Bose stereo is nice too. I beleive Diesel Place member "Hired Gun" regularly tows 20,000 pounds+ with his 2003 Duramax dually and he has no problems so far. Definetly the only way to tell for sure tho is to take a test drive. Drive a Dmax on the highway and see if the ride and feel appeals to you. As far as towing, I think the big three are "MORE OR LESS" equal. The difference is just in the details. Feel free to ask any questions you have about the trucks and anything we can provide to help you in your decision!! Happy turkey day!

---Ben

also, make sure you run a Carfax or VIN check before you buy...there is a section on this board for VIN requests so you can get the history of a truck..

--Ben

Fuel mileage varys because everybody here has diffrent trucks. Ext. cab short beds, crew cab 8 ft. beds, Duallys, take your pick. Different chips change mileage as well. When it comes down to it you will buy what truck you want no matter what we tell you here, but anything is better than the 6.0 powerstoke-:t . The 7.3 will out pull the 6.0 and is way more reliable. But if you want something new ill recommend the LBZ Duramax!:grd: :rockit:

hey Turboindian...

I recognize that sig and name from tb.com, right? I cannot tell you that I have driven both, because this 02 dirtymax is the first diesel I've ever owned.

I can tell you this however:

1. I absolutely LOVE this truck!:ro)

2. A good friend of mine has a grading business, and he has two water trucks and two gannons. He has the last year of the 7.3 (99 or 02) not sure which, but after we drove my truck, he likes it... a LOT. He is an older guy that has been around and has always had the opinion that GM is ok for lighter duty trucks, but when you have to haul, then Ford is the way to go. Needless to say, he has seen the light now...):h

3. It sure seems that there are a LOT more unhappy Ford owners then there are GM owners... nothing scientific, but just MHO.

I think the big mileage variance is due to the driver mostly. A heavy foot kills the mpg...

I would definitely do as suggested and post for a VIN check in that forum. This will give you all of the warranty work that has been done to it. Carfax is pretty much a joke but it will help you verify the # of owners and where the truck has been.

Good Luck whichever route you choose!



BTW, welcome to the diesel place!



Vic

Let's start with the 2002 7.3 ford. The 02 7.3 is a great motor. You can beat the hell out of it and not worry about it. I would avoid the 6.0 to many problems to much of a risk whether you get a good one or not. The solid front axel on the fords seems to be prefered for towing heavy. The chevy or gmc is a much nicer truck especially in those years. The lb7 is also a great motor, and has noticeable more power than a 7.3. The allison transmission is also alot nicer than the older ford transmission. The ifs on the gm will also produce a much higher quality ride than the ford, but maybe your not concerned with that in a work truck. I really think it comes down to personal preference. Pick one and you should be happy with either one, but I would recommend the gm.

The solid front axel on the fords seems to be prefered for towing heavy. .

You dont tow from the front of the truck tho... all the weight is over the rear axle. If anything, a solid front axle would be important in a stressful FRONT end environment, like plowing. Although many Chevy guys plow, even with crew cabs, without any problems.

I have both trucks (Ford and GM) persay. I drive a 2002 GMC 2500hd CC at home and I drive a 2000 Ford CC F350 at work.
The reason I have a 2002 is because of the truck I use at work.
the motor has had issues but no more than what it is put through. The main reason that made me chose is the tranny. Reverse/stall issues in cold weather, creature comforts, and looks. In that order.

what's up with all the tire wear talk? I have read 45psi empty 65 loaded. heck I run max pressure at all times.
as for the brand one thing is for certian Dodge is out!! they are so cheap inside. I'm just thinking it's time for a change, if I do it would be the GMC. glad to hear some of the honest replys, even the good one about the 7.3. I traded a 93 IDI turbo diesel for this 6.0. as for the power of the 6.0 it's awsome, what other truck can smoke both back tires with a loaded 40' enclosed gooseneck trailer on the back.
I guess I will start hitting the dealers tommorow while the wife is at work.
AZ Vic yea it's me, don't tell the TB guys I'm thinking about changing to a GM, I talked nothing but good about Ford trucks. LOL

I am not a truck person.

However, I bought mine to tow a 13K 5th wheel trailer.

I do know this. The dmax/gmc/chev rides as smooth as my 01 suburban. the interior is superior to any other truck.

IMHO go to various dealers and drive new and used. Look at the interior, test the ride.

Good luck, and think you will like what you see.

ps: even tho you are currently a F**d owner, welcome to the Place. And please notice the Place has a F**d section.

what other truck can smoke both back tires with a loaded 40' enclosed gooseneck trailer on the back.

A lot of ours can.

with all that weight holding the truck back, its really not that hard to smoke the tires by flooring it..

what other truck can smoke both back tires with a loaded 40' enclosed gooseneck trailer on the back?

Mine, and it's even more fun with a stock #7500 Lb dually and a skid loader on a equipment trailer

well I went to the local GMC dealer today to see what all the hype is about. (lol) here are my findings, mind you I have been driving Ford trucks for over 20 years. the GM interior is more refined, more creature comforts than the Ford, I do love the fold down back seat. I like the styling of the GMC (not the chebby). the GM front steering is tighter than the Ford, the Ford has the Ford hunt, BUT the rear suspension is a lot stiffer in the GM, you know your in a 1 ton. as for the power "I" don't think it's much different than the 03 7.3 Powerstroke, I know a lot of y'all are going to say BS, but that's my opinion, I think my 6.0 feels stronger. one thing I did notice is the resale value on the GM is not as high as a Ford. you take 2 equal trucks & the Ford brings more $. don't get me wrong the D,max is not out of the question. I may go out tomorrow & do some more looking, if the wife lets me.

I strongly disagree with the resale value comment.......do a little research.

well I went to the local GMC dealer today to see what all the hype is about. (lol) here are my findings, mind you I have been driving Ford trucks for over 20 years. the GM interior is more refined, more creature comforts than the Ford, I do love the fold down back seat. I like the styling of the GMC (not the chebby). the GM front steering is tighter than the Ford, the Ford has the Ford hunt, BUT the rear suspension is a lot stiffer in the GM, you know your in a 1 ton. as for the power "I" don't think it's much different than the 03 7.3 Powerstroke, I know a lot of y'all are going to say BS, but that's my opinion, I think my 6.0 feels stronger. one thing I did notice is the resale value on the GM is not as high as a Ford. you take 2 equal trucks & the Ford brings more $. don't get me wrong the D,max is not out of the question. I may go out tomorrow & do some more looking, if the wife lets me.

Hey,

I think the resale value is terratorial. It depends on where you are, and the market.

Good luck, and enjoy your Dmax!!

Take care,

Will

The perceived power difference is probably due to turbo differences, and most likely, the different shift points of the Powerstroke (TorqShift). The Powerstroke may feel quicker by "seat of the pants" but I find it hard to beleive that a 360hp/650ft lbs Duramax is really in truely SLOWER than a 325/560 6.0 Powerstroke. I have heard that the 6.0s "feel" quick unloaded tho.

--Ben

With regards to different tire pressure empty/loaded it is 2 fold.
1. Running empty the ride is better and tires wear more evenly. Running empty on highway the center of the tire's wear much quicker.
I only tow 3 times a month 10k max so I change tire pressure.

Your comment about the 7.3 being "as quick", remember the Duramax is much quieter and the senses of speed is dulled.

Just My 1cent's

SC

Where is Hoot to try to sell him a Cummins?):h

yeah what happend to Hoot? WHy did he get banned?

--ben

Where is Hoot to try to sell him a Cummins?):hthat will not ever happen, not because of the Cummins but Doge, Duge, (how ever it's spelt) is not in my dictionary.;):thumb: the 06 I drove was not the newest 650 tq, it was the 600 tq version.

Ok both are good trucks, if you want mileage i would look at the inline and i hear that the mega cab is real nice, but to me a dodge is junk i have owned one and even the nicer one is like a work truck compared to the interior of ford or chevy/GMC. I bought my truck new in the latter half of 01 and have not regretted it not one bit. The dmax was not out for that long and i did not want to go wwith a new diesel. My 7.3l is bullet proof. I am tall bout 6'3" tall and the inside of the ford is bigger. Both ford and chevy/GMc are great trucks. STAY AWAY FROM THE 6.0L. The new 6.4l twin turbo is suppose to be out in 07, but the 06 LBZ are out now or really soon so make your choice, both are the best trucks out there. To me the is only the big two b/c i dont consider doge even in the same league. I think dodge is gonna fall off the face of the earth if they truely do go to there in house mercadese diesel, b/c cummins is the only thing goin right for them. OK im done:rant:

I did forget to mention the fact about the rear seat in the GM trucks. That is a very nice feature as well.
As for your Ford feeling faster. It could be the reasons mentioned as well as the Ford having 4.10 gears.
But if you are basing your main choices on buying due to resale value than I feel your choices are not the right reason for buying, but also research some more and you may be suprised.

I let my nephew in law drive my '01. He has 250 w/ 7.3 and he was blown away by my Max!

well I have made up my mind. I've had NOTHING but Ford trucks for the last 20 years or so, and I'm going to tell Ford to go pound sand in there
asCensored. it's time to move on. what sold me is I talked to a local company that has 3 - 2003, 4x4, cc, dully silverados that are always hooked to a 28' gooseneck trailers. they have anywhere from 120k-180k, the only thing they have had trouble with is the 4x4 actuater on the one that has the dash mount button. the other two have floor shifters, & no trouble. the only other trouble has been some dash electrical, (speedo & gauges).
now it's time to just find the right truck.:ro)

Others have already said this, but you will know--absolutely KNOW--you made the right choice when you hook up some weight to the truck and put the Allison in Tow/Haul mode. It is really sweet. 'Nuf said.

I had an F250 gasser that I was using to tow a 10k# 5th wheel camper several times a year. It was not enough truck, of course, so I started looking for a diesel. After looking for nearly 6 months, I became the luckiest man alive one year ago last month when I found a used 2001 Chevy Duramax 2500, crew cab, long box, in MINT condition, with only--get this--15,000 miles on it, with brand new tires that got replaced under warranty, for the unbelievable price of $20,000. The back seats had never even been sat in before. Line-x bed liner, tonneau cover, step tubes, and not a scratch on it.

Well, even though I got the deal of a lifetime, I like the truck more than the deal. I just got done with a road trip of more than 2500 miles, and the ride is every bit as comfortable as any of my cars. And you will find that the DMax runs much quieter than Ford or Dodge (especially the Dodges!!!).

You mentioned that you like the back seat that folds forward in the Ford. I like the design of the Chevy better because I sometimes have to haul stuff that can't get wet, so I just reconfigure the back for a flat loading area and I'm all set. True, it's kind of a pain to have to take everything off the seat AND clear the area by your feet before the seat can be flipped down, but the cargo space you gain is worth it for those limited times you need it. That's my opinion, and having owned a Ford I can see your point. I thought I'd share my perspective on it though.

The truck pulls the camper great, the tranny is truly awesome, and I've never felt safer towing than with my Chevy. And I only have a SRW--the dually would be just that much more perfect of a tow vehicle.

This is a great forum, with some pretty knowledgable DMax/Ally guys. Welcome to the club and happy hunting!

--Rip

Cograts and good luck on your purchase.
I wish I could have gotten the manual shifter on the floor instead of the electronic push button but when you want all the goodies you have to take ones you don't want.