Well today I sold my 2003 Xcab 4X4 DMax 6 speed. But I got a good price and im in the market for a 04 or maybe an 05. Since GM can't put a good flywheel on the ZF6 then im going for an Allison.....Looking at maybe a Crew Cab this time but not sure yet......Would you guys try for a good deal on a 04 or wait for the 05's???? I can get any truck I want weather I order one or get it off the lot for $150 over invoice and thats before rebates......And I hate to say it but im also looking at a F250 or F350 Powerstroke......The Dmax is awsome but I don't think GM makes a very good truck....My 4X4 leaver always rattled, my back doors poped and cracked everytime the body flexed....had to have the flywheel replaced.......if I run my Quadzilla over Level 1 the flywheel make an awful sound.......I love a Cummins but I hate Dodge!!!!!!!!!

Bt a Ford and the Flywheel will be the least of your worries ....


CPMAC a vendor here is developing or has a replacement Flywheel available ...


All trucks will flex ...


Good luck what ever you decide ...


Mac

Ford uses the same ZF-6 speed, I am not sure about flywheel, But I know the tranny is the same. So going to a 6 speed Ford may not help you any. Just some hey to chew while you make up your mind.


By the way, I`d wait and see what the 05`s bring seeing they will be here in August.

Wait for an '05. Your too close to the end of the model year for an '04 (unless they make you one heck of a deal).


I do not understand why GM cannot get the 6 speed clutch/flywheel issue resolved. Manual clutches have been around forever. Kind of like saying the brakes keep failing.

I just ordered my 05... dunno when it will be here though.

FWIW, I just traded my 7.3 Ford for a Chevy, and IMO, Ford's engineering deficinecies and QC problems are much worse than GM's. All available diesel pickups have issues, (I've now owned both, and drive or use all three for work) you just have to search the internet to learn what issues each has and pick whatever you think is the lesser of three evils. Of course this is just one man's opinion. Good luck with your choice. PS Ford uses the same six speed tranny, but it has a cooler and a solid flywheel. Read up on the PSD at the thedieselstop.com.

Ya, if you get a Ford 6 speed, you can replace the clutch cylinder every other oil change.......

I just ordered my 05... dunno when it will be here though.


I heard that the torque may be bumped up to 605 ft lb. Do you have any information for us?


I also seen in the Ford order sheet that they bumped the 6.0L Powerstroke to 570 ft lb. I do not understand why they would bump it up to stay in third placehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif in less it`s due to programing, and it so happened to give them 10 ft lb for free.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif

GM has some great rebates on 04's and most trucks on the lot now have the LLY. I haven't heard much about changes for 05, my guess is 05 is the last year for the "new" front end style but who knows?


If you trade every year or two though the 05 will probably be worth a bit more 2 years from now due to the MY, except the $3500 rebate on the 04 helps out quite a bit on the front end.


My old truck was an extended cab and my Dmax is a crew, no comparison, only complaint is the increased turning circle.

Hey, Ford has their problems too. That new 6.0l td has produced over 500 Ford buy-backs and tens of thousands recalled for injector problems.


I got that info recently from a side-bar in one of the 4wd magazines late last year, possible October time frame. That would effect the '03 model year.


My friends SD 6.0l really has a really good soundin' turbo with the exhaust and intake installed.


Buying a new truck is not easy, that's for sure.


Marc

Just dont buy the extended cab and the you dont have to worry about the creaking and rattling from the rear doors. I heard that the 05 Chevy will have a new hood that will be differant than the 1/2 trucks.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif I would say go 05. My .02

Talked to my friend Bob that owns a local Chevy dealership he showed me some new info on the 05's. Only big thing changing is that there is going to be a Sunroof option....and maybe a new color........ Said he can start ordering 05's on Monday and the Crew Cabs will roll out sometime around the end of July but will be sometime around end of august for the extended cabs..............$3500 rebates on the 04's are kinda hard to turn down........can you guys give me some feedback a new 04 Cummins???? They also have a $3500 rebate and I can get a insurance coupon for another $500 off.......

The 600 Cummins is one great motor. Still based on the inline 6 design they outlast alot of motors, and create alot of torque. No problems with my truck. Minor problems with others... There are a couple of TSB's out about seals and freeze plugs. The biggest turnoff of Dodge is the reduced size 4 door pickup.


You have to take a good look if you actually carry people in the back... especially grown adults. Don't doubt the motor though. It will be there.. I don't know if the truck would though. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif