dodge is on top for now as designs go....and getting them from concept to production.....but quality..old engines that lack power..and poor brakes and trannys are something you over looked I guess?
Dodge is number 3.....maybe
Ford and Chevy are 1/2....in which order though?...Ford sells more...but they are cheaper...I believe chevy makes a better truck....and I'm not saying that just cuz I own one.....they are both excellent..
I think Ford and Chevy are light years ahead of Dodge. I still think whether you buy a Ford or Chevy depends on your primary need. I think the Ford is more for work, the Chevy more for looks. I could go into detail, but that's my overall take.
OK, I will try not to be inflammatory, but this is opinion and so....
Try this. Get out of your Chevy pickup (or Suburban or whatever) and sit in front of it so that you are looking straight into the grill (the view I had from our old car while waiting for my wife to finish grocery shopping). You will notice that the front components look like a jigsaw puzzle, but disconnected. The headlights, turn signal assemblies, grill, bumper, etc. are each attached to the vehicle somehow somewhere back in there, but each piece is seemingly totally unconnected to its neighbors. It looks like a tiled floor where they never put the grout in. Of course, this design has a big advantage in that they can measure tolerances in quarter inches. ;-)
From many years of witnessing Ford's seeming inability to grasp the concept of fit and finish, I reluctantly looked again and found that, among other things, they finally realized that those rough plastic flashings are simply part of the manufacturing process and should be removed before the vehicle is assembled (what a concept!). The Fords have actually gotten to be pretty tightly assembled and done so from a very well conceived and thoroughly thought out design. I was amazed.
Now, I disagree that Dodge has the styling crown in pickups. They have gone much too far with bulges and curves. I was so little attracted to their styling that I never bothered to look closely enough to know just what their fit and finish is like (sales figures indicate that apparently many others have felt the same ;-)).
However, I still gave the overall Chevy styling another chance and (objectively and scientifically, of course!) re-examined all the photos on their web site. Honestly, the still-squarish styling looks very much like older Fords and Chevys. They need to update or hark back to curvier designs and get out of their linear mode.
IMHO, Ford has hit the nail on the head with the right combination of sweeping curve and straight line. They look like what they are: muscular, powerful and practical vehicles with a rakishly suave demeanor. F-series all the way!!! No question about it....
If Ford Superduty owner can look at their interior, and say Ford has better fit and plastic than Chevy.....then I say the pot is calling the kettle black!
I have been in numerous Ford Superduties. The interior door handles are very thin, flimsy, and have flashing on the top edge, that you touch everytime. The dashboard is just a vast piece of plastic, that looks pretty dull, and you could hose it down or sweep it off. The radio fits in just like GM's. The little plastic cover that covers the powerport is very loose fitting. (The GM's have 2 power ports with spring loaded flip covers that are softly padded.)
Sorry, but Ford is not heads and above GM. My Chevrolet has nothing but plastic on the interior, and I could care less, everything is nice and tight and has a great feel. (except for my door panel, because I broke a couple of the plastic mounts when I removed it to put in after market speakers.)
i have nothing against the Fords, in fact I almost bought a Superduty, but couldn't find a used gasoline CC when i was looking. Just saying I think these claims that Ford has such superior fit and finish are poo. Actually, I think Dodges interior fit and finish is of the highest quality. Unfortunately that is the only thing I have nice to say about Dodge.
What is the power rating of Ford's 2000 5.4 engine in the Superduties? I recently rode in a CC short bed 2x4 and was not impressed with the power. The engine needed to really rev to get the truck going. My longbed CC w/350 has much more snap to it. I say it were the gears, but the engine was over 2K rpms all the time, so it seemed like it had a low gear in it. could it be the TC on the Fords don't lock in as much as Chevrolets (when doing town driving)?
Chevy was first to round their trucks in 1988.. Ford was..1996,7?.... Dodge was 1994.
While the new chevys make look the same to Ford owners...the chevy owners (like myself) have told GM that's what we want....so be it.
I like to help others..but what yawl actually buy doesn't make a bit of difference to me....if the whole world hates my trucks looks....but I like it...that's all that matters to me... Peer pressure used to get to me as a young punk...but as an old punk now....I really don't care what's "fashionable".
Gm has current chevy owners (by invite only)come to look at designs they have mocked up as clay models. They had about 8-9 models before the 99's came out. Some looked more radical than dodge...others looked similar..others were wierd...but overall chevy owners said X one "looks like a chevy". I can't tell you if the exact model is what came out....but i remember picking something similar to what is out.
I don't like the Freightliner "I look bad..but have nothing under the hood" dodge look...and ford looks like a bad cartoon to me...or something buzz lightyear would drive...
and auto show response (as mentioned) gives them an idea.
I believe I have gotten mailings before as well?...a looong time ago.....asking what I like and don't like.
I like what they make....as do thousands and thousands of other buyers....as for a square look still and looks the same?.....Ford took almost a decade longer to round up....and they went too farr in my opinion..
But hey...like I said....I don't give a rats.. what you buy...I sleep very good.
...question. I meant nothing by it. I still don't think that bringing in a few customers to check out new designs equals a good survey. How many people did they bring in? 1000 total, maybe. That's not very many considering the millions of Chevy owners out there. I'm not saying the new design looks bad. I'm not even saying that the vast majority of Chevy owners don't like the new design. I just think it is incorrect to say that they asked the owners and went with what they wanted without doing a more comprehensive survey. Of course, that line saying, retaining the old style is what Chevy owners wanted, is a great marketing/advertising tool.
I was sent a survery from GM a couple of years ago. My dad recieved the same one. In fact I recieved 2 of them, about a year apart. They listed the features in a truck (engine, transmission, comfort, interior room, electronics, suspension, tow capacity, tow features, etc), and they asked me to rank which was most important to me from first to last. They also asked what I liked from other brands of trucks. They asked what other models I was considering and when I was thinking about buying my next truck.
They also asked styling questions, i.e. radical or conservative.
In late '98, out of the blue, I recieved a very nice little package from Chevrolet. It had a nice letter saying thank you for yadadada, including participating in the survey...which was at least 2 years prior! The package had some nice postercards of every model truck in Chevrolets history since 1918, had a picture of the truck and features of it. kinda neat. It also had a picture of the then soon-to-be Silverado and a brochure of all the new features that were going into it.
I bought my first 'brand new' vehicle in '94, and i recieved that around '96 or '97. so if they tracked me down, and I figure they sampled quite a few of the faithful to see what they wanted in the new truck.
I dont' know any Chevy owners that I know, and none around here that are unhappy with the truck GM made.
that Chevy stayed conservative with their styling and it looked similar to the "old" trucks. I got a rash of S^!T about it last year from some owners saying it looks NOTHING like the old model. I also think they were hoping to unseat Ford in sales by staying conservative. Since it didn't work I hope for all our sakes the Avalanche is NOT the shape of things to come. That is one ugly MOFO. You want cartoonish? I'd rather have Buzz Lightyear driving my truck then Roger Rabbit.Unless he brings Jessica Rabbit along.LOL!!!
It seems Ford has a hit with the Supercrew and the Harley F150 that in 2001 they will have a limited edition Harley Supercrew.And a 400 HP lightning in 2003.
the auto makers are going to do what they want....and we either buy it or not...the people they DID ask does not make that the ultimate word....but it's nice to know I was asked...
even in the 50's....to now....the Chevrolet has maintained..."the look of a chevy"....Ford and dodge have not....is that bad or good?....it's neither....but I like the Chevy...
I like certain fords and dodge..but when you round up the 50's....and 60's/70's muscle cars..and the 80's...I like GM cars the most....and it's what i buy...for looks...and for features as well as power and reliability.....
This debate has gone on for decades..and will continue for many more....
I like the sport side box of the new fords....although it does not look like a sport side at all....it barely flares..but it makes a nice curve and looks good from the rear..
it's just that god awefull bumper/front end combo and horrible fenders that make me curl...
to each his own...
Chevy and Ford rule.....Dodge follows........farrrrr behind..
I agree. I don't think what I or anyone else says is the ultimate word, but it is nice for the manufacturer to call you and ask how everything is going and also ask for suggestions. I kinda like the way Ford has attempted to get the look back of some of the older cars. Most notably the Mustang. They did a lot to make it look like a modern '65. I think they did a good job. That's one reason I like my new 'Stang so much. Ford and Chevy do rule. I prefer Ford.
Yeah, I knew you guys would appreciate the superlative, flowery descriptive language. ;-) I was just sharing my unsolicited opinion on the subjective styling issue (in my usual verbose manner). I obviously did not discuss the functional features that fit (or not) the way you will actually use your truck.
Of course, there is no one, universal "right" styling answer from the customer point of view. There are better/best answers to manufacturers and dealers; that being what styling helps sell more trucks.
If you haven't figured it out by now, I represent the growing group of people who really do not need a truck. It will be an exception when we actually use it to haul something bigger than I could before. Our F-150 is a commuting vehicle most of the time; it's our family car right now. We had a Civic as our only car before it, and the supercab interior actually provides more space than that car. With the hard tonneau cover on the bed (coming in this week), it will have 6 to 8 times the "trunk" space too. :-)
We bought it mostly for the size (puts me up at the more usual height in Dallas/Fort Worth traffic), safety (check the 1995 or even newer Civic crash tests), and styling. Almost immediately after my wife mentioned her desire to see me driving something bigger and presumably safer, I "fell in love" with the F-150 looks.
I appreciate that others have other opinions. Otherwise, it would be a boring world of limited diversity and no style would hold much appeal to me. This is just my obviously personal and biased opinions on the subject. No apologies for that. Just (a lot) more verbiage....
Mine is mainly a commuter as well....but I do a large number of weekend projects and hauling to justify it. Even if I never hauled/towed a thing...a truck is much safer and makes me feel better than any econobox or even midsize car. And the 2500 makes a better ride for commuting and hauling for me.
A coworker/riding buddy finally got his new F250. This thing is a monster! Our parking spaces at work are next to each other. I didn't think my Tundra was a subcompact! haha!
Nice truck, but I haven't the chance to ride it yet.
2500 HD With the DMAX and Allison! I am looking on getting a 5th wheeler and this seems just like the ticket. Although I assume I will have to bend over for a $40k truck.
...start bending man....duramax is like $4700 right there..Allison is $1100
I like the 2500 Ride...and use the payload capacity....but I do not need or want the diesel. If I was to pull a 5th wheel or trailer....there would be no hesitation...
I have to test drive the 8.1 to see if I will get that or the improved torque same HP 6.0?....the 8.1 only comes in a manual (which I can drive..but no thanks)...or the allison.....which again...I'm not sure I need?.....$1700 extra for the Allison and 8.1....I'll have to see if I want it or not....
probably the 6.0 again for me....it's done all I need it to do. I have hauled several small trailers under 5K or so....and a biggen' once for my dad in law...and it was fine....although if I did it on a regular basis..(which I don't )...MAYBE i'd get the 8.1
my old 5.7 against the 6.5 Diesel GM had....but the Duramax.....I'd have to say the ford will go down...
was it Obyone that posted that video of the diesels chained back to back?....that was awesome..
The ford gave a better fight than the Dodge...but it had no chance...
Post that again....if I recall...ya couldn't dave it?....I showed that to my buddy with a Cummins..and my father in law with a Powerstroke...and my bro in law with a cummins...
For some reason they didn't smile and laugh as much as me??
Man, by the way you guys talk about that Allison, I'd think your name was rwell or bama and you were talking about a Toyota. Touting something as far superior when it's never been proven in the current application. DISCLAIMER: I believe Allison tranny's are very tough. Some of the most rugged durable transmissions made. However, they are neither perfect nor bulletproof. They can and will have flaws and they will break. Same thing goes for the Duramax. Yes, Isuzu makes some of the best deseils, but how many miles has one of these new HD Chevy's logged?? After the new model year debacle of '99 that Chevy just went through, I'd think the smart guy would be a little more gun shy. But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.
As far chaining trucks back to back, that comes down to gearing AND (this is the most important) traction. Much of the traction could depend on the height at which each was hooked up. If one is hooked a little higher then it gets pulled down =more traction the other gets lifted =less traction. That must be the silliest test ever invented.
is always the "first year blues"....Allison and Isuzu are two names that are very well known for Diesels and Tranny's...
I honestly believe we have a new King...
I have given credit to the Powerchoke..(did I say that)...and The Cruddin's..(who said that??).....and have never praised the 6.5....bu tthe time for touting GM as the best Diesel has come boys....
I think it would be more correct to say "the time for touting GM as 'possibly' the best Diesel has come boys..." Wait a few years. Then we'll see. Of course by then, the Powerstroke may be eating the Isuzu's lunch. Personally, I like it. It makes Ford bump up stuff that has otherwise stagnated.
Bigsnag You're right about the Duramax. its not proven longevity. You doubt the power advantage? How?
You're wrong about the Allison, it is proven. The exact same transmission has been in service for a couple of years in RV applications mated to a high output Cummins. And it is flawless. My uncle works at a large diesel shop that is also an Allison dealer. They see lots of these RVs come in for service intervals while they are on long trips. The only probs they ever have is something funny in the RV electronics that cause the Allison or the Cummins to hickup.
Exactly what problems has Chevy had with the Vortec motors? I don't know of any. Some truck vibrations, but NO probs with the engine line up.
The 4.6 is not perfect, but it does pretty well. I know a guy in Penzoil engineering, does lots of stuff for HPD, they hated the discontinuance of the Caprice, tough, fast cars. The Crown Vics are fine, but the 4.6 rarely lasts over 150K...their engine studies showed the #4 and #8 pistons were both low on coolant and oil, and were always the first to burn up.
Where did I say I doubted the power advantage? I never said that. Although, Chevy has been known to over-rate some of their engines. Even some Chevy guys on this board have admitted it. As to the Allison being flawless, well I have heard of people not liking the way they shifted and I have heard that they have their problems, too. One thing is, I have rarely seen an RV with over 100K miles on it. Usually they don't have much over 50K miles. A lot of tranny's could go 50K. As a matter of fact, if the Allison's are flawless, miracles have yet to cease. I've never seen anything mechanical that was flawless.
it was new. I said new to this application. I believe there are rigors that a tranny must go through when strapped in a 1 ton behind a strong motor like the Duramax that perhaps this Allison has not faced before. That's all I meant. Never said it was junk, just said hold on a few years before we have the coronation ceremony. Ha ha!!
Budlitedude3: Oh, and don't ever plan on rebuilding that engine. They are like all [non-permissible content removed] and Tiawanese parts....use once, then throw away."
F150Rules: For as long as I can remember, people looked for anything made in Taiwan, Korea, China, Japan, etc. Stayed far far away from it because the products were made cheap and with slave labor. They still have an element of that name of use once then throw away.
Dodge partnered with Cummins, ford with navistar and now GM with Isuzu. They all all put out some serious power but none of them did it on thier own. I see no more kudos for the new GM and thier partnered diesel than dodge and cummins. GM the new king. Don't make me laugh. No matter what new truck product they put out, Ford out sells them. Thier new silverado with all its innovations could turn things over and the new isuzu won't make a dent either.
Of all the trucks sold diesels make a small percentage. They are expensive and only payoff for the very serious user.
I was really hoping that chevy was going to come out with something good when they put out the silverado. There is always next time. Ford will probably be first 32 years running by that time.
I was dissapointed in chevy's offering, but give me a break- a Tundra? That's a second rate mid size truck that doesn't compare with any of the big three. It directly competes with the Dakota and unfortunately loses. Toyota has a long way to go and better hurry or the american buying public will lose interest.
Comments
Dodge is number 3.....maybe
Ford and Chevy are 1/2....in which order though?...Ford sells more...but they are cheaper...I believe chevy makes a better truck....and I'm not saying that just cuz I own one.....they are both excellent..
- Tim
Try this. Get out of your Chevy pickup (or Suburban or whatever) and sit in front of it so that you are looking straight into the grill (the view I had from our old car while waiting for my wife to finish grocery shopping). You will notice that the front components look like a jigsaw puzzle, but disconnected. The headlights, turn signal assemblies, grill, bumper, etc. are each attached to the vehicle somehow somewhere back in there, but each piece is seemingly totally unconnected to its neighbors. It looks like a tiled floor where they never put the grout in. Of course, this design has a big advantage in that they can measure tolerances in quarter inches. ;-)
From many years of witnessing Ford's seeming inability to grasp the concept of fit and finish, I reluctantly looked again and found that, among other things, they finally realized that those rough plastic flashings are simply part of the manufacturing process and should be removed before the vehicle is assembled (what a concept!). The Fords have actually gotten to be pretty tightly assembled and done so from a very well conceived and thoroughly thought out design. I was amazed.
Now, I disagree that Dodge has the styling crown in pickups. They have gone much too far with bulges and curves. I was so little attracted to their styling that I never bothered to look closely enough to know just what their fit and finish is like (sales figures indicate that apparently many others have felt the same ;-)).
However, I still gave the overall Chevy styling another chance and (objectively and scientifically, of course!) re-examined all the photos on their web site. Honestly, the still-squarish styling looks very much like older Fords and Chevys. They need to update or hark back to curvier designs and get out of their linear mode.
IMHO, Ford has hit the nail on the head with the right combination of sweeping curve and straight line. They look like what they are: muscular, powerful and practical vehicles with a rakishly suave demeanor. F-series all the way!!! No question about it....
tim -
what is this, the oprah winfrey fashion show?
"They look like what they are: muscular,
powerful and practical vehicles with a rakishly
suave demeanor."
rakishly? suave? damn, i'm glad i got my chevy. i think i'd die if someone told me my truck looked like a garden tool or shampoo... ;-)
kyle
Rico Suave haha
My trucks to sexy for the garage to sexy for the expressway to sexy for you to ride in to sexy to do any real work
haha
TIM2 a little pciky are we???
Ryan
I have been in numerous Ford Superduties. The interior door handles are very thin, flimsy, and have flashing on the top edge, that you touch everytime. The dashboard is just a vast piece of plastic, that looks pretty dull, and you could hose it down or sweep it off. The radio fits in just like GM's. The little plastic cover that covers the powerport is very loose fitting. (The GM's have 2 power ports with spring loaded flip covers that are softly padded.)
Sorry, but Ford is not heads and above GM. My Chevrolet has nothing but plastic on the interior, and I could care less, everything is nice and tight and has a great feel. (except for my door panel, because I broke a couple of the plastic mounts when I removed it to put in after market speakers.)
i have nothing against the Fords, in fact I almost bought a Superduty, but couldn't find a used gasoline CC when i was looking. Just saying I think these claims that Ford has such superior fit and finish are poo. Actually, I think Dodges interior fit and finish is of the highest quality. Unfortunately that is the only thing I have nice to say about Dodge.
Best Gas powered HD truck = Ford SD line
Best Diesel powered HD truck = Dodge Cummins.
Both Ford and Chevy will give Dodge a run for the Diesel market with chevy's new Duramax and Ford's new line of diesels in the next several years.
Oh ya, best big import = Tundra
Best small import for the money = Frontier
Chevy was first to round their trucks in 1988..
Ford was..1996,7?....
Dodge was 1994.
While the new chevys make look the same to Ford owners...the chevy owners (like myself) have told GM that's what we want....so be it.
I like to help others..but what yawl actually buy doesn't make a bit of difference to me....if the whole world hates my trucks looks....but I like it...that's all that matters to me...
Peer pressure used to get to me as a young punk...but as an old punk now....I really don't care what's "fashionable".
- Tim
heres a good one
PUNKYTIMSTER
hahahahhahahahahhahahahha
Ryan
kyle
I can't tell you if the exact model is what came out....but i remember picking something similar to what is out.
I don't like the Freightliner "I look bad..but have nothing under the hood" dodge look...and ford looks like a bad cartoon to me...or something buzz lightyear would drive...
and auto show response (as mentioned) gives them an idea.
I believe I have gotten mailings before as well?...a looong time ago.....asking what I like and don't like.
I like what they make....as do thousands and thousands of other buyers....as for a square look still and looks the same?.....Ford took almost a decade longer to round up....and they went too farr in my opinion..
But hey...like I said....I don't give a rats.. what you buy...I sleep very good.
- Tim
They also asked styling questions, i.e. radical or conservative.
In late '98, out of the blue, I recieved a very nice little package from Chevrolet. It had a nice letter saying thank you for yadadada, including participating in the survey...which was at least 2 years prior! The package had some nice postercards of every model truck in Chevrolets history since 1918, had a picture of the truck and features of it. kinda neat. It also had a picture of the then soon-to-be Silverado and a brochure of all the new features that were going into it.
I bought my first 'brand new' vehicle in '94, and i recieved that around '96 or '97. so if they tracked me down, and I figure they sampled quite a few of the faithful to see what they wanted in the new truck.
I dont' know any Chevy owners that I know, and none around here that are unhappy with the truck GM made.
the auto makers are going to do what they want....and we either buy it or not...the people they DID ask does not make that the ultimate word....but it's nice to know I was asked...
even in the 50's....to now....the Chevrolet has maintained..."the look of a chevy"....Ford and dodge have not....is that bad or good?....it's neither....but I like the Chevy...
I like certain fords and dodge..but when you round up the 50's....and 60's/70's muscle cars..and the 80's...I like GM cars the most....and it's what i buy...for looks...and for features as well as power and reliability.....
This debate has gone on for decades..and will continue for many more....
I like the sport side box of the new fords....although it does not look like a sport side at all....it barely flares..but it makes a nice curve and looks good from the rear..
it's just that god awefull bumper/front end combo and horrible fenders that make me curl...
to each his own...
Chevy and Ford rule.....Dodge follows........farrrrr behind..
- Tim
I got both as well...
Wife doesn't want to give up the GT though....she likes her style (95) and hates the new style..(sorry)
I was hoping she would go thru with the cobra....oh well
Neighbor is a Dodge fan.......won't see one in my drive...I mean ya gota put yer foot down someplace!
LOL
- Tim
Of course, there is no one, universal "right" styling answer from the customer point of view. There are better/best answers to manufacturers and dealers; that being what styling helps sell more trucks.
If you haven't figured it out by now, I represent the growing group of people who really do not need a truck. It will be an exception when we actually use it to haul something bigger than I could before. Our F-150 is a commuting vehicle most of the time; it's our family car right now. We had a Civic as our only car before it, and the supercab interior actually provides more space than that car. With the hard tonneau cover on the bed (coming in this week), it will have 6 to 8 times the "trunk" space too. :-)
We bought it mostly for the size (puts me up at the more usual height in Dallas/Fort Worth traffic), safety (check the 1995 or even newer Civic crash tests), and styling. Almost immediately after my wife mentioned her desire to see me driving something bigger and presumably safer, I "fell in love" with the F-150 looks.
I appreciate that others have other opinions. Otherwise, it would be a boring world of limited diversity and no style would hold much appeal to me. This is just my obviously personal and biased opinions on the subject. No apologies for that. Just (a lot) more verbiage....
That's my story and I'm sticking to it....
- Tim
Nice truck, but I haven't the chance to ride it yet.
For more Brochure pics go here and look under Brochure topic.
http://www.teleweb.net/mgdvhman/
- Tim
I like the 2500 Ride...and use the payload capacity....but I do not need or want the diesel. If I was to pull a 5th wheel or trailer....there would be no hesitation...
I have to test drive the 8.1 to see if I will get that or the improved torque same HP 6.0?....the 8.1 only comes in a manual (which I can drive..but no thanks)...or the allison.....which again...I'm not sure I need?.....$1700 extra for the Allison and 8.1....I'll have to see if I want it or not....
probably the 6.0 again for me....it's done all I need it to do. I have hauled several small trailers under 5K or so....and a biggen' once for my dad in law...and it was fine....although if I did it on a regular basis..(which I don't )...MAYBE i'd get the 8.1
we will see
Good luck
The duramax/Allsion combo is THE king now...
- Tim
how bout father in law.
Ryan
?
- Tim
.......BOY!
- Tim
was it Obyone that posted that video of the diesels chained back to back?....that was awesome..
The ford gave a better fight than the Dodge...but it had no chance...
Post that again....if I recall...ya couldn't dave it?....I showed that to my buddy with a Cummins..and my father in law with a Powerstroke...and my bro in law with a cummins...
For some reason they didn't smile and laugh as much as me??
- Tim
honestly, say that the PS has a flying chance of outperforming the Duramax?
PS will still sell, with its long history and loyal following.
But it won't be king of the hill. not by 70 hp.
and do you think the Gen III PS would be very good, if the Duramax wasn't making it step up?
And Fords answer for the Allison is?......
waiting....
waiting....
......
Same thing goes for the Duramax. Yes, Isuzu makes some of the best deseils, but how many miles has one of these new HD Chevy's logged?? After the new model year debacle of '99 that Chevy just went through, I'd think the smart guy would be a little more gun shy. But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.
I honestly believe we have a new King...
I have given credit to the Powerchoke..(did I say that)...and The Cruddin's..(who said that??).....and have never praised the 6.5....bu tthe time for touting GM as the best Diesel has come boys....
- Tim
You're right about the Duramax. its not proven longevity. You doubt the power advantage? How?
You're wrong about the Allison, it is proven. The exact same transmission has been in service for a couple of years in RV applications mated to a high output Cummins. And it is flawless. My uncle works at a large diesel shop that is also an Allison dealer. They see lots of these RVs come in for service intervals while they are on long trips. The only probs they ever have is something funny in the RV electronics that cause the Allison or the Cummins to hickup.
other than that, yes, it is a bulletproof tranny.
Exactly what problems has Chevy had with the Vortec motors? I don't know of any. Some truck vibrations, but NO probs with the engine line up.
The 4.6 is not perfect, but it does pretty well. I know a guy in Penzoil engineering, does lots of stuff for HPD, they hated the discontinuance of the Caprice, tough, fast cars. The Crown Vics are fine, but the 4.6 rarely lasts over 150K...their engine studies showed the #4 and #8 pistons were both low on coolant and oil, and were always the first to burn up.
- Tim
Oh, and don't ever plan on rebuilding that engine.
They are like all [non-permissible content removed] and Tiawanese parts....use
once, then throw away."
F150Rules:
For as long as I can remember, people looked for
anything made in Taiwan, Korea, China, Japan, etc.
Stayed far far away from it because the products
were made cheap and with slave labor. They still
have an element of that name of use once then
throw away.
Of all the trucks sold diesels make a small percentage. They are expensive and only payoff for the very serious user.
I was really hoping that chevy was going to come out with something good when they put out the silverado. There is always next time. Ford will probably be first 32 years running by that time.
I cannot afford the Hyundai levels of quality with the GM. The Ford - Much better quality than the GM - less truck.
Toyota - the Big3 better get busy.
My dad had one....cuz they were "going to be the future!"
- Tim