What brand Diesel truck would you buy?

[whacker1]

I didn't vote, but my two cents if I was going to buy used.  
2006 Duramax - pre emmissions, and 6 speed alison
As Jackelope said early 2007 Dodge
Ford - 2003 or prior on the 7.3 motor, stay away from the 6.0 post 2003.  The 6.4 I have heard mixed results on with electronics issues that are quite spendy, because the service requires pulling the cab off.

For new
They all have emmissions that have cut the Fuel Economy.  I can't say which one is going to be the best, but here are a couple of links that might explain the emissions best

2011 Ford 6.7 Powerstroke - it is only 9-10 months old.
http://2011forddiesel.com/

2011 Chev Duramax
http://www.thedieselpage.com/duramax/LMLDuramaxc.htm

2011 Dodge
http://www.dodge.com/en/commercial/2011/ram_chassis_cab/cost_operation/diesel_exhaust/  

No matter which way you look at it.  The newer models provide more opportunity to have failure purely to meet emissions.  They do produce crazy horsepower and torgue in comparison to 10 years ago.  I posted the links, because I found it interesting how each manufacturer was reaching the 2010.5 emission requirements.  

[6x6in6]

If you can find an 03 to early 04 Dodge that's got low miles and in excellent shape, it will get you the best fuel economy of any of the common rail Dodge 5.9's from 03 to early 07.
If interior comfort (seats) the 06 and up Dodge has a better seat.  My '05's suck and the '07's are great.

[DRobnsn]

Here is my take on the this. First off I say buy what you like and get a good warranty. Now with the warranty make sure you can take it to a shop of your liking who uses good upgraded parts. 

Here is why I say this, most people just dump there rig at the closest auto shop and let them fix problem, well that doesn't cut it, and neither does the dealer. There main problem they use the same junk parts that failed in the first place. U need to find someone with a passion for these trucks. Who uses parts designed to actually fix the problem.

There is only one place your going to find these type of devoted diesel people, Diesel performance shops. These trucks are all they do, just think about it if they can make a race truck flat out haul ass and be reliable just imagine how reliable your stock or modified truck will be with there help.

I am a Cummins guy I have a 2001 and love it. Its probably the funnest truck I have ever owned. Yeah I trashed the stock trans at 85k but it took a 120 horsepower fueling box to do it.I took the truck to a Diesel performance shop had them build me a trans best parts you could get at the time. The truck know has 176k on it and the only other thing I have had to replace is the Injection pump, I got that from a diesel performance shop as well. I beat the crap out of it, I drag race it, pull a fifth wheel with it, pull a car trailer off and on. I also use it for hunting when needed. Personally there is only one thing I would trade this truck for, a newer Cummins.

One more thing about the transmissions in all of these diesel trucks, if you plan on adding horsepower plan on doing a trans I don't care what brand truck you have it will not last with any kind of significant power increase. Unless you never use it.

 

[high country]

jack, don't underestimate the izuzu engine, we have many excavators with izuzu engines that start good in subzero temps with 8000 plus hrs on them.

[MuleySniper]

Yeah I agree all the manufacturers have their faults. My one friend with an 07 duramax has had a lot of issues with his allison tranny. Its been in the shop a few times. Overheating and spewing fluid. He tows, but nothing outrageous and drives like an 80 year old man (speed wise  ) Another buddy I just talked to less than an hour ago said he gets to spend the weekend replacing three lines that go to his tranny.
Said they all are leaking and need to be replaced. Again, not knockin the chev, but its another 06 Duramax, same allison tranny.
MS

[JackOfAllTrades]

I wish there were some Fort Lewis motor pool mechs on here that could talk about the Allisons in the HumV's. I heard horror stories bout them.  Some people love'm. I guess, when they work, they work well. Same with the Ford auto.. Everyone loves the Tow/Haul mode and trans braking, but poorly designed seals and thrust bearings don't help. I know of more than one Ford with a cracked transmission housing.

-Steve

[jackelope]

Yeah I agree all the manufacturers have their faults. My one friend with an 07 duramax has had a lot of issues with his allison tranny. Its been in the shop a few times. Overheating and spewing fluid. He tows, but nothing outrageous and drives like an 80 year old man (speed wise  ) Another buddy I just talked to less than an hour ago said he gets to spend the weekend replacing three lines that go to his tranny.
Said they all are leaking and need to be replaced. Again, not knockin the chev, but its another 06 Duramax, same allison tranny.
MS

I have +/- 20 cars a day on my route sheet and at least 5-6 of them a week are getting trans cooler lines replaces...
Trans cooler lines leak on everything.

I wish there were some Fort Lewis motor pool mechs on here that could talk about the Allisons in the HumV's. I heard horror stories bout them.  Some people love'm. I guess, when they work, they work well. -Steve

I left the Hummer dealership 1 year early for the Alpha1 H1 hummer with the Duramax and the Allison. Do the Military Humvees run the Allison transmissions? I guess I thought they were running 4L80's with the 6.5TD.
 

[Bigshooter]

Early 2000's ford

Mid 2000's dodge

Recent GMC/Chevy

+1

[jeepasaurusrex]

I added an additional trans cooler to my truck. I think that has helped it live so long. I am far from stock with my HP/TQ and it still hooks up fine with no slipping. I also added a manual torque converter lockup switch for towing. When engaged, the TC is locked up so it is direct drive and no slippage. I have noticed the transmission temps while towing are way lower. One thing I think should be the first thing added to any diesel, is gauges. I run a boost, EGT, and transmission temp gauge on the A-Pillar. All the mods in the world will not help if you melt it down from excessive EGTs.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Early 2000's ford

Mid 2000's dodge

Recent GMC/Chevy

+1

Gawd no..  I'm a Ford nut/bolt and wouldn't recommend a 2003 6.0 to anyone. Changes for 2004 were the right ones. Otherwise.. Yes, the late model 7.3 was/is a work horse.

-Steve

[400out]

77 ford 3/4 highboy with a cummins   1978 Ford cummins truck

[ser300wsm]

I have had no problems with my Dodge Ram. I know it has the Hemi because i couldn't afford the $$$ for the diesel... With that being said if i could afford it i would buy the Dodge Power Wagon hands down, in my opinion they are the toughest truck out there on the market today.. The only thing is they cost a hell of a lot of $$$.. Correct me if I'm wrong but i also think you have to order them as i haven't seen one on the lot yet unless it is used... 

[high country]

77 ford 3/4 highboy with a cummins 

now you are talkin

[Bofire]

A kid right down the road, went to school with my kids, worked at Fort Lewis for a few years as a mechanic. He said he spent almost everyday repacing axles on Humvees, he does not remember alot of transmission troubles. otherwise I know nothing!! and do not need a diesel.
Carl

[Malardman]

My 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 CTD Laramie 6" Fabtech lift, 35" Toyo MT's 83,000mi..... Lets start, ball joints every 5-7K uppers and lowers, u-joints rear, Power seat motors, power window motor x2, wiper motor, headliner due to leaking, drivers seat heater, steering gear box due to pissing out fluid x2, front axle u-joints x2, one wheel bearing driver, 2 injectors, rear main seal, 2 tranny's need a 3rd now , heater core, front end recall upgrade, put in a aftermarket track bar by Carli suspension uses heim joints I'm sure there is more I'm forgeting and I'm in the process of SUING RAIRDONS DUE TO F-ING US ON OUR WARRANTY note all replacment parts are Mopar/Cummins Replacment parts. I love this truck but I hate it at the same time!!!!