I just sold my 2001 Dodge Dually  and am looking to purchase a 3/4 ton or 1 ton for pulling. I don't pull a lot but when I do I want to go.

I am in a toss up between them all, GM, Dodge and Ford. I test drove a 2004 Chevy 2500 with the Duramax. Carfax checked out but I noticed the windows in the quad doors were glued shut. As I drove it down the street I noticed the windows whistled and when I got on the open road the quad door windows made it sound like a wind tunnel in the cab.  I hate wind noise. Is this a common problem or is this thing a lemon that Chevy wouldn't fix so that is why it was traded with only 20K on it? Can this be fixed?

I am also looking at a 2004 Ford F250 4x4 auto with the 6.0 Diesel and a 2004 Dodge cumings with the 6 speed. I have heard the Fords had engine problems in the 2004s and the Dodges have had tranny problems. Any Comments?

I

I have an '04 Duramax 2500 4 door and have had no problems with wind noise. In fact it is quite quiet in the cab area. Why would the windows be glued shut on the one you test drove? Sounds strange to me. Maybe it passed inspection on Carfax but there may have been some previous "accident" that wasn't reported, who knows. I would pass and keep looking. Although I do enjoy my Duramax and its tireless pulling power.

Hi,

I have a 2004 Powerstroke, and had a 2001 Powerstroke.  The difference in the power and transmission is awesome, and it is quieter too.  I have had a problem with the turbo, which apparnelty a lot of people had, but since it has been repaired, it has been fine.

Hope that helps!

CRK, Just exactly what is a "cumings"?

CRK,

There are a couple BBs you can check to get owners feedback on diesel trucks: thedieselstop.com for Ford, dieseltruckresources.com for Dodge.  There are also some for GM but I don't have them handy.

Read these to see which brand has the most transmission problems.  I haven't seen much trouble with Dodge unless the engines have been chipped, of course then all bets (and warranty) are off.

JMHO

Bud 

CRK

If you intend to tow heavy, don't get an automatic in any truck.  All three have had problems with their autos.  If you like the Dodge/Cummins (good choice) get the 6 speed, you will love it, the manual trans is bullet proof in the stock configuaration.  

I'm on my second Dodge/Cummins, it has never let me down.

Oh ya, the premier Dodge/Cummins site is www.turbodieselregister.com.  Have fun reading.

RichB

I agree with the idea of having a manual transmission in a tow vehicle. I like the idea of knowing what gear I am in and I can choose the gear I need versus the auto searching for it.

I had heard great things about the allison in the GMs.

I have also read up on some problems Ford has been having with the turbo in the 6.0.

So... I pretty much have decided to go with the Dodge with the cummings and the 6 speed in a 3/4 ton 4x4

Thanks everyone for your great input and bringing me up to speed on the MINI big rigs.

CR

CR,

Good choice, of course I'm biased since I have a 2004 Dodge, but with the auto.  I think the Cummins is the best diesel in a pickup, you can't go wrong with it and a 6 speed.  I have the short bed quad cab 4X4 SLT.  It's a great truck, I've had zero problems in 1 year and 31,000 miles.

Bud

CRK,

I don't know what you are hauling, but if you are considering the 3/4 ton Dodge, you may want to consider looking at Dodge's 1 ton with single rear wheels.  You get more payload for just a little bit more money.  Also, it's "Cummins", not "Cummings."  Someone asked about this earlier, and I didn't see any replies--the Cummins is Dodge's diesel option.  It's a 5.9L turbocharged inline 6-cyl, 325 hp and 610 ft-lbs.

If you look at my signature below you'll see what I've got.  We have 30,000 miles on it now.  No problems.  Only wish I would have gotten 4wd.  We've been stuck a 1/2 dozen times.  I would definitely go with the 3500 over the 2500.  It cost pennies more (really) and offers much more carrying capacity.  Most 2500/250 with diesels exceed their GVWR when pulling a 3h/GN w/ living quarters.  I like the SRW over the DRW for around town, too.  I could only see getting a DRW if I had a monster trailer.

Thanks everyone for your input on the trucks and spelling less

I bought a slightly used 04 Dodge 4x4 2500 SLT with the "CUMMINS" (thank you). It was a fresh local trade and barely had 20k on it. Looked at new and even with my small business discounts, (Dodge/Chrysler had the best by the way) it was more cost effective for me to go the route of used.

Again, thanks for all the input. I actually used most of it in my buying decision.

Happy Towing

good decision!!

as you can tell i am a huge cummins fan. it is an awesome engine. another good thing dodge offers with the 6-spd is an exhaust brake that they warranty. in 2006 they will warrant the jacobs exhaust break on the autos. the NV-5600 6-speed transmission is a proven well built tranny. will hold up to just about anything you can throw at it. in 2005.5 they introduced the new getrag 6-speed manual tranny. little soon but im sure it will also be a great tranny.

the 48re auto that replaced the 47re auto in 2003 has been doing real well. not nearly as many problems as the old 47re autos.

good decision but happy truckin!