Duramax?

Mustangtoby2001 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 07:06 PM

My company truck is an 08 6.4 PS, 52,000 miles, and the engine went out. So now it's at the Ford Store getting a new engine, and the Boss gave me an 08 Duramax to drive in the meantime.

I am VERY hardcore Ford, so I'll do my best to leave the bias aside. This GMC runs like a scalded cat empty, I know it would outrun my PS. But as soon as you put a little weight on it, it turns into a dog. Even an empty trailer. I drove my personal truck for a week (06 F 150, 5.4 4x4), and pulled the same trailer. I think the 1/2 ton lost less performance pulling the same trailer empty! I've never seen anything like it. Pulling a skid steer up a hill (about 7500 lbs) it was really working it, same load up the same hill in the PS or a Cummins and I can go faster than the road will allow. What's up with this? Are they all this way? It is a 2008 4x4 4 door long bed with 22,000 miles on it, and runs very strong empty. Maybe just really high geared? What do you guys think?

Lead Head · #2 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 07:35 PM

I've heard similar things about the Duramax from various towing reviews. its quite odd.

ruschejj · #3 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 07:43 PM

I had an '05 3500 and I can say that it was similar to what you are saying. No lag from the turbos, I'm not so sure that the turbo even did anything at low rpm, all motor and it took off quick.

I think GM has a weird set-up with the little 16" wheels and the Allison trans. Nothing bad to say about GM but I sure do like my 6.4. I especially like the truck in general and I have had a great experience with the 6.4. I hate to see others have problems.

My F250 handles a 16K trailer far better than the '05 Chevy 3500 dually we had. Now I don't have to buy 6 tires, yippee.

Mustangtoby2001 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 08:13 PM

That's the way this one is, no lag. If you punch it, it will chirp the tires. My PS won't do that. I do understand why everyone likes the Allison now, but the rest of the truck don't compare at all!

My PS was kinda wierd. The turbo let go, and either bearings or fins from it went through the engine, ruining the whole thing. I should have it back Friday, Yippee!!!!!! I can't wait!

One other thing - My PS weighs about 10,000 lbs in daily trim, and the GMC doesn't have any tools or fuel, only weighs about 8,800. Just makes it look worse in my eyes. I live at 7,000 ft and work from 8,600 to 10,000 ft (Telluride, Co). I would really like to drive one of these at sea level at showroom weight!

senix · #5 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 08:32 PM

The Dirtymax has different gearing and yes to go with less torque. TQ is what does the work, Horsepower is for get up and go.

The 6.4 is a little slow on take off simply because of the emissions imo. Put a tuner on it and then there is no lag.

Mustangtoby2001 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 08:57 PM

One other complaint about it, just my opinion. The cruise control is a pita, the AC is also. The headlights come on with the key if its cloudy (whether you want it or not), and you can't turn the seat belt chime off. If I had no Ford choice, I would buy a Dodge over GM.

I've put a lot of miles on a dodge at work, and didn't really care for it, to me the Cummins drives like a dumptruck. But after finally driving a GM, I don't see how they have any following. Thank god for Ford!

senix · #7 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 09:02 PM

guess they never gave it any though about the use of the truck or maybe they did.

I think over 70% of Ford truck users are hunters/camper/fisherman...that is why you can keep the headlights off vs GM...grocery trucks.

tex25025 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustangtoby2001

and you can't turn the seat belt chime off.

Actually you can, you just have to do it thru AutoEnginuity or a similar product. You just have to program a module to get it done.

Mustangtoby2001 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-17-2009, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tex25025

Actually you can, you just have to do it thru AutoEnginuity or a similar product. You just have to program a module to get it done.

That's a pisser. Thank god I am about done with this thing. Of course, I had one heck of a time getting the chime turned of my 08 PS, just wasn't holding my mouth right. Oh well, I know I'm preaching to the quoir!

Dually TAS · #10 (**permalink**) 06-18-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustangtoby2001

I live at 7,000 ft and work from 8,600 to 10,000 ft (Telluride, Co).

Lucky you! I used to live in Hermosa, now we just vacation there.

Mustangtoby2001 · #11 (**permalink**) 06-18-2009, 08:50 PM

I love living here in the summer, the winter is only cool when I'm wheelin' in my Bronco!

Mustangtoby2001 · #12 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 07:08 AM

Update: Got my PS back yesterday, got out of the GMC. Man, the difference is unbelievable, just how much more solid the Ford feels, how much higher you sit, everything! I am so happy to have it back!

By the way, you know GMC stands for Great Mass of Crap?

150ford · #13 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 07:31 AM

Yeh I always loved the way Ford sits higher then the others. Also the mirrors an the cuttout windows. Second to none when your viewing the rear. Glad you got your truck back.

Mustangtoby2001 · #14 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 06:07 PM

I've been pretty worried about it. The turbo went out on it, and pieces of the turbo went through the engine. They replaced the whole engine top to bottom, and the exhaust from the particulate filter forward. So far so well. I do have a check engine light this morning, but I found a sensor off of the muffler, hooked it back up, think all is cool now. If that's the only problem after an engine change I'll be happy!