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I would've bought a GMC if they put a 10 speed behind the gas, more ratio choices and the ability to add just a few options. Last two GM HD's had no issues whatsoever.....and they arrived off the truck in excellent condition.
So now driving on the highway pulling a big trailer is the test of a HD 4x4 trucks front suspension durability? Let's set a really low bar so we can brag about how we surpassed a really low expectation...
Not necessarily - but I am not the kind of person that would take a 9,000 lb, 25 foot long dually I paid almost $90k for out rock crawling, or jumping, or baja racing. I never took my 2021 F350 Lariat on any of those adventures either. Again, I paid almost $84k for that truck. I drove it on fire roads occasionally. Same exact fire roads I took the blue dually seen above on. I drove the dually in deep snow. I also do not feel that a comfortable, confident towing experience is a low bar.
For the record - I have a 96 Powerstroke that I swapped a kingpin Dana 60 into, because the D50 IFS had completely fallen apart. Every bushing was toasted. And I use that truck extensively for backwoods adventures and firewood hauls. But, I paid $10,000 for it, and I have 350,000 miles on it, and its got dents and dings and smashed bumpers and I don't care. Again, because it didn't cost me $90k.
The only other truck I've owned that had front end issues was my 2004 F250 4x4 powerstroke. I lost two unit bearings and four ball joints on that truck, and replaced the tie rods. And it was a solid axle (with leaf springs, so no death wobble fortunately) the last year Ford put leafs and a Dana 60 under those trucks. Again, I didn't beat the crap out of that truck either.
The youtube videos these guys put out showing them taking a fresh-off-the-showroom-floor truck out and bashing the ***** out of it simply for entertainment value is no different than watching the Kardashians. If you want to watch people burn piles of cash on the most pointless, meaningless things imaginable, just to get joy out of watching that - I don't get it. If I have a few extra bucks at the end of a paycheck, I'll send a check to The Gary Sinise foundation or my local animal shelter.
The point is I am quite sure if I was beating the tar out of my truck for fun, or if I worked on oilfield leases like my dad did, I'd have better luck with a Ford. Or a Ram by that metric. Given I am sure the front end would hold up better on either of those trucks in extreme situations day after day after day. But everyone I personally know who's spent big coin on a newer truck has it to haul trailer or boat or whatnot. I don't know anyone would would spend the God aweful sum it costs to buy these things now and then take it out and trash it.
I share these photos so you understand where I am coming from and that I am not simply rattling off my opinion for the sake of having an opinion. I've had good luck with my GM products, and that's it. Others haven't and I feel for them. Are they the best, nope. Not by a long shot.
So now driving on the highway pulling a big trailer is the test of a HD 4x4 trucks front suspension durability? Let's set a really low bar so we can brag about how we surpassed a really low expectation...
We've purchased four new Super Duty's in the past four years but it's just because of engine/transmission upgrades, technology, and styling. None of the reasons anybody is discussing. My GM dually' s over the years, and my two Duramax trucks were awesome, for their day. Honestly, if GM had upgraded the L5P and put a decent screen in the dash I'd probably of bought one this time.
Not necessarily - but I am not the kind of person that would take a 9,000 lb, 25 foot long dually I paid almost $90k for out rock crawling, or jumping, or baja racing. I never took my 2021 F350 Lariat on any of those adventures either. Again, I paid almost $84k for that truck. I drove it on fire roads occasionally. Same exact fire roads I took the blue dually seen above on. I drove the dually in deep snow. I also do not feel that a comfortable, confident towing experience is a low bar.
For the record - I have a 96 Powerstroke that I swapped a kingpin Dana 60 into, because the D50 IFS had completely fallen apart. Every bushing was toasted. And I use that truck extensively for backwoods adventures and firewood hauls. But, I paid $10,000 for it, and I have 350,000 miles on it, and its got dents and dings and smashed bumpers and I don't care. Again, because it didn't cost me $90k.
The only other truck I've owned that had front end issues was my 2004 F250 4x4 powerstroke. I lost two unit bearings and four ball joints on that truck, and replaced the tie rods. And it was a solid axle (with leaf springs, so no death wobble fortunately) the last year Ford put leafs and a Dana 60 under those trucks. Again, I didn't beat the crap out of that truck either.
The youtube videos these guys put out showing them taking a fresh-off-the-showroom-floor truck out and bashing the ***** out of it simply for entertainment value is no different than watching the Kardashians. If you want to watch people burn piles of cash on the most pointless, meaningless things imaginable, just to get joy out of watching that - I don't get it. If I have a few extra bucks at the end of a paycheck, I'll send a check to The Gary Sinise foundation or my local animal shelter.
The point is I am quite sure if I was beating the tar out of my truck for fun, or if I worked on oilfield leases like my dad did, I'd have better luck with a Ford. Or a Ram by that metric. Given I am sure the front end would hold up better on either of those trucks in extreme situations day after day after day. But everyone I personally know who's spent big coin on a newer truck has it to haul trailer or boat or whatnot. I don't know anyone would would spend the God aweful sum it costs to buy these things now and then take it out and trash it.
I share these photos so you understand where I am coming from and that I am not simply rattling off my opinion for the sake of having an opinion. I've had good luck with my GM products, and that's it. Others haven't and I feel for them. Are they the best, nope. Not by a long shot.
I couldn't agree more with what you said. I'm not a brand loyal guy, Ill drive whatever, I grew up in a mostly GM household until my dad bought a conversion van in 1988. I've had mostly GM's for my daily drivers, always plowed with 1/2 ton GM trucks and the front ends never gave me issue. As my accounts grew and I was doing more commercial I wanted to add a V-Plow and a heavier truck, couldn't find anything in a SD so I bought the GMC. The plow weighs in at around 800lbs, haven't had any trouble out of the front end other than the pitman arm was loose. The Duramax is nice, I think the emissions issues are finally resolved so its been pretty trouble free as of now. If I were to buy a new GM truck it would be a GMC for sure, I just cant get over the looks of that chevy front end.
We've purchased four new Super Duty's in the past four years but it's just because of engine/transmission upgrades, technology, and styling. None of the reasons anybody is discussing. My GM dually' s over the years, and my two Duramax trucks were awesome, for their day. Honestly, if GM had upgraded the L5P and put a decent screen in the dash I'd probably of bought one this time.
I was going to buy a new L5P but the truck they put it in is so damn ugly. The GM HD trucks are like the Karen at your local Walmart and the Ford SD is a Victoria's Secret model (before they started using fat ones).
The side marks on the GMC and the side steps on both the GMC and Chevy are uuugly!
I’m a super cab, ext cab guy and rear door handles on the GM’s are also uuugly compared to the Ford with no rear handles.
The side marks on the GMC and the side steps on both the GMC and Chevy are uuugly!
I’m a super cab, ext cab guy and rear door handles on the GM’s are also uuugly compared to the Ford with no rear handles.
Ugly to some is distinctive to others. Admittedly, my first impression of the new HD Chevy was not a positive one. On the other hand, the visage grew on me over time. It is very distinctive and very bold... The worst facet of the design is the absurdly high hood line. It was hard to see over and once the hood goes up, you need a ladder to close it. Pure genius. The next refresh will need an integrated front step for normal humans just to check their oil. I almost went GMC for those side marker lights though... We like what we like. The SD Supercab is a looker, especially if its Iconic.
Ugly to some is distinctive to others. Admittedly, my first impression of the new HD Chevy was not a positive one. On the other hand, the visage grew on me over time. It is very distinctive and very bold... The worst facet of the design is the absurdly high hood line. It was hard to see over and once the hood goes up, you need a ladder to close it. Pure genius. The next refresh will need an integrated front step for normal humans just to check their oil. I almost went GMC for those side marker lights though... We like what we like. The SD Supercab is a looker, especially if its Iconic.
If you get the gas 6.6 GM you still get that hood scoop that is functional on the diesel but not on the gasser. Not feeling that either.
GM should put a different hood on the gasser and clean the front end up. The Silverado’s interior is very cheap looking compared to Ford’s.
The plastic hood release lever under the hood is super cheap and flimsy too. I remember thinking to myself “this isn’t going to last long.
If you get the gas 6.6 GM you still get that hood scoop that is functional on the diesel but not on the gasser. Not feeling that either.
GM should put a different hood on the gasser and clean the front end up. The Silverado’s interior is very cheap looking compared to Ford’s.
That's fair. But hood scoops make your vehicle faster so there's always a compromise. And only 2 cupholders in the console? Ridiculous oversight on GM's part. The SD console rocks. It's hard to believe GM didn't address Ford's superior cupholder design. If your wife has a water and another beverage in the console, where do you put your coffee? We both agreed Ford got the interior right.
That's fair. But hood scoops make your vehicle faster so there's always a compromise. And only 2 cupholders in the console? Ridiculous oversight on GM's part. The SD console rocks. It's hard to believe GM didn't address Ford's superior cupholder design. If your wife has a water and another beverage in the console, where do you put your coffee? We both agreed Ford got the interior right.
You guy’s must have to make a lot of stops on road trips.
Ugly to some is distinctive to others. Admittedly, my first impression of the new HD Chevy was not a positive one. On the other hand, the visage grew on me over time. It is very distinctive and very bold... The worst facet of the design is the absurdly high hood line. It was hard to see over and once the hood goes up, you need a ladder to close it. Pure genius. The next refresh will need an integrated front step for normal humans just to check their oil. I almost went GMC for those side marker lights though... We like what we like. The SD Supercab is a looker, especially if its Iconic.
At first I thought the chevy grille was the worst part. Now I think it's their ridiculous mirrors. They look like a chicken wing.
Super duty's already have a step to get at the engine - the tow hooks.
The worst part about the GM’s is the wax coating. Have a 21 2500 for a a work truck and rust popping up already in areas where the wax is starting to go after 1 winter. 7.3 10 speed combo is far superior to the 6.6 Gas 6 speed, no real difference in front end performance or durability I find but I do prefer SFA.
At first I thought the chevy grille was the worst part. Now I think it's their ridiculous mirrors. They look like a chicken wing.
And my SD mirrors look like elephant ears, Ford was thoughtful enough to offer power fold/extend versions for lower trim models too. GM only in full pimp versions.
Originally Posted by jollyrogr
Super duty's already have a step to get at the engine - the tow hooks.
Ummm, maybe when they are dry. Otherwise that's gonna leave a mark. Honestly, both trucks are needlessly tall. GM just went too high on that hood.
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