I own a small business which I purchased in 1998. At the time the previous owner bought GM vehicles which mainly consisted of 1500 series light trucks. We put a lot of miles on our vehicles and typically drive them until they fall apart. In '98, I began to convert our fleet to Ford products because we were having a great deal of problems with 350 GM engines and transmissions. Of the 20 some odd light trucks that we owned, we were having about a 20% yearly failure rate in our GM product engines and transmissions. Presently we have only one GM left in the fleet with everything else being Fords from F150s up to F450 gasolline and diesel. Since '98 we have had only one transmission failure in a 2000 F350 super duty diesel. The Fords appear to be much more durable than the GM products under every day high milage working conditions. They are also saving me a lot of $$.

 

Tough call. There are trade offs with both brands, but more important than all of the advantages and disadvantages of each, is that you buy what you have the most faith in. I have had good service from both in all honesty with you, and I would be happy with either brand choice. I like owning different brands of trucks.
That being said, in a commercial fleet one single brand always looks more professional, and offers advantages such as identical engines and interchangeable replacement parts.

Ford's are durable to the extreme- which you already seem to know for yourself anyway. GMC trucks are a little smoother and more refined, but are also very durable. GMC trucks are a bit on the small side, width and wheel base wise. GM's engines are simpler and easier to access.
GM has always had better auto's from what I've seen, but if these trucks are seeing severe services I would only go with a manual transmission anyway. If your trucks are to be 2wd's, then GM has a definate edge in both handling and strength. It also has more clearance. GM 4x4's offer the same advantages as 2wd's with the extra ability of added traction. For real down and dirty work with load bearing applications in mind, then Ford's solid axle is a clear winner. I would only consider Ford with the V10 motor. The 6000 and 8100 from GM are both viable options.
The 5.4L is not -especially in 4x4's with 500lbs more in unsprung weight. The Duramax is solid. The PSD is, well.....not - at least not yet from what I am still seeing with them. 20-30 trucks are way too many vehicles to risk having potential problems with.

 

What do you mean " The Duramax is solid"? I have had experience with several Durajunks and they are just about the opposite of solid. The 7.3 PowerStroke is rock solid, tried and proven. The 6.0 PSD is another story, though. But, I think they about have all of the bugs worked out.

 

people like you is why i think Ford should bring back the 300-6. I have one and its durable to the extreme. I have towed a buddies suburban on a 24" trailer whith mine and it handled it whithout too much trouble (thats 9,000lbs). The inline sixes are vary durable have awsome torque and get decent millage. I just realy wish Ford would bring em back

 

i got a I6, not the best for performance i mean dragging but its got some nice power when its cold. (just started on a cold day) The torque is mad but the horsepower isnt. When I got no load in the box its okay I get 12-13 sec 0-60Mph but when the box is loaded like say with a 600 lb sled its not as good. And I got a 5 speed so it aint any better, the 5 speed is a mazda design. Not bad thou, Id have no trouble lining up to a chevy

 

I get a kick out of people that see 3-4 problems and all of the sudden they're all bad. The Duramax is a solid engine.

I have a problem with the new F150's that most working guys wont like. The box is to high to reach anything out of the sides. Climbing into the back of the truck to fetch a circular saw off the floor, would **** me off to no end.

 

The 04 6.0 is just as solid as the Duramax.

 

As were MOST of the 03's

 

I have a small construction company and i have several trucks that are my work trucks. i have two chevys and two fords and they all run well. I do think the ford is a better prouctbut i buy trucks that are less than a thousand dollars and do nothing but change oil and plugs.. the fords will out tow the chevy and will outhaul the chevy the chevys are a dime a dozen and i get old municipal trucks that have been beaten on all their lives. If i have a choice among brands when i go to pick up a truck ill take a ford over a chevy any day ( you couldnt pay me to take an old dodge truck)

 

Funny how problems with duramax it becomes the "Durajunk" yet the problems with the new 6.0 PSD (witch in my experience has been a lot more)they are just working out the bugs?