O.k., I know there was a thread posted not too long ago about this question, but no real facts were presented that I could see. My question is this. Does anyone have FACTS that show which of the big three builds the most dependable truck on the market? I just purchased my first Ford (an 05 SD with the 6.0) and feel that it is without a doubt the most comfortable and appealing heavy-duty truck on the market. Even though I believe it to be the best in that regard, I do not have any facts about the truck's superior build quality or it's superior components as it pertains to towing, hauling, or off-road ability/durability. Here is my point (the following are things that I have been told or have read):

--Dodge has the largest brakes in the business
--The Allison is the best trans around
--The Cummins is far superior in durability than the PSD
--Dodge has the highest initial quality per JD Power
--Ford offers the thickest frame rails
--Ford offers the highest towing and hauling capacities
--GM's independent front end is not as capable as the Dodge/Ford

I understand they all have pros and cons, but if anyone has any further details that would help me understand the differences between the big three I would appreciate it. Thanks.

 

Well i really don't know how to quantify this. I can look at all the facts a figure and in the end they really don't mean anything. What does mean something, at least is looking what is still on the 20 years later. Its this measurement that tells me what truck was built and designed the best.

 

The FORD has the same size brakes as the DODGE. It's the '04 that were reasonably smaller.

DODGE does not have a tranny to back up pretty much any powerplant.

GM looks like that have a body lift coming from dealer.

FORD well it has it's pro's and con's just can't think of any that had appealed to me as much as the others.

 

And the Allison isn't better than a Torqueshift.

 

It's not worse either. But it was first.

 

Did the Allison have problems when it came out.

 

It used to be a year or so ago you never heard or saw any Torqueshift related problems. I always thought - 'give it some time - they'er new' as it turns out I may have been right. Not only am I hearing of more and more issue. I pulled these 3 right from the first page of the 6.0 forum

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333057

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=324900

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=332467

Not holding the Allison up any higher then the torqueshift but the torqueshift is far from infalable as once thought.

 

Actually from what I've seen transmission failures are not immediate. See my above post. But yes there have been a few reported Allison failures. I would't call the issue a 'vast' problem nor would I call the torqueshift issues a vast problem either.

 

--GM's independent front end is not as capable as the Dodge/Ford

Never found or heard of an issue pertaining to the above statement. I'd say there are pros and cons to both.

 

Ok, how is an IFS better in a one ton truck than a solid axle? Especially GM's IFS, can you say dainty lower control arms? Not to mention the CV joints on 4x4 versions.

The pros of IFS: better ride and turning radius.
That is fine in a car or half ton, less than desirable in a heavy duty truck that will be on the road for many, many years, most of the time supporting a heavy turbodiesel. In a 3/4 or 1 ton truck you can't tell me a solid axle front end isn't better than an independant front suspension.

 

DMAX-HD

Which is better. Allison or T.S.

 

What I am reading here is the research and technology in to a heavy duty IFS is not here yet.....correct?

 

Ford advertises that they are bigger but this is misinformation.
Fords are 347 mm in front and 340 mm in rear .
http://www.truckhut.com/superduty/20..._overview2.php
Dodge does have the largest brakes.
Dodges are Front Power 353-mm Vented Disc and Rear Power 353-mm Disc Brakes.
http://www.autobytel.com/content/res...andardFeatures

I have heard from an industry insider that dodges automatic behind the diesel is currently leading the pack in reliability. Remember dodge covers all autos to 70k so it would be in their best interest. A little reading on the net seems to support this. The TS is running into problems.

 

Of course it is, its the oldest out there. Change equals less reliabilty. Not changing means better reliability. This is the augument the most of the mags use to run down Honda and Toyota. Reliable, yes, exciting no. I don't mind living on the bleeding edge, that is what my warrenty is for.

 

.....the difference in square swept area is negligible and that is a main factor in the break equations/performance…so what is the point?
and how far out on the rotor is the pad,
how big is the pad square area, that too makes difference on brake efficiency.
You can have a huge rotor and less barking....
Comparing rotor diameter to another is only part of the equations
However it does make it good for folks that are only concerned with whose is bigger and advertising....
Have you driven both, there is no comparison, the Ford 05 stops better…IMO