So, I want a new truck. I don't need one, my 05 F250 has only 85K miles. But I want one, and I have the means, so I will. Now, my problem is that although I love my superduty, I hate my 6.0 I've blown two head gaskets, two EGR coolers (one requiring a tow) and I've just never felt comfortable with the truck. My last EGR replacement was 1,000 miles ago. I've never modified it in any way, except for air horns and a MBRP 4 inch exhaust, which was put on after the last EGR.

My farm has two duramaxes, and they have been excellent- but they aren't LLMs and I will only buy a newer truck, so I'm between a new GMC and new 6.4. I see a lot less problems with the 6.4, and a lot higher HP and TQ gains possible- and I'm being subjective. I know the 6.4 will continue as the MAXXFORCE7 in International guise, so engine life doesn't worry me. I guess I'm thinking that the duramax with a 6 speed will get better MPGs, and the Ford will be obsolete soon- with a new engine and trans. That being said I have a problem with giving GM more of my money- the fact that Ford has not used Bailout Money is huge to me, for that reason alone the Ford has a great advantage in my book.

All that being said- if you were had no brand preference, and used the truck as a daily driver, a tow machine on some weekends, and a contractors vehicle, which would you buy? For our sake the price and options are all equal.

 

All things being equal, I'd get the Ford. The engine is extremely important but not the only part of the truck to look at. I'm not sure what you mean by the Ford will be obsolete soon. The 6.4 will be gone by 1/1/10 but the trucks will be around. I don't think Ford will risk the problems of the 6.0 on a new truck diesel and I think overall, they have done a respectable job of trying to put fears to rest with the 6.4.

Considering transmissions, frames, brakes, etc. I like the Ford better. I think overall it is a superior product. The other trucks have their strong points but I don't feel the other two of Big Three offer the overall package that Ford does. Luckily, I haven't been bitten by the 6.0 bug that many have.

Is diesel a necessity for you? If not, consider the V10. It's a hard working engine with lower maintenance costs and lower fuel costs and a lot of capability. Also, when the 2010 SDs come out, they are supposed to have the new six-speed Torqueshift tranny in them. The engine in the 2011 SD is supposed to be the new 6.7 Scorpion diesel. And like I said before, I don't think Ford is going to make the same mistakes they did with the 6.0 - they can't afford to.

I agree with you on the point of the bailout cash and I think Ford is trying to lead by example in this respect. I also think they are the most viable of the three. Long story short, three trucks equipped identically, I vote Ford.

 

IMO Ford is the best truck out there. Just talking about the truck itself to start off. Its the most solid, stable platform of the big 3. Yes I am biased but I have also shopped the other brands just to be sure. Smack the bedside with your hand and you will hear the difference between how well these trucks are built.

Everyone brags about the Allison trans but I see a lot of stories about the breaking. I have yet to find a story about a torqshift breaking so i personally feel the Torqshift is just as good or better.

Engine - the 6.0 put fear into a lot of people. I had a really good one and then I had a really bad one. Unfortunately a lot of people had problems and their reputation is in the toilet. The 6.4 has been nothing like the 6.0 so far. It has been out for 2 years with very minimal trouble. The biggest complaint is the regen process but all these new trucks are forced to meet the new EPA laws so every new truck owner in the country is learning and adapting. Its not just Ford. There are plenty of guys using programmers with dyno documented 500-550 rear wheel HP and still no engine failures, no blown HG's, etc, etc.

 

Hadachevy, cruise around these forums and you will see this is highly discussed topic. Again, a lot of people fear the stories of the 6.0 and arent sure whether to take the chance on the 6.4. We have members pushing close to 100k already and still love their trucks. We have members that use these trucks for ambulance duty, construction, heavy hauling, etc, etc. I have personally searched the NHTSA complaints and there arent that many. Only a handful had anything to do with the engine and even those were (for example) people complaining that every couple hundred miles the tail pipe smokes. Thats the regen and there isnt really anything wrong but they complained anyway.

Many people have asked the same question so when time permits just look through these and you will see the general consensus is thumbs up.

 

I agree with CAPRANG and powerstroke72. The FORD is the best built and best overall quality of the big three for sure.

I have two torqshift tranny's in my 6.0's that I absolutely love. There is 122,000 miles of tough towing between the two trucks. I also have 6,000 miles on my 08 most of which I have hauled 15K to 16K. No problems. I really don't see why the Allison is considered by most to be the better tranny. IMO it is not.

Although the 6.4 is not going to be used in the Fords after 2010 Ford's agreement with International secures a parts and service base for all 6.4's.

The GMC will probably get better mileage. However, if you are planning to tow or haul heavy loads you cannot buy a better ride than the FSD.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I will just add my two cents in here too. What everyone has said so far I am in total agreement. Ford trucks vs the rest are built a little bigger and stronger. Just the frame alone is built to take the stresses and not bend.

I would not be looking at anything after the 09's and the technology for trucks after 01/10 will require even more EPA stuff and that will be there downfall for awhile.

With the 08/09's the DPF issues have been worked out and Ford I think now has the PCM/TCM programing correct to try to maximize the mileage.

Most of the 250 and up comes in now at a starting wt of around 8,000 lbs. Kinda hard to 20 mpg with 4 tons, sorry but I just don't see it. But I do see 16-18 hwy unloaded and around 11 mpg pulling 10K.

Now that you would not get in a V10. But a V10 has less to deal with emissions wise. So I say drive them all and go from there.

 

Trust me, I have searched. And I did find many good threads about this topic- but I'm not convinced. Everybody seems to agree that for the most part the 6.0 was a mistake, and the 6.4 is leaps and bounds better. I guess my question is- is there any point in waiting another year and getting a 2010? From what I've heard and researched, they're going to be more restricted emissions-wise.

As I mentioned, we have duramaxes, I've drove them. They're faster, but feel smaller and more car-like. Some people like that but I don't. They tow trailers for a living and they do just fine and have never had any major breakdowns like my 6.0.

I don't really need a diesel everyday. But I want one. If I had to go out today and get a gas truck I would have a tacoma.

I'm going to test drive a new 6.4 and LLM today- hopefully I'll hate them both and keep my 6.0 and my wallet happy. But we'll see. Thanks for the input guys

 

that is best advice, drive them and see. As far as a 2010 built after Jan 2010, I would not go there till it has been around for awhile.

 

Having both PSD's and Duramaxes in the family, I'd say that both have their strong points and cons, but I'd stick with the Ford 6.4L diesel. If you tow trailers, I just feel that the Ford is a better suited truck from safety standpoints.

I have a 30' enclosed (tall) snowmobile trailer that I take to the Sierras and out to Utah on occasion and I've never had a problem towing it with my F250. Well, I had my bro-in-law tow it in a 2500HD Duramax last year out to Utah and on the way back they hit a wet spot in the road and the truck and trailer spun out and did a 180 degree spin on the Interstate. Luckily nobody was hurt, but I just don't feel like my F250 would've had the problem since it's a heavier, sturdier truck. Then a couple of weeks ago, my friend had his 2nd Duramax totaled while towing because the truck couldn't maintain the trailer and it slid off the road and into a house (luckily nobody was home). I've just lost all my confidence in towing heavy loads with those Duramaxes because the truck is too light and finicky. As for power and comfort, the GM is probably better, but safety counts for more in my opinion. That's just my 2 cents on the topic.

 

We don't care what badge is on our truck.We will own the truck that best suiits our overall needs. The last two have been Fords Previous to that two chevy's.

 

get the chevy!

 

One other thing to mention that may be of interest is that the 2010 SD will be produced for a short while with the 6.4. I think the order banks for the 2010 open in May and the 2010 will be produced until the 2011 is introduced early in January 2010 with the new Scorpion Diesel. Regardless, the 2010 is supposed to have the 6.4 and I understand the 2011 will start 1/1/10 with the 6.7 and Torqshift 6 speed.

 

i was just kidding guys. I drove test drove both of them many times over a 6 month period before i made my purchase. Originally i was going for the Dmax cause the engine was proven and the truck was a little smaller. Don't tow every day so this was originally my first pick. But then i noticed the chevy's brakes were not as good. Next the truck seem to drive as big or bigger than the Ford because the turning radius was aweful. Other issues involve a weak frame which causes squeaks going over curbs and a more car like interior. Each time I tried to lean toward the chevy but just couldn't do it. It was definitly faster off the line but not more powerful as the Ford weighs much more causing it to be a little slower off the line. Finally i looked under the front end of both trucks and it was a done deal. I swear my old F150 had as much front end as the new Chevys do. Anyway the rest is history.

 

Great observations. I look at them all from time to time and mainly to get an idea of what the "other" brands are doing. I just haven't found anything yet that I thought measured up to what I thought a truck should be in terms of the aforementioned components. It's just an overall better truck in my opinion.

 

Sawtooth,

You scared me there for a minute. That was a good one.