Forum Discussion

Pop-Pop_C's avatar
Pop-Pop_C
Explorer
Sep 14, 2017

6.0 Chev to 6.4 ram

Any benefits of going to the ram 6.4 over the Chev 6.0?
Other than just the .4 tenths liter. Torque and hp. Differences, performance, reliability
Both 2 wheel drive, both 4.10 rearend.
I know get out the popcorn. Educated opinions please.
  • I put 5k on my 17 6.0 and I am very pleased. I get right 8.9 mpg towing my boat and tc about 7500 pounds total. I have not pulled in the mountains but have done some pretty good long grades up and down the south Dakota hills. The 6 speed tranny is really smooth. It does the job just fine. I have no regrets. I get 13 to 14 empty on the highway. JMHO
  • I can't speak on the RAM 6.4L engine. I did tow for 10 years with a 2004 Chevy 6.0L that had 4speed tranny and 4.10 gears.

    That truck pulled my 7,000lbs camper just fine but it really had to rev when I got in the hills. IT was rock solid reliable and outside of a couple O2 sensors and knock sensors I never had a moments trouble in 125K miles of ownership.

    In terms of choosing I'd say you need to decide using price and features.

    KJ
  • There is a reason GM sells more than Ram. Not to mention FCA is in dire financial straits with declining sales and looking for a buyer. Rumor has it the Chinese want part of it (Jeep) but that just puts them in even worse financial shape. And little product that people actually want.

    I'd go with the GM over any junk from Ram any day. Matter of fact if it were walk or own a Ram, the Nikes would get a workout.
  • I owned a couple of 2500HD Silverados with the 6.0. Get one with the six speed. The 6.0 does not have a hyper advertising name like "Hemi" or "Triton" but it will get the job done. I purchased mine after reading test results for towing with the various HD models.
  • Great question, that I'll be following. I've got the same debate going in my head. I've got a 2002 6.0 with 208k miles. It's done well, but I'd like a little more power, and I've only got the 4spd. My TT is about 8k loaded.

    I think the new 6.0 and 6spd would work well for me, but I'm considering the Ram for the extra HP and Tq.
  • If you get the Ram,get the 4.10's. Without the lower rear end ratio, lots of people complain about the tuning of the transmission of the Ram. Its harder to find a 4.10 on the lot. My buddy bought a 3.73 rear end and traded it on on a Cummins a year later because he hated the transmission shifting.

    The GM 6.0 is an established workhorse that works just fine as well.

    Honestly, they are all very good and dependable products. Find one that you like and can afford and put a LOT of miles on it!
  • I haven't towed with the newest Chevy 6.0L gas, but I have towed 12,000 lbs worth of 37' 5th wheel with the Ram 6.4L Hemi with 4.10 gears and was very pleased.

    It never got hot, never missed a beat, and got 7-9 mpg when towing (21,000 lbs combined weight) at 65 mph. It usually ran at 2200 RPM in 5th gear on the flats and used 4th for small hills and 2nd or 3rd for bigger grades. I know it sucks when tested on the "Ike Gauntlet", and I don't know what program that is that kicks in, but I never experienced that with mine. I towed all through the Canadian Rockies with it too.

    I think you'd find the Chevy just as competent, just with less power. Independent tests by the magazines and websites that do such testing show the Chevy is down on power but otherwise would do a great job I'm sure.