Pre DEF Diesels - which is better Cummins or Dramax?

[Flashman]

Both I and my buddy have "older" trucks. Mine is a Dodge 2006 and his is a 2004 GMC.

Both trucks have well over 170,000 miles and still running well.

I had a AC compressor failure, He had to replace injectors. Both have been great trucks and we often travel together.

Has anyone owned both these vintage era trucks? If so - what do you think?

I left Ford out because that was 6.0 and 6.4 times and we all know how great that worked out.

[4x4ord]

jerem0621 wrote:
Motor to Motor?

Cummins...no doubt..

Thanks!

The Cummins are very good engines but there are very few years where I would pick a Cummins over a Duramax....probably 2003 and 2004.

[Bedlam]

Funny how that engine's old design is proven yet a Ford chassis is considered dated because of few updates?

Just an observation of Travelnutz's post. I do not want derail this thread further.

When I was shopping in 2005, GM had smoothest and quietest diesel and Dodge was on the other end of the spectrum.

[Grit_dog]

Must be a slow day........for a winner of a question like this! But I'll play.
Own a 07 Dodge diesel right now. 6 speed handshaker as well. Wouldn't give a plugged nickel for a 47 or 48re.
Had a 02 Dmax prior.
Sold it with about the same miles as I got on my Dodge.
Before I say this, because I really like my Cummins Mega cab, repair cost wise, the Chevy cleaned house. In 130kmi I put one window regulator and a neutral safety switch in it. Nothing else but maintenance or performance parts. Oh and my balance rates were spot on at that mileage on stock fuel filtration.
My Dodge has had #4 injector line, steering box, 3-4 steering pumps (finally wised up and spent the $ on the upgraded one, had a host of shatty remans so call it 1 steering pump), injectors, rear u joints and just got its 2nd replacement clutch.
Could call the clutch a wear part that I'm hard on with running a tune. But the Alli held up great with similar hp/tq tune.
The Dodge is far from a pos, but the nod goes to GM by a good margin for me cost wise. As well it was a more refined truck too.

[travelnutz]

Dmax hands down as it's been the same basic 6.6L engine for 15+ years now and still going strong. Why try to change perfection and such a long proven record? Do it right the first time and you don't need to redo it to play catchup over and over! Nearly 200K on our ordered new 2004.5 LLY Dmax CC LB 4X4 and it's never had ANY repairs either wanted or needed to the Dmax/running gear and runs perfectly. Has only been used for RV use with our Carriage 5th wheel or our big 11'4" Lance TC.

Not remotely for sale and no chance of trading either as we'll keep it till we stop RV'ing (both 74 now) . No dents or scratches or rust and the paint is still bright and shiny and the interior is still in excellent condition. We live in Michigan where they salt the roads in winter! The only repairs ever done to the entire truck is replacing the front brake pads at approx 125K (rear are still OEM) and replaced 2 burnt out light bulbs. Gets excellent fuel mileage loaded or unloaded. Why would we want a newer truck when we have a superb one now?

[jerem0621]

Motor to Motor?

Cummins...no doubt..

Thanks!

[boogie_4wheel]

Each have their benefits and drawbacks.
I have an '05 Cummins with the 48RE (Auto).
A friend of mine has an '07 LBZ.

Working on my Cummins is a whole lot easier than the Duramax (in general). GM using those stupid side-post batteries is a good example. Do you want to get access to the turbo? Are you sure you don't want to pull the cab instead (I know, approaching Ford there). I've had the head off of a 5.9L before. I wouldn't do it on any of the 'V's.
He got a compound turbo kit to install on his Duramax. I told him no, I'm not touching it.

I can't hate on it too much though. I did the glow plugs for him and was surprised on how easy they were to access. He has over 200k, and just dynoed 607/1263 in 5th on 35" with the stock turbo. Maybe we'll find the weak link after the compounds are installed and the fuel is increased.

[Flashman]

Me Again wrote:
If you are going to get a newer RAM, get one with DEF! The older 6.7 are OK if you delete them, but stock the later non DEF trucks got really poor mileage.

Chris

I forgot to mention I have the 6 sp manual.

[Me_Again]

If you are going to get a newer RAM, get one with DEF! The older 6.7 are OK if you delete them, but stock the later non DEF trucks got really poor mileage.

Chris

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

I got this.

In 06 I needed a new truck. I looked at both the Dodge and the Chevy.

There is a bowtie in my garage. Why? The ONLY reason was the Cheby had a 6 speed and the Goat had a 4 speed.

I have rode enough in a Dodge with a 4 speed to know I didn't really like the auto 4 speed deal. They are alright but I would want a 5 or 6 speed way better.

(Oh, on edit I needed a true 4 door and I think Dodge at that time only came out with a 2 and a half door.) :B

[Dano1955]

Yes

[Bedlam]

I went brown, black, red and back to brown.

[Old-Biscuit]

I like RED.....