Where to start? I need a truck!

[rob990]

I know it's a contentious issue, but I'm feeling overwhelmed with how to select a truck.

I know I need at least a 3-series to haul a TC at around 5000lb (AF990 loaded/wet should be around 5000lb)

I know Dodge Cummins diesel are highly sought after. Seems that Ford is next best.

But then there are certain years that the engines changed, additives are required or not....

Where is the summary of what is what in the truck world?

How can I start and not completely lose my mind in the mess of opinions?

FYI, I'm looking to buy used, maybe spend $30k

[Grit_dog]

Without all the stories and known problems/opinions etc.
If I had $30k and wanted to spend most or all of it, I would look in this order if I was willing to delete a truck if it had emissions issues.
1. Early 4th Gen Ram
2. LML Duramax (tie for 1st and second place, pick which color you like)
3. Late 3rd Gen Ram 09
4. Late LLY/LBZ Dmax
5. 3rd Gen 5.9 Dodge with 6 speed manual (Again, tie for 4 and 5th place, pick the one best cared for.

If I wasn't willing to delete, I'd use most of $30k to buy a garage queen, low mile, 4 or 5 from above and save $3-5k for impending repairs that wouldn't be needed on a new truck.

[RCMAN46]

billyray50 wrote:

KD4UPL wrote:
The '01 to '04.5 LB7 Duramax had injector problems. Otherwise they were good engines but I would avoid because of the expensive injectors. The '04.5 to '05 LLY Duramax was a fine engine, some report having over heating issues. This engine had the smallest fan of any Duramax. My '05 has 214,000 miles on it and doesn't overheat.
The '06 - '07.5 LBZ is considered the absolute best, basically flawless, highly sought after, usually expensive. The Allison transmission went from a 5 speed to a 6 speed in '06. Duramaxes from '07.5 and on were fine, no major problems, just gained emissions junk that hurts mileage and makes things complicated.
The statement that GM trucks carry less weight than the corresponding year Ford/Dodge trucks is simply not true. In '01 for example, a Dodge dually had a GVWR of 10,500 while GM was 11,400. The GM truck was also several hundred pounds lighter and thus had well over 1,000 pounds of additional payload.
I highly recommend a GM truck. I've had 4 of them and worked them hard in my business towing and hauling. I don't put up with machines that aren't reliable and work well. My GM trucks had extremely good track records. My current '05 dually has 214,000 miles on it. It carries my truck camper and family at about 1,700 pounds over it's GVWR. It rides and handles very well.

Not disagreeing with you but am curious. My neighbor at our seasonal sight just bought a 2016 Chevy LTZ DRW 4x2 Duramax/Allison and his GVWR and payload is a lot less on door jam stickers than my 2015 Ram Laramie longhorn CTD DRW and mine is a 4x4?

Pictures of the door jam stickers would be nice.

[billyray50]

KD4UPL wrote:
The '01 to '04.5 LB7 Duramax had injector problems. Otherwise they were good engines but I would avoid because of the expensive injectors. The '04.5 to '05 LLY Duramax was a fine engine, some report having over heating issues. This engine had the smallest fan of any Duramax. My '05 has 214,000 miles on it and doesn't overheat.
The '06 - '07.5 LBZ is considered the absolute best, basically flawless, highly sought after, usually expensive. The Allison transmission went from a 5 speed to a 6 speed in '06. Duramaxes from '07.5 and on were fine, no major problems, just gained emissions junk that hurts mileage and makes things complicated.
The statement that GM trucks carry less weight than the corresponding year Ford/Dodge trucks is simply not true. In '01 for example, a Dodge dually had a GVWR of 10,500 while GM was 11,400. The GM truck was also several hundred pounds lighter and thus had well over 1,000 pounds of additional payload.
I highly recommend a GM truck. I've had 4 of them and worked them hard in my business towing and hauling. I don't put up with machines that aren't reliable and work well. My GM trucks had extremely good track records. My current '05 dually has 214,000 miles on it. It carries my truck camper and family at about 1,700 pounds over it's GVWR. It rides and handles very well.

Not disagreeing with you but am curious. My neighbor at our seasonal sight just bought a 2016 Chevy LTZ DRW 4x2 Duramax/Allison and his GVWR and payload is a lot less on door jam stickers than my 2015 Ram Laramie longhorn CTD DRW and mine is a 4x4?

[RoyB]

I seem to do alot of sitting in a local Walmart parking lot of late driving MS DAISY around grocery shopping here in Virginia... I sure see alot of the older Dodge Truck diesels with duallys coming and going. Seems to be truck of choice in the Walmart parking lots haha... As with any of the diesel engines you can sure hear them coming long before you see them... It seems like Dodge is first choice, then Chevy, then Ford... I personally would pick the Ford interior having the best layout for comfort and driving features. Chevy/GM is probably the best all around truck... Dodge is probably the easiest one to find price wise at the truck dealers.

Roy Ken

[KD4UPL]

The '01 to '04.5 LB7 Duramax had injector problems. Otherwise they were good engines but I would avoid because of the expensive injectors. The '04.5 to '05 LLY Duramax was a fine engine, some report having over heating issues. This engine had the smallest fan of any Duramax. My '05 has 214,000 miles on it and doesn't overheat.
The '06 - '07.5 LBZ is considered the absolute best, basically flawless, highly sought after, usually expensive. The Allison transmission went from a 5 speed to a 6 speed in '06. Duramaxes from '07.5 and on were fine, no major problems, just gained emissions junk that hurts mileage and makes things complicated.
The statement that GM trucks carry less weight than the corresponding year Ford/Dodge trucks is simply not true. In '01 for example, a Dodge dually had a GVWR of 10,500 while GM was 11,400. The GM truck was also several hundred pounds lighter and thus had well over 1,000 pounds of additional payload.
I highly recommend a GM truck. I've had 4 of them and worked them hard in my business towing and hauling. I don't put up with machines that aren't reliable and work well. My GM trucks had extremely good track records. My current '05 dually has 214,000 miles on it. It carries my truck camper and family at about 1,700 pounds over it's GVWR. It rides and handles very well.

[RCMAN46]

Go with the 06 and 07 classic Duramax for the best of the best.

The Durmax engine and Allison transmission of those years if stock have been bullet proof.

Noise and ride is better than the others in that time period.

[Steve_in_29]

The only problem with a Cummins is that they come wrapped in a Dodge. Paint issues, crappy interior pieces, weak automatic trans, etc.

Stay away from the non-turbo 7.3s unless you just like going slow. The turbo models respond well to tuning and can make gobs of power, though that necessitates a built transmission,

The 6.0 Ford can be a good engine as they had the bugs pretty much worked out by 2007, the last year. Mine has been great but there are some upgrades ($$$) that can be added to make them bullet proof. The 2005-07 Fords have a higher payload then later trucks (trucks got heavier in 2008) and sit a bit higher for off-road clearance. My 2007 F350SRW has the same GVWR as an 07 GM Dually. No need for smog, DEF, Catalytic Convertor, or ULSD with a 6.0.

GM trucks sit lower (even 4x4s), ride nicer and carry less weight then the corresponding year Ford/Dodge trucks.

[Vinsil]

5.9 Cummins trucks in the 04-06 years are gold money wise and honestly...the automatics suck so unless rebuilt, plan on a built trans with the mileage you will find.

Early 6.7's cost less due to emissions issues BUT, make more power, have a better transmission and can be deleted to run like a 5.9! You can be into a great sub 100k 6.7 for your price range that is ready to rock. I'd be willling to part with mine...deleted, tuned, ready to haul...

7.3's are good but slow and hard to find one with less than 150k for a decent price. Owned one...they are slow but reliable.

Cummins all the way!

[austingta]

Go Duramax all the way!

There are some pretty reliable reviews on the web and youtube. I think Fast Lane Trucks on Youtube is fair. They only do new trucks, though.

[GeoBoy]

I am very happy with my setup, see profile.

[rob990]

I probably should add that maximum power isn't the be all and end all for me, as long as I have *enough* power.

[donn0128]

2006/07 Cummins 5.9 is probsbly the best of the best.
Ford 7.3s are good, but down on power and getting really hard to find a decent one.