Diesel Enthusiast here, CTD or D-Max?
#1
Diesel Enthusiast here, CTD or D-Max?
Hi everyone, I am new to the site and I would like to hear opinions on whether I should go with a CTD or D-Max. Either one needs to be mated to a 6 spd handshaker and have 4WD. It will mostly be a daily driver and maybe some light towing. I am interested in getting 20 mpg on the highway (I know that varies with speed, rear end gearing, etc.) and likely doing some bombing of it down the road . I know about the reliability of the CTD and my dad has a 04.5 CTD "600" with a 6 spd, but he only gets 15 mpg on the highway and I want to get a truck that does better than that. Extended cab or crew cab is fine. Of course I want something that is reliable and takes well to making good power without losing too much reliability. I will be looking at 2003-2007 model years, most likely 2500s, no dualies. Thoughts? Any problem areas with either model? Thanks in advance.
#3
Hi everyone, I am new to the site and I would like to hear opinions on whether I should go with a CTD or D-Max. Either one needs to be mated to a 6 spd handshaker and have 4WD. It will mostly be a daily driver and maybe some light towing. I am interested in getting 20 mpg on the highway (I know that varies with speed, rear end gearing, etc.) and likely doing some bombing of it down the road . I know about the reliability of the CTD and my dad has a 04.5 CTD "600" with a 6 spd, but he only gets 15 mpg on the highway and I want to get a truck that does better than that. Extended cab or crew cab is fine. Of course I want something that is reliable and takes well to making good power without losing too much reliability. I will be looking at 2003-2007 model years, most likely 2500s, no dualies. Thoughts? Any problem areas with either model? Thanks in advance.
If you are looking for a six speed, you will probably have a very difficult time finding one in a DMax as they are VERY uncommon. A little easier to find in the Dodge trucks. 20 mpg with a 4X4, while theoretically attainable, will require you to drive no faster than 55mph pretty much guaranteed. A few have managed such a feat while driving faster, but they are few and far between. I usually see about 16 in town and 18 on the highway at 70mph.
mishkaya
#5
Welcome to DieselBombers!
As for finding a Duramax with 6 spd manual.. its actually not hard at all in the LB7's (2001-2004.5) and there are a few of the LLY (2004.5-2006) models that have a 6 spd manual trans.. as for the LBZ's (2006-2007.5).. there are only a handful of them, extremely hard to come by.
Im not sure with the Dodges, I think they are easier to find a manual trans in.
As for finding a Duramax with 6 spd manual.. its actually not hard at all in the LB7's (2001-2004.5) and there are a few of the LLY (2004.5-2006) models that have a 6 spd manual trans.. as for the LBZ's (2006-2007.5).. there are only a handful of them, extremely hard to come by.
Im not sure with the Dodges, I think they are easier to find a manual trans in.
#6
First off: Welcome
I debated the same thing. I really wanted a 6sp. and a crew cab. Both are decent engines and truck platforms. It came down to interior space for me. I am satisfied w/what the Allison can do. I am a typical BOMBER, I can't leave it alone.
I have gotten 22 MPG w/mine on the few occasioins where I am not hammering it several times during a tank of fuel. I have heard stories of 24valves getting 26 MPG. I wonder if that is according to the DIC (Or what ever Dodge calls it) and not hand calculated.
I debated the same thing. I really wanted a 6sp. and a crew cab. Both are decent engines and truck platforms. It came down to interior space for me. I am satisfied w/what the Allison can do. I am a typical BOMBER, I can't leave it alone.
I have gotten 22 MPG w/mine on the few occasioins where I am not hammering it several times during a tank of fuel. I have heard stories of 24valves getting 26 MPG. I wonder if that is according to the DIC (Or what ever Dodge calls it) and not hand calculated.
#7
#9
#10
Dodge will be easier to find a manual in, but it really comes down to which truck you like the best. Both the dmax and Cummins are good engines. I am a GM man so I would say go with the dmax but don't think you can go wrong either way.
The 2001-2004.5(lb7) had some injector issues an GM has extended the warranty 7yrs( 200,000 mi) the 2004.5-2006(LLY) had some over heating issues pulling loads in warm weather, but most of that is fixed or can be, the (LBZ)2006-2007.5 is a solid truck, and you can not buy a hanshaker in a 2007.5-current(LMM)
The 2001-2004.5(lb7) had some injector issues an GM has extended the warranty 7yrs( 200,000 mi) the 2004.5-2006(LLY) had some over heating issues pulling loads in warm weather, but most of that is fixed or can be, the (LBZ)2006-2007.5 is a solid truck, and you can not buy a hanshaker in a 2007.5-current(LMM)