Help a newbie decide!
 

Ok guys so I need some help on deciding whether I should go with a 04.5 or newer dodge 2500 or an 06?(has to be lbz or lmm) or newer gmc 2500. I do not want a Ford cuz well my bonestock 98 gmc gasser can beat my buddies 97 Powerjoke with CAI, exhaust, and a chip so I'm not impressed............ Anywho the main reason for this truck will as a rolling billboard for a performance business I hope to open soon. This truck needs to be able to make alot of power, make power somewhat cheaply, be somewhat reliable tho not dd reliable, occassionly tow heavy loads and fit bigger tires(35") and wheels without a huge lift. Im aware of some of the weaknesses that both trucks have but any input on what you have personally had issues with would also be helpful. Sorry for the long post and thanks for any help.

buy and 06 has the better trans.

06 dodge or gmc?

From the 2 Id say the cummins. But you shouldnt take ford out. A 97 7.3 is much different then newer PSDs. Plus my 94.5 ford could blow the doors off anything but newer diesel around here.

dodge

Forgot to mention I may also be slightly biased against Fords as I've been a GMC/Chevy fan my whole life. Isn't a 94.5 pre-turbo or is that first year for the turbo? My buddies 7.3 just isn't that fast for all he has done and my uncle had an 01 superduty that he put 3 tranny's in by 80,000 with just a chip so I'm a lil gun shy about trusting them. Thanks for the input so far guys.

94.5 is the first Powerstroke. We get 100k min out of the trannys at work, and they pull all day. We have one tranny that has 210k on it in a 02 350. These arnt stock truck either, I use sniper software to put mild tunes on them.

Just FYI not that its relevant to the conversation, but some parts I have to order as 94 and some as 95.lol Can kinda be a pain.

My buddy has the same issue ordering parts for his 97 too. But can the strokers hold as much power as a Dmax and Cummins? I've always heard 7.3's are the most reliable but hardest to get power outta and the 6.0 can make good power but breaks alot(lift heads, blow turbos/trannys) Dont know much about the 6.4's but havent heard good things.

6.0 has problems with the factory headbolts, replace with ARPs, problem solved. The turbo problem is from drivin like a grandma and to much idling. The 7.3 is very reliable, but the HUEI system is the downfall as that is what limits your ability to make big numbers. Also, in my opinion the 5r110 is the best tranny ford has had( the one behind the 6.0). Like I said if its between a chevy and a dodge, go with the cummins its an awsome motor and i still use mine to pull every day, plus it doesnt have IFS. :puke:

What is the HUEI system?

i love my 04.5, can easily fit 35's under it with a small lift. i never checked into it, but it looks like i could get 37's under it maybe. it drives nice, and i really like the way they look, better then the gmc's, imo. it seems more guys in my area drive dodge more then chevy, so it would be a better idea to make a "show" truck out of it, might get you more bussiness if you hook up a truck that people in your area would be interested in, even if your not (to a point anyway). could always make two of them and just switch up what you cruise around in.:U:

If I go with popularity than dodge is the winner and 2 trucks is a good idea but have to see what the business does first. On a sidenote I know a guy that put 35's under his 3500 dodge on stock wheels without any lift and it only rubs if its turned to full lock and he hits a bump.

A few things:

1. if you are planning on opening and running a performance business then buy a brand new truck. Easier to justify to the bank and much easier to deal with the taxes at the end of the year.

2. Not to slight anyone of the existing sponsors here but that business is very difficult, I mean very difficult to make money at. Trust me, I owned Arrowsmith Diesel Performance for almost 5 years and although it was reasonably successful it takes more than ALL of your time and if you do something else to pay the bills this company will suffer.

3. Dodge will offer cheaper more reliable power upgrades but the GM is likely more comfortable. Personally, I like trucks so I'm with Dodge or Ford. I don't like auto's so again its Dodge or Ford but again that's personal.

4. Understand that by modifying anything, particularly for a business venture that you can kiss any warranty good bye.

5. 35" or taller without a levelling kit will not work - it screws up the control arms and will rub when either at full lock or when articulated. It is very annoying. Stick with 33" or get a 4" lift and stuff 35" under it then. You have to pay to play.

6. This business must have considerable money to invest in product or at least to develop relationships with. You can't play with the big boys without considerable investment. Again, I don't mean to change your mind but you have to be honest with yourself and your market sector.

So, hopefully you make good financial decisions. Afterall it's BOMB!!

dmax ftmfw. and get the 6 speed, I believe I read they also have a better TC.

Well I guess the Dodge won now for the searching to begin and the loans......lol
Edit: so if I type lol it does that everytime huh l-o-l weird

If you have any questions let me know.:pca1: