Hello all,
This is my first post but I've been racking my head with research for the last two weeks. I am in the market for a diesel, and thought I would post to see what owners with experience have to say. I am looking for a 20 year truck. This will be my first diesel, and I wanted to get some input. I am open to any suggestions, but am looking at powertrain. What is the best diesel/trans combo? 7.3 with zf6 or auto? LBZ duramax with 6 speed auto? Cummins with nv4500 or nv5600? Any other reliable combos I should be looking at? I will keep it bone stock with no tuners or programmers. I want the safest bet at the most reliable truck/combo. Please chime in with any experience on your trucks. Thank you.

 

Well thi has been asked many times, but honestly it's all YOUR preference what you like and are comfortable in? Everyone has their own opinions, and suggestions. But you also need to tell us what your using it for, where you live like terrain is it mountainous, or flat? I know you said no tuner but alot of these trucks run alot better with a tuner or some basic upgrades like intakes, chip, gauges. Also will help mpg a little. I'm partial to powerstrokes but I recently just sold it and will probably end up buying a cummins soon only because motors are reliable easy to get power out of and I want something different. Every truck has down falls, I wont buy a dodge unless the transmission been rebuilt professionally, or upgraded unless it's a single owner that hasn't had a 16 year old behind the wheel. Duramax's have good transmissions but I hear their more expensive to maintain and I just never liked the chevy interior. This is all my opinion and what I think based on my experience and knowledge. Good luv hope this helps


Strokin' Away

 

Thanks any input helps. I have a wakeboard boat at around 6,500 pounds, and will be getting a fifth wheel at around 12,000 pounds. I will not be maxing the tow capacity out all the time and I drive like a grandpa anyways. I am leaning more toward a manual trans only because I have rebuilt a couple off smaller cars, never rebuilt an auto. I do all my own work and am just looking to stack my odds the most I can in terms of reliability.

 

like 1999stroker said; it's all personal preference.

the big three all make good trucks. and each will last a long time.

for every Ford that makes it past 500K miles there will be 100 Chevy's and Dodges that will go to the wrecker in less then 300K miles.

for every Chevy that makes it past 500K miles there will be 100 Ford's and Dodges that will go to the wrecker in less then 300K miles.

for every Dodge that makes it past 500K miles there will be 100 Chevy's and Ford's that will go to the wrecker in less then 300K miles.

 

Since you plan on towing, I personally would recommend if you buy a dodge make sure the trans is built with papers or at least upgrade it yourself but 95% of them are already rebuilt that I've seen for sale in Ohio here. And like I stated before simple mods like intake, gauges are a must when hauling, and a chip to boost economy and towing performance.when I did my intake and chip on my 99 powerstroke it really woke the truck up and performed in every aspect alot better.test drive a few and go from there.


Strokin' Away