Take a look at the Dodge Mega cab b4 your next purchase decision. I dont know if you want to go to leather & all that as far as "comfort" but the space of a Mega cab is great for guys like me who tow & haul people more than use the box.

 

Everyone has their opinion, but I bet ssminnow must be one in a thousand that thinks the Ford rides better than the Dodge. (not 1/2 ton trucks). I know several people with Fords and they all rave about the handling and better site lines on my Dodge. Now, I would agree that the Fords have better comfort amenities inside, especially prior to 06. Anyway, getting off the topic, sorry.

 

Heres something that may not matter to you, but is a consideration. Unless I've missed something because I don't get to visit as much as I use too. The early 325 600 engines will not support an Exhaust Brake on an automatic tranny and maintain warrenty. If I'm remembering correctly you want to be in the 05 06 model year.
The discaimer is that I haven't been able to keep up like I use to. So you'll want to independently verify this information.

 

OK, we are on the same page then. I was refering to the earlier models, not the 06's.

 

Nope, not referring to 1/2 ton trucks. All Diesels, and as mentioned in my above post most of my friends have the PSD 00-03, all 7.3's, (and the one with 6.0) and they all think the same way I do. The Ford is a more plush ride, more "Cadillac" feel to is how we put it. They have all ridden in my Dodge, and of course me too and the Dodge is just a rougher riding truck. Not bone breaking or anyhting, just more firm, more of a "worK" truck feel to it is all. My wife is another, we take road trips all of the time (44 states and counting) and she too says the Ford has a more comfortable ride to it. I am not ******* the Dodge, I like the more "truck" feel to it over the plushness of the Ford. That is why I said they are called opinions, everyone is going to have one, and most are different

 

I think the 3:73s are better than the 3:55s for towing. I ordered a new dually with 3:73s for 4 reasons (replaced my 01 CTD w/ 3:55):

1. Gears were just a little to tall when towing. If I had had a couple hundred more RPM it would have downshifted much less.
2. Much quieter.
3. Little more power. The 01 was chipped w/ 71 HP Banks, 4" exhaust, and ebrake. The 06 auto will take the Jacobs ebrake and carries full warranty.
4. Dual zone air conditioner ... now I can have the ac on and the wife can have the heater going!!!!!

When I was looking for a new truck I looked at the the Duramax and of course Dodge. I wouldn't own a Ford because they can't drink from the big nozzles at truck stops. It really was a toss up ... love the Allison and 360 Duramax LT3. But, I towed a 12000# 5ver with the old Dodge for 92000 miles and never had a problem with it. Actually I replaced the lift pump at 85000 miles but that was all. So decided to get the new Dodge.

 

I actually like everything about the Ford ... except all the horror stories you hear about the 6L. Like em or hate em the old 7.3 was a good motor ..... then they introduce the 6L and all credibility goes out the window. It will be a few years before Ford earns back the customers they lost because of motor problems.

Dodge is funny ... people say they dont ride that nice but the Cummins is so good. They dont have the creature comforts but the Cummins is so good.They dont do ..... but the Cummins is so good. I think Dodge could market a cardboard box just as long as it was powered by a Cummins and people would still buy it. That says a lot for the Cummins.

 

I've always said if I could take an 02 Ford SD (flame suit on) and drop the Cummins in it with the Allison (especially the new 6 speed paddle shift) then that would be my ultimate truck. However, I have three boys to put through college and someday I would like to retire. I bought the Dodge because I owned one before and because the engine and drivetrain are second to none. I prefer mauals in trucks here in the mountains so the Dodge auto never bothered me. My 2000 dually had the NV4500 and the ratio between 3rd and 4th killed me on the hills but it still lasted 227k with nothing but brakes, fuel and oil. Only had stage one (50 HP) Diesel Dynamics injectors in it, otherwise it was stock. Drove a Ford Crew after that because I needed the room but when Dodge came out with the "almost crew" I jumped when the 600 was offered and haven't looked back.

 

My GMC was lemon lawed to and because of the way General motors handles there lemon law cases I will never buy another either. I agree nothing rides like a gmc but like someone said they are like a car. Im 6'5" and I think the leg room in the chevys sucks. I love my dodge mega cab and I think its the best truck I ever bought.

 

Only 06 auto can use a exhaust brake.Any suspionsion changes are also 06. 03 thru 05 are basicly the same EXCEPT for the cat(05) and third injection event(05). EARLY 03s were 47re and S.O. engines.Less injector issues reported on 03 thru 04 etc.

 

What was wrong with your GMC?

 

I have never been loyal to one brand, but the 6.0 Ford and 6.6 Duramax are crap, plain and simple. Yeah, I know it seems that the Duramax is finally getting the bugs worked out and seems to be finally living up to it's "reputation", but still In MY OPINION, if looking at an 2006 model year truck:
Motor: Cummins HANDS DOWN NO DEBATE AT ALL
Trans: Allison
Rear end: Pretty much the same
Looks Exterior: Ford
Looks Interior Dodge
Ride comfy: Chevy
Ride 1/2 comfy 1/2 work: Ford
Ride work: Dodge

Best all around truck: Dodge Still not sold on the exterior looks of the 06 Dodge, but is growing on me. The Dodge auto seems to be finallly able to hold up to some power. Room is still not quite there with the Chevy and Ford, unless of course you go with the Mega Cab, but then you take bed space away, and I am still not sold on the looks of the Mega Cab with the shorter bed yet either. If I could buy a new truck right now it would be an Dodge QC LB 2WD DRW Cummins auto. But as stated above if I could buy a "Hybrid" truck it would be: Ford body, Cummins motor mated to an Allison tranny, mounted on a Dodge chassis/suspension

 

You are entitled to your opinion. Unfortunately I have a very hard time listening to a person who uses blanket statements. Saying the Duramax and 6.0 are crap is a blanket statement.

With the exception of very early injector problems, and the LLY which is spotty with overheat problems what have you ever heard was wrong with the Duramax?

They make great power ... get good economy ... and there are several out there with 400,000+ miles.

I got one that gets hot .... am getting treated like crap by GM .... and am looking at other options.

 

The 6.0 is crap is NOT a blanket statement! Just read most anything written about them.I happen to think the Dodge is the BEST looking of the three.Fords just look boxy and the same ho hum as the last 20 years.The Chevy is UGLY.Gmc is UGLY but not SO ugly as the chevy.

 

Sorry, it is an opinion, not a blanket statement. I don't know of anyone that I deal with or know personally that has owned a 6.0 that thinks it is a good motor. The 2 people I know personally that HAD Duramaxes were in the shop for exactly what you are describing, and that is why they got rid of them, spent more time in the shop then on the road. I know there have to be some good one's out there, but I personally do not know of any, so that is why it is my opinion, and not a blanket statement, because I am speaking from my own experience's and not from "some friend of a friend neighbors buddy told me this...." So, the few that I have been around have been crap, and that I why I will call them crap, and will always call them crap, and sorry if that offends you, but as you said, I am entitled to my opinion, and there it is. If I was going by a blanket statement it would have been....."The 6.0 is such a pile of crap, that Ford is already changing the motor, becasuse that is what I read in a magazine"