IMO the duramaxes have proved theirselves to be a reliable engine. The allison is a good transmission, but some people think theyre indestructible and that is certainly not the case. With a good TC and VB tho they are pretty stout. From everything ive heard, EFI live is THE way to go on the dmaxes. The great thing about the dmax is that you can make 500hp with just tuning and a lift pump. A lot of people knock the chevys because of IFS, but with some tierod sleeves theyre plenty strong enough for what most people will do with them. If you really want a dmax, then by all means get one. The chevys are good trucks. Along with my 12valve i also have a 2003 3/4ton Chevy gasser and its given me 95,000 trouble free miles. Good luck with your decision and let us know what you end up doing.

 

I am an inline 6 diesel man myself. And the cummins is the best motor out there in my opinion. The 48re will easily hold a 14 second daily driver with a good torque converter, and valve body. Heck I think my truck will run high 14's right now and its a 12 valve that doesent breathe all that great and my EGT's arent over 1300* at the end of the strip. the duramax is a nice truck too though, and they seem to hold up well. I just like an inline when it comes to diesels.

Eric

 

yeah, I agree with the others on the Allison transmisson, yes, it is a great transmission, but what happens when you start stacking boxes? The Allison can't handle it, and you need a minimum of a new torque converter

 

Ive kinda out grew the stacking and going for all out power, Ill say Ive learned my lesson. There wont be any stacking and yes Ive heard EFI live is awesome. Im really leaning towards The Juice and Att. becasue its $500 bucks on Ebay and all inclusive. Later throw on some exhaust maybe an intake. Then if needed a TC and VB, but honestly I drive very lame . I made a stock clutch last with 100hp sticks and EZ and never slipped it then later a drag comp, yes it slipped then.

If it happens I will have to record a digital clip of the ole girl running so I dont mis the sound of I6 roar.

Jamie

 

I miss my '05 D-Max every day. It got 2 mpg better, was faster stock, and more comfortable. I like the Cummins, just not the Dodge. My wife wants it, so when we get out of the Marine Corps, I am getting another GMC. (I like them better than chebby)

 

If you are just going to use it for highway use, and no towing, why not go for the DMAX. If I didn't pull trailers with tractors, hay, cattle, and equipment I would look at the DMAX too. For the towing side of things I like the low end grunt that the 6 cyl. cummins can provide. But on the other hand, if I wanted something that was very streetable, and didn't have to worry about the towing, I would definantly take a look at the MAX.

Or, another idea might be to fix the Dodge for now, and wait to see what the new diesel from the Nissan/Toyota/etc. camp will be like, and also to see what type of diesel powered 1/2 ton trucks they come out with in the near future.

 

Blacksun, your right if I was gonna tow I vote the cummins all the way.

I've still got some time to think but it will probably just come down to what I find in price range and with the mileage I want.

 

I towed today for the first time since I took my drag comp and 100hp stix out. . I had to come home between trips and load a smarty profram in just to get out of my own way, and that was empty, a 3000# 24' G-Neck. But with a 10000# forklift and the smarty it pulled better than stock and empty. I dont usually tow much just when my boss needs something done, about once a month when Im not in school. Im still optimistic about it all.

I really hate to spend $1100 to put a pump in my truck, sell it out right. buy a duramax then have to put 8 injectors in it cause somebody didnt have the morals to correct a problem b4 you sell something, not just pass it on and not tell anyone about it. Or buy one out of warranty from the dealer and still have to put 8 injectors in it. Just a craps shoot, and I suck at craps.

Jamie

 

Why should we talk you out of it? If that is what you want, then buy it! Enjoy it. They make a nice truck. If it came with a Cummins in it I might buy one too.

 

keep an eye on the classifieds.

i traded my 04 because it either needed a pump, injectors, or an ECM.

the week after i traded it in - there were like 3 pumps in the classifieds for $400 or so.

and injectors for $125

be patient.

 

Ill keep the classifieds in mind. Anything to do to save a little $$$$ ya know. thanks for the advice guys, keep it "cummin", or just "max" me out, either one is fine.

Jamie

 

a buddy of mine just sold his 03 305 \555 dodge. bought a brand new 06 regency package duramax. 60 k was the sticker price. that was 4 months ago. he was at the dodge dealer last night pricing out 06/07 dodges. hates his truck. first day he got it he went to open the tailgate and the handle fell of in his hand . i drove it and it is pretty peppy but wouldnt trade it for my dodge in a million years no way no how. i dont like the IFS either. mushy when towing or around corners. to each his own on that though.

 

My take - this is a free contry, and you're entitled to do what you like, can afford to do, or what a creditor will let you do. That being said, trading vechiles in the end winds up usually costing a fortune, and you could well have a case of "the grass is greener on that other pasture..."

If you really want a cruise, it can even be added to your current rig. Otherwise, I guess I'm sort of in begel 1's camp on this one.

 

The D-max might be an OK engine, but I'm just not excited about all the "crap" GM puts on their trucks. The headlights turn on when the truck thinks it's dark out- then you can't shut them off. The t/case shifts to 4WD when the truck thinks it's slippery. The doors won't lock when the key's still in the ignition because the truck thinks you're going to lock yourself out. You can't even buy one without ABS because we drivers aren't smart enough to control our own vehicles. I own a vehicle because I want to be the driver. If I just wanted to be a passenger, I'd simply take a cab. I certainly hope Dodge doesn't follow along with all this junk, not everybody wants to have it, or to pay for it.

 

Just so you don't get wrong info (not trying to step on toes, so don't take this personal) the headlights CAN be turned off, the doors CAN be locked with it running, and ALL new vehicles have ABS. This I know because I just traded an '05.