Duramax VS Powertroke? [EXPERTS ONLY]

[utahnguy]

Hello from southern Utah! Long time lurker, (a couple years or so) but first time poster. After poking around here for so long I've come to find that you guys are really the only people that I trust enough to put my money where your advice is. I've dreamed about owning a diesel since I was 12 and I'm FINALLY gonna be able to do it. I've been stuck driving a '06 Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI for the past couple years (OK stop laughing now) and although I did get it to look pretty slick.. It's all image and no substance. All it did was make me want a REAL truck even more. I've spent countless hours and nights up till 4 am for the past few weeks researching into the subject and it's time I bow down to the real experts.

From the research I've done, 2008 seems to be the best year as far as where the price break is. It's between Ford and GMC/Chevrolet because after driving the Ram, I can't stand Dodge's interior anymore. I'm going to do all the regular stuff: DPF delete, turbo-back straight pipe, intake, tuner, small (2-4") lift, 35's... I won't be doing anything crazy like nitrous, bigger turbo, methanol, etc.. because I need reliability. It's never going to see a track, tractor pull,or anything like that. It'll tow a 24' Sea Ray twice a year but that's its. It will have to deal with my lead foot though and I'm a pretty big fan of WOT.

Which truck will take the upgrades "better"? Which transmission will take the extra power without breaking? Which truck will give me better performance in the end? Please leave the flame war at the door and let's have a civilized conversation about this. If you just don't like Ford or don't have anything to back your claim up then don't bother. I need expert advice from people with personal experience. Thanks in advance.

[MNDiesel]

I know this will seem one sided but the Duramax is the king. Imo, from my own experience. You can add up to 90 rwhp and still be safe with the stock Allison. Duramax will upgrade better, and it will be cheaper. Welcome to the site.

[Jscherbs]

Go with the duramax, the 6.4 is a nice ford, everythign other than that is garbage. Just go big off the bat 08 LMM d-max LTZ package, you wont be dissapointed in the bowtie!

[seth999]

you deffinatly want somthing with a six speed if you are looking to add power they can be modded for a few extra horses pretty cheap...also I would look into the LBZ or LMM...since they have the lowest miles most likely...I'm a fan of the LMM as you can see but if you go that rought you will have to drop the DPF but thats no problem IMO...however it will void the warrenty but then again so will a tuner...and X2 on the LTZ it's like riding in a caddy

[burgandyLBZ]

well we have a 245 monterey cruiser that weights 6800lbs wet and we pulled it with are friends 6.4 just to compare and there is a world of differance in the feel of transmission the allison shifts way nicer with and with out a load and the duramax is a very strong reliable engine, all in all it is the total package IMO

[strokethis03]

Both ford and chevy in 2008 are very nice. I drive a chevy and work for ford. I say its all about the best deal when it comes down to it. I wouldnt have a problem buying a 6.4. Wont touch a 6.0 though.

[Durablack05]

I own a 6.0 psd and I have heard that the 6.4L are impressive to say the least with the mods you suggested. and the torqueshift transmission has been holding up great. The worst part is the mileage is TERRIBLE. I also have been in a few 08 Dmaxs and they too are GREAT. the allison can handle quite a bit before you have to worry. i have to agree with strokethis03.. it comes down to price/deal.. i think they are very similar.. maybe look at mileage for both with the mods you suggested and see what people who actually have done those things to both and see what they say? I will say this... anytime you go adding power to anything and sometimes even before that you always stand the chance of something going wrong... I think you would be good either way. It all comes down to preferrence... Good luck

[utahnguy]

I know the 6 speed Allison will most likely provide better mileage and smoother shifts but I read a pretty convincing argument that the 5 speed TorqShift is a "stronger" transmission and less prone to trouble because it's not as mechanically complex. Is there anything to that argument? Does that make sense to anyone?

And yeah If I went Duramax it would be the LTZ or equivalent GM trim. If I go Ford it will be the King Ranch or Harley trim. Either way would be a really nice truck.

And for what it's worth the price is going to be pretty much equal for either one. I don't know if this is normal or just because of the recent economy but there's a HUGE price difference between a new truck and a 2008 with not very many miles on it. The Ford and GM trucks are both going for between 32,000-37,000 depending on what packages and so on that you get. 37,000 will get you a FULLY loaded, as in navi, lift, tires, LTZ for the GM or King Ranch/Harley for the Ford (and 37,000 is the absolute most you'll pay, most go for 34,000-35,000) I'm a fan of buying new but if I can save TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS on a truck that's barely broken in, I'll take that.

[bigdaddydiesel]

WELCOME to the Neighborhood!!!

Bowtie get my vote always. But I am no Ford Expert so I will leave my personal opinion out of it.

God Bless

Chris

[jbrown1132]

i like the ford for the solid front axle and wider body compared to the 1/2 ton trucks, but thats were it ends for me with the fords. chevy or gmc with the duramax would get my vote any day regardless of a price difference. jmo