Have been giving serious consideration to replacing the Suburban this year. The replacement has to be a vehicle capable of towing a horse trailer and have room for kids. I was leaning towards the last of the Excursions (2005 Model) with the Powerstroke, or possibly a crew cab/quad cab pick-up with a diesel powerplant.

I heard the GM diesels in the HD's have been plagued by injector problems. The 6.0 Powerstroke has had a bad batch of rear main seals and the older 7.3 PS would loose cam sensors without warning. Haven't heard anything bad on the Cummins yet though.

Our ferrier recently replaced his 2500HD (because of the injector problems)with a 04 Ram 2500 Quad cab. In 4 months he has logged 20K miles and is getting almost 20 mpg hauling his Smithy trailer. When he pulled in last night I didn't even recognize the sound of the new Cummins, it was that quiet. The last diesel Dodge I drove you could heard idling for miles.

After the ferrier left we went into town and visited the Dodge dealer to see how the prices were looking. They had the 04's marked down about $6K off sticker, but they were all 4WD, I don't really need 4WD so I looked at the 05's. I couldn't really tell but the rear seat area of the quad cab seemed to be a tad small, will have to stop by the Ford dealer to compare it to the rear seat of the Ford.

Any one here have one of these beasts? Any comments welcome.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

FYI, the new Cummins has the exact same injection system as the Duramax, so if you are scared about injectors, you should be scared of the Cummins. GM has upped the warranty to 7 years/200,000 miles (for 01/02 trucks-probably will soon on 03 on if they start showing problems) on injectors if that makes you feel better.

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Keep everything as simple as possible-but no simpler--Albert Einstein

...ah, but it has two fewer injectors to go bad. Get the Cummins...any Cummins.

the cummins is a fine engine. I have a 97 12 valve and is loud but is a brute. I routinely tow 12K without issue (horses). I have had NO problems with the engine other than a slow idle that was fixed with a minor adjustment.
The new ones are quieter, in part because of the injection system and the 24 valve design.
You are also correct on the quad cab/crew cab. Dodge has a smaller less comfortable back seat as compared to the Ford.
I would not even consider the Duramax. Check out the torque and haul load for Dodge/Ford/Chevy and you will see what I mean.

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Ron
2015 Porsche Cayman - Elizabeth
2011 Porsche Cayman - Bond,James Bond
Sadly MERCEDESLESS - ALways LOOKING !
99 E320 THE Queen Mary - SOLD
62 220b - Dolly - Finally my Finny! Sadly SOLD
72 450SL, Pearl-SOLD
16 F350 6.7 Diesel -THOR
19 BMW X5 - Heaven on Wheels
14 38HP John Deere 3038E Tractor -Mean Green
84 300SD, Benjamin -SOLD
71 220 - W115-Libby ( my first love) -SOLD
73 280 - W114 "Organspende" Rest in Peace
81 380 SL - Rest in Peace

Good point. So you think your chances of having bad injectors would be 25% less?

I can't say anything bad about the Cummins, in fact my dream truck is a 92-93 first generation to fix up and beat around in. When I was shopping a new truck, though, I just wasn't all that impressed with the truck built around the engine. From a power standpoint, I think it is pretty much a coin flip between all the big three. They all have their strong points and they all have weaknesses. Drive all three, decide which is best for you, then start looking for a deal.

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Keep everything as simple as possible-but no simpler--Albert Einstein

I recently sold my '93 Cummins club cab 4x4. Loved the engine passionately, but the body integrity was attrocious, and it was a kidney-buster to drive. If I had my druthers, I'd opt for a Ford truck body with a Cummins engine.

VERY early 2001 models did, that was the older LB7 motor too... newer ones are the LLY MUCH better to drive about. I've driven both. Also the injectors have be moved for easier service among a Variable Vane Turbo, EGR (bypass I would ASAP), and a Cat Converter. Allison 1000 is AWESOME. Only downfall is 9.25" IFS.

The Cummins ISB is killer motor. But the four speed auto behind it will not do in this day in age as that motor does not like to rev. It needs at least a five speed auto or six speed manual. FWIW Dodge tried to produce a new six speed in house and has some issues, so it's 48RE or nothing.

Ford's 6.0 had early problems when it was introduced too. Now it's rumors and hogwash. It's a good motor that flat out haulsass if ya get on it from Navistar, I still see even some 6.9s and 7.3 N/A running about with high milage. Five speed auto, solid axles, etc. Just a good solid truck with good looks.



If you're smart and don't throw a performance unit on a new truck off the showroom (Edge, Quad, Banks) and let it break in normally... it should be fine. Lots of the problems I see are from foolish people trying to get too much out of something on a stock trans. Injection problems happen but not to the extent you think.

Ever heard of Gen III GM Cold Start Knock? What about early LS1 motor oil ring tension problems like on a C5 that I had for a while? It would lose oil as the rings had poor tension. Everyone has their problems... be smart and you stand a very high chance of not having them.





Yup and an Allison 1000 trans. That'd be the ultimate setup.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

In my experience the 2WD isn't as bad as the 4X4 as far as ride is concerned. If I want to travel comfortably, I'll drive my 03 Chevy. I just want the old Dodge to beat around in and blow black smoke.

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Keep everything as simple as possible-but no simpler--Albert Einstein

If I had my druthers, I'd opt for a Ford truck body with a Cummins engine.

I don't know about that, I think I'd take a:
GM body with an Allison or even a GM 4L80E (still better than Dodge or Ford trannies) and the Cummins motor.

I've driven GM and Dodge, the Dodge ride sucks compared to GM. I can't speak to the Ford ride, but most people I know say it's hard to beat the ride and handling of the GM trucks. GM is known for having the best transmissions of the three, although I know Ford designed that new one to go with the new Powerstroke, so who knows now.

The Cummins is probably the best motor, but the overall best package could very well be GM. Lot's of opinions out there

Hey, how about that new Honda pickup

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'85 300D - 206K (sold)
'81 240D - 149K (sold)
'03 Jetta TDI - (sold)
'79 300D - (sold)

Mike,
I went to the Chicago Auto Show back in Feb. They featured a new full-size truck called the Mega-cab. It's truly a CREW cab for folks with a BIG crew. Lots of room, Cummins powered and several trim levels. If you're looking to buy new, and can wait a little longer, this will give Chev/Ford a run for their money on a truly roomy tow vehicle.

Check it out: http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/mega_cab/

RP

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Rick
Avid Benz watcher

Previously owned 126's: 2 1981 300SD's, 1987 300SDL, 1991 350SDL,
Previously owned 123's: 1978 300D, 1983 240D, 1985 300D
Previously owned 124: 1994 320TE

Currently:
2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 206k
2010 Ford Edge 122k
Always looking for the next MB diesel!

Cummins engines are my favorite. I've driven an '04 Chevy DuraMax dually a bit while plowing snow. It's a great truck, lots of power, and a smooth ride. The automatic is also super sweet, with perfect upshifts and downshifts. While towing a horse trailer and 3 horses, the engine is a bit weak while going up hills. The tranny usually downshifts and you end up running almost 3,000 RPM up the hill. It would be a lot better with more torque on tap, provided by a chip/box/etc.

I've also driven an '05 Chevy DuraMax single-wheel with 2 horses on the back. That thing flat out flies, especially when empty.

I still think I'd have to go with the Cummins though, 40% (IIRC) fewer parts... and an unbeatable sound.

The guys at bertram31.com love the cummins 6bt's in their boats.

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www.jerseyplanning.com
1987 300TD 440K - My car
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 107K - Tim's car
2000 - CLK320 100K - Deb's car
1994 C230 150K - Josh's Car

Go for the Cummins. It was designed for the school bus market and will handle anything you can dish out to it. I have had many and I love them. Plus no timing belt or chain to replace, all gear driven.

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

I own a 99 Ram with the ISB Cummins. Awesome engine, great power, and great fuel mileage for a truck. In 106K miles, I've only had to replace the A/C compressor. I'm still on the original tires, brakes, clutch, and shocks. I have no rattles or squeaks either.

Dodge does have a 6 speed manual. It is the NV5600. GM was using the same manual tranny in their trucks, and may still be. The New Venture transmission plant is a joint venture between GM and DC (from the former Chrysler side).

Power has been upped to 325 hp and 610 lb/ft stock. This is still not even beginning to stress the internals of this engine as it is used in medium duty applications. AS for the common rail injection, I haven't heard of any issues in the Cummins. The injection system may be similar to GM's, but you are talking about two different companies, with two drastically different company goals. Cummins knows their equipment sees severe service in environments where reliability is paramount. GM, well, they still cut corners in the name of profits - even at the expense of quality.

With any of the domestic offerings, I recommend buying as simply equipped of a vehicle as possible. All three makes suffer from quality issues, when you start packing in the gadgets.

The newer trucks don't ride like the old buckboards that had the first Cummins engines installed in them. While my truck is not car smooth, I've driven 1,000 mile plus drives in it, without getting beaten up.

i have a 03 dodge with cumnmins hd and six speed manual. i have had no problems with it except a leak around a threaded plug on the top of the head. that was fixed quickly and i was relieved that it wasn't leaking around a head bolt. i get around 20 running empty at 75 to 80. towing a 35' trailer camper at around 9000 # i get between 11 and 12 if kept under 73 mph. from what i hear i wouldn't have anything except the six speed manual in any of the big three diesels. all other trannys that i hear of won't hold up. it shifts pleasurably but deliberately (its not a ferrari). i am a stick lover. the cummins power is like having niagara falls under your foot. the brakes are excellent also. before this i had six suburbans three were diesels two 350s and one 454. this engine and trans is miles ahead of any i have driven. probably the new ford and chevy diesels are similar in power but i doubt the quality as compared to the cummins.
all that said, the chassis setup is very poor. the ride is much inferior to my last suburban a 1500 with 350. the dodge needs bigger shocks which i have not been able to source. all my suburbans i fitted with rancho shocks which did the trick... not available for the dodge 2wd (posi). the steering is excellent though. if i could get better shocks and stiffer front subframe bushings i think i would be happy with the dodge. anybody know of shocks and bushings available?

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.