03 z71 ext. clunker

I have read many of the post and one that bothers me is the one that said to turn up the radio and you won't hear the clunk. well i'm sorry to say mine cane be heard over the radio.I only have 16,000 miles how loud is it going to be at 50,000 or75,000.I need to know is the 2500 a clunker too or is this my best bet to become a ford or dodge man.