dodge/ford/chevy 2500 diesel

Hey guys.
I'm getting into the market for a used 2500/250 diesel, probably around the 02-05 range (~$20k). Wanted to know which brand is the one to go with. I'm a little partial to the cummins, but i keep hearing that the dodge wrapper is the weak link in that combo. I am also seeing a large numebr of trucks being sold just under the 100k mile drivetrain warranty. Do they crap out that soon?
I do plan on putting a mod on the truck (probably bullydog triple dog), won't really be pulling often, and just need a reliable truck. doesn't have to be the most powerful, most capable of towing, or most mod capable. reliability (and gas mileage) are by far the two largest concerns. It seems chevys and fords are cheaper to purchase also, I assume because of the cummins.
After all the cost factors are concerned, is there really a favorite here?

Honest answers are very much appreciated. Thanks guys.

Chevy and dodge are two and are more reliable.Stay away from a 6.0 powerstroke,a big ,big and big POS.Jasper,a top of the line remanufactured engine company found problems with the 6.0 powerstroke.Jasper did 30 upgrades on the 2004 powerstroke and 5 on the 2005 6.0 diesel.Ford gets the worst mpg.Do not let a powerstoke idle,they are not made to idle in park and shut them off when not driven.Dodge gets the best mpg and the chevy is second.

Buy a dodge! I own a 99 3500 Dodge Ram. 5.9 cummins.184,000 miles and drive it everyday I Saw 3500 Dodge the other day that has 600,000 miles on it, and was hooked to a 40' trailer and 19,300lbs on the trailer. So the trucks are build to run for a long time. now the cons. The only down fall on these trucks are the transmissions.The autos SUCK I would avoid the automatics. They can be made to hold up to mods but they are costlly. If you get a newer 02-up with a 6 spd (nv5600). you shouldn't have any trouble but the clutch would the weak point.
if look in the aftermarket field. It is said the cummins is the best motor to modify for it's dependabilty. I could go on and on about the cummins, but I won't. They are in my book the best small diesel on the market.

i'm coming to the conclusion that I might have to go with the chevy. Ford PS is not an option it seems, and the dodge auto trans sucks, nevermind that its only a 4spd. The dmax is a good motor, and the allison-dmax combo seems like its almost a sure thing. I can deal with a manual though. how does the nv5600 stand up to the allison?

i'm coming to the conclusion that I might have to go with the chevy. Ford PS is not an option it seems, and the dodge auto trans sucks, nevermind that its only a 4spd. The dmax is a good motor, and the allison-dmax combo seems like its almost a sure thing. I can deal with a manual though. how does the nv5600 stand up to the allison? It all depends on what your wanting to do with it. everything has there breaking point. From what I have been hearing though. The NV5600 and the allison automatic, are the best transmissions on the market. The older Duramaxes have been known for being granades. So be aware of the earlier ones. 01, 02 .
But from where I stand, I would find an 01 up 2500 Dodge because I know from personal experience of there durability. And the transmissions are cheap compared to a new motor. :2cents: