Dodge, chevy, or ford 250(0) diesel?

[xfeejayx]

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 some mods on the truck (probably bullydog triple dog, maybe an intake, possibly a turbo). I don't care which truck will give me more power per mod, I care more about which truck is still reliable with mods.

I won't really be pulling too 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 largest concerns, and ultimately the lowest cost of ownership is what I'm going for here. 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?

[sickcallawayc12]

Well the ones to get are either Dodge or Chevy, but i'd pick Chevy just because of the Allison tranny. Here is a link regarding the "big three."

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...=475662&page=2

The posts, well, arguments, you should pay attention to are near the end, by v10viper and cumminstrokethis regarding the diesels in the "big three." From what they say, the Cummins would indeed suit you the best.

[Andydg]

Cummins with a 6 speed.

[xfeejayx]

As much as i really don't want to admit it, it actually seems to me like the chevy is the way to go. There doesn't seem to be an argument that the cummins owns all, but an engine can only be compared to an engine. The tranny seems like the week link between the chevy and the dodge, and the chevy gets the nod. Damn, I really really wanted a cummins, but it seems the dmax allison combo takes it if I want an auto.

If I do want a manual though, I guess a cummins with a 6 spd would be fantastic. andydg, was the 6spd available 03-05?

[sickcallawayc12]

You can get a 6 speed with those model years. I dunno if a 5 speed manual was ever offered with the Ram Cummins actually. However you really can't go wrong with either choice. Both are still good engines from experienced companies.

[Andydg]

Originally Posted by sickcallawayc12

You can get a 6 speed with those model years. I dunno if a 5 speed manual was ever offered with the Ram Cummins actually. However you really can't go wrong with either choice. Both are still good engines from experienced companies.

5 speeds were before 2001 and I THINK in the 2001 non-H.O. The Cummins kicks ass, but you need the manual to handle the power because the Dodge autos pretty much suck overall when you're making big power. But with the 6-speed you really can't go wrong.