Here's the thing, the Federal Government has really screwed up diesel engine for right now. Until the tecnology catches up I wouldn't purchase a new diesel, and if I was forced to I'd go with the Duramax, just because the engine has been made for a few years now, while the Cummins is 70-80 percent all new and the Powerstroke is all new, following a terrible engine that was only made to meet 04 emission standards, and was so bad was only made for 4 years and led to Ford and International filing half a dozen law suits against each other.
You want a Ford, get a 7.3, made up until mid 03 model year.
You want a Dodge, get a 5.9 made up until mid 07 model year.
You want a Chevy/GMC get a LBZ made 06 to mid 07 model year and get the best transmission God ever graced this earth with.
If you're going to tow a lot and don't entend on putting go fast parts on it, or putting half a million miles on it, get the Duramax, that tranny makes tows best.
If you're going to keep the truck forever, get the older Ford, you get a good engine and truck, except for the tire eating twin I beam, and it's already took the most depreceition.
If you want a almost new truck to modify, and put 500,000 miles on it, get the Dodge.
I do know a few people that had transmission problem, but it seems like 1 in 10 are going to have a lot of transmission problems, and the other 9 won't have any.
I work in oil field transportation, and I know guys that put 600-700K miles on the Cummins without towing, 300-400K when always pulling a gooseneck.
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Right now I have2006 2500 MegaCab 5.9L Automatic. AFE Stage 2 & 5" Silverline Turboback.
I want to get I don't know what I'm getting next, give me ideas