2001 Duramax OR 2001.5 Ram ? Help Needed

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Im having a hard time convincing my Dad to get a new Ram instead of the new 2001 Chevy Duramax Crew Cab 4x4.

Here are his reasons:

1. Crew Cab
2. More Power and possibly/probably better Auto transmission
3. Better handling

Give me some ammo to battle this argument please..... Thanks ( I need specifics)


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Bill -

Please keep in mind, the only thing I'm going to haul w/ my new ETH is "A".

Here are my thoughts.

1. Alison Auto vs. Dodge... NO COMPARISON
2. Pricing, I'm on for right around invoice for my ram, same dealership told me that the Duramaxi's (they sell both) were going at LIST to order!
3. An aluminum diesel... this has been tried in the past without success. I'm sure GM's done a lot of homework in development with Isuzu... at the end of the day, it is still relatively unproven.
4. Handling... I drive a 1LE Camaro... all trucks are understeer crazed cows looking to graze the grassy medians if you're not careful.
5. No defense for the Cab Configuration other than to say the next ram, due in a year or two according to speculation will be offered as such.
6. Additionally, the new ram, IF, IF, IF, IF, it winds up with an MB diesel, MAY GET A BEEFIER MB AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, however, I am not aware of an MB making the power:displacement figures of the Duramaxi.

In summation, price, unproven and availability work against the Maxi on my scorecard. I also feel like the Allison transmission is going to suck a lot of power off that motor.

What I would like to drive is a Maxi backed with a 6speed and a solid clutch, then we'll see how it really runs.

That's my two cents worth.

Ultimately it is your call.

Good Luck

Max

[This message has been edited by Mad Max (edited 09-04-2000). ]

 

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I have a 95 but I LOVE my Cummins and havent had alot of problems with the surrounding dodge.

On the Cheby, Many will say and I'll agree they arn't proven, they haven't been out to know what the quirks are. And like any New model I always wait three to four years before buying one to be sure most of the bugs are out.

My friend's Cheby was a cross breed. It was a 3/4 ton with a 1 ton rear end, and a off breed clutch for the five speed. He has had nothing but problems. He is in the process of selling it and said he won't own another diesel because of it.

My Granmother's Cheby 1/2 ton gasser is a rough rider and I don't know If cheby has, but you can bet the 3 piece raido they have will go out. The price for a replacement is more than a Good/nice aftermarket and install kit.

Hope this will help

Mac

PS One other GIANT + is the Cummins has a heat grid that heats ALL incoming air and not just the air in the cyclnders like glow plugs. And the heat grid only runs when it is cold out unlike the Glow plugs that have to cycle every time you start the truck.


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95 Ram 2500 Auto Std Cab, Cat & Muffler Fell off, 125,000 miles.
Bombed-to-be!
Better that a Rock, Out does the Best (that should give it a rest), CUMMINS/RAM

[This message has been edited by RCMC (edited 09-04-2000). ]

 

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RamBill, not everyone is going to but a Dodge. If your dad really likes the Chevy then support him in his decision. Take him to a GOOD dodge dealer and let him pick one out and drive it to the Chevy lot,park them side by side and let him pick. Regards Pete

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99'3500,quad cab,4X4,a/t
3:54,all the right packages!PROPER VALVEMENT

 

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I would avoid the Chevy until the Duramax proves itself, and even then I'd be hesitant since the only real diesel is an I6, not a V8.

The Allison will be a helluva nice automatic, so that's a major plus. If he has to have an auto, I hate to say it, but the Chevy might be the way to go. I'm so disgusted with the 47RE in my 96 that I'm ready to convert the truck to a stick (I won't buy a new Dodge because of how the owner of the truck in the "Broken ISB" thread in the 24v area was treated by DC).

If I had it to do again, I'd get either in a stick, but would still lean toward the Cummins.

The main thing to remember is if your dad is really hot to get the new Chevy and doesn't mind paying $5k more for it than the Dodge, let him. Better to let him get it and be able to say, "I told you so," than to talk him into the Dodge and have him ***** about it constantly, blaming you for changing his mind. #ad


Rob

 

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i'm with rob , tell him to drive both the same day , and let him decide , and to tell you the truth after the latest thread of broken isb i have converted my first and only person from a ford to the dodge , my next truck will NOT be a dodge unless it is used and not tied to either DC or Cummins , they both have lost their #1 fan.

 

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My Dad wants one too,its hard to aurgue in favor of the Dodge when he trades trucks every 4-5 years,he says who cares if the heads are junk they have to warranty them if they blow,to make a Cummins run like that you have no warranty and a smoked auto. In his case I cant blame him,the stock Dodge auto isnt pwerful enough,and any bombing viods warranty,so why spend 35K on a truck thats too slow,and to cramped?

 

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Rambill: have the ol'man drive both trucks same day(same as I did Ford vs Dodge) and let hime decide from there. I really feel GM did there home work on there latest creation.

As far as not buying another Dodge because of Jnutters problem, bunk, I personally don't feel the whole story is out on this one yet. PLUS he is only one of 4000 plus members on this site who state a problem as such. Multip[ly that times the actual number of truck owners out there and I feel his is an isolated case. Been dealing with DC dealerships the last 11 years and never have been mistreated as he is posting.
My 2 cents, the jury is still out!
I feel better now #ad
!


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99 QC/LB,ISB w/auto,4x4, 3. 54, VDO (trans, boost, pyro) Westin SS Nerf Bars, Westin Grille Guard, Contico tool box, CP Industries pivoting 5th wheel, Louverd 5th wheel tail gate, K&N, VA CPC, BD Valve Body, and Mag-Hytec transmission pan. 40252 miles (8/4/00)
87 24ft Terry Resort 5th Wheel, 86 "Classic 16" Alumacraft, 00 Honda Rancher

 

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If you have the room to moor the beast, he should also try the Ford SuperDuty PSD. At least you have some track record on the drive train. Which really isn't all that bad.

[This message has been edited by SteveAZ (edited 09-04-2000). ]

 

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Take Dad down to the truck stop by the highway, park and watch the trucks at the fuel pumps as the drivers tilt hoods to check oil. During the course of a full day, you will NOT find any V8's!! There's a reason for that: they dont work in a DIESEL application... therefore, he can buy a RAM with a Cummins, or a GM gasser (if he just likes the way they look)... as of right now, we as consumers dont really have a choice!

 

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Rambill,
Don't EVER try to talk your dad into or out of anything! If he ask, gently give an opinion... ...
This is good advise... ... ... .
Ron

 

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runaway , do a search , this isn't the first case , there was one other that comes right to mind about a guy that had a denial and full warranty void for transmission failure and lift blocks , was told his full warranty voided because of the banks kit on his truck and his skyjacker lift , the dealer did fix his trans first time knowing that he had a banks kit , i know if it blew again it should have been his problem and i agree , but we seem to see more than a fair share of people with dealer problems for repairs. i have had a couple myself and don't patronize those dealerships anymore and send people away from them when i can.

yes we don't know the whole story , but the fact that cummins is willing to give him a new short block and warranty it tells me they are back peddling for a reason . i have been a mopar loyalist for 20 plus years , but that is coming to an end , they have no respect for the customers , we now know how the psd guys feel with navistar and ford .