$ Cummins vrs Duramax $

[Archive]

Originally posted by RamBill:
Well Ive got a 2001 Cummins 4x4 QC with less than 1000 miles. Its my second Ram. I see you guys bagging on the Chevy but you should read some of the other posts on the TDR about the Dodge. Everyday, without fail, there are posts on brake pull, wandering steering boxes, creaking dash boards, poor mileage, poor power, transmission problems both auto and manual, clutch problems, steering shaft problems, poor AC controls, no crew cab available and a small quad cab, blah , blah , blah. And these problems, like on my truck, are on NEW trucks. So, it seems, we really should be trying to figure out why our Dodges cant be better trucks and demanding that if DM wants our loyalty, in light of new and possibly better product introductions such as the Chevy HD's WHY CANT DM PERMANENTELY CORRECT THE existing PROBLEMS ON OUR TRUCKS?

Hmmmm... I think there needs to be a distinction drawn between posts. There are those of us that have had plenty of past BTDT with other brands that can (hopefully) provide relavant information, be it good or bad.

The other posts I'm seeing are from those that are brand loyal (not that there's anything necessarily bad about that), which in many circumstance are simply a WOB. Brand bashing w/o any past experience with the product, are worthless posts IMNSHO.

As far as the problems described in the previous post, I can unequivocally say that in 40K miles on my '99 3500, I have experienced NONE of these problems mentioned, with considerably more strenuous usage. The Fords I've owned have also had minimal problems, nothing I couldn't live with. This has not been my experience with the GM trucks I've owned (a total of 6). Between all 6 of them, I experienced EVERY problem you mentioned above with these trucks, and then some.

I'd put up with a squeaky dash or "poor AC controls", but I will NEVER tolerate constant major mechanical problems. I don't consider that product bashing; I buy a truck with the expectation that it should be able to meet the manufacturer's ratings and do it for a reasonable lifespan. Unfortunately, I never had one of my GM's make 100K miles without a major mechanical meltdown of somekind; engine (head gaskets, cavitation, thrown rods bolts), transmission (I used to carry a spare TH400 when towing a 5th wheel, which would regularly grenade themselves), bent axle housings, you name it. I consider this substandard quality, and as such, I won't be buying another GM truck again, as I feel there are other MUCH better alternatives (i. e. Dodge and Ford).

Just my 2 pesos abridged to the nearest penny


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Mark Nelson
Incline Village, Nevada
Sierra Motorsport, Inc.

'99 3500 QC 4x4 ISB 5-spd, 3. 55 LSD, Bright White, MCM Legacy shell, Tekonsha Sentinel brake controller, Mag-Hytec rear diff cover, K&N filter. 4" Exhaust, Digital Gauges, and BD Exhaust Brake coming soon...
'97 Haulmark 24' race trailer
'96 Ford E350 XLT PSD E4OD 4. 10LSD 15' Box Van