Thinking of going new soon, 2000 duelly 5 speed 240,000 ,4 trannys and 2 differentials. I pull allot. Tell me why I should stick with a Dodge w/ the cummins and not go with the Allison and the duramax.
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cummins vs. duramax
- Thread starter machinemover
- Start Date
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Because here if you post a problem we don't ask for the VIN # first. 
Have you been reading over on the Dura**** page?
They have more drivetrain related troubles than we do.
Have you been reading over on the Dura**** page?
They have more drivetrain related troubles than we do.
I also find it hard to believe anyone who tows "alot" needs a reason to choose a Dodge 6-speed over an allison. :-{}
I am gonna get torched over this, but I really like the
DMax/Allison combo. FINALLY a transmission that works right!!!!
The thing that would make me think long and hard about it in your situation is the truck it is in, will it hold up? 4 trannies and 2 diffs tells me you are not the most ginger driver, and might even be creeping on "hard on vehicles". No offense, but 4 trannies? The Chevy trucks I have seen in fleet duty tended to suffer some breakdowns that should not have happened like shock mounts broken, tie rods broken and so on. The Dodge might need a full steering rebuild every 70K miles, but it won't leave you walking.
Take a good look at the truck, if you think the truck will take your use go for it. The DMax/Allison is more engine and transmission than available in a Dodge for sure.
DMax/Allison combo. FINALLY a transmission that works right!!!!
The thing that would make me think long and hard about it in your situation is the truck it is in, will it hold up? 4 trannies and 2 diffs tells me you are not the most ginger driver, and might even be creeping on "hard on vehicles". No offense, but 4 trannies? The Chevy trucks I have seen in fleet duty tended to suffer some breakdowns that should not have happened like shock mounts broken, tie rods broken and so on. The Dodge might need a full steering rebuild every 70K miles, but it won't leave you walking.
Take a good look at the truck, if you think the truck will take your use go for it. The DMax/Allison is more engine and transmission than available in a Dodge for sure.
hhhhmmmm
I must admit I do pull allot of weight. I am not hard on vehicles it just took me two rebuilds before I took my transmission to Standard transmission for a full splined rebuild. Last trans, Charlie at Standard told me I just plain wore the thing out. I don't know allot about the Duramax and would like to stick with the Dodge that's why I ask. Think I'll stick with the ole' reliable cummins is the way it's lookin.
I must admit I do pull allot of weight. I am not hard on vehicles it just took me two rebuilds before I took my transmission to Standard transmission for a full splined rebuild. Last trans, Charlie at Standard told me I just plain wore the thing out. I don't know allot about the Duramax and would like to stick with the Dodge that's why I ask. Think I'll stick with the ole' reliable cummins is the way it's lookin.
The DMax/Allison is more engine and transmission than available in a Dodge for sure. [/B][/QUOTE]
I don't want to start the power argument but, I know of two guys locally that had CTDs, bought dmaxs, and now have 03 CTDs. They both haul commercially. (hay, livestock, & machinery) They say the Allison is incredible, but they claim the Dmax aint got it down low. - can't touch the luggin power of the CTD.
I don't want to start the power argument but, I know of two guys locally that had CTDs, bought dmaxs, and now have 03 CTDs. They both haul commercially. (hay, livestock, & machinery) They say the Allison is incredible, but they claim the Dmax aint got it down low. - can't touch the luggin power of the CTD.
Three suggestions:
1. Dodge.
2. Sythetics in the driveline.
3. Temp gauges on the transmission and diff.
1. Dodge.
2. Sythetics in the driveline.
3. Temp gauges on the transmission and diff.
[/QUOTE]
I don't want to start the power argument but, I know of two guys locally that had CTDs, bought dmaxs, and now have 03 CTDs. They both haul commercially. (hay, livestock, & machinery) They say the Allison is incredible, but they claim the Dmax aint got it down low. - can't touch the luggin power of the CTD. [/B][/QUOTE]
Yeah, I have a friend that liked his Cummins enough that he decided to keep it when he bought his new Duramax. Just out of curiousity, I asked him what he thought of it after he had it for a couple of months. His reply was that he liked how quiet the Duramax was, but when it came time to hook up the trailer/backhoe combo the Cummins "felt" a lot stronger.
I don't want to start the power argument but, I know of two guys locally that had CTDs, bought dmaxs, and now have 03 CTDs. They both haul commercially. (hay, livestock, & machinery) They say the Allison is incredible, but they claim the Dmax aint got it down low. - can't touch the luggin power of the CTD. [/B][/QUOTE]
Yeah, I have a friend that liked his Cummins enough that he decided to keep it when he bought his new Duramax. Just out of curiousity, I asked him what he thought of it after he had it for a couple of months. His reply was that he liked how quiet the Duramax was, but when it came time to hook up the trailer/backhoe combo the Cummins "felt" a lot stronger.
HO Auto
In the article aboue I got the hint that a High Output Automatic Truck is out. Today at my Stealer he informed me that the High output Automatic transmission Truck isn't out yet. Is that Correct??? Tks
In the article aboue I got the hint that a High Output Automatic Truck is out. Today at my Stealer he informed me that the High output Automatic transmission Truck isn't out yet. Is that Correct??? Tks
Like Wade Patton says, synthetics in the driveline, and temp gauges.
If you HAVE to tow heavy enough, often enough, and are looking at newer trucks, you should consider a baby Freightliner, preferably one with a Cummins 8. 3 in it.
Used ones are not hard to find, right around the same cost as a new Duramax.
www.crewchief.com for a look at the high-dollar ones, just for fun.
If you HAVE to tow heavy enough, often enough, and are looking at newer trucks, you should consider a baby Freightliner, preferably one with a Cummins 8. 3 in it.
Used ones are not hard to find, right around the same cost as a new Duramax.
www.crewchief.com for a look at the high-dollar ones, just for fun.
The DMAX Chevy may be a fine truck. I have a neighbor that took a chance on one, and he is very satisfied with it after about a year. Hasnt had any major problems. He just keeps saying "we'll see, we'll see" (he's referring to his aluminum heads & brand new motor design - he's concerned).
He is always asking me hows my mileage, hows it running, and cant help but mention that he really likes the basic designs of the inline 6 cummins & the solid axle front end, & 6 speed gear box. But he wanted "quieter", & something his wife will drive, that doesnt ride like a truck.
So, its all about what you want, but I know that he keeps comparing his DMAX to my Cummins for one reason... It is the standard design for a pulling motor.
He knows he almost had one, and opted to spend his money on a test. Now he has constant second thoughts, I have none. Its also the same with a co-worker friend. He likes his Ford diesel & pulls his toy-hauler with it, but always mentions how he prefers the cummins & "kinda wishes he had gotten one". Guess he fell victim to the "Jonses". Too much TV I guess.
Anyways, I love the way my cummins runs. Pulls hard, no matter what the rpms are, my cast iron block, & head (on the motor) is heavy, & noisey, but solid. I dont worry if I should have bought a DMAX, I like having the standard.
Keep pondering the thoughts, but the debate always comes back full circle. Basic & solid is what the Cummins is all about.
As far as the "stock power vs stock power" argument is concerned, it doesnt apply me, or most of us, as we all know our cummins motors are slugs in stock form. They come with puny injectors & retarted timing to keep emissions down, & mainly to keep from breaking things with its massive torque potential. The argument means nothing. In 5 minutes you can plug in a Van Aaken or pick your favorite box, and remedy that situation. Its a false beacon of justification for the competitors.
With that said, this fuel pump mess is really hurting the whole dodge cummins concept. What the heck is DC thinking? Compromising a great $30k+ package with an inadequate 150. 00 fuel pump is pretty dumb.
Anyways, dont take me too serious, Im just having a little fun with the thread. Good luck with whatever you choose.
He is always asking me hows my mileage, hows it running, and cant help but mention that he really likes the basic designs of the inline 6 cummins & the solid axle front end, & 6 speed gear box. But he wanted "quieter", & something his wife will drive, that doesnt ride like a truck.
So, its all about what you want, but I know that he keeps comparing his DMAX to my Cummins for one reason... It is the standard design for a pulling motor.
He knows he almost had one, and opted to spend his money on a test. Now he has constant second thoughts, I have none. Its also the same with a co-worker friend. He likes his Ford diesel & pulls his toy-hauler with it, but always mentions how he prefers the cummins & "kinda wishes he had gotten one". Guess he fell victim to the "Jonses". Too much TV I guess.
Anyways, I love the way my cummins runs. Pulls hard, no matter what the rpms are, my cast iron block, & head (on the motor) is heavy, & noisey, but solid. I dont worry if I should have bought a DMAX, I like having the standard.
Keep pondering the thoughts, but the debate always comes back full circle. Basic & solid is what the Cummins is all about.
As far as the "stock power vs stock power" argument is concerned, it doesnt apply me, or most of us, as we all know our cummins motors are slugs in stock form. They come with puny injectors & retarted timing to keep emissions down, & mainly to keep from breaking things with its massive torque potential. The argument means nothing. In 5 minutes you can plug in a Van Aaken or pick your favorite box, and remedy that situation. Its a false beacon of justification for the competitors.
With that said, this fuel pump mess is really hurting the whole dodge cummins concept. What the heck is DC thinking? Compromising a great $30k+ package with an inadequate 150. 00 fuel pump is pretty dumb.
Anyways, dont take me too serious, Im just having a little fun with the thread. Good luck with whatever you choose.
I like all your thoughts. One thing I have noticed there is alot of intellegent input on this sight, some "crokes "too but mostly intellegent input. This is my second DD and I think I will stay with the cummins after listening. I must admit I never spiced her up like you guys because I have been afraid of causing more damage then it's worth consdireing the amount of weight I pull. Conclution, I am going to go with the Dodge HO 6 speed maybe 4wd not sure on that yet. I'll let you guys know when I take delivery.
I think you'll like the 6 speed. If you went through four transmissions, I'd suspect one of two things: some poorly done rebuilds caused three of the problems, or maybe you got a lemon with some hidden problem that caused the trannies to not last.
If you tow heavy a lot, you might want to consider regularly using your direct drive gear instead of your "overdrive" gear. Direct drive is 4th in a 5 speed, or 5th in a six speed. The Cummins can pull most hills without downshifting, but this is much easier on the transmission, and the Cummins can spin a few extra revolutions and not come close to wearing out. MPG will suffer, but diesel is cheap compared to the cost of a new transmission. With my 3. 54 gearing, I could easily drive highway speeds in 5th if my load was heavy enough to justify it.
If you tow heavy a lot, you might want to consider regularly using your direct drive gear instead of your "overdrive" gear. Direct drive is 4th in a 5 speed, or 5th in a six speed. The Cummins can pull most hills without downshifting, but this is much easier on the transmission, and the Cummins can spin a few extra revolutions and not come close to wearing out. MPG will suffer, but diesel is cheap compared to the cost of a new transmission. With my 3. 54 gearing, I could easily drive highway speeds in 5th if my load was heavy enough to justify it.
Excellent choice
I am sure you will love your HO 6-speed as much as the the rest of us who own them. This is my third CTD and I could not be happier
I also routinely pull heavy and got 230,000 out of my 93 and had 70,000 on my 99 until a 1965 Pontiac Catalina made a mess of it!!
This 6-speed with 4. 10 gears is by far the best towing setup I have driven. Have fun.
I am sure you will love your HO 6-speed as much as the the rest of us who own them. This is my third CTD and I could not be happier
I also routinely pull heavy and got 230,000 out of my 93 and had 70,000 on my 99 until a 1965 Pontiac Catalina made a mess of it!!This 6-speed with 4. 10 gears is by far the best towing setup I have driven. Have fun.
Everyone has a thought process they follow when deciding what the will get in their truck. (God help the Ford guys with a million different combinations!) Here’s mine:
1) Dodge. I am a mopar guy since I was a kid, and for once they build a vehicle I don’t have to make all kinds of excuses for. ChryCo quality is much improved over days past, and the Ram is a decent all-around package with a rep for rugged durability.
2) Cummins. The standard in diesels. The greatest engine placed in a mopar, second only to the 426 Hemi. That, and I have lusted after a CTD since 1989 when I was 14. (Hey Dad, this has 160 Hp and 400 lb-ft of torque!) Few engines have the rep, the mystique, the AURA of GREATNESS about them like the Cummins does.
3) 6-speed. This was easy, since I am a torque junkie, and wanted the HO. I also prefer the simplicity and control of the manual, as well as its rep for durability over the auto. Cheaper major maintenance (clutch, vs auto rebuild) and better mileage were just bonuses.
4) Quad Cab. I am going to have this truck a long, long time. The extra space is a must when you are only 28, looking to have a family, and have lots of junk you lug around in the cab. Also leaves room for decent stereo and other road trip goodies (cooler, etc. )
5) SWB. This was actually the only thing that I REALLY agonized over-- short bed vs long bed. I would have actually preferred the long bed, but didn’t get it. The reality is that I won’t be hauling much in the bed, as I live in town and rent an apartment. Doing so much city driving and having to navigate parking lots and such also meant the SB just made more sense. Ever try to parallel park a Ram with the 155” WB? Me neither, and I didn’t want to try. The SWB was my concession to reality.
6) 4x4. An easy choice, since I think it’s dumb for me to by a vehicle I plan on having forever, without planning for what forever might bring. What if I get stationed in Alaska? I would kick myself for blowing $30K+ yet still being too cheap to get the exact version I wanted. Even if I NEVER use it, it’s worth it to me to have it there (insurance). Also, since I got the manual, it’s like getting 4WD for almost free.
7) 3. 54 Ratio. I don’t tow anything right now, and the lower RPM seemed to be more appropriate for a diesel. Again, the 6-speed means I will probably never need the 4:10, since 1st is so low.
HOHN
1) Dodge. I am a mopar guy since I was a kid, and for once they build a vehicle I don’t have to make all kinds of excuses for. ChryCo quality is much improved over days past, and the Ram is a decent all-around package with a rep for rugged durability.
2) Cummins. The standard in diesels. The greatest engine placed in a mopar, second only to the 426 Hemi. That, and I have lusted after a CTD since 1989 when I was 14. (Hey Dad, this has 160 Hp and 400 lb-ft of torque!) Few engines have the rep, the mystique, the AURA of GREATNESS about them like the Cummins does.
3) 6-speed. This was easy, since I am a torque junkie, and wanted the HO. I also prefer the simplicity and control of the manual, as well as its rep for durability over the auto. Cheaper major maintenance (clutch, vs auto rebuild) and better mileage were just bonuses.
4) Quad Cab. I am going to have this truck a long, long time. The extra space is a must when you are only 28, looking to have a family, and have lots of junk you lug around in the cab. Also leaves room for decent stereo and other road trip goodies (cooler, etc. )
5) SWB. This was actually the only thing that I REALLY agonized over-- short bed vs long bed. I would have actually preferred the long bed, but didn’t get it. The reality is that I won’t be hauling much in the bed, as I live in town and rent an apartment. Doing so much city driving and having to navigate parking lots and such also meant the SB just made more sense. Ever try to parallel park a Ram with the 155” WB? Me neither, and I didn’t want to try. The SWB was my concession to reality.
6) 4x4. An easy choice, since I think it’s dumb for me to by a vehicle I plan on having forever, without planning for what forever might bring. What if I get stationed in Alaska? I would kick myself for blowing $30K+ yet still being too cheap to get the exact version I wanted. Even if I NEVER use it, it’s worth it to me to have it there (insurance). Also, since I got the manual, it’s like getting 4WD for almost free.
7) 3. 54 Ratio. I don’t tow anything right now, and the lower RPM seemed to be more appropriate for a diesel. Again, the 6-speed means I will probably never need the 4:10, since 1st is so low.
HOHN
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