Would like honest suggestions about tow vehicle issues

[sacmarata]

My father and I developed an automatic unlock or failsafe if you will for when the TC has been manually locked. what it does is measure speed to unlock the TC at low speeds and not lug the engine even if it was manually locked. It's a life saver on a tranny.

Before that I cant count the times I manually locked the tranny, drove 20 miles, forgot about it and when I went to stop the thing stayed locked and lugged the engine so bad the whole thing was about to shake apart. The auto unlock failsafe fixes all that

 

[Peacock]

If yer gonna be pushing a lot of torque...Triple disk low stall converter and dont look back. My factory 47RE Tranny was fine for factory specs, but as soon as I started pushing more hp/torque it was quickly apparent that I need a beefy TC. You will hear guys bad mouthing the 47RE all the time, but it was never meant for 300+ horse power, neither was the TC. It was designed for 160hp. Theres guys out there with over 250,000 miles on a stock 47RE that haul campers, they just arent pushing big numbers, so the TC and tranny hold on. On a budget, a 12 valve with the free mods and a manual TC lockup switch is a WHOLE LOTTA truck for the money. There will be guys telling you that you need 4" exhaust, bigger this, bigger that. If you find one with upgraded TC and tranny that has free mods, triple guages, and manual lockup thats been taken care of...JUMP ALL OVER IT! LOTTA TRUCK!!!!

The 47RE does kinda suck in stock configuration, but it incredible when built.

 

[handirifle]

So, if I get an an 06-07 Dmax with the 6spd, and figure up to a 10k trailer, other than the Tcase pump, is there a weak spot to worry about. I really don't want to buy a used problem.

I know a used anything is a gamble, but I know odds are usually good if its been well cared for I am concerned with built in problems.

And on the Fords, do you guys say the 06-07's are fairly bug free as well? I am referring to the 6.0 issues.

 

[Peacock]

So, if I get an an 06-07 Dmax with the 6spd, and figure up to a 10k trailer, other than the Tcase pump, is there a weak spot to worry about. I really don't want to buy a used problem. I know a used anything is a gamble, but I know odds are usually good if its been well cared for I am concerned with built in problems. And on the Fords, do you guys say the 06-07's are fairly bug free as well? I am referring to the 6.0 issues.

The '06 and up 6.0 trucks are better. Some have had good luck with them. They still suffer a very high failure rate compared to the DMax and Cummins in stock configuration.

 

[sacmarata]

I think its obvious by now that Im a Cummins guy so...sure...Im biased...take it with a grain of salt but, if you want the best diesel buy a Cummins. Some may disagree but industry wide Cummins is the no brainer and has the reputation they do for a reason. Thats why I bought a Branson tractor. It has the Cummins 3.3.

 

[handirifle]

Sacmarta
I have nothing against the Cummins, at all, but I read and know of friends with too many tranny issues in the older models. Are there certain years like the '06 + model of Dmax (example) that are basically problem free? Keep in mind I'm looking at $20-25K tops. Like I said I don't want to buy a "project" truck.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think its obvious by now that Im a Cummins guy so...sure...Im biased...take it with a grain of salt but, if you want the best diesel buy a Cummins. Some may disagree but industry wide Cummins is the no brainer and has the reputation they do for a reason. Thats why I bought a Branson tractor. It has the Cummins 3.3.

I agree, its just the wrapping it comes in. The newer Dodges are much better but the ones I have been around from say pre 08 were just always needing something.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

Sacmarta
I have nothing against the Cummins, at all, but I read and know of friends with too many tranny issues in the older models. Are there certain years like the '06 + model of Dmax (example) that are basically problem free? Keep in mind I'm looking at $20-25K tops. Like I said I don't want to buy a "project" truck.

Nothing is perfect. In had a 05 Dmax thst was so bad I sold it after 9 months and bought a 06 F350. Took a major bath.

My neighbor had a 07 Dmax classic. Never a engine or tranny issue except one sensor that sent it into limp mode. Rest of it was crap. Wheel bearings, transfer case, dash lights, leaks, 6 u joints, carrier bearing, power seats, door locks, interior panels, ect. Just traded it last week on a new truck with 101,000 miles.

Chris

 

[SPMMD]

My 2007 2500 duramax crew cab Sierra SLT now has 157,000 miles. Oil changes, diesel fuel filter changes, initial tire replacement at 107,000. I haul everything from my tractor to my wife's Yukon XLT on my 20' trailer frequently crossing the Berkshires on rte 90 and have been happy since I bought it in 2007( new body stile). No rust, just replaced mixing door actuator for driver's side heating/AC. Did Titan upgrade to 55 gal fuel tank ( Stock 24 gal was a joke!). Everything else remains stock. Drivers seat raise/ lower height adjust broken in "up" position. Replaced 4 burnt out headlights. Mileage 16-24 based on use, mostly speed!. Most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. Just my experience, hope you can do as well or better with your next truck.

 

[handirifle]

I have no doubts there are lemons, like Diamonds neighbor. I bought a new GMC Sierra, in 2006. Worst vehicle I ever owned. It went back to GM on the CA lemon law. Got my money completely back and bought the Tundra. By comparison the GM was in the shop 12 times in the 8 mmonthsI owned it. Got the Tundra in late '06, and it has never been to a repair shop. Never needed to.
seriously if Toyota were coming out with the rig Nissan has announced, I would probably figure out a way to buy a new one. No way do I want to go gas again. I want the power without going to 4000 rpm to get it.

So, used diesels it is. What I don't get, is with the HP race in trucks why someone doesn't get honest and build a stroker engine, with HP in the 300+ range and torque well above 400, but starting at say 1500 and peaking at 3000 rpm or so. Maybe 3500. It can be done, but I think the numbers strat sounding sexier with higher rpms and thats what the ad companies use to sell. Very sad.