Drivetrain
 

Allison



I love my 08' 6.4 F350;Best truck I've ever owned by far; but the Duramax/Allison does have slightly higher #'s and so far I have only heard good things about this drivetrain

If you just say the Allison needs mods when you add a chip is only saying half the story. The allison's weak link, the 5th/6th gear is rated for "only" 750 ft lbs of torque. Only.... thats a ford 7.3 with a chip, turbo, injectors and high pressure oil pump to put it in perspective.

Where as the chevy comes stock with 650 ft/lbs, so its really easy to go over that 750 limit with just a programer. These trucks are amazing, ppe programmer, trans mods and a few other things you have 650 rwhp, and ungodly torque.

The technology is out to make solid front axles ride good, they are called coil springs. Chevy is using them in the 1/2 ton IFS right now. I think they will not go back to solid front axle because it would prove them wrong. Also, they think having the lower truck gives them more customers.. another reason the 6.6 duramax isn't in the suburban. The extra 2 inches of body lift makes the truck to high for chevy's "target" customers.

I was on that site all the time for the 2 years I owned my truck (towin43). I still drop by occasionally. I would have been all over a 3/4 ton Suburban with a Duramax if Chevy would have offered it.

As to the 08's, I have had mine for 3k miles or 3-4 weeks now and my sub's 08 Duramax for 2 weeks about 1900 miles. We switched Monday and today is the last day I will be driving it. Yes, I like it, Yes, I generally prefer GM products over Ford's and Dodge, Yes I like the powertrain better...but thats it. My Ford Dooley vs his GMC dooley is more comfortable. The GMC does not control a load at highway speeds as well, The GMC does not corner as well with a load, The GMC does not haul a heavy payload (800 pounds in bed) and tow the 11k trailer at the same time NEARLY as well. For work the Ford is better, even though it has slightly less power. The weight dis-advantage is 800 pounds heavier, but the majority is in the suspension and frame parts. THESE ARE REAL WORLD EXPERIENCES, NOT SOMETHING I CAME UP WITH OR PULLED OUT OF MY AZZ.:D Jeff

Jeff, are both of these dually's? It takes neary 3000#'s in the back of mine to make it sit level and ride good??

Chevy bolt pattern 8 on 165mm. F350 is 8 on 200mm That sould tell you something. Ford is just heaver and stronger than chevy. Like Jassman said If you want a safer more comfortable ride go with ford. Speed limit is still 70

FORD is 1 up
 

NICE...

I have 26k miles on my 08' and it is the best truck I have ever had....around town, towing or long hauls; I can't find anything I don't like.
I accept the mileage as a trade off for torque and power in an 8k lb. vehicle.

Jeff has got the experience with all 3 brands; he likes Ford...that says a lot!

John, both identicle, duallies.. Within 600. price diff. I have reverse sensers, back up camara, camper package, F450 front suspension and turning radius, and larger factory tires. With about 8-900 pounds including pulling the trailer, the Ford just does it better, safer at faster speeds and so on. Read here..Go down to SD..The truth about trucks....http://www.fordvehicles.com/thetruthabouttrucks/...The only thing the GM will do is get you there faster. It is a great truck geared more towards the med. duty, where's the Ford will always be in a little more control with a heavier load, Thats all. Also, only for 08, the Ford is now just slightly more comfy on the interior. GM use to be the leader in this dept. for years. Driving both pulling my boat and trailers for a week helped solidify my decision. Jeff

that don't mean sh1t

it doesn't mean anything with hub-centric wheels for sure