My 06, Ford 4 door dually 4 x 4 is in the shop for warranty repairs. Looks like it may be there for a couple of months. 6.0 diesel has head gasket failure, and a few other things. I am glad that I shelled out the cash for the extended warranty. It will have paid for itself several times over.

The truck has about 85k miles on it, and I think I will sell it for a new truck before it hits 100k miles. I have been a Ford Man as was my father. I just can't see myself buying the new model diesel engine (6.4 liter). My dad has one, and has had alot of trouble, and gets terrible fuel milage.

I am leaning towards a Duramax diesel dually 4x4. The factory wheels just look too small for the fenders. Maybe it is just me. Might have to put a set of 22.5's ( Big rig) on it.

I am also looking at the Dodge trucks.

Without a brand war, what do you guys think? Does anyone on the board have a 09 Dodge or Chevy? If so, what is the experience? Fuel mileage? Comfort? I think all of the new models have the new emmisions packages on them that hurts performance and mileage.

I use my truck to work every day on a construction job, and tow the 382 on the weekends.

Just FYI, All new diesels get horrible fuel economy. Its all because of the new emissions systems on them. Also, those new 6.4s did have a lot of problems in the beginning, but, I know a lot people with them now, and not really any issues.

The 6.4 is so much quieter than the 6.0 that is worth the switch for that alone. I have a 2008 F450 and have about 14K miles on it. I haven't had a bit of trouble (although it's not many miles). I tow a 47 Fountain and it's great. I have a 4.88 rear and only get 12 mpg which suffers further if I don't stay below 70.

If I end up with another Ford, I am going to install a Gear Vendors aux trani on it. There is a camper/performance shop in Lafayette Louisiana that sells them.

It installs onto the transfer case, and the driveshaft has to be shortened. Gives you a gear in between each of the factory gears, and another on top. Drops rpm's on top end. Running at 85 will get you approx 70 mph mileage.

Costs about 4k, but with diesel so expensive, will pay for itself in about 60k miles. They are really made for towing, makes the trucks pull like a Mack.

Anyone else using one of these?

Ive had 7... 6.0 and 03 was the worst..My 05 has 212k on it as of now. I also have an 07 and 08 Duramax Dooley and an 08 6.4 dooley. All the 08's get terrible mileage. The Gm products get about 1/2 - 1 mpg better, but don't have the suspension nor the comfort for long hauls as the Fords do. Not bashing, just calling it like it is..and I have always prefered GM. Drive them all, THE SAME DAY...hook up you're boat and then make a decision what works for you. Good Luck. Jeff

There's a lot of truck info in this thread....

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/t...t-duramax.html

I am still thinking about selling my '05 Chevy CC Duramax 4x4 Dually (red with aftermarket rims)) and only 6K miles if interested.

Matt

I got an 08 GMC Duramax/Allision crew cab dually slt 4x4 last month.I love the truck I am getting 15-16 around town have not done a long highway run yet but should be over 20.
The only thing I changed is the factory hitch but you will do that with all of them all liked the Dodge, Ford has to many issues with the 6.4 I am a tool dealer so I see them apart every week in the dealerships.
I just liked the GMC better its loaded to the gills and was a killer deal I pulled my formula around today after I put the hitch on an It was like it was not even there

We have not seen many problems with the 6.4. My brother in law put 45,000 miles on a 08 with zero problems.

call me if you would like me to price a new Ford for you.

910-787-4101. Thanks, Mat

www.sandersford.com

I traded for an 08 with a 6.4 a couple of months ago and so far have had ZERO issues with it, more power than the 6.0, noticably quieter and for some reason the transmission seems to shift a little better.
If you need tires you might look to some taller ones before you spend the money on the Gearvendors setup,,on my 06 when I went from the 17's with 245/75r17 tires at 31 inches tall to the 265/70r19.15 Michelins at 34.5 tall I picked up 2mpg with no other changes.
My cousin has a Chevy with the Duramax,,after driving the Ford versus the Chevrolet, the Chevy rode and drove more like a passenger car than a truck, and I deal with a company that drives the Dodges with the Cummins, and they experience alot of transmission problems,,,and the Cummins is damn noisy.