Jump to content

Ford trucks or GMC trucks?


Black89Comanche
 Share

Recommended Posts

Jeep?

 

While anecdotal evidence doesn't mean much, I work for a federal government agency. We have lots of trucks kicking around. When buying trucks, we have to select options, and then it gets put to tender for the lowest bidder, which means you could pretty well end up with anything (unless you cheat the system and ask for something super specific like for example a half-ton with a diesel, or a 3/4 ton with three pedals, either resulting in getting a new Dodge). We only have a couple dodge trucks older than 5 years, maybe a half-dozen Fords older than ten years, but a couple dozen GM's more than 20 years old, including a couple low-usage ones (specifically a '76 one-ton tow truck and a '78 3-ton) that are almost 40. No Fords or Dodges over 20. But that doesn't really say much for new quality.

As far as new trucks go, I'm a pretty big fan of the drivetrains of the Dodge Ecodiesel half-tons we have, although the Chevy's win out in terms of climate control (the Dodge touch-screens suck) and user-friendliness. The only new Ford we got in the last couple years was an F150 EcoBoost, but it's a Law Enforcement truck so I've never driven it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As someone who works on them all the time, avoid any Ford with the 3V Triton engine. They are absolute crap. No power, timing chain issues, terrible head design, just a terrible engine.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As someone who works on them all the time, avoid any Ford with the 3V Triton engine. They are absolute crap. No power, timing chain issues, terrible head design, just a terrible engine.

Why do I see them on Craigslist all the time pushing 300k?!?! Isn't that the 04-09 f150s?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As someone who works on them all the time, avoid any Ford with the 3V Triton engine. They are absolute crap. No power, timing chain issues, terrible head design, just a terrible engine.

That's why I said 02-03 LOL I'm on my third 97-03 F150. Maintain these trucks right and they last a long time.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The only downside to the 2V Mod motor Pickups is trying to change those spark plugs.  I thought my Crown Vic was a pain, but toss in that cabover design on the rear of the motor and t goes from pain to hell.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2V spark plugs aren't bad, I changed mine a few months ago. I know the tricks now though for the rear cylinders, I could do it again in less time.

 

The 3V motors' plugs are the worst because they break upon removal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I still don't know what the OP wants.

 

But if it's Ford vs Chevy, I would absolutely buy a Chevy for the half ton market.  The 5.3 is bulletproof, and the chassis they put it in lasts a long time with only minor issues.  We have a whole fleet of them at work and they just keep going and going.  If you're looking at a 1-ton I would be torn, I love the Duramax and how the IFS rides, but I am not a fan of the 6L gas jobby, nor do I like the lack of prowess of the truck in off-road situations, and the cost to keep the IFS together is slightly more (mostly because you can't let it wear out until it falls apart, it becomes undriveable before then).  Also, the later diesels need to be be deleted and tuned, they just have too many issues with the DPF and associated junk otherwise.  I have zero faith in anything diesel with a blue oval on it, unless it's the 7.3L.  The newer Stuperduty trucks have an awesome chassis and axles though.  I know nothing about Ford gas engines because I've never had to deal with them, and I plan to keep it that way.

 

Ultimately, I would build a Fummins and put the cab from something that was actually cool on it.  Or drop a later Duramax/Allison in.

 

All above comments assume you want a 4wd truck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are mate. :yes:  My grandfather up in NH drove Hudson's and Nashes exclusively his whole life. The first vehicle I ever drove was his old 39 Hudson pickup. It was like a big El Camino, only uglier. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My 2001 Silverado 2500hd has 284,000 miles and is still going.  I am a big fan of the 6.0 motor.  I tow a 16' car trailer with my CJ7 on it.  I'm happy with its performance doing that. 

 

I bought the truck with some minor issues, fixed those.  It has given me a few issues since, a big one being a failed brake line (rusted) that led to a 180 degree spinout/emergency stop.  If I had been pulling a trailer at the time, it would not have been pretty.  Any used and/or high mileage vehicle will have its issues.

 

While I have a preference for Chevy, I am not a fanatic about it.  The question has already been asked, why do you  need a truck?  You need the right tool for the job.  If you are doing serious towing, you want a 3/4 or 1 ton.  A LOT of towing and a diesel might pay for its added up front cost.  If you just want to haul trash to the dump an old S10 or Ranger will do it for you (as will a Comanche, and you will look cool doing it).

 

As for Toyota, I've owned three of them, and they had their share of issues.  Their reputation of reliability may be true when new, but my three used ones (80, 85, 88) all had their share of problems.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Toyota comment was half joking. I know people with trucks of all make and model that are doing just fine at very high mileages. My own Ford ownership experience has been a disappointment (not a truck though) but I have no brand loyalty in the world of fullsize trucks. Look for good maintenance and no abuse before brand if you want a good truck IMO.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Had an '01 GMC Sierra 1500 extended cab that I put 330K miles on (target was 500K miles), never had the engine or transmission opened up (exception -water pump, if you count that as engine work). Got rear-ended and insurance company totaled it.

Replaced it with an '05 Chevy Silverado extended cab that I sold at 260K because of a bad case of truck fever. Again, neither engine or transmission opened up but did have the fuel pump replaced. Both were good trucks.

Then bought a '14 Ram 1500SLT quad cab with hemi and 8 speed auto transmission. Hands down, best driving and riding pick-up I've ever owned. 20-21 MPG highway (would be better if I kept it below 70 MPH) and really moves when you put your foot in it.

I think it also would be a good truck with either the V-6 or the diesel.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...