Im looking at buying a used 2500hd or possibly a f-250 i just wanted to see what everyone had to say about the two trucks. I would also like some input on the 6.0l, the 8.1l and also the duramax. I will occasionally be pulling a 10,000 pound trailer, but most of the time i will be unloaded. Thanks for the help and input. James

 

The 6.1 and 8.0 are great engines, but the duramax is as strong as the 8.1, but the fuel milage is much better.
As for the ford truck, there is one big problem with the modular engines, 4.6 and 5.4, and that is the chain guides for the timing chains go bad and need replacement as early as 75k. Also, the spring tentioners that the guides ride on go bad. And quite frankly ford engines have two many moving parts.
Ford modular engines have two cams and two timing chains, two guides and four spring tentioners. GM on the other hand only uses one timing chain for one cam and that is it. And the block is deeper and uses 4 and 6 bolt mains.
I myself would buy a duramax for power when you need it and fuel economy and longevity when you don"t, and the allison 1000 transmission gm hooks to it.
But if you decide to go with a ford diesel, the powerstroke is a great engine too. But no allison tranny backing it up.

Good luck with your decision

Bill

 

If I were you I would definately go with the HD. I have the 6.0 and my dad has the 8.1. They are both very strong engines, but I do have one complaint about the 6.0. It knocks like hell. Some jackass at GM decided he wanted to **** with the piston design, so naturally he ****ed it up so the 6.0 has piston slap. Doesn't hurt anything, but its just the fact that its there. Mine was barely noticeable after I ran 3 inch true duals with 2 Flowmaster 40's. The 8.1 is just an all around badass. With the Allison tranny its about like drivin a race car. There arent too many mustangs on the road that can touch it. Also you can make all the diesel boys squeel at the pulls. My dads stock 8.1 with the allison 5spd spanked some major *** at the truck pulls in the diesel vs. gas pulls. Diesels are fine and dandy for the guys that are always pullin something and for long distances, but when it comes to luggin, BIG BLOCK. Cant go wrong.
I really wouldnt advise buying a SuperDuty. Everyone of them that i have seen with even a small load on them, have had SQUAT written all over them. The leaf springs are ****. They dont even offer a decent sized V8. If you really want an engine under 350ci, buy a half ton. Its a better application. And dont let the single cam in the chevy bother you. Those overheads are nothin but trouble. If one of those timing belts slip even a little, your lookin at an upper end rebuild. So if you want a long lasting, hard working, and all around badass truck, buy the HD. Its more worth the money.