[quote]
Originally posted by: Mr45auto
Dollarbillz you're comparing a diesel to a gasser. My V10 Ford will slaughter a PSD(acceleration) in towing or empty, however I cant get the 14+mpg towing or 17+ empty. ]

You obviuosly have never had 10,000+ lbs behind your V-10, this is where the diesels shine. The diesels are more Expensive up front but hold their resale way better than a gas truck does. The solid axles under Ford/Dodge trucks are definately an advantage when you go to lift them, they are easier, cheaper, and hold together better than IFS.

 

I am biased towards the Ram obviously. But thats me. Whats good for me may not be good for you. So, what you should do is test drive every vehicle you are thinking of buying and pick which one you like best. That what I did. I was going to buy the Silverado w/ the 6.0L Vortech, but it just felt slow and like it didn't have enough grunt. The Ram felt better to me.

 

I would say the new dodge would be the way to go, they look way nicer done up, and the chevey headlamps for 04 are gross, taken form the 03 avalanche which ruined many years of great chevy's

 

IMPORTH8R
Check banks' website. www.getpower.com The acceleration numbers are a combined truck/trailer weight of 20,000lbs. Thats about a 13,000 lb trailer. The only place the diesel gets it is on the 7% grade and that's 52mph vs 49mph for the V10. Anyhow I'm not arguing the point as my next rig is a diesel as well, I'll agree it's the better choice to tow with. My V10 runs alot higer RPMs to keep that speed than the diesel and will result in shorter life for the gasser. They are very comparable motors when you look at the hard numbers. I've driven PSDs. Nice rigs but a gasser will always feel better for a run around rig.

 

You are so correct[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

Chevy could have put the tailgate in front and it would have looked better.

I want that GM/Chevy designers job!!!

Chet [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

My Ex Wife bought a new avalanche. Gawd those two er that truck is ugly. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Btw, she said her oil light comes on alot.... I told her not to worry much about that...

 

LOL [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I would recommend both trucks. But I love my Bow-Ties!! I would get either the Silverado 1500 Z-71 with either the 5.3L or 6.0L Vortec V8 or the BIG MAC Silverado 2500HD with either the 8.1L Big Block Vortec V8 or the 6.6L Duramax Diesel. Yea a solid front axle is probably going to be more durable, but the Silverado is going to have more ground clearance and be better in the mud. I would strongly recommend a 96-98 Chevy Silverado Z-71 with the 5.7L Vortec, they were great trucks, and had great looks.

 

For a Chev you have to get the 8.1 gasser. Although I personally would get a Ford Superduty with the Powersmoker diesel.... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Judging from your desire to lift the truck, here are my suggestions:

If you want a gm product, you need a 3/4 ton and the 6.0L v8.

If you buy the dodge, you need the Hemi.

Diesels would be great for either application. But remember that in the really sloppy stuff diesels really suck because of the vastly increased front end weight. I also believe that the new dodge trucks went to an ifs setup and ditched the solid front axle. I believe the solid front axle was only availible on the dodge rams with the 4x4 off road package. Those axles were excellent. Dana 60s i think.