Re: school me on the big 3 diesel trucks......
I love my '05 Dodge Cummins. I had Fords for years, but once I looked to replace my 7.3, the Cummins was the only one left that I'd own.(Diesel Mechanic for 22 yrs.) They all have their issues, but there is no aluminum engine that will hold up to the cyl. pressures, & heat in a diesel. As for the trans, the 48RE is good for stock power for the most part. I'm running @ 500 RWHP with my mods, & have a built trans in my truck. I'd love to have a couple extra gears, but so far I've never seen a 6 sp auto from anyone that will hold that kind of power. I've also never really needed another gear either. Low end torque in the 6cyl. will trump another gear. Also, if you are planning to do most of your own maintenance, you'll definitely want the Cummins. Just take a look @ the V-8's & try to get to anything under the hood.
I love my '05 Dodge Cummins. I had Fords for years, but once I looked to replace my 7.3, the Cummins was the only one left that I'd own.(Diesel Mechanic for 22 yrs.) They all have their issues, but there is no aluminum engine that will hold up to the cyl. pressures, & heat in a diesel. As for the trans, the 48RE is good for stock power for the most part. I'm running @ 500 RWHP with my mods, & have a built trans in my truck. I'd love to have a couple extra gears, but so far I've never seen a 6 sp auto from anyone that will hold that kind of power. I've also never really needed another gear either. Low end torque in the 6cyl. will trump another gear. Also, if you are planning to do most of your own maintenance, you'll definitely want the Cummins. Just take a look @ the V-8's & try to get to anything under the hood.