Community Forums

Jeff Giannina · 02-21-2010, 05:31 PM

I have a 2003 Dodge 2500 5.7L Hemi with 81,000 miles, that broke a valve spring and I need to replace/rebuild the motor. I am working on getting it running again and weighing my options, but my confidence in this truck is now gone.

I am starting to look at the 2010 Ford, GMC/Chevrolet trucks and I would love to please get your opinions on the best Gas Engine Models.

I want a 3/4 ton, 2WD, Crew cab. I tow an Arctic Fox 26J, 7000lbs.

I drove the F250 ford with a 5.4L V8 - motor seems underpowered for such a big truck. I read about lots of issues with the spark plugs blowing out of the motor and the plugs breaking off into the cylinder. The V10 seems to be a better motor for this truck. I would hope that the new 5.4L motors don't still have these problems? I don't know much about the V10?

GMC 2500 - Can't find a Gas SLE Crew cab to drive in my area. Inventories on HD Trucks are very low. 6.0L motor and even the 6.2L L92 motor seem very attractive to me.

womps · 02-21-2010, 05:54 PM

Ford is coming out with a 6.2 liter V8 this year that is replacing the 5.4. Not only will it have a lot more h.p. & torque, it is reported to have better fuel economy as well.

Frank P. Martin · 02-21-2010, 06:03 PM

I'm quite pleased with my 2009 GMC so far. Judging by your specifications, my truck would be pretty much what you're looking for except for the trim level (mine's a work truck, not SLE), engine (Duramax/Allison) and 4WD instead of 2WD.

My previous truck, a 1996 Ford F-250 XLT Super Cab with PowerStroke Diesel was 2WD. I found occasions when camping where a 4WD was really needed as some campgrounds can become variatable mud puddles in adverse weather. Once I even had to be pulled out.

Is there some reason you're leaning toward gas rather than diesel, besides the cost?

Jeff Giannina · 02-21-2010, 06:20 PM

In addition to cost, I prefer gas because most of my driving is short and local when not towing.

69RoadRunner · 02-22-2010, 06:22 AM

I'd still look at a used diesel in the same price range as the new gas models you're looking at.

jojolima · 02-22-2010, 06:23 AM

The V10 is an excellent motor, but there are very few in inventory. The new 6.2 is really the old 5.4 with more cubic in. and other changes. According to my Ford Factory sources, this will be a great engine.

The V10 spark plug issues are MOSTLY related to mechanics that do not follow Ford recommendations. This is NOT A JOB that should be done by someone that has not been Ford trained.

450Donn · 02-22-2010, 07:36 AM

Right now the only tow motor GM offers is the 6.0L. The 6.2L as I understand is derived from one of the Corvette motors and is not intended or rated for towing. Sadly yhe best option is the Ford V10, but be prepared to buy an oil well LOL.

wingnut60 · 02-22-2010, 09:54 PM

Trailer Life shows various configurations in the 1500 series from 6400lbs up to 10700lbs tow ratings. I don't see it listed in any of the 2500/3500 series.
Joe

SuperGewl · 02-24-2010, 11:52 PM

My Dodge Ram 3500 CTD is a daily driver ans I get better fuel mileage than the gassers. Also I don't buy fuel, I run 100% BioDiesel. The diesel engine will last longer and get much better fuel mileage towing than any gasser.
Go diesel you will not regret it.

two2go · 02-25-2010, 10:11 AM

So you broke a valve spring at 81k and have no confidence in Dodge now while 10's of thousands of others are going fine? I suppose no Chevy or Ford has ever had a problem then.
At any rate, my BIL has been towing 10 and 12k GVW 5th wheels for several years with his F250 5.4L.