Dodge vs Chevy

[8-Ball]

I know, I have opened up a serious can of worms. But I am in the market for a used (dont want to pay for new) 4x4 to pull boat, etc. I dont care much for fords and have narrowed my choice down to a 4x4 chev ext cab or a ram 1500 4x4 ext cab. I am looking for under 50,000 miles, too. Those that have either truck, could you please chime in and list your likes/dislikes for said vehicles? Oh, and if i get the ram, it will be the hemi engine. and the 5.3 litre if I get the chev. I dont think its smart to underpower a vehicle, especially when hauling toys. One last note- the model years of 05-08 for both is what I am looking at. Air-jer and other mechanics, please feel free to join in on your thoughts of these trucks mechanically speaking. Thanks! 8-Ball.

[Scott K]

If you are set on those 2 options, I would go with the Chevy.

[8-Ball]

Scott- you recommended Chevy.. Curious as to why? Others please chime in.

[rustysetter]

8-Ball, for what it's worth I have an 08 GMC 1500 ext cab 5.3 with 121,000 miles and the only repair or replacement is a set of rear brake pads.

[Esox_Magnum]

I have never considered anything other than a GMC or Chevy, can't comment much on a Dodge only know 1 guy with one....My current trucks a 01 GMC, 119K and no issues yet...plan on keeping it another 100K since it's paid for....

[Scott K]

In the era you listed, I see less problems with the GM trucks, compared to the Dodge in the half tons. Now if you wanted diesel in the era, I would tell you Dodge. If you wanted newer I would tell you Ford. Airjer will recommend Toyota's, I dont see enough of them to form an opinion, so I cant add in there best years.

[jmd1]

I have an 04 3/4 4x4 hemi engine. It has 103K miles on it and was used as a daily driver and pulling my quads, hunting, fishing and what ever else could be done with it. Never had any issues, and if i had anything done to it, all done by dealer under warranty.

[Esox_Magnum]

Something that opened my eyes a few months ago while looking for a mirror for my GMC... There was 1 GM newer than a 2000 in the junkyard, Ford and Dodge had several rows...

[8-Ball]

4- what specifically were the issues w/the Dodge trucks (other than diesel)..? So far, it sounds like chevy/gmc which is basically the same truck. Airjer-care to chime in? Thanks for responses guys. Keep 'em coming!

[Scott K]

Mostly suspension work, and blend doors breaking, poor millage .

[8-Ball]

ttt

[8-Ball]

Anyone else care to chime in please? I need more info..

[Bryce]

GM loyalist here so won't try and sway you that way but will advise you to go for a crew cab vs the extended cab in whatever route you choose. Everyone I know that has went that way claims to never go with anything less than 4 seperate doors.

[c0untryf1sh3r]

Go with GM, you wont be disappointed. If you can find a deal on a heavy half (1500HD) quad cab jump on it. Having four full doors is much better than having an extended cab. Plus with the 6.0L you'll have plenty of power to pull the boat, camper, etc.

P.S. Cant remember if they still offered Quadrasteer in '05, or if they still do today, but it sure comes in handy when backing a trailer into a tight spot.

[Esox_Magnum]

Remember though with a quad cab most often you only get a 6' box, thats a big reason I stick to the ext cab...besides only me and 1 other in my truck so can easily get along with the ext cab but still have the 4 doors...

[Bryce]

I would advise against the 6.0 unless you really enjoy gas stations. I put on quite a few miles pulling a 7000 pound fish house. Went from an '01 2500 to an '11 1500. Added a set of Timbrens to the rear to decrease the squat and the new one outperforms the old noticably both handling and even more so mileage wise.

New models are even shorter than 6' in the crew cab configuration if box size matters to you. I'll unhappily take that tradeoff. I do have a company truck with the 4 door set up on the extended cab so have frequent chance to compare the two. Hope next company truck comes with 4 full doors even though 95+% of the time it's just me in the truck.

[8-Ball]

Well it seems just about everyone I talk to, and from these posts, feels that Chev/GMC is a better option than Dodge. I appreciate the comments and input. Im still comparing/investigating which way Im going to go here but will post update when I make a decision.. If anyone else cares to join in the comments feel free to do so! Thanks, 8-ball

[Dave S]

although it's a year older than your time frame, I used to have a '04 Ram Quad Cab. Tons of power, smooth running engine and as some have mentioned, go for something with the pillar between the front and rear doors. The Ram averaged 17 MPG overall.

I also had a '08 Silverado with the 5.3. Great truck, loved the ride, loved the handling. Thing I didn't like was the leaking oil issue in model years '07-'09 and was supposedly fixed by the 2010 model year. Mine went through 4 quarts of oil in 2k miles before I got rid of it. The truck had 75K miles on it. Average MPG towards the end was also about 17 MPG.

[8-Ball]

Thx for the info Lep...

[raymondk]

all gm products at a 150,000 are money pits !!1111

[randerson]

I have had a 03 06 10 Rams and been very happy with them they all had there problems 03 brakes and bad milage 06 was cummins and got the front end shakes at 70k 2010 been great truck have 29k on it and the milage is much better average is 16-18mpg the 10 has mds cylinder deactivation which works pretty good compared to the gm version. I work on all trucks and I noticed that the GM are built the cheapest any of the new 07 and newer have leaking issues where the carpet pad will be soaked for what ever reason, the boxes are built like swiss cheese and have a ton of holes in them to make lighter which produces dust and moisture problems if you put any type of cover on. Another plus for the ram it has 4 real doors and a 6'3" bed in the model years you asked where the gm will be suicide doors and a 6'6" box or crew cab and 5'8" bed in the half tons.

[CaptainMusky]

I just got rid of my gmc sierra ext cab and replaced with a new denali. That sierra was the best truck I ever owned and I drive a ton. I sold it with 267,000 miles on it. It still got up to 18 mpg, 13 pulling my 19' boat. Only things I had to do to it were maintenance items with the exception of a fuel pump at 245,000 miles.

I just outgrew it with my 3 boys and needed something bigger. Decided against a crew cab because the box is useless IMO so I would have to haul a trailer for my ATV anyway so I went with the big dog Yukon Denali.

I havent personally owned a Ram in this vintage, but I have heard many issues with front suspension. My nod goes to GMC because I think they are pertier than Chevy. :-)

[8-Ball]

Thanks Captain.. I still have not pulled the trigger so I appreciate the info. 8-Ball

[8-Ball]

Thanks I appreciate the info. I wonder what the deal is w/the front ends on the Rams? Any ideas?

[PurpleFloyd]

I was a GM guy growing up and come from a GM family. Bought a Ford 150 in the 90's and it was the worst truck i ever had. When it was time to replace it I looked openly at Ford, GM and Dodge and went with a Ram 1500. That truck served me well for a decade plus with no more problems than my relatives that drive Ford and Chevy. The truck had plenty of power and was great off road. I have a 2008 Ram 2500 with a CTD now and I love it. Tons of power and torque, great mileage and it has been reliable.

All 3 trucks have good and bad points that can be nit picked and they will al do the job. There are differences in that some seem to be built to feel more like a car and others more like a truck and they all ride and handle different. I would suggest going and driving all of the brands including Ford and picking the one that best suits you individual driving style and needs. Every manufacturer puts out a lemon once in a while and they also put together some that will last for a long time reliably. To me it is more important to get one that feels the best when you drive it.