Lpfm1990 Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 Have some questions, and just curious to others “feelings” on the 6.6 gasser and the so called “Allison” (but it’s not) 10 speed trucks. How bad are the trans in these with the gassers? I see the diesels are having massive valve body issues, but is it really just in the diesels? And how are the motors really holding up? Any other issues? I’m wanting to go back to an HD class truck as I made a mistake in 2021 and bought a half ton and have hated my life since when pulling my trailers. And my truck keeps throwing no-comm issues with my ecm and now tcm that have damn near left me stuck and then cleared themselves on their own (6.2/10L80) and ontop of hearing and seeing all the 6.2’s chucking rods and my faith is all but gone in my truck with a whole 22000 miles on it, nicest truck I’ve ever owned and regret buying it at this point (I don’t daily the truck, drive too much for work to pile 30k a year on a truck here in the salt belt ontop of it) so debating between a LT trimmed 2500 in a trailboss or an F350 for the 7.3 and 10r140 trans (would say f250 but ford downgraded the 7.3 to the 10r100 this year in the f250). Now I know this being a gm forum, the Chevy will be god and the ford will be trash, so you can save that bashing lol but thoughts and insight on the Chevy would be appreciated. Also I don’t tow extremely heavy (my one trailer is around 7k fully loaded, and the other is similar but 30’ long) and my truck did fine power/pulling wise, but suspension was burried to the bump stops and had to get air bags to even be able to fold the trailer jack up, let alone the brakes are pretty much a sad joke in the hills on my 1500 (blue’d the rotors and had them smoking by the end of the cherohala pulling a utility trailer with one motorcycle on it after saving a friends bike when they wrecked out, yes I was manually downshifted far as the ecm/tcm would let it go and it wasn’t slowing the truck nearly enough at 35-45 mph)
rdonarski Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 I won't be a lot of help here since I have a 2020 with the 6 speed. I do want to say that this was my 1st 3/4 ton. I pull a skid steer that probably is close to 10K. I love the truck. With this truck, I control the trailer rather than the trailer controlling me.
rjgvt Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 No ford bashing. Ford, Ram or GM, get what you want.
sigmonster Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 I'm very pleased with mine. I pull a 5-6k lb boat and barely feel it. I also occasionally tow a 13k lb boat--I can feel it, but it does well up to 60 mph (any faster and I worry about stopping). I did get Timbren suspension stops for the rear. The truck has a great ride of a 2500. Driving 80 mph on the highway I get 15 mpg using ethanol free and 14 using regular.
64BAwagon Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 The 6.2 and 5.3are gone after the 2027 1500's start production. Presumably GM decided to cut their losses and start over.
KARNUT Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 I listen to a radio show called CarPro that airs on Saturday. They also publish an online magazine. The host was a large dealership owner. He’s been on the air for years. Seems to be very knowledgeable. When people asked about light towing. He pushes 1/2 tons being quite capable up to usually 12K when properly equipped. Especially for the occasional towing users. The empty ride quality and expense is usually the reason. My experience with 3/4-1 tons were different because I always had fuel tanks, toolboxes and equipment. Ride wasn’t a problem. Once I changed my duties I went to a half ton. More for high performance reasons and not needing a 3/4 ton truck.
lineman1234 Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 I did research on all brands, before buying my 2024 3500 gasser. It had, does have what i need, and doesnt have what i dont need, and got it. I have nothing bad to say about it at all.
Texas Gasser Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 Love my 2024 2500 LT gasser. The 10 speed trans keeps you in the power band of the engine and does pretty well on braking down a hill. I pull an 8k lb. travel trailer and get 7 to 9 mpg depending on the direction of the wind (unloaded I get between 16 to 18 mpg at 75 mph). I wanted the 2500 to pull this Grand Design 2670 MK trailer so that the tail was not wagging the dog. I do use a WDH to prevent significant swaying as this trailer is weight biased toward the rear. I did install Timbren bump stops but are not really needed since the WDH raises the rear end to make the truck level and put weight back on the front wheels. I tried pulling the trailer without the WHD and let's just say it was not fun. The independent front suspension is much appreciated on long trips as I am not constantly correcting the steering to stay in the center of the lane like you do with some solid axle front ends. The only changes I would make to my truck is to have included the Convenience II package which includes the sliding rear window. I miss that during cooler weather here in Texas. I also am disappointed that Chevy does not include a center arm rest on the rear fabric seats for the base LT. Hope this helps.
BuckWallace Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 I looked hard at both the GM 6.6 gas and the Ford 7.3. I don't really have anything bad to say about the Ford, but it came down to ride quality and the GM rides so much nicer with the IFS, in my opinion. It's still an HD truck so it's not going to feel like a half-ton, but it's not terrible. I've had my 2024 for almost two years now and haven't had any issues with the transmission. My towing situation is similar to yours and the truck does fantastic.
bruceb58 Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 37 minutes ago, BuckWallace said: I looked hard at both the GM 6.6 gas and the Ford 7.3. I don't really have anything bad to say about the Ford, but it came down to ride quality and the GM rides so much nicer with the IFS, in my opinion. It's still an HD truck so it's not going to feel like a half-ton, but it's not terrible. I've had my 2024 for almost two years now and haven't had any issues with the transmission. My towing situation is similar to yours and the truck does fantastic. Exactly why I picked the GM over the Ford was the IFS. In addition, at the time, Ford didn't allow you to have the trailer camera and the trailer TPMS in the same build. They have since corrected that I believe.
Ry Guy Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 (edited) I had a 2021 F350 before my current 2024 Silverado 2500. I like both, man. Both tow my 12k 5er just fine. Wish I could have one of each haha. No issues with the 6.6 gas or 10-speed, but I only have ~8,000 miles on mine. Had no issues with the 7.3/10-speed either after about ~15,000 miles. Observations for the Ford: - E-coated frame is nice in the rust belt - Aluminum body is realllllly nice in the rust belt - Fit and finish not as good as the GM (few annoying rattles, the plastic felt cheaper, the finish/coating on some of the plastic interior pieces was already wearing off) - Seats are softer (which has its pro's and con's) - Brakes are much more responsive - they bite a lot faster than the GM - The running boards felt flimsy and had a bit of flex - Camera quality is terrible - Annoying that you can't get leather or dual zone climate control without stepping up to a Lariat Observations for the GM: - The transmission is MUCH smoother. - The ride is nicer but it's not significantly nicer. Still rides like a heavy duty truck. - Fit and finish are great. The materials feel a bit nicer. - Seats are definitely firmer, but I find that it translates into better support making them less fatiguing than the Ford seats - The cameras are noticeably higher quality. - The multi-flex tailgate is awesome. Much better than the Ford tailgate step. - Dropping the trans pan sucks because of the exhaust y-pipe. - You really have to push on the brake pedal to engage the brakes. I have done the whole push the brake pedal to the floor and hold it to try and get the brakes more responsive. And it did help, but they still don't feel as responsive as the Ford. - The steering is very heavy. I drove the F350 one last time before I sold it and I was whipping the steering wheel around like crazy because of being used to the GM steering. This may have been because the F350 has electronic assist steering and my GM doesn't. - I already have rust on the frame in areas were the wax has been rubbed off from servicing. I will be getting it Krown coated yearly going forward. - The standard bed is slightly longer + the puck system sits slightly behind the rear axle, which provides for better 5th wheel maneuverability. - For me, the LT trim level is an excellent combination of the features I want without all the extras that I don't want. If you want to mod your truck, the Ford with FORScan is much friendlier of an ecosystem compared to GM's VIP system (which is by design). I added heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise easily through FORScan and some OEM parts. Not a chance you would ever be able to do that with the VIP system. Even with an MDI2 and SPS2 subscription, there is not much you can do outside of reprogramming modules to facilitate repairs. Edited March 31, 2025 by Ry Guy 1
Handy Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 I only have about 8,000 miles on my 2024 gas, but have not had any problems you are referring to. I love the 10-speed and consider it to be the best transmission I have had in 40 years of driving Chevy trucks. I also love the 6.6 gas engine. Driving 1-ton Duramaxes for the last 24 years, I consider the 2500HD to be a comfortable ride; it is all relative, I guess. I mostly drive empty, but also tow 6,000 to 10,000 pound trailers. Power and brakes have not been an issue. Fuel economy would be my only complaint, coming from a Duramax, but I don't tow as much as I used to so it is not a deal breaker for me. I have enjoyed the Duramaxes for their capabilities, but with all the complications and issues surrounding the fuel, injection pumps, emissions, and expense, I am happy to be driving a gas truck again. If my 2013 Duramax service truck destroys its fuel injection pump again, then I will replace it with a 6.6 gas/10-speed chassis in a heartbeat. I was just at my transmission shop recently and asked them about the reported valve body issues with the 10-speeds and they have not seen a single one of them, and they are a very busy shop going back 40 years. I went 150,000 miles on my 2005 Duramax without a problem other than routine maintenance. However, if you read forums like this on the internet, then you would think that the 2005 model had a problem with head gaskets. Not mine. My point is that there are often issues reported online that will not necessarily apply to you. My 2024 2500HD has not had any of the online reported issues and recalls either. It was interesting to read what Texas Gasser had to say about trailer sway. I tow a 27' toy hauler with an off-road car in it. The car's engine sits at the back because it cannot be backed in, creating a tail-heavy trailer. I towed this trailer with a WDH for 17 years with my 2005 K3500 Duramax and never had a trailer sway issue. With my 2024 2500HD 4x4 and the same WDH, I cannot tow that trailer over 55 mph without scary trailer sway. I used to cruise at 65mph, no problem. I have experimented with raising and lowering the ball, WDH tension, and tire pressures with little improvement. Currently, I am towing it without the WDH, and it seems a little better, but still a problem. With minimal tongue weight and an empty 2500HD, the WDH is not technically needed. My conclusion is that the circumstances are all identical except for the truck itself, so there is something different about the 2024 2500HD 4x4 gasser than the 2005 K3500 Duramax that creates trailer sway in a 9,000 pound tail heavy trailer that did not sway before. 1
BuckWallace Posted March 31, 2025 Posted March 31, 2025 17 minutes ago, Handy said: I was just at my transmission shop recently and asked them about the reported valve body issues with the 10-speeds and they have not seen a single one of them, and they are a very busy shop going back 40 years. I would guess that most trucks that could possibly have valve body issues are still under powertrain warranty, which might explain why private shops aren't seeing any (yet). 2
Lpfm1990 Posted March 31, 2025 Author Posted March 31, 2025 4 hours ago, Ry Guy said: I had a 2021 F350 before my current 2024 Silverado 2500. I like both, man. Both tow my 12k 5er just fine. Wish I could have one of each haha. No issues with the 6.6 gas or 10-speed, but I only have ~8,000 miles on mine. Had no issues with the 7.3/10-speed either after about ~15,000 miles. Observations for the Ford: - E-coated frame is nice in the rust belt - Aluminum body is realllllly nice in the rust belt - Fit and finish not as good as the GM (few annoying rattles, the plastic felt cheaper, the finish/coating on some of the plastic interior pieces was already wearing off) - Seats are softer (which has its pro's and con's) - Brakes are much more responsive - they bite a lot faster than the GM - The running boards felt flimsy and had a bit of flex - Camera quality is terrible - Annoying that you can't get leather or dual zone climate control without stepping up to a Lariat Observations for the GM: - The transmission is MUCH smoother. - The ride is nicer but it's not significantly nicer. Still rides like a heavy duty truck. - Fit and finish are great. The materials feel a bit nicer. - Seats are definitely firmer, but I find that it translates into better support making them less fatiguing than the Ford seats - The cameras are noticeably higher quality. - The multi-flex tailgate is awesome. Much better than the Ford tailgate step. - Dropping the trans pan sucks because of the exhaust y-pipe. - You really have to push on the brake pedal to engage the brakes. I have done the whole push the brake pedal to the floor and hold it to try and get the brakes more responsive. And it did help, but they still don't feel as responsive as the Ford. - The steering is very heavy. I drove the F350 one last time before I sold it and I was whipping the steering wheel around like crazy because of being used to the GM steering. This may have been because the F350 has electronic assist steering and my GM doesn't. - I already have rust on the frame in areas were the wax has been rubbed off from servicing. I will be getting it Krown coated yearly going forward. - The standard bed is slightly longer + the puck system sits slightly behind the rear axle, which provides for better 5th wheel maneuverability. - For me, the LT trim level is an excellent combination of the features I want without all the extras that I don't want. If you want to mod your truck, the Ford with FORScan is much friendlier of an ecosystem compared to GM's VIP system (which is by design). I added heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise easily through FORScan and some OEM parts. Not a chance you would ever be able to do that with the VIP system. Even with an MDI2 and SPS2 subscription, there is not much you can do outside of reprogramming modules to facilitate repairs. Appreciate the detailed reply! rust hasn’t been an issue on my 21, it’s been krown coated yearly since new, and I only bring the truck out in the winter to go snowmobiling or make it to work in a blizzard, and wash it the next possible chance to get the salt off everything, my calipers don’t even have any rust and the writing on the pads look like new still. And the frame doesn’t have a spot of rust either! the LT trail boss 2500 I’m looking at has the center console and heated seats and steering wheel, has the rear slider package and all (speaking of, has gm fixed it leaking? My 21 leaks now of course after the 3 year/36 is up ) ride im not super concerned over, my last truck was a 16 ram 3500 crew srw with the cummins and it didn’t bother me (regret selling that truck soooo much) the only stuff I’m “losing” on the 2500 is the sunroof, leather, Bose radio, and the standard tailgate
Lpfm1990 Posted March 31, 2025 Author Posted March 31, 2025 9 hours ago, KARNUT said: I listen to a radio show called CarPro that airs on Saturday. They also publish an online magazine. The host was a large dealership owner. He’s been on the air for years. Seems to be very knowledgeable. When people asked about light towing. He pushes 1/2 tons being quite capable up to usually 12K when properly equipped. Especially for the occasional towing users. The empty ride quality and expense is usually the reason. My experience with 3/4-1 tons were different because I always had fuel tanks, toolboxes and equipment. Ride wasn’t a problem. Once I changed my duties I went to a half ton. More for high performance reasons and not needing a 3/4 ton truck. Here’s my issue with half ton towing, power is no issue at all. I haven’t found myself going “man I wish I had more power” so I’m going to say, I’m fine in that… my issue is the otherside of the hill, I’m manually clicking the trans down low as it’ll go and it’s still not holding my trailer back at all and by the end of a mountain road my brakes are blue and smoking… and my trailer brakes are screaming hot also, the brake package on the half ton isn’t great for pulling (now I don’t do this everyday but one a year at most) and then the other issue, my trailer doesn’t completely bury my trucks suspension. But it’s bad enough, my dad’s snowmobile trailer is 30’ long and it kills my suspension to the point I had to buy airbags to replace the bump stops. Which works, but when pulling the trailers are telling my truck where it wants to go instead of me deciding where I’m going at times. And then the 24 gallon tank is beyond painful when clicking off 850 miles in a day on a trip pulling. That’s where I feel I need the 2500/3500 once again, I don’t daily the truck either, I have a Toyota I bomb around in and have winter tires for to keep the cheaper car in the trash weather and the truck out of it to keep the truck around and last 1
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now