Shopping for a 1ton, couple questions.

GunR · February 22, 2007

A somewhat local dealer has an '03 3500, 8.1L automatic. The truck is pretty close to what I'm looking for. They couldn't tell me if it had the Allison transmission over the phone. I'd like to know before I cruise out there. Is there a way to tell by looking at the VIN, or any way to tell by looking at the truck itself, either on a sticker, or looking at the underside of the trans? Also, what are the stock power ratings for the Big block, and what is a common lifespan of the big gasser?

cmadz71 · February 22, 2007

If they say it is an automatic transmission, I would bet it is the Allison. I think when they first introduced the 8.1L (I believe in 01), you could get it coupled with the 4L80E but anymore it is only the Allison or 6 spd manual. I've heard also that they are doing away with the 6 spd manual.

mini1 · February 22, 2007

You really want a Duramax engine in a 1 ton if you can find one you like. They extra power is really helpful.

GunR · February 22, 2007

You really want a Duramax engine in a 1 ton if you can find one you like. They extra power is really helpful.

The Duramax is a great motor, but I'm loyal to Cummins for my Diesel engine needs. I'm just looking for a 1ton for payload purposes (dump bed), and something to throw a big salt spreader on. Diesel pumps are much fewer and far between around me than regular petrol so when I'm out working or plowing its nice to be able to stop anywhere.

mini1 · February 22, 2007

You really want a Duramax engine in a 1 ton if you can find one you like. They extra power is really helpful.

The Duramax is a great motor, but I'm loyal to Cummins for my Diesel engine needs. I'm just looking for a 1ton for payload purposes (dump bed), and something to throw a big salt spreader on. Diesel pumps are much fewer and far between around me than regular petrol so when I'm out working or plowing its nice to be able to stop anywhere.

OK, so you are a Dodge guy. There lies the problem. Have you ever owned a Duramax? It is far better and 10x quieter then a Cummins. If you are hauling lots of stuff in a dump bed then there is no question that you need a Duramax. BTW, has the clear coat started to peel/paint fade on your Dodge 2500 yet?

GunR · February 22, 2007

You really want a Duramax engine in a 1 ton if you can find one you like. They extra power is really helpful.

The Duramax is a great motor, but I'm loyal to Cummins for my Diesel engine needs. I'm just looking for a 1ton for payload purposes (dump bed), and something to throw a big salt spreader on. Diesel pumps are much fewer and far between around me than regular petrol so when I'm out working or plowing its nice to be able to stop anywhere.

OK, so you are a Dodge guy. There lies the problem. Have you ever owned a Duramax? It is far better and 10x quieter then a Cummins. If you are hauling lots of stuff in a dump bed then there is no question that you need a Duramax. BTW, has the clear coat started to peel/paint fade on your Dodge 2500 yet?

You're not going to convert me on the diesel matter so don't bother. When a stock bottom end Duramax can make over 1000hp, and or run for 1,000,000 miles then you can try to convince me again. The DMax is a hell of a light duty motor, but just not my bag. The big reason I'm looking at the Chevy for my work trucks is the price in this area is substantially cheaper for the bowties than for the Dodge's or Ford's here. I also haven't seen an issue with the clear coat on the Rams since the mid '90's FWIW. Nice attempt at a jab though.

Let's not forget my other incentive for going with the gas motor. Price!! This is not a vehicle that will get a ton of miles put on it, or be towing, hauling anything for long distances. The extra cost wouldn't be justified.

s-ten · February 22, 2007

The transmission on an '03 would either be a 5-speed Allison auto or a 6-speed manual, so if the dealer says auto then it would be an Allison. The power ratings are 330 hp @ 4200 rpm, and 450 ft-lb @ 3200. The big blocks are generally a really good reliable engine in my experiance. Good Luck.

GeoHawk · February 22, 2007

A somewhat local dealer has an '03 3500, 8.1L automatic. The truck is pretty close to what I'm looking for. They couldn't tell me if it had the Allison transmission over the phone. I'd like to know before I cruise out there. Is there a way to tell by looking at the VIN, or any way to tell by looking at the truck itself, either on a sticker, or looking at the underside of the trans? Also, what are the stock power ratings for the Big block, and what is a common lifespan of the big gasser?

If you have the VIN I can pull up the build sheet and tell you exactly what is on it.

Trouttrooper · February 22, 2007

8.1 in a pickup only had the Alllison for an auto. Only in the suburban did it get mated to a 4L80E.

I believe that year did not have the ability to manually select out of overdrive. That would be the only downside, I think there are aftermarket options to alleviate the problem.

GunR · February 22, 2007

A somewhat local dealer has an '03 3500, 8.1L automatic. The truck is pretty close to what I'm looking for. They couldn't tell me if it had the Allison transmission over the phone. I'd like to know before I cruise out there. Is there a way to tell by looking at the VIN, or any way to tell by looking at the truck itself, either on a sticker, or looking at the underside of the trans? Also, what are the stock power ratings for the Big block, and what is a common lifespan of the big gasser?

If you have the VIN I can pull up the build sheet and tell you exactly what is on it.

1GCJK34G93E125836

There's the VIN,

Thank you sir.

k3500 · February 23, 2007

The 03 does have the OD lockout feature and I believe the horsepower is 340 - it changed in 2004 to 330 - not that 10 hp is going to make any difference. The trans is an Allison 5 speed. The engine is designed for 200k + miles - tho I don't have experience with higher mileage BB - my 03 has 20k on it - barely broken in.

mini1 · February 23, 2007

You're not going to convert me on the diesel matter so don't bother. When a stock bottom end Duramax can make over 1000hp, and or run for 1,000,000 miles then you can try to convince me again. The DMax is a hell of a light duty motor, but just not my bag. The big reason I'm looking at the Chevy for my work trucks is the price in this area is substantially cheaper for the bowties than for the Dodge's or Ford's here. I also haven't seen an issue with the clear coat on the Rams since the mid '90's FWIW. Nice attempt at a jab though.

I'd really like to see a Dodge that has 1 million miles on it. I couldn't even begin to imagine what the paint looks like!!!!!

I take it your 2500 has 1000hp?

GeoHawk · February 23, 2007

A somewhat local dealer has an '03 3500, 8.1L automatic. The truck is pretty close to what I'm looking for. They couldn't tell me if it had the Allison transmission over the phone. I'd like to know before I cruise out there. Is there a way to tell by looking at the VIN, or any way to tell by looking at the truck itself, either on a sticker, or looking at the underside of the trans? Also, what are the stock power ratings for the Big block, and what is a common lifespan of the big gasser?

If you have the VIN I can pull up the build sheet and tell you exactly what is on it.

1GCJK34G93E125836

There's the VIN,

Thank you sir.

PM sent to you. The 8.1L should have around 330 hp / 455 ft/lb. The 8.1 is a pretty low stressed engine. 200K+ miles should be no problem for them.

GunR · February 23, 2007

A somewhat local dealer has an '03 3500, 8.1L automatic. The truck is pretty close to what I'm looking for. They couldn't tell me if it had the Allison transmission over the phone. I'd like to know before I cruise out there. Is there a way to tell by looking at the VIN, or any way to tell by looking at the truck itself, either on a sticker, or looking at the underside of the trans? Also, what are the stock power ratings for the Big block, and what is a common lifespan of the big gasser?

If you have the VIN I can pull up the build sheet and tell you exactly what is on it.

1GCJK34G93E125836

There's the VIN,

Thank you sir.

PM sent to you. The 8.1L should have around 330 hp / 455 ft/lb. The 8.1 is a pretty low stressed engine. 200K+ miles should be no problem for them.

Thanks man.