Best drivetrain of the big 3?

[p nut]

Which engine/transmission configuration would you say is the most reliable of the big 3 trucks? Looking at the possibility of picking up a 1/2 ton. Not doing much towing, except maybe a 3,800lb trailer every now and then. Won't be modified much. 33's at the most, but would probably stick with the stock 32" size tires. Minimal lift, if at all. 4WD a must. And would rather have an auto for the missus. MPG isn't a huge concern, as it'll be a third vehicle.

Looking at a F150 V6 (not ecoboost). Dodge V6 seems to put out good numbers as well.

 

[legendaryandrew]

In 1/2 ton, IMHO GM. Best engine/trans combo. All will be ifs so the front end design isn't a huge factor (ifs vs solid axle).

 

[p nut]

Can you list the specific engine/trans combo you're referring to?

 

[Ducky's Dad]

MPG isn't a huge concern, as it'll be a third vehicle.

The actual advantage of a V6 in a truck is seldom realized if you use the truck to haul things. Most real world reports favor a small V8 over a V6. My 2005 Dodge 2500 with the 5.7 Hemi and auto trans is the best truck I have ever owned, only drivetrain issue has been a warped exhaust manifold, and gas mileage sucks. The second gen Tundras are pretty reliable, but they are also pretty thirsty with the 5.7. The older Tundras (the 7/8 scale version) were one of the most reliable trucks ever sold here, but that is reflected in the price for used ones. If you are buying new, take a look at the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. Plenty of truck for just about any normal use and getting great reviews. I'd stay away from anything GM, unless you get a screaming deal on it (mine is for sale but it's beat). Ford is OK, lots of them around and lots of aftermarket support. My choice would be Dodge first, Toyota second, Ford third. If buying used, forget about the brand and just buy the best truck you can find at your price with the equipment you want.

 

[legendaryandrew]

I actually didn't notice that you didn't list a price or year range. Old used, I'd say 2001-2006 GM, 5.3/4L60E is one of the best truck engine and trans combos, gets high teens in mpg, dead reliable, parts are cheap and everywhere. If you're looking for new, I'd go F150 with EcoBoost, just take the claimed mpg with a grain of salt, most people I know with the truck average more like 15-16mpg mixed.

 

[p nut]

Sorry, I am looking at something new to relatively new. So few years old and maybe 50k miles at the most.

Thanks for the inputs above.

 

[2025 deleted member]

The GM has to be by far IMO, the best as far as a complete all-around package. The ecoboost is a ford mechanics dream when the warranty is up. The ram is not bad, but it still will not be as reliable as the GM.

 

[kylekai]

I just ordered a 2016 RAM 1500 ecodiesel 4x4 crew cab long bed (6'4"). It's the Outdoorsman, made more for off-roading. I got the 4-corner air suspension which keeps the truck level, and can raise it 2" for off-road use. Fuel economy is tops in its class. I plan to tow an RPOD trailer with it, dry about 3,000 lbs. Only possible issue is the air suspension requires 20" inch wheels, but they're almost 33", so not complaining. Got it at $1,000 below dealer invoice. Sounds like the truck you want!

 

[I Leak Oil]

Drive train in a 1/2 ton? GM hands down IMO. You can debate the rest of the truck vs. another brand but in my experience GM tends to be more trouble free than the other two.

 

[kylekai]

My 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with 54,000 miles has now been in the shop for two weeks for warranty issues: emission controls and bad oil pump. Before that it was in the shop for two weeks because of more warranty work: low fuel pressure, and the dealer had to replace the entire fuel line. Less than 50,000 miles and I had to have the tie rod replaced. I could go on, but you get the idea. I will be glad to part with my GM.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

Sounds like the truck you want!

That's pretty much the truck I would want if I were in the market for a new half-ton.

The ram is not bad, but it still will not be as reliable as the GM.

I currently own one Ram (3/4 ton), one Tundra, and three GMs (all half-tons), everything gas and 4WD. The Ram is by far the best of the bunch. Two of the GMs have grenaded their rear pumpkins, and they are nickel-and-dime money pits. The GMs have lots of A/C problems, the brakes are often crappy. Interior trim is pretty cheap. Four of the five are 5.7s, with one a 6.0. The GMs get the best gas mileage, but not by much.

 

[herm]

I am a gm fan for the 1/2 ton trucks. My 09 has a few small issues, but overall i am happy with it. it did sit for a while while i was over seas and that is the root of most of the problems i encounter.

 

[2025 deleted member]

My 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with 54,000 miles has now been in the shop for two weeks for warranty issues: emission controls and bad oil pump. Before that it was in the shop for two weeks because of more warranty work: low fuel pressure, and the dealer had to replace the entire fuel line. Less than 50,000 miles and I had to have the tie rod replaced. I could go on, but you get the idea. I will be glad to part with my GM.

I wish you luck, but I cant ever imagine a ecodiesel being as reliable as a gm 3/4 ton.

 

[fireball]

Why are you not considering the Ford Ecoboost? I am looking at the 2015 F150s for a work truck and although have only test drove one around the block once, my reading on the 2.7 and 3.5 Ecoboost seems very favorable.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

I cant ever imagine a ecodiesel being as reliable as a gm 3/4 ton.

But OP wants a 1/2-ton, and GM does not make a 1/2-ton diesel. I have owned four GM 1/2-tons, and never will buy another one. There are only two things GM makes that I would even consider: Corvette and Cadillac CTS-V.