01-20-2015, 09:49 AM
My vote is for what DJ recommended for me if I didn't go the Denali route - a GMC 2500 with the 6.0L gas motor. Cheaper to buy, cheaper to fuel (right now) and you won't be doing long-haul towing with it, which is really where the diesel shines anyway.
The GM 6.6/Allisons are highly sought-after because there are only two years, IIRC, where you could get that motor, that transmission, and no emissions equipment tacked on. I think 2005 and 2006 are your only real options there.
GM 5.3's are solid but the transmission (4L60-E) is apparently weaker than what the 6.0L Denalis/Escalades got (4L-65E). The 2500HD gassers got the 4L80-E which is stronger still.
The GM 6.6/Allisons are highly sought-after because there are only two years, IIRC, where you could get that motor, that transmission, and no emissions equipment tacked on. I think 2005 and 2006 are your only real options there.
GM 5.3's are solid but the transmission (4L60-E) is apparently weaker than what the 6.0L Denalis/Escalades got (4L-65E). The 2500HD gassers got the 4L80-E which is stronger still.
Now:
'16 Ram 1500 | '97 BMW M3 | Some Press Loan
Then:
87 BMW 325e | 91 BMW 535i | 96 BMW 328i | 95 BMW 325i | 95 Mazda Miata | 13 Focus ST | 09 BMW 128i | 00 Pontiac Firebird | 05 Yukon Denali | 96 BMW 328iC | 11 Ford F-150 | 06 BMW M3 | 10 Range Rover SC | '03 Ford Ranger | '18 Ford F-150 | '01 BMW X5 | '98 Volvo S70 T5M
'16 Ram 1500 | '97 BMW M3 | Some Press Loan
Then:
87 BMW 325e | 91 BMW 535i | 96 BMW 328i | 95 BMW 325i | 95 Mazda Miata | 13 Focus ST | 09 BMW 128i | 00 Pontiac Firebird | 05 Yukon Denali | 96 BMW 328iC | 11 Ford F-150 | 06 BMW M3 | 10 Range Rover SC | '03 Ford Ranger | '18 Ford F-150 | '01 BMW X5 | '98 Volvo S70 T5M