6.6L gas or Duramax for upcoming purchase?

[Viking Truck]

Another factor in my choosing gas over diesel was the stupid long wait times to get my last truck (2014 F250 6.7 diesel) in for service. Apparently diesel techs are like Gold and dealerships only have one basically. Also the auto mechanic field is basically dying so I decided this go around I’m going back to the basics.

In the past 20 years the absolutely only times any of my vehicles have been to the dealer was for warranty or recall work.

 

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[yzf1999]

I did my own fuel filter changes, but took it to the dealer for everything else.

 

[Whaler27]

Another factor in my choosing gas over diesel was the stupid long wait times to get my last truck (2014 F250 6.7 diesel) in for service. Apparently diesel techs are like Gold and dealerships only have one basically. Also the auto mechanic field is basically dying so I decided this go around I’m going back to the basics.

I’d love to go back to the basics. Unfortunately, almost every engine/system that goes into new trucks is hopelessly complicated, which is discouraging, because it increases the number of operations requiring special diagnostic tools.

In my part of the country we seem to have plenty of “technicians” but almost no mechanics — the guys who really understand how it all works, approach work with common sense, and can build an engine/transmission/truck from scratch.

I had our local dealership install the winch on my truck, because the job looked like a big pain in the ass. I made the appointment a few weeks in advance and it took them two full days to get it done. During the installation they broke the retaining clip for one of the sensors in the front bumper. I noticed it when I washed the truck, because the sensors are supposed to be flush, and one of them was countersunk half in inch, so I made an appointment to repair it. Once again, they had the truck a full day and declared it repaired but, as near as I can tell, they did nothing at all. The sensor looked exactly like it did when I dropped the truck off nine hours earlier, so I went back inside and got the service writer. When he saw the sensor he was obviously embarrassed. He said somebody would get back to me. The service manager called me that evening and apologized profusely. Now we’ve been waiting on the parts for two weeks.

 

[Jbird]

Hello all, I am looking hard at a new 2500 as they are by far the baddest trucks on the planet. Do I need a 3/4 ton? No. Do I want one, hell yes. So, in saying that, I don't tow anything, and my hauling is a typical trip to Lowe's or Home Depot, and maybe helping out my Italian wife's crazy family with stuff haha. Therefore, since my daily drive to work is 20 minutes highway each way, is that enough to work the Duramax and keep things like the DPF happy? Or is the obvious choice the gasser? I am an old military guy and have always had a love for diesels since I drove many variants in the Army. Therefore, the smell, sound, and now HP and Torque is intoxicating. Btw, neither variant will fit into my garage and will be parked in my driveway. So, the upstate winters come into place as well? I haven't owned a diesel in a long time, so please educate me on what I would be looking at under my operating conditions. Thanks all!

I’m 4 mos and 12k miles in on my AT4X AEV Duramax. It did have a seemingly random DPF sensor issue about 3k in and fingers crossed it does not happen again.. this was after a good deal of idling and I do idle a lot while on job sites but generally have longer drives interspersed. Some other members may know more, but I believe the regen only cycles if driving above 45 mph for 45 minutes so I would be a tad worried with your driving/idling and not triggering the regen. I do not regularly tow heavy loads but I receive a monthly truck stipend through work, and will likely turn this truck in in 1-2 years and I wanted something that held its value so I went as expensive as possible lol. Best of luck, and let us know what you decide!

 

[24Titanium3500]

This is why I went gas again. My work is all local to my home. I drive to 3-4 jobs a day, back and forth to suppliers, then home. These are all 10-15 mile trips and mostly rural/city driving at 45 or under. I tow/haul heavy often, but I'd be clogging that baby up!

 

[R467X]

If you want one, get the diesel. You won't regret it. And you might find yourself getting something to tow after you buy one.

With that being said, take the time to educate yourself on everything diesel. Never use cheap oil. I personally recommend amsoil. Change your oil every 3-5k tops or 6 months. Keep an eye on your MAP sensor or get a banks spacer to keep it clean. Causes lots of emission issues. I'll attach a picture of mine after 1200 miles.

Always use a fuel additive and consider a better filtration system like the VSE.

Familiarize yourself with the green new deal running in your truck. Short trips will of course cause shorter distance between regens. Never turn off your truck during a Regen and make sure you're driving the entire time. Get a banks gauge or the CTS edge to keep an eye as your truck won't tell you when a Regen is happening.

 

[yzf1999]

Actually I’m from the other side of the fence..if you don’t NEED a diesel (as in towing all the time) then get the 6.6 gas with the 10 speed…it’s rated to tow heavy and you will never have to worry about all the diesel headaches.

 

[R467X]

Actually I’m from the other side of the fence..if you don’t NEED a diesel (as in towing all the time) then get the 6.6 gas with the 10 speed…it’s rated to tow heavy and you will never have to worry about all the diesel headaches.

The financially wise decision for all of us diesel owners would have been to follow your advise. I'll be the first to raise my hand and say my 24HD may never be used to its full capability nor would it ever make me a dollar as it's a very expensive toy.

In my case - I always wanted a diesel. Was it a poor financial decision in the end of the day? Absolutely. Do I regret it? No. Especially because mine is paid off.

 

[yzf1999]

My last truck was a new ford Diesel f250…I deleted the emissions stuff and never had a problem at all…now it’s almost impossible to get people to do delete, so that’s why I’m saying go with the gas unless you are constantly towing. Emissions is the problem not the diesel motor itself.

 

[R467X]

My last truck was a new ford Diesel f250…I deleted the emissions stuff and never had a problem at all…now it’s almost impossible to get people to do delete, so that’s why I’m saying go with the gas unless you are constantly towing. Emissions is the problem not the diesel motor itself.

For sure. Gotta do things yourself nowadays!

 

[Viking Truck]

If you want one, get the diesel. You won't regret it. And you might find yourself getting something to tow after you buy one.

With that being said, take the time to educate yourself on everything diesel. Never use cheap oil. I personally recommend amsoil. Change your oil every 3-5k tops or 6 months. Keep an eye on your MAP sensor or get a banks spacer to keep it clean. Causes lots of emission issues. I'll attach a picture of mine after 1200 miles.

Always use a fuel additive and consider a better filtration system like the VSE.

Familiarize yourself with the green new deal running in your truck. Short trips will of course cause shorter distance between regens. Never turn off your truck during a Regen and make sure you're driving the entire time. Get a banks gauge or the CTS edge to keep an eye as your truck won't tell you when a Regen is happening.

Wow, you confirmed my decision to get a gas 6.6. I never doubted my decision anyway but thats all a real pain in the ass.

 

[R467X]

Wow, you confirmed my decision to get a gas 6.6. I never doubted my decision anyway but thats all a real pain in the ass.

I respect that. I would've gone gas if I didn't want to make a dream come true. Very important to know what you're getting yourself into. I spent months looking at information and watching videos online. Getty adventures, daves auto center etc etc.

With the power of gas trucks nowadays, no one truly needs a diesel unless you're hauling 5th wheel super heavy. The gas would do just fine for just about anyone. But if you just gotta have one and money isn't an issue then diesel all day.

I also spent the better part of the year buying up tools, diagnostics etc etc and have a back-up vehicle so I am well prepared to replace and do my own work. Some stuff I can't obviously do but majority of it I absolutely can especially if there's a good instructional video online.

 

[pigpen23]

Also the front doors. You can't slap on a set of HD tow mirrors on a 1500.

My 1/2 ton has the same tow mirrors as my HD. Only difference is my 1/2 ton mirrors aren't power extend.

 

[gemarsh]

My 1/2 ton has the same tow mirrors as my HD. Only difference is my 1/2 ton mirrors aren't power extend.

Yes, you are correct, the mirrors are the same.

I should have been more precise. The mount that attaches to the door has a different design between the LD and HD's. You cannot put a complete mirror from a HD onto a LD and vise versa.

 

[3BattRanger]

I agree with you. If Im reading all this correctly OP doesn’t have the facilities or possibly the need to have the maintenance for all the diesel luxuries. But wants a 2500/3500 for its looks power etc. I live in rural MT and have no need for those things either but love the 2500 trucks plus power etc. A 6.6 gas is just a better fit IMO for lower maintenance and he still gets his awesome truck. What is called a “mall crawler” by some. A truck purchased by people who only use it to go to the mall/transport/show off/little dick syndrome etc. I had one and loved it. My petite wife hated it. Said I was having a midlife crises etc. I personally loved it for the power, the beast was amazing. Anyway, it’s my interpretation of what I have read.

Final thoughts. A Diesel will almost last forever and as mentioned resale is always higher.

The whole mall crawler/small d@&k narrative is ridiculous. Went from a 22 AT4 Duramax to a 24 AT4x gasser. Love the gas engine and it fits my needs. Hauls the the quads and motorcycles with ease, goes anywhere on our family farm with ease, and the ride on the highway is smooth and one can see everything. Small d&$s are the ones that run around calling everyone else the small d&$k owners and 100% positive there aren’t many, if any of the self proclaimed ‘big d@$k’ crowd that would head to Ft Benning and have a who has the bigger d@&k conversation. Not to mention, who gives a flying F what someone drives, regardless of how they use it…except for the actual little d@&$s amongst us…no one.