Looking for some feedback on Chevrolet and Dodge Pushrod truck engines

[bigmark303]

Im in the market for some newer trucks and am not that familiar with the Chevrolet and Dodge Pushrod gas motors offered in their trucks. I would like some feedback from anyone who has experience with these engines on reliability as an every day work truck. I have had a few of each make before but not enough time with them to really get to know them.

I am mainly looking at 2500 and 3500 series Silverados, Sierras, and Rams 2000 and newer with pushrod gas (6.0, 8.1, 5.9, 8.0) motors. I do not like working on OHC engines and unfortunately up here in New England I can no longer find older Fords with the 5.8 or 7.5 which I would prefer without being a rot box. So im now pushed to other brands or multiple trips south to find rot free Fords and then shipping them back.

 

[bobbywalter]

change the oil frequently, they work real well as long as they are not dod/mds engines.

the ls platform ties with the 351 as my favorite engines...the 340 old ass chryslers are my favorite.


the 5.3 is a real good setup imo. look at the engine blocks of a sbf on the bench next to a ls and its quite clear.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Cousin in law has an 8.1 GM, he lets on it has a ton of power and can pull just about anything... single digits doing it though and barely double digits unloaded. Somehow he seems oddly proud of this...

I have heard some of the 6.0's have a bad habit with intake gaskets but have no personal experience with them.

 

[bigmark303]

I do like the 5.3L but its not offered in 2500 and up. I need a heavier truck than that motor can support. If it were up to me id have all F150s with the 4.6L 3v as its the only ohc in a Ford truck thats easy to maintain but I need more of the motor.

Not at all worried about gas mileage. Just work trucks that will be loaded and hauling when used. I have my Rangers for commuting.

Ive had a 6.0L in a crew cab dually and it was a decent motor. Would do much better in a 2500 model but I never really had issues with it for the 20,000 miles I had it in that big tank of a truck.

The only reason I stayed with Ford so long was because I always ran into transmission issues with Dodge and always electrical issues with GM. Im willing to deal with those issues now though just to avoid the newer Ford OHC engines that are a pain to work on compared to a simple pushrod engine.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I think they are all getting to be a pain to work on anymore...

 

[bobbywalter]

in that case i would freshen up an older diesel. a turbo idi ford or up to 97 psd...or fit up a cummins to a newer 3/4-1ton of your favorite make.


for towing and heavy use the 6.0 or any of the gm,s tend to need some rpm. heavy use makes them not so cost effective in my view.

the duramax is a beast and worthy but has costly risk common with anything newer.

 

[bigmark303]

Diesel just isnt my thing for pickup trucks. The gassers are far more cost effective and reliable in the colder climate. My work is local and when loaded around town the diesels return the same mpg and performance as the gassers. Ive got a few 7.3s still in use and as reliable as they are just the basic maintenance costs between them and the 7.5 gassers are a costly difference.

I dont want to leave Ford but would rather have a pushrod gas than an OHC anything or a diesel.

 

[bobbywalter]

well, short trippin is definitely not for a diesel.


but the cammers are fine for that application on the all around though.