For those who want a different front suspension for better ground clearance; I took a really close look at a 2011 Super Duty 6.7 PS today. As it creaked to a stop (not sure why) next to me in the grocery store parking lot, I stayed put just to look it over real close. I wasn't all that convinced it had more off-road capability because I saw the big front I beams and transmission crossmember hanging pretty darn low. I could also plainly see oil filters and cooling lines that just seemed too low and close for comfort if I was off roading. It really made me realize how I like the cleaner look of the Silverado and appreciate the awesome frame and drivetrain. It really wouldn't take much of a refresh to the interior and cosmetics to make the current Silverado HD a homerun. As far as the frame and undercarriage goes, only thing I'd change is that darn DEF tank and a new Duramax exhaust. I like the way the current design allows you to easily change the front height.
Well, there isn't much dispute that solid front axle is going to perform better for off road. Enter Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Power Wagon. Yes, the Hummer H1 is fully independent, but its built differently. When you have IFS and rear axle, it won't be quite as good. I still am going to have to disagree with the ground clearance thing, there is a noticeable difference between Ford and GM. Coming from a GM guy, the Ford sits much higher. The GM's forward rake makes the front half of the truck sit lower, but I haven't personally used the trim level adjustment to see how high or low it goes. Another thing that cripples the GM market is those damn sporty wheel wells. From the factory, the Ford is much easier to build up because of larger wheel wells and more forgiving suspension travel, including the front axle. Neither truck is perfect, if you want the better on-road performer, I'd get the GM, if you want something that has a nice interior and a bit more capability off road, go with the Ford. I hope the new HD's have power mirrors like the Ford, a large crew cabin, and solid front axle option.
Interesting note about the same 9" ground clearance though. But if you put an F250 and Sierra2500 facing each other and take a look, you have a lot more room underneath the Ford. You could pretty much crawl under it, whereas you'd have to slither under the Sierra. I was checking out a GMC Sierra 3500 Denali at the dealer, looked underneath, and the driveshaft was completely rusted. WTF? I thought it would at least have an aluminum cover... but it was completely rusted.
All in all its a hard call (hey that rhymes). I'm still up in the air on which to go with. The Dodge Cummins go for about 8-10k less, I've seen ones on Ebay fully loaded Laramie/Longhorns for about 51k, whereas the same for the Ford/GM would be around 60k. The Dodge's interior is too cheap for my taste, but the Mega Cab is pretty sick. The body is greatly designed too, with good materials, door seals, and just looks imposing. I hate the manual flip up and fold mirrors though.
The Fords got all the goodies, and the luxury of the King Ranch package. I think the front end looks badass, and less the cheapish rear fender flares on the dually, it's pretty good looking. It does lack in the frame and suspension department though, especially now compared to the new GM HD's. Not too fond of the single turbo with its exhaust brake system either. The steering and brake pedal are numb, with 5.5 turns from lock to lock. I don't need all of the in-dash computer controls and diagnostics for off roading and stuff, and wish it didn't come standard with the upper trim levels (to save a few bucks).
The new GM HD's frame and suspension is an absolute perfection for on-road capability. The body isn't bad, but looks kinda wimpy compared to the other trucks, especially the smallish crew cab. It could also use larger, more round wheel wells, with larger standard tires. I think GM loses a good amount of sales to Ford because of the inability to build up the GM trucks as easily. I see A LOT more jacked up Fords than GMs. Absolutely love the Duramax/Allison, and it has the best exhaust brake in the segment. I think it feels the most solid too, opening and closing the doors and tailgate feels very snug and secure, and doing the same to the Ford yields a more unsettled feeling. I do hope they change the door lines on the new ones, I hate how the doors wrap up over the top of the cab, because it just gets bogged with water and snow, which is annoying when opening the door. Plus it adds to wind resistance and noise; GM needs to take a play out of the F-150 or Dodge Ram playbooks to see how to design their doors. I like the standard auto locker as opposed to the electric locker too, and GM is the only brand that offers it in the duallys.
Seriously, you can't go wrong with any of the Big 3. They will all perform well in most situations, and it comes down to personal preference and what you want when it turns into your daily driver. I hope all 3 trucks could culminate into one super mega awesome truck that can be custom ordered from the factory.
