Chev -vs- GMC?

[JakeDD]

The only difference between Chevys and GMCs is that they use lock nuts on GMCs!

Hey guys. I heard this comment again this weekend from an 80 yr old ND farmer and just wanted to get a feel from those of you who have owned both GMCs and Chevys in the past to see if you've had better experiences with one brand over the other. I'm considering an update from my current '02 Chev 2500HD and looking at 1500 Crew Cabs for better mileage and improved ride. Some questions:

* Are the trucks actually identical (minus badges and trim packages)?
* Has one performed better or outlasted the other in your experience?
* Why are GMCs typically more expensive?

I have owned both in the past (along with Fords) and have come to my own conclusions - just wanted to see if others have had similar experiences.

Thanks!

[kninebirddog]

Parts used to be interchangeable

My ex father in law worked at the Chevy dealer they ahd a brand new truck come in had to change the tail gate as it had the GMC logo on it
maybe different today
but a buddy a little over a year ago we all went and used his truck for a big trial in kansas..crew cab GMC...I can tell you the back seat was the most miserable cramped ride i have had to endure in a long time
the electrical system couldn't even run my lap top

was not impressed at all

we have a 2005 ford 350 for all the hauling we do
have an older 96 ford 250 almost 300k on it
and a 99 ford 350
we travel alot and are very hard with pulling a trailer and now a fifth wheeler with a trialer behind it...

maybe the gmc and chevies have gotton better but i wouldn't hold my breath

[ezzy333]

GMC's used to be heavier built but I don't know any more.

Ezzy

[lvrgsp]

I agree with Ezzy, Gmc's at one time were the heavy duty series for general motors, ie, Farm trucks, service trucks, delivery etc... As far as I see it nowadays it is just a marketing tool for them. I have no idea how one is built versus the other exactly.

Lvrgsp

[Greg Jennings]

The 1500, 2500 and 3500 Chevy and GMC are made on the same assembly line.

You get different trim and different option packages on the GMC.

Above the 3500, I don't know anything about them. That's where my research stopped.

With respect to crew cab size, the Dodge MegaCab is the largest, then Ford, then Chevy, then Dodge QuadCab which really isn't a crew cab.

When I drove the Chevy, I was very impressed with the quietness of the DuraMax engine, if you're looking at Diesel engines. In that area, the DuraMax is the quietest, the Cummins next, and the PowerStroke is the loudest. I've heard that things are changing with the models being released after New Years. But, I can only speak to the 2006 in Dodge and 2007 in Ford and GM (Dodge is handling the short model year one way while Ford and GM are handling it the other).

I think that the Allison transmission is a good feature if you're looking at an automatic tranny.

It's been a buyer's market out there. Go for it.

Best,

[ezzy333]

What do you mean that the Dodge Quad Cab isn't really a crew cab? You lost me.

Ezzy

[Greg Jennings]

What do you mean that the Dodge Quad Cab isn't really a crew cab? You lost me.

Ezzy

That's pretty much what I mean. The Quad Cab isn't a true crew cab.

That in the sense that adults or even my two "tweens" can't sit comfortably in the rear seats for any length of time. It's more of an extended cab with normal-facing rear doors.

That's why Dodge brought out the MegaCab.

Best,

[GsPJustin]

The new 2007 GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado are EXACTLY the Same. Besides GMC puts nicer leather seats, better sound system, and other luxuries for the same price. Same with the past.

They now use the same frame, on both GMC and Chevy. There identical.

[JAK]

I agree that these are the same pickup with difference in styling and difference in the option packages. My first considering on which one to purchase would be the dealer. We have a local Chevy dealer that has delivered excellent service. My understanding is that he can't do warranty work on the GMC pickups. My preference is the Chevy pickup because of the dealer.

John Kreuscher

[Devils Creek]

Have had a new 1/2 ton 4x4 pickup every year since the early 90's.

In that time all were Chevs or GMC's except for 1 Dodge (2001) and 1 Ford (2004)

In my business I put on maybe 90,000 miles on each one.

The Chevs and GMC's were identical, and I had quite a few that never had a single warranty problem.

The Dodge was tougher on gas (360 engine compared to 350's and the newer 5.3 Chevs) Chassis was pretty good for trailering.

Ford balljoints totally worn out by 40,000 miles.

My next one will be Chev. I like the '07 looks, but a buddy has a hemi and loves it for a gas hauler. Depends on how much the company will give me for fuel.

[bean1031]

there pretty much the same thing only gmc is meant to be the "classyer" one. its kind of like dr.pibbs as to dr.pepper.

[ezzy333]

there pretty much the same thing only gmc is meant to be the "classyer" one. its kind of like dr.pibbs as to dr.pepper.

Not sure which is which but if this is true make sure you buy the Dr. Pepper as it is the better product by far.

Ezzy

[highcotton]

The 1500, 2500 and 3500 Chevy and GMC are made on the same assembly line.

You get different trim and different option packages on the GMC.

Above the 3500, I don't know anything about them. That's where my research stopped.

With respect to crew cab size, the Dodge MegaCab is the largest, then Ford, then Chevy, then Dodge QuadCab which really isn't a crew cab.

When I drove the Chevy, I was very impressed with the quietness of the DuraMax engine, if you're looking at Diesel engines. In that area, the DuraMax is the quietest, the Cummins next, and the PowerStroke is the loudest. I've heard that things are changing with the models being released after New Years. But, I can only speak to the 2006 in Dodge and 2007 in Ford and GM (Dodge is handling the short model year one way while Ford and GM are handling it the other).

I think that the Allison transmission is a good feature if you're looking at an automatic tranny.

It's been a buyer's market out there. Go for it.

Best,

Greg, You obviously put a lot of research into the decision to get a truck. What are the things that sold you on the Dodge?

I have a 2000 F350 powerstroke now that I bought new. It has 200,000 miles and I have been looking?

Charles

[kninebirddog]

I don't see where the 3500 comes in the mega cab quad cab yes mega no

have to have that room

[Greg Jennings]

From the dodge site: http://www.dodge.com/en/ram_2500_3500/index.html

Ram 3500 Mega Cab® SLT
MSRP* starting at: $44,150

6.7-liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel
Front center armrest/business console
AM/FM stereo with CD player and four speakers
17-inch chrome-clad skins
Tip start
Largest brakes in a crew cab¶

[Greg Jennings]

Greg, You obviously put a lot of research into the decision to get a truck. What are the things that sold you on the Dodge?

I have a 2000 F350 powerstroke now that I bought new. It has 200,000 miles and I have been looking?

Charles,
First, let me explain that I'm an engineer. I analyze everything by my requirements and by the numbers.

The short story is that I put together a list of trucks that met my requirements for towing capacity, interior rear seat leg room (I have two tall kids) and overall comfort, including noise, for everyone.

That boiled it down to a short list. I think put them in a spreadsheet and did a 10 year total cost of ownership analysis using hard data and some reasonable assumptions. The Dodge came out on top, so I bought it. Prior to learning about some rebates on the MegaCab, the Chevy was the front runner.

So, bottom line: it was a price shootout.

Best regards, Greg J.

[highcotton]

Thanks Greg..

[Jager]

Normally, these days that's ultimately what it comes down to is price, especially with gas prices the way they are.
However, being an ex-body man, now insurance man, the difference of GMC vs. Chevy is really nothing more than trim packages. I have worked on both and essentially the drive train, suspension and body are all identical. When you order parts as has been stated before they are going to be the same/interchangeable other than trim.
I currently own a 2005 2500HD Chevy with the 6.6L Diesel and Allison transmission. Power wise there are others who can compete, or may be better, however, if you are going to do much towing/hauling, then nothing compares to the Allison trans. In my opinion.
Now take this for what it's worth as I have always been partial to GM products. But it's worth noting that as soon as Toyota gets into the 3/4-1 ton market alot of us may need to adjust our thinking. Good Luck.

[highcotton]

If Ford still made the 7.3 engine I would have already got a new one. The people I know who got the Ford 6.0 like the power but most have had problems. My cousin got the new 250 Chevy Durimax and has had ejector problems two different times within 20,000 miles. I will admitt, that is the only Durimax I am familiar with so I shouldn't judge their quality based on that one experience. It does have much more get-up than my old 7.3.

I keep looking and really haven't found anything I like better than what I now have.

[Sonny Hawkins]

Hey Charles, You need to check with Jerry, surely he has something you can do in this off season. You are pretty good at this computer stuf. You better be gettin that dog ready for fall trials,It!s gonna be TOUGH. SONNY

[highcotton]

Sonny,

I'm not tough enough to run in this 95 deg/85 % humidity weather. I guess I will hang around here and worry these folks until about August 1. Will start running some at daybreak then. I'm glad we don't have one in early sept this year.

Jerry is doing some force breaking and yard work but not much bird work other than launchers. I think it's too hot for him too.

Charles

[nj gsp]

When I bought my truck, I wanted a 2500 HD Duramax/Allison crew cab. It was the last day they were offering zero down/0% 5 year financing. I had two to choose from on the lot, the only difference was one was a GMC and had the 8' bed, the other was a Chevy with the 6.5' bed and a locking rear. The GMC was $5 more. I bought the Chevy, figuring I'd get more use out of the locker than the longer bed. Turns out I was right. Plus, the crew cab with an 8' bed is just too long.

I've got 85,ooo miles on it now, and on a recent trip to upstate NY I averaged over 19 MPG up and back. I get pretty much the same pulling a trailer on the highway, and 17 around town. You can't beat a diesel for hauling stuff.

And what's more, other than a bad reverse switch and the tailgate cables (both recalls) I have not had a single problem with it. Well, the radio sucked since day one but since I put Sirius Satellite in that is a non-issue.

I just wish I had the newer Duramax with the 6 speed Allison trans. Mine is quiet, but the new ones are super quiet. Unlike the Ford, which is super loud. Nothing against the Ford - they make a good truck too (although I think the dash layout & controls look cheap and 80's-ish) but that diesel makes a racket!

[Greg Jennings]

I'm getting 21-22 on the highway at 65 out of my 5.9 Cummins. I've gotten as much as 23.5. Both hand-calculated...no computer error.

I've had some little problems that were irritating, but nothing major. But, I'm glad that I bought the extended service plan where I have free towing, rental car, etc.

The Cummins is not as quiet as the Duramax and no where near as loud as the PowerRattle.

My step-dad retired from Ford and I really wanted to buy the Ford, but just couldn't hack the noise.

Best regards, Greg J.

[highcotton]

I get 19.5 - 21.6 mpg hwy so long as I keep under 2,000 rpm's. The only repairs that have been done outside regular maintainence has been one auto hub in 197,000 miles.

Engine noise? What noise? That's why they make bluegrass cd's

[nj gsp]

Well, I've got a heavy foot... I'd say my highway speed is typically 75-80. The governor kicks in at 95 MPH.

Might be a difference in tires, I have mud/snows on year round and run them soft at about 40 psi.

[tfbirddog2]

I read meters for th power company here in NW kansas ther are two of us in the office I have had aGMC 2500 HD(6.0 14mpg best) and now a GMC 1500(lowrider) both 4x4s. The HD rode like a lumber wagon and had tranny problems,and the 1500 has had hubs and tranny I drove 129k on one and now 34K on the 1500 and at night I cant wait to go jump in my 93 F150 4x4.The other reader has had chevys same problems more tranny than mine though.You couldnt give me a GM pickup brand new and dipped in gold for my blue oval.You also can take and Hyperchip a 7.3 Powerstoke change the shift points no horse play either and get 26 to 28 mpgs running 77 mph any where I have seen it first hand.The new 6.0 have had there problems but I was told by two Frod service mgrs not to let them idle because it clogs the injecters and the check engine lights come on.They both said light your plugs start it and go, thats why the put the instant haeter in those trucks.FYIs there are more Ford trucks on the road with 250,000 miles or more than any other truck. Ford stands for F.ound O.ff R.oading D.aily to hunting spot.

[slistoe]

Interesting note about the differences in Chev and GMC. Back in 1949 the Chev engines had no oil filter and the GM ones did. Otherwise most other parts are interchangeable. Creating an image?

[tfbirddog2]

Hey Greg what is it with engineers and Dodge Cummins I know three other engineers not including my brother-in-law that have them what do you thinkers no that we others dont.

[bird]

.

[Greg Jennings]

Hey Greg what is it with engineers and Dodge Cummins I know three other engineers not including my brother-in-law that have them what do you thinkers no that we others dont.

Gosh, I don't know. Buckeye_V who posts here bought one too, BTW.

To me, it's all down to what a person needs (towing requirements, etc.), their specific situation (like employee pricing) and what's happening right then (zero financing, rebates, etc) then do the math.

In other car buying decisions, the wife and I tend to do a lot of Consumers Reports and that kind of analysis before going into the TCO analysis. I think the Edmunds site has a feature like that. It'll work for most folks very well. It considers upfront cost, operating expenses, insurance, resale, etc.

We do our own analysis in addition because we typically buy to keep a car 10 years. Some things are therefore more important to us than other people that trade more often and some things don't matter as much to us (the depreciation deal is obviously way different for us).

Best regards, Greg J.

[tfbirddog2]

I totally agree with what your saying Greg, about reading up on consumer reports I like to watch CarandDriver and for trucks read Truck Trend. Out here in NW.Kansas you see more Ford,Dodge, and old Chevys(87 and older) for farm and field trucks.And when the farmer is headed to town to go out for the evening hes driving a Z71 or Tahoe like my in-laws. When our van is paid off I get to get a new truck it looks to be a Powerstroke crew cab or Cummins Mega cab 4x4s.The Izuzu(GM) Duramax hasnt proved anything to me.But when it comes down to if I had to choose I would buy the GMC because at work we've had a difference.

[JakeDD]

Wow - this thread sure picked up again.

I currently drive an '02 Chev 2500HD with the 6.0 and 4.10 rear end. Just took it from MN to ND last weekend and my best tank was 13.5 on the freeway @ 70 mph (running empty). I then took my father-in-law's '05 Dodge 2500 Cummins to pull their 5th wheel back to a lake in MN. The Dodge averaged 13.25 mpg PULLING A 32' CAMPER. On the trip home after parking the camper the Dodge did a hair over 21mpg. Also hand-calculated, not computer read out.

Un-flippin-believable. I'm hooked on diesels.

I've always been a GM/Ford man in the past - always hated Dodge and MOPAR in general - but I have to say, I really like this Cummins. the truck itself isn't as comfortable as my Chev, but dollar for dollar, the Dodge/Cummins combo is the best bang for the buck out there IMO. Haven't checked lately, but I know last winter they were selling them for $32-33K around here. That's alotta truck for the cash. I've driven Ford diesels and one newer Chev diesel, though it was a dually. I like this Dodge the best of all of them.

Can't believe I just admitted I like a Dodge...

[Greg Jennings]

I ran across an interesting fact yesterday.

The axles for the Dodge are AAM, American Axle and Manufacturing. Which is a spin off of...GM.

For those that are interested, getting the gear oil changed every 15k miles is recommended by Dodge. They want $100 per axle. OMG!

I paid this time because I was overdue. But before next time, I'm getting some differential covers with drain plugs and changing it myself.

Anyone know anything about the topic?


Best regards, Greg J.

[Weege3]

I will stick with my fords anyday. But as for the diffrence between the gmc and the chevy well there isn't really the gmc is the fancier addition so it costs a little more but other than that there isn't a deffrence.

[Razor]

Ah people, this is the perfect truck

Ford Body, Allison trans, and cummins motor. In a perfect world this would be the best combination out there. Here are some pros and cons from dealing with the big three in the past few years.

Dodge- Hands down has the best motor. The others do not compete. The problem is their bodies SUCK. The steel that they use is junk and they rust out much faster than the other two. Interior is also not the most comfotrable by any means.

Chevy- They have the best tranny. The motor has had major issues with injectors once the hit 100,000. Have seen many at dealer auctions that they could not give away with blown motors. They have excellent interiors, and the ride is very nice. Dodge gets much better fuel mileage.

Ford- They are the best built. Bodies and fit and finish are light years above the other two. 05-07 6.0 good motor after the bugs were worked out. I WOULD NOT TOUCH THE 6.0 BEFORE 05, major issues. 08 the new 6.4 is a powerhouse but it has by far the worst fule mileage of the big three. Reports of 10 mpg are very common.


09- Both Ford and Chevy are putting DIESEL motors in the half tons. Dodge should have the small 4.4 cummins in there a little latter. The Ford motor is already in use in Europe. The reported cost is about 8-9 grand more for the diesel in the half ton. OUCH


Rumors- Who will end up with the CAT motor???????? This is the biggest question in trucks right now. Toyota is suposed to have the inside track but supposedly so did Chev at one time. They ended up with an Isuzu.