New 10 spd in GM2500HD vs Gen3

Gen3 Crew-

I’ll start by acknowledging these are two very different trucks. I’ve pretty much settled on the Tundra but a couple things are just not sitting well with me.

It might seem minor but the lack of a bumper to step on when tailgate is down really hurts usability for someone 5’7”. The silly step. I’m certain I would tear that thing off in no time, as I’ve bent the trailer light receiver more times than I can recall. And what other damage that might do to that sturdy bumper, and possibly quarter panel on a steep departure.

Another big hang up for me has been Toyota’s total lack of customization. My #1 requirement is a 6.5 bed. I would have bought a Pro already if I could get in 6.5 and no hybrid. My next choice would be the Platinum, which you can get in 6.5 but only crew cab, which adds 12’’ length to the truck with already bad turning radius. I haven’t totally ruled it out though. That leaves me with the Limited & SR5 in double cab. My #2 requirement is the 14” head, followed by heated seats/wheel. I’d also much prefer the TRD off-road package so I don’t have to do any of that aftermarket. That seems to leave me with the Limited, which does check all the top boxes. I hate to say it but color is almost a requirement- MGM. I might be able to deal with white or silver, to my surprise mesquite looks pretty good. Current truck is black, I’d like to go away from that and I hate they put the silver TRD stickers on it rather than the red. Why, why, why put 20’s on an off road truck?

All that said driving by a GMC dealer the other day, I saw a grey, double cab, 6.5 bed, 6.6l gasser, X31, 18” wheels 2500HD on the lot. It checked all the boxes(1” less screen). Roughly the same price as a Limited Tundra.

The first thing I noticed was how easy to get in bed with the thoroughly pattened bumper step. Then the 18” wheels and a few other exterior items.

I only drove it for about 15 minutes but wow, lets just say its not the 2500 buckboard I’m used to. The ride was surprisingly smooth and the transmission seemed silky smooth. It is a lot of truck though.

As mentioned I’m only 5’7” and just turned 57, so not getting any younger. I kinda like some of Sweers attempts to make the Tundra more car-like. At this point I’m comfy with the engine failure rate(A reason I have not driven the GM 1500 5.3l) . Aside from the lack of bumper some other low-light is the possible need for bed stiffeners. I do a lot of real truck stuff, I can see that being an issue. My RW’s plastic front bumper is held on by about 37 zip-ties at this point after being ripped off numerous times but It’s never actually broken. So though I’d like the CBI Covert bumper I could get away with he AFE hooks. I find it annoyingly strange you can only adjust the heat/cooling with the physical button and not via the head unit. Luckily I don’t think I have gorilla hands so don’t think I’d break the nob, but come’on man!

They might make a nice truck now but I never be happy park a Dodge/Ram in my driveway. Ford would be doable but I’d have to convince myself I love it(Enough about that on the F150 thread). I was a GM guy prior to my RW. In fact, the reason I’m on a Toyota now is I made a bet with a buddy that if my 2003 GMC didn’t last 10 years I’d try a yota or his fav… Dodge. At 9 years the tranny was slipping like crazy, rust galore and many other age related issues. I just can’t/couldn’t do the Dodge, didn’t even test drive one. My Tundra has had some issues but at 12.5 years she’s still going fairly strong. I’ve become a Toyota guy, I really don’t’ want to switch brands.

With that wall of text out of the way, does anyone have any experience with both the new GM 10 speed tranny vs Tundra’s?

 

I Sweers I typed that right. lol. Yep, thanks Ryan. Corrected.

 

The 10 speed in the Ford and GM HDs do not resemble the 10R80 outside of having 10 speeds.

In fact, Ford and GM's 10 speed auto in their HDs don't resemble each other either. Co-development was only done on the light duty 10 speed auto. I believe Ford has figured out the issue on their 10R80 which comes down to the CDF.

 

https://www.expeditionforum.com/thr...-engagement-and-or-harsh-delayed-shift.54334/

This thread contains the TSB for the transmission. I believe this has largely been resolved for 2024MY vehicles. It's not an issue on the GM vehicles so while the transmission was co-developed, it is not co-manufactured.

Also, Toyota doesn't have a 3/4 ton or 1 ton offering.

 

Walking is good for the soul.

 

All of the brands have improved significantly since your 2003 GMC. The 2nd gen Tundra, when it came out in 2007 and for a few years was one of the top half ton trucks I would say.

Now in 2024 I dont there is any one brand that is vastly superior to the other. its give and take. I would not write any of them off. At the end of the day you have to live with what you drive and so you should get the one you enjoy driving the most.

That said, the GM 10 speed behind the 6.6L Gas engine has only been out for a year or so. I don't know if its exactly the same as the "Allison" 10 speed behind the 6.6L Duramax or not. I put Allison in quotes because its not made by Allison anymore. I have not heard anything bad about the the Duramax's 10 speed though.

 

So what would you recommend for someone who has to tow > 12,000lbs on a regular basis or needs a vehicle that can comfortably seat 6 people with all their luggage for a road trip?

Because I don't believe anyone outside the Big 3 make a HD pickup or an extended wheel base SUV.

 

The 10 speed Allison is not the Ford/GM co designed unit in the 1500s.

However it is an "Allison Branded" transmission that was designed by GM and the design approved by Allison. The Allison name on the tranny is a branding name acquisition deal. GM sold Allison in 2007 so the excellent 6 speed Allison tranny was the last true Allison tranny in the literal since. Now it is just GM signing a check to use the Allison name

As for the truck itself I prefer GM HDs because they are more capability in the similiar footprint as a 1500. The Fords are bigger just to be big for looks which is Ok if that is what you want but if you gotta drive it daily not so good

 

I think my preferences for HD's would depend on the exact configuration.

I am a bigger fan of GM's Duramax powertrain, but if I needed a gas HD, I would opt for the F250/F350 SRW. There is a CARB approved aftermarket replacement fuel tank that expands the Super Duty's capacity to 55-60 gallons. That's significant for a gas powertrain in terms of range. No such aftermarket replacement fuel tank exists for the GM 2500/3500 platform.

Also, if your spouse needs to be able to drive the HD and they are shorter, they may prefer the Super Duty because of the adjustable pedals. Another bonus is the 2.0kW inverter setup in the Ford. I like the ability to run a 1-5 gallon air compressor right out of the bed with a factory inverter setup.

I do like the IFS for the GM 2500/3500 platforms. I think it results in a more comfortable ride, but the current generation of HDs from both Ford and GM are so much more comfortable than HD pickups from 10 years ago.

 

i would say if you are pulling 12k on a regular basis, i would stay away from a tundra.

edit : all i have to say, thank god i dont have to any heavy towing and happy with just a tundra.

i wouldnt go below a F250, 2500 if i had to pull on a constant basis but thats just me.

 

Well to be honest if the seats are comfy for you in the GM truck, it’s a strait up better truck now than a Gen 3 Tundra.

A 2500 GM truck with a 6.6L gas V8 that has no cylinder deactivation will be just as if not more reliable, hauls more, tows more, and has all the features you want.

Go buy it. Seriously. Now that the 6.6L gas V8 is hooked up to the 10 speed it’s a very compelling package.

 

There's actually a lot of truth to this.

If this is a personal vehicle (and not a commercial vehicle), I would almost always opt for a 1 ton SRW over a 3/4 ton SRW. The most significant difference between a 1 ton SRW and 3/4 ton SRW is the additional of overload springs which should NOT be in contact when unloaded. Therefore, a 1 ton SRW should ride, theoretically, similar to a 3/4 ton SRW when unloaded.

I think commercial users often opt for a 3/4 ton because it potentially avoids some state registration and USDOT regulations for 1 tons.

 

https://www.transferflow.com/58-gallon-ford-midship-replacement-fuel-tank

 

My father just bought a lightly used 2022 3500HD with the 6.6 gas and 6 speed. It’s a great driving truck, and the 10 speed is probably even better. That will be my next truck personally. You get so much more capability for your money than these pricey new half tons IMO. The new tundra also has a terrible turning circle unlike the prior generation so it’s not going to be much more maneuverable than a 3/4 ton.

 

IDK why they havent for domestic trucks, especially the GM half tons with their ridiculous 24 gallon tanks. Long Range America is making tons of auxilary tanks for Toyota's. I can put a 40 gallon aux tank in my LX570 and have 65 gallons of fuel and it will transfer to the main tank while you drive.

 

I've had a few moments of panic with the 24.5 gallon tank in my LX570. I got caught in a headwind towing from SLC to Nevada and there was one stretch where I was getting 7.2 mpg and had like 2 gallons left in the tank.

 

What kind of MPG will that 6.6 with the 10spd get? Sounds like a great option if you need something bigger but don’t want diesel.

 

This is why I've ruled out GM 1500s. 24 gallon fuel tank is just not acceptable.

 

I think it was 13 city 16 highway. I get 13 in my Tundra with a heavy foot so not really an issue. I put on about 12,000 miles a year probably 70/30 highway/City… That heavy foot, coupled with 35’s I’d put on would be about $700 a year if I got 16 in the new Tundra. Negligible savings really.

 

This is purely personal. I sit in front of a computer all day long…but I usually do have Carhartt’s on. All of this truck stuff I do is weekend warrior stuff.

 

Funny you say that. After 15 minutes I didn’t feel they were uncomfortable but I said to the wife, ‘I feel like I’m sitting low, like Cheech in Low Rider’ She had no idea what I was talking about but skip to 2:10 if you have a short attention span. Kidding aside, do they have a rep for being uncomfy? I drive 3 hours up the high-way and back weekly.

 

Thanks for the input… Therin lies the problem. I certainly enjoy driving the Tundra more. I’m just afraid I’d loose some truck capability.


BTW, you don’t seem like what we call Massholes around these parts. I must have terrorized 10 of them hanging in the left lane on my 3h drive home on Sunday night. And, you can’t go to 11,000’ in 30 minutes from Mass.

 

I wonder if @Eurodriver ever got that 2500HD. He discarded this forum like seamen discard sea-men after shipping out. Yep, that is Euro’s best buddy @hagrid que to weigh in with useful banter… and perhaps bring Euro back.

 

I grew up in MA. Spent a lot of time in Maine growing up because my Grandmother is from Brownsville.

 

My 2024 Sierra 3500 gasser with the 10sp has been great so far. I had a 2018 and 2010 Tundra previously and the Sierra definitely rides much more "like a truck". I had the chance to drive a new Tundra recently and it feels like a sports car after driving my Sierra. It definitely feels much better when it's loaded up or towing. However, the IFS on the GMs is great for an HD truck, and they ride and handle so much better than the Super Duty I test drove.

I don't have any experience with the Tundra 10sp other than my quick test drive, but after owning my Sierra for about a year I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.

 

If I'm being honest, I'm glad @Eurodouche ran off. I don't want fair-weather Tundra enthusiasts around here.

If you bought a sh!tpile 3rd gen like he did, then you stand tall and call it the best gen ever... even though common sense tells you that you fu@ked the pooch royally.