Newbie: seeking 6.6 Duramax and unclear about Sierra/Silverado differences and options -Looking for a 2017+ model

DubVBenz · September 7, 2023

Hello All,

I'm a lifelong german car guy, to the point where I've owned diesels and gassers dating back to the 1970s. I'm 40 and the newest car I own is a twin turbo 3 Liter V6 MB E-Class. My father owns (and has since new) a 1990 F-350 with a 7.3 gasser which has been a total disappointment since new. The engine was replaced at 30K under warranty and he's basically rebuilt the frame by hand as it's rusted out over the years. He recently purchased a Kubota L3902 tractor and a 20 foot trailer with the expectation that I would purchase a truck to let us share the tractor between our properties. I have been in the market for a truck since then and have done a ton of research. I've basically settled on a 17-19 GMC or Chevy 2500/3500 6.6 model, but have a couple of questions based off my research:

From what I can tell, a silverado and GMC of the same era start with a 700 dollar price differential. They're functionally identical, so I don't understand why the same basic truck is sold with two different brands but nothing to differentiate between the two...
What is the difference between a Sierra and a Silverado and why would one choose one over the other if they're basically identical?
I like the appearance of a Sierra 2500 vs a Silverado 2500, but are there any functional differences that I should be aware of?
I am dead set on a 6.6 2017+ duramax. Is there any reason I should consider the gas?
2020+ gets the 10 speed - Is it more durable than the 6 apeed? Should I spend 10K extra to get the 10 speed version of the asin tranny?

asilverblazer · September 7, 2023

14 hours ago, DubVBenz said:

From what I can tell, a silverado and GMC of the same era start with a 700 dollar price differential. They're functionally identical, so I don't understand why the same basic truck is sold with two different brands but nothing to differentiate between the two...

What is the difference between a Sierra and a Silverado and why would one choose one over the other if they're basically identical?

I like the appearance of a Sierra 2500 vs a Silverado 2500, but are there any functional differences that I should be aware of?

I am dead set on a 6.6 2017+ duramax. Is there any reason I should consider the gas?

2020+ gets the 10 speed - Is it more durable than the 6 apeed? Should I spend 10K extra to get the 10 speed version of the asin tranny?

You answered 1 and 2 with your question on number 3. Style differences to appeal to different buyers. There are no functional differences.

No reason to consider the gas.

Jury could still be out on the 10 speed - but the 6 is very reliable.