being a dodge mechanic i can only speak for dodges. i know that in the next year or so that dodge plans on producing diesels in the 350hp range. the 03 and later diesels i believe to be as quiet as the duramax. the 03.5 and later trucks have beefed up automatics. also in 03, on the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks they started using american(chevy) axles instead of dana axles. major improvement. i have been around all the other diesels, except the new ford 6.0, and wouldnt mind owning any of them. the most important part is getting a good deal. go with a fleet salesman. you can get the truck at the dealer for only about 100 dollars over invoice. also a good time of year for huge rebates on 03 models. heard of a deal the other day where a truck was sold, the second sticker said 40k, through the fleet sales dept and after rebates, the bill came to 28k and some change for a diesel truck.