The added cost of a diesel, and the price of diesel make up the the horrible gas milage the 8.1 gets. I think at best it got 8-12 mpg. It would cost you more in gas to drive that truck than a diesel that got 18-22 mpg's. Not to mention the gm diesel engine has more hp and torque than the 8.1 could dream of.
my thoughts exactly.. if you need that power.. might as well get a diesel.. way more miles out of them.more power. the extra money is worth it if your actually using yer truck.