Crunch time!

Yesterday a guy pulls up next to where I'd just parked and offered to buy my Blazer that I'd just cleaned up in prepatation to putting on the market.
He's so hot for it he's supposed to bring me a bank check and pick it up today~ ... it's a '93 K Cheyanne ... the last of the 2 doors ...

Now I've GOT to make some decisions ...
Ford ... never even owned one ...
Dodge ... same
Desel ... never owned one either but know this is the way to go.

All I know for sure is I want a 2500 with a cab and a half and short bed ... plus now is the time to buy.
I want a solid, reliable brute of a truck with probably an automatic trannie.

But every one I talk to has a different opinion as to which has the better, strongest, most RELIABLE engine AND braking.
Both critically important here in the Rockies.

I'm going to start doing some test driving but opinion wise ...
which drive train is the very best for a tow rig?

I'm opening a can of worms I suspect, but would appreciate a consensus of opinion so all comment is welcome ...

They are all good. Go drive them and the one that feels the best to ya is the one to buy.

They are all good engines. Of the three the Cummins has the longest legs (300-400K), it will outlast the truck. The PSD is just a little behind (250-300K) could be because of it's v-8 design or it's slightly higher power ratings. The jury is still out on the lifespan of the Duramax but things are looking good so far. The Duramax is proving to be pretty reliable according to the hotshot freight haulers.

Of the available auto transmissions the Allison available in the GMs is by far the best. The Ford and Dodge offerings have had some trouble, but not too bad.

As far as braking goes, you are going to want to get an exhaust brake no matter what you buy. Diesels don't engine brake worth squat, especially turbodiesels. None of these engines have a true engine brake available. I would love to have a "Jake" on my Cummins, but I'll have to settle for a BD exhast brake (best one for the CTD). There are several exhaust brakes available for the Cummins, and at least a couple for the PSD (probably more than I know of, I have a Cummins so that's what I know about). I don't know if there are any out for the Duramax yet, but if not there will be. These brakes do work with auto trannys. They lock up the torque convertor when applying the brake

Originally posted by utahjeepr
Of the available auto transmissions the Allison available in the GMs is by far the best. The Ford and Dodge offerings have had some trouble, but not too bad.

I've actually heard that Chevy is having a lot of problems with those trannies. I personally have a 6-speed Superduty and love it. I do believe that the Cummins is probably the best engine of the 3 but the rest of the truck is lacking. The PSD is IMO very close to the cummins and the rest of the truck is up to par. You might also want to considre a Crew Cab...it seems lots of people go Supercab and wish they had the extra room whereas i've never heard anyone complain about having 2 extra doors. For a truck that's going to last for 400k miles you had better plan for the future.

-Steve

Originally posted by offroadr35
For a truck that's going to last for 400k miles you had better plan for the future.
-Steve

Thanks for the honest comments, UtahJ and Steve ...
just what I am looking for.
I'm giving up "ShyAnnie" after 10 good years so yes, it's a question of the 'long haul' here ...
Other comments? ... c ome awn ... :p

Originally posted by utahjeepr

I would love to have a "Jake" on my Cummins, but I'll have to settle for a BD exhast brake (best one for the CTD).

Actually, there is a regular Jake style available for the 12 valve.

Originally posted by The Mick


Actually, there is a regular Jake style available for the 12 valve.

Really? I wasnt aware the B series could run em

when i was shopping for a new truck,i drove both dodge and ford(chevy was to many$$$)i liked them both.i wanted a 6-speed,but my wife talked me into an auto,and it is nice in traffic.i ended up with the crewcab ford because i have 3 kids.the supercab shortbeds rode rough compared to the f-150 i had before,but the crewcab short bed is a little better riding.and all i gotta say about the deisel is i love the torque,but the maint.cost is alot more than a gasser...

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by The Mick


Actually, there is a regular Jake style available for the 12 valve.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Jacobs does make an exhaust brake. I have talked to a Jacobs rep on the phone about a true "jake" and he said there just isn't enough demand to R&D an engine brake for the B engines. Apparently I am not the only one who has called, they say more or less the same thing on their web page now.

If someone else is manufacturing a true decompression type engine brake for the B engines, I'd love to know about it.

Fess up Dammit! :D Where can I get one? I want to pop my "Jake" on the freeway and scare the crap out of the Honda drivers just like a big rig!

Dangnabbit guys, now you've got me doubting myself. :flipoff2:

It was a couple-three years ago I read about a jake-style brake being available for the first gen CTD Rams. I honestly don't remember who was making it.


(off to find an answer, cause this is annoying!!!)

I've driven all 3...

The Duramax/Allison combo is sweet. The brakes are very good, considering the truck I drove weighed 7000+.. (crew cab 3500 dually 4x4). GET THE CREW CAB/double cab etc.. it's not that much more, and you'll think it's worth it the first time you need it.

The Dodge has a great motor, and you can sure hear it, if that's your thing. The Max was QUIET! Couldn't hear the turbo at all :(

All the 4x2's ride similarly, but the 4x4 was much more stiff. Didn't like it that much.

The Chevy's interior was the nicest IMO, and coupled with the motor/tranny, was a shoe-in. All 3 trucks wound up being within $500 of each other similarly equipped.

The Duramax is simply 2 Isuzu motors that have been in the medium duty trucks for a while on a common crank to make a V8. They are having a few teething problems, 99% of which are correctable with a ECU flash which the dealers can do.

This *IS* the time to get a truck, especially since the '03's are BUTT ugly now with that Avalanche front end...

there are no "jake brakes" for the cummins 12 valve. there is no way to fit big hydraulic jake brideges on top. and there is no way to cut out the injector for proper "jake operation"

Originally posted by Eskimo
GET THE CREW CAB/double cab etc.. it's not that much more, and you'll think it's worth it the first time you need it.



Actually, I'm quite happy with my X-cab, but I'm 5'8" and any potential rear-seat passengers that I'd have are similarly sized. To me, the extra $1,500 just wasn't justifiable. Were I taller or hauled adult, rear-seat passengers all the time, I would have gotten the crewcab. As is, glad I got what I have (plus, the extra 10" of length would have had my truck parked outside the garage).

This *IS* the time to get a truck, especially since the '03's are BUTT ugly now with that Avalanche front end...

Gotta agree there, 'course the '03 GMC's are much less objectionable.


TEX

Good points Tex... I'm 6', and I was pleasantly surprised with the 4-door Dodge's head room... But the leg room isn't all that in the dodge...

I plan on sleeping in the back seat of my truck when at the races, so the extracab won't cut it...

Yeah, the GMC's aren't AS bad, but the plastic filler between the body and the bumper looks cheap cheap! the 1500's aren't that bad though.

My xtracab Tacoma doesn't fit in my garage anymore (workbench), so that wasn't in my consideration...

Anyone got power numbers for those diesels? (I'm looking to and know I want diesel)

12V Cummins

24V Cummins

Powerstroke V8 (any different years producing different power?)

manual or auto tranny?

Originally posted by Eskimo
All 3 trucks wound up being within $500 of each other similarly equipped.

Im gonna have to call a big old bullshit factor on that. If you found a Duramax diesel for within 500 bucks of a Dodge or PSD 'similarily' equiped you were smoking crack, or looking at used versus new trucks.

Originally posted by TyTy


Im gonna have to call a big old bullshit factor on that. If you found a Duramax diesel for within 500 bucks of a Dodge or PSD 'similarily' equiped you were smoking crack, or looking at used versus new trucks.

BULLSCHIT right back at you. When I was checking into new 2002 trucks I optioned out several online. The Duramax was SLIGHTLY higher than the Ford & CHEAPER than the Dodge the way I had them configured with a 6-speed. And there was less than $1,000 difference with AT's. A lot of the stuff that was standard on the GM trucks was an option for Dodge & especially Ford, so by the time you tacked on the options, they were every bit as pricey.


TEX

Originally posted by offroadr35
I do believe that the Cummins is probably the best engine of the 3 but the rest of the truck is lacking.

Yeah, I hear those D60 fronts, D80 rear, 1310 ujoints in the d-lines, NV4500 (NV4600), NP431, etc... are really pieces of shit!:rolleyes:

Dodge's have a beefy drivetrain and are built to tow. They are just not made for the panzies who are looking for a half ton truck that can tow heavy loads. They are loud, stiff ride, simple interior, hard seats, etc... However, ask anyone that has towed with both and they will tell you, they are built for towing and do it the best.

NOW, a FORD on the other hand IS probably the better choice for the majority of owners. It is more user friendly and probably more comfortable to most. Not to mention a great drivetrain worthy of any situation.

However, I dont mind my stiff ride, high ride height, and loud motor. Reminds me that at least someone still makes a real truck:D

Yup, what Tex said... right back atcha...

I was pricing NEW, using KBB's option configurator... and they were loaded ones, 4x2.. (well, 6x4, since I was looking dually)

Off-topic... Chevy calling the 3500 "Big Dooley" just caters to the 4th grade education rednecks.. I hate it. It's DUALLY, as in Dual wheels, not DOOL wheels.. Fawking GM.. first that, now the Avalanche front end.

Originally posted by Eskimo
Yup, what Tex said... right back atcha...

I was pricing NEW, using KBB's option configurator... and they were loaded ones, 4x2.. (well, 6x4, since I was looking dually)

Off-topic... Chevy calling the 3500 "Big Dooley" just caters to the 4th grade education rednecks.. I hate it. It's DUALLY, as in Dual wheels, not DOOL wheels.. Fawking GM.. first that, now the Avalanche front end.

I tend to go by real life prices, as in what you pay in real dollars and not what the internet tells me.

You tell me what you paid for your Duramax and Ill tell you what I paid for my Dodge and we'll see if the difference was 500 bucks.

(That's dollars too, not monopoly money.)

Originally posted by TEX


BULLSCHIT right back at you. When I was checking into new 2002 trucks I optioned out several online. The Duramax was SLIGHTLY higher than the Ford & CHEAPER than the Dodge the way I had them configured with a 6-speed. And there was less than $1,000 difference with AT's. A lot of the stuff that was standard on the GM trucks was an option for Dodge & especially Ford, so by the time you tacked on the options, they were every bit as pricey.


TEX

Same goes for you. Internet pricing means shit. Im talking about how much you pay in reality.

Originally posted by TyTy


Yeah, I hear those D60 fronts, D80 rear, 1310 ujoints in the d-lines, NV4500 (NV4600), NP431, etc... are really pieces of shit!:rolleyes:

Dodge's have a beefy drivetrain and are built to tow. They are just not made for the panzies who are looking for a half ton truck that can tow heavy loads. They are loud, stiff ride, simple interior, hard seats, etc... However, ask anyone that has towed with both and they will tell you, they are built for towing and do it the best.



He mighta been referencing the automatic in the Dodge behind the Cummins. Which, from everything I hear is a POS when it comes to putting it under a load. Same as Ford, Same as Chevy. (either that or a big cooler and change teh tranny fluid every 10-15,000 miles)

if you want a real brute of a truck go with the super duty. that's what i have. i looked at the chevy's and noticed that the suspension is only the 1/2 ton a little beefed up. nothing special. then you have the super duty which everything is beefy. just my .02

Originally posted by toykid
if you want a real brute of a truck go with the super duty. that's what i have. i looked at the chevy's and noticed that the suspension is only the 1/2 ton a little beefed up. nothing special. then you have the super duty which everything is beefy. just my .02

Oh please... there's more leafs in the rear of a Chevy 1 ton that there is on my entire FJ-40... Not to mention the axle, monstrous driveshaft, yadda yadda.

Same deal with the Dodge...

It really boils down to personal preference, interior/exterior styling, comfort/ride, and whose engine / tranny you like most.

IMNSHO:
Engine would be: '03 Dodge HO or D-max. (Will be driving the new dodge in 2 weeks, but from what the insiders have said, it's bad ass)
Interior: Chevy, hands down.
Exterior: '02 Chevy... '03's, it's a toss-up.
tranny: Allison Auto, or any of the manuals (my preference)(Stock dodge clutches can be weak though)
Brakes: I think the '03 Dodge is gonna have it.. 13.9" discs on all 4 corners :eek:
Oh, the Ford's wheels are the nicest on the dually's.

Just my opinions from seeing / driving all 3...

diesels were meant to be inline sixes!!

Originally posted by 5.9ctd_fj40
diesels were meant to be inline sixes!!

So why don't you tell us your unbiased opinion, Newbie? :flipoff2:

Originally posted by TyTy


Same goes for you. Internet pricing means shit. Im talking about how much you pay in reality.

Well gee, my local Chevy dealer was offering trucks of all types for $100 over invoice & if you timed it right, you got 0%. That's my "real" out the door price. I actually went with a gas engine, but had I WANTED the Duramax, I damn sure could have gotten a deal on one - BTW, my local Dodge dealer has NEVER wanted to negotiate well on prices, not even on crappy 4-cylinder cars.

But, if we want to call the ultimate BS, I'm calling you out right now. Tell me, exactly how many Chevy dealers have you actually sat down & negotiated SERIOUSLY on Duramax trucks? I'm guessing NONE.

So, the one factor that is "real" that we can all see & PROVE is MSRP & invoice pricing. And again, the way I configure trucks, the Cummins would actually be the MOST expensive 6-speed option, with the Duramax just a couple hundred higher in AT form.

TEX

Originally posted by TEX


Well gee, my local Chevy dealer was offering trucks of all types for $100 over invoice & if you timed it right, you got 0%. That's my "real" out the door price. I actually went with a gas engine, but had I WANTED the Duramax, I damn sure could have gotten a deal on one - BTW, my local Dodge dealer has NEVER wanted to negotiate well on prices, not even on crappy 4-cylinder cars.

But, if we want to call the ultimate BS, I'm calling you out right now. Tell me, exactly how many Chevy dealers have you actually sat down & negotiated SERIOUSLY on Duramax trucks? I'm guessing NONE.

So, the one factor that is "real" that we can all see & PROVE is MSRP & invoice pricing. And again, the way I configure trucks, the Cummins would actually be the MOST expensive 6-speed option, with the Duramax just a couple hundred higher in AT form.

TEX

I have sat down at 1 GM dealer to see what I could get on a Duramax, we went low they said no. They were more than willing to negotiate on ANY gas truck on the lot. Actually I had them down to well below invoice on a couplla GM big gas 2wd 01's. Then I just gave up on the 2wd option.

Then my pops had a go with them on the Duramax (BTW, his company had just bought 100+ trucks from this dealer in the past 2 years) they told him the same thing. BTW, my pops is the CEO of that company.

Then I called around on some used Duramax's, nobody budged.

When I started looking at Dodges I went and had the guy find 2 trucks that he could do a dealer trade on. These two trucks were 37-38K trucks. Pretty much everything except leather. They were practically GIVING them to me. My father was helping wit the negotiation and he got them down to a bare bones price and when we mentioned buying used they were trying to throw in the little stuff like floore mats and shit to close the deal.

Ended up buying a truck 800 miles away with 3400 miles on the odometer used from AutoTrader.com. The deal I got was amazing, couldnt have aforded half the truck I have now if it hadent been for that deal.

Anyway, I guess it could be a difference in areas/ dealers. However, the experience on the Duramax's have been the same all over from what I have seen/ heard.

Originally posted by TyTy
Anyway, I guess it could be a difference in areas/ dealers. However, the experience on the Duramax's have been the same all over from what I have seen/ heard.

There were some issues for a few months when they were new & hot, and even then it was mainly on trucks that were on the lot. If you were willing to order & wait a bit, that's when deals could be made. Really, the same thing happened when Dodge put the Cummins in their trucks. At first, you were stuck with inflated prices, but if you were a little patient, things fell in line.

TEX

Just took our 2500lb camper off our Ram last week. It had been on for over a year and I kinda forgot what it was like to drive the PU naked. Man that thing hauls ass. Best part... I got 21.8MPG driving from Phoenix to Flagstaff and back doing 80MPH. That trip takes you from 1000ft to 7000ft altitude. Man was I impressed!

The economy with the camper is nothing to sneeze at either. We can pull 18MPG with the camper.

BTW, I have the EZ Edge performance module on there for a bunch of extra ponies.

Don't forget the Dodges are getting $3000 in rebates on the 2002s. I just got mine for the same price I'd expect to pay for a gasser. The CTD with the 6 spd is essentially a 1-ton, but with SRW. Same drivetrain down to the hybrid D80. Get the plow package, you get the HD 241 with ANOTHER PTO port.

Bryan

Originally posted by offroadr35


I've actually heard that Chevy is having a lot of problems with those trannies. I personally have a 6-speed Superduty and love it. I do believe that the Cummins is probably the best engine of the 3 but the rest of the truck is lacking. The PSD is IMO very close to the cummins and the rest of the truck is up to par. You might also want to considre a Crew Cab...it seems lots of people go Supercab and wish they had the extra room whereas i've never heard anyone complain about having 2 extra doors. For a truck that's going to last for 400k miles you had better plan for the future.

-Steve


I'm wichu ;)

2002 PSD 4x4 6-spd

I have a 99 PSD 4x4 6 speed. I have driven the Duramax and a Cummins HO 6 speed. If I was buying one I would buy the Cummins HO 6 speed.:)

you CAN get a jake for the dodge through the dealership...

the cummins is a good engine......... period! but i have seen many many many people who own dodge's with many other problems......... 2 of em right now are involved in lemeon law suits.... and several others will never own one again........ like i say cummins is sweet, its the rest of dodge that seems to be the problem...


i have owned a few ford diesels.......... never problems, none of my friennds who run them have had problems either...... will the cummins outpull the powerstroke.... i dont see that but it aint much of an issue if the dodge is in the garage....

Originally posted by badassjeepguy
you CAN get a jake for the dodge through the dealership...

the cummins is a good engine......... period! but i have seen many many many people who own dodge's with many other problems......... 2 of em right now are involved in lemeon law suits.... and several others will never own one again........ like i say cummins is sweet, its the rest of dodge that seems to be the problem...


i have owned a few ford diesels.......... never problems, none of my friennds who run them have had problems either...... will the cummins outpull the powerstroke.... i dont see that but it aint much of an issue if the dodge is in the garage....

The ones from the dealers are made by Jacobs, but are only exhaust brakes, not the big rig Jake Brakes.

Bryan

There's lemons from every manufacturer. We have a guy living near us with a SD Diesel and he has a banner in the back window listing all the stuff wrong with it and a number next to each thing saying how many times it's been back for that problem. Pretty humorous actually.

He wants them to take his truck back.

Originally posted by Oxjockey


The ones from the dealers are made by Jacobs, but are only exhaust brakes, not the big rig Jake Brakes.

Bryan

i will double check but i recal the set up for jake on the dodge which required pullin the valve cover and valve springs and such being changed...... i believe you must order the truck with this setup...... it was not an exhaust brake..... and was fully warrantied by dodge/cummins....


with that siad ford will not warranty if they can show an exhaust brake as the cause for the faulty item... whatever that may be

Here's the only one I know of:
http://www.dodge.com/GetAPart/img/mpi/78%2FMPI004.jpg

"Jacobs Diesel Exhaust Brake for Cummins 24-Valve Turbo Diesel with Manual Transmission. An electronically controlled valve is placed in the exhaust system. Valve is automatically activated to close exhaust and generate engine braking. Saves on brake life and provides increased driving control, especially when towing and/or in hilly areas. Not for use with Automatic Transmission."


I just bought mine, and a true JB was not an option I saw.

Bryan

well since the 24 valve deal it may have changed......... i will check into it, i am 98 percent sure you could get a real jake on the 12 valve job

I think all THREE suck for the money they want. I bought the PSD because I thought it sucked the least.:)

I primarily bought Ford because they knocked 8K off and provided 0% financing. I didn't look at Dodge and Chevy did not offer any significant reductions and only 4.9% financing.

I researched for a long time and they all have issues of some kind. I have already performed the fuel mods on my PSD to get rid of the air and it made a tremendous difference...but why do I have to fix a brand new truck?

There is one fact thought, once you tow with an oil burner, you will not want to go back.

I just wish Toyota would make a heavy duty full size diesel powered towing maching

:smokin:

Thanks for all the comments and advice guys ... :)

Drove home this afternoon in my brand new Forest Green '02 Chebby 2500HD LS 4X4 Ext. Cab w/Duramax/Allison, buckets, Tape & CD, tint and tow, power everythnig ... 40K less $2500 disc. less $2500 rebate.
The '02 diesels were getting pretty scarce but my Aztec NM dealer did a swap from an Alamosa CO dealership for me.

Love it! Dang, what a smooth trannie and plenty of power.
The only thing I don't like are the LT245/75R16/E tires :mad:

The axel ratio is 4.73 and I don't want to regear or sap it's now snappy acceleration but I'm gonna go bigger and put the take-offs on me ol' Blazer.
A very good AT will suit me just fine.
Tire size brand suggestions anyone ... :confused:

Actually, that axle ratio is 3.73:1, but who's counting. :D

As for tires, I agree, those skate wheels have got to go. In fact, mine left the day I bought it. :D I've got 285/75R16s Bridgestone A/Ts on mine and they rubbed a little on the driver's front fender liner. Mostly only in reverse, hitting the brake, with the wheels turned med-hard right. Anyway, all I had to do was turn the wheels and jamb a 2x4 in between the tire and the liner, then heat it till it gets soft (not melted) and let it cool. Pretty much flattened out the lower 1.5" of the "V" rib near the fender opening and pushed the inner arch (about 1/2 way in) out just a bit. Nothing to it. I've heard others have trimmed about 1-2" off the bottom front on that drivers front liner. Others apparently have no problem if you "crank the bars" for about 1" of clearance, but I *will not* do that. I'm also told that slightly larger tires (like 305/70s) can be made to fit by cranking AND trimming both front liners. Don't know though.

As for the Bridgestones, I got those on recommendation from a friend who runs them on his Blazer. They are considerably rougher on the road than the factory rubber, but not too bad. Haven’t had them off road yet except for a basically dry field/dirt road so I have no idea how they will do. Probably like any other A/T, they will suck anywhere but on dry dirt. I guess they are ok, but I don't know if I would get them again. Time will tell. I wanted Michelins but they didn't make the M/S in the size I wanted. Maybe BFG AT/KOs next time…

Originally posted by BadDog
Actually, that axle ratio is 3.73:1, but who's counting. :D

Maybe BFG AT/KOs next time…


Errr, right ... 3.73s ... :shaking: ...

Any who, thanks for letting me know what size to look for, Russ.
Saves me a ton of wondering and headscratching.
That's the great thing about this board.
Just like having a bunch of invisible guys come by and while kicking the tires telling ya what's the biggest you can stuff in there, but only if you tweak this and that, and oh, I tried those but now I like these ...
Much appreciated ...
:)

Originally posted by Jaffer

Just like having a bunch of invisible guys come by and while kicking the tires telling ya what's the biggest you can stuff in there, but only if you tweak this and that, and oh, I tried those but now I like these ...
:)

And we don't drink all your beer! :D

Originally posted by BadDog
I'm also told that slightly larger tires (like 305/70s) can be made to fit by cranking AND trimming both front liners

Actually, 305/70's aren't any larger than 285/75's, they're just WIDER. For the same reason, I'm going with 255/85's on mine - same diameter as both of the above, but narrower so no clearance issues.

TEX

True, but larger also covers wider in my book (didn’t say taller). ;) The problem with the 305/70s is that they ARE wider and would hit hard in places that I slip by with 285/75 and no interference. To deal with that takes more mods (lift and cut). Of course, I don’t remember for sure if he said 305/70s, or some similar size. All I remember for sure is he said the 285/75 was a “barely fit” situation and a tire any larger would rub without mods that I was not willing to do…

Drove home this afternoon in my brand new Forest Green '02 Chebby 2500HD LS 4X4 Ext. Cab w/Duramax/Allison, buckets, Tape & CD, tint and tow, power everythnig ... 40K less $2500 disc. less $2500 rebate.

I am envious :smokin: :smokin:

Originally posted by TyTy


Yeah, I hear those D60 fronts, D80 rear, 1310 ujoints in the d-lines, NV4500 (NV4600), NP431, etc... are really pieces of shit!:rolleyes:

Dodge's have a beefy drivetrain and are built to tow. They are just not made for the panzies who are looking for a half ton truck that can tow heavy loads. They are loud, stiff ride, simple interior, hard seats, etc... However, ask anyone that has towed with both and they will tell you, they are built for towing and do it the best.

NOW, a FORD on the other hand IS probably the better choice for the majority of owners. It is more user friendly and probably more comfortable to most. Not to mention a great drivetrain worthy of any situation.

However, I dont mind my stiff ride, high ride height, and loud motor. Reminds me that at least someone still makes a real truck:D

AMEN.

I'll chime in here. I have a 99 Dodge CTD and price shopped against Ford and there was a huge real world variance. The Ford had a great cab and a bit more power ( can't say I've seen this on the road pulling my 30" 5th wheel ) but for several thousand less and the Cummins it was a no brainer for me. I would like to test drive the new cheby soon though with 4 doors. The Dodge 4-door cab isn't much bigger (if any) that my extended cab. Just my .02. - D

Originally posted by TyTy


Yeah, I hear those D60 fronts, D80 rear, 1310 ujoints in the d-lines, NV4500 (NV4600), NP431, etc... are really pieces of shit!:rolleyes:

However, I dont mind my stiff ride, high ride height, and loud motor. Reminds me that at least someone still makes a real truck:D

well my father has a 99 3/4 with the cummins and 5spd ext cab long bed. we installed the 2' leveling kit and couln'd have made a better choice. he already has 100k on it, the only thing that we have had to do is the clutch, took us 6 hours.

on another note my old boss bought his 99 Ford 1ton 4dr long bed at the same time and it has BROKE DOWND, yes had to be towed away TWICE!!!! not impressed!!!! as far as i am concerened the powerstroke is a piece of shiet!!! if the V8 Diesel was such a good idea then why do the real tractor trucks use INLINE 6'S........ Cummins even, they are used in a good majority of the freghtliners. V8 diesel very bad ieda.

don't get me weong i love ford gonna probably buy one myself, but the V10 GAS motor, wouldn't buy the PS if my life depended on it!!!!

as far as the u joints go we have not had any trouble. we drive it pretty hard, so hopefully the truck you mentioned was an isolated event.

we installed the stage one banks in our truck and hauled a 12k trailer like it was not even there, and thats only half of what the dodge is capable of. those motors are 70% DE-TUNED so as not to tear the running gear up. the PS on the other hand has had to be beefed up to keep up. now when they did this they did not beef up the bottem end hens the early deaparture of the motor to motor heaven.

now i'm shure that you have all heard of the new ford motor, the 6 ltr diesel that will be(hopefully) the best out there, i would buy one of those, why because they are desinged for the power that they put out not hopped up take offs of older used up models.

now i have noticed that rough ride in the dodge but the ford isn't that mutch better, not worth the 10 grand. we paid in 98 from the dealer $31,500 for a truck with everything but leather because it's his work truck, infinity sterio the works. only 3 miles on it. and his friend bought an 01 in 00 for 27,900 with the same package and the 6spd, from the dealer in idaho. they sell between 700 and 800 trucks a month with over 50 sales persons. it's a little mutch to take in when you get there. but beats the $44,000+ price tag of the Ford and i'm not real familair with the chevy.

thats my 10 cents:flipoff2:

but why do I have to fix a brand new truck?

There is one fact thought, once you tow with an oil burner, you will not want to go back.

so what the hell!!!! who manufactuers and oil burner

"OHH they are suposed to do that,I Say A BIG BS to that, the PS are just that..... Pieces of Shiet.:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

aggghhh, man that gets me going