I recently had a two different friends, in different cities, each own 1/2 ton Dodge (one a '97, the other a '98) that had the computer control module go out on there trucks. the entire truck just quit. one was in warranty, but one was out. the friend who's truck was out of warranty said he had to pay around $800 to get that module replaced!!! anybody else heard of probs like this, or of any truth to the cost? I have a another friend who is currently debating getting GM vs Dodge, and he is scared of the Dodge because of that story, and transmission stories. wondering if there was anyone else who heard of this.
The "looks" of a 4 wheel drive truck relate directly to the function. A chevy/gmc 4 wheel drive, even the 3/4 tons "look" like a 2 wheel drive 1/2 ton. How can they be expected to perform like a 4 wheel drive vehicle should?? Because 90% of the buyers are suburban yuppies who need the lower entry height, geez don't want them to have to step UP or anything. Ford Super Duty, well first off I think the "looks" translate into a fine performing heavy duty truck, problem for me is that I think they are UGLY, way too tall and just plain homely!!!! Saw a new crew cab shortbox coming at me the other day and I nearly died laughing at that ridiculously huge cab and tiny box. I've seen some extended cab shortboxes in a dark blue or black that don't look too bad however. That's purely a subjective thing on my part, wouldn't have one! My point about the wife liking my Dodge is that they are nice to drive, auto trans, good visibility, nice power etc. Keep pouring it on, I can take the ribbing. Besides why would anyone buy something they didn't like the looks of?? Like I said, just observe a chevy and a dodge side by side and do an unbiased lookover. Dodge totally kicks!!! As far as the previous post concerning the module going out on a Dodge, never heard of it! 29,000 on my 97 1500, not one single problem, great truck! If your buddy is scared of Dodge then don't let him look at all the posts here about the problems with new chevys. I'm not saying one is "better" than the other, in that regard they're even, get the one that suits your need and the one you like the "looks" of.
First my comment that the Dodge Ram is a decent looking style the only negative I have about the bodystyle is true of every vehicle - it gets dated - time for a change. The Dodge does sit high and looks bigger than most trucks. I would question how useful that is and what the tradeoffs are. It probably creates poor aerodynamics, and makes cornering worse. It would help in ground clearance, but the trucks I've seen could use bigger wheels/tires to help, and look better. I bought a Silverado, and looks aren't that important to me - except when I hate something like an F-150 "droopy" headlight look. It looks like the Dodge wheelwells can fit a much bigger tire than the Silverado. Anyone know the maxs?
is fitting for you and I would take Tim's advice and would definitely back out the door if you were in the same room.
Stating facts is not spouting off.
Can't help if your dissatisfied with your purchase. I actually think you have "Chevy" envy or something since you seem to spend more time trying to tell Chevy drivers what they should have bought when no "opinion" was asked. I'm not sure why you bought your Dodge but it was Your choice and hope your happy with it. Geeze, its almost like you were trying to gain acceptance in the GM crowd. Now before you start in about bleeding Chevy blood, I've owned Chevys, Fords, Dodges, Jeeps and a few european models as well. They all have great ones and not so great ones. You also seem to be hung up on the 4 doors that Chevy lacked in the 1st new model year. Well its now available on the 2nd new model year and GM still has a real crew cab if you must have a fourth door. Where is Dodge's crew cab? How many years with Dodge's new style and still no crew cab? Imagine that and Dodge actually had the first crew cab. Hope it gets accomplished before the 2002 new style Dodge comes out or it may never happen. Ford and Dodge aren't bad choices as long as they're right for you. I bought the right one for me and didn't mind spending the extra $ as it's a better truck which will definitely hold its resale value better when the time comes for a new truck. I test drove them all and like I stated in my earlier post, drive the competition and choose the truck that's right for you. Tony
ps Rammers, you seem as phoney as your email address "a@aol.com"
You've been bragging about this truck of yours and haven't even told much about it other than its black and a 1999 Quad Cab. What engine did you get and what options? SLT? 6cyl or v8? What gives? Did you pay invoice, under or over, or possibly MSRP??? Tony
I agree with the yuppy thoery...however it's not just one brand. Here in the Motor city there are hundreds of thousands of all brands...and most are the yuppy or similar that never see off road. Height does make some advantage...but not the only advantage as you state. I'm sure that Any day you would like to compare the two off road..or attatch a chain back to back....well...your theory would die real quick.
..Do I have to say it again?...OK..
Dodge and performance have nothing to do with each other... ..and Ford Vs.Chevy is all it ever has been...and all it ever will be. Dodge never has been and never will be a contendor.
I heard nascar might see a dodge soon?....that will be a joke..
Let's see....Dodge 4 door...4th in model year Chevy 4 door....2nd in model year.. But oh no!!...manlover says I will feel stupid when the 4 doors come out and I have a 3 door!!..what will I do!!...someone please help me!!....Oh the Humanity....
The only thing height does for you is allow you to look into other cars to see what's going on (can be a very good or very bad thing), and keeps others from looking into your truck. But really, clearance and wheel travel are the important things. Give me a 4wd with the lowest center of gravity, the best possible clearance, and good suspension. Look at a Humvee, sure sits low for about the ultimate off-roader.
You just need to have enough wheel travel to allow a good suspension system to work and enough clearance to get over rocks. That's why, Tim, I was asking how your truck is with a load, and how much wheel travel is allowed.
The modern 2500 Ram, with tons of wheel travel, has a great suspension for heavy loads like big slide-in campers. Unlike the previous model Ram, with too little wheel travel (beat you up when it was dry or loaded), the modern ram has a great ride either loaded or empty. I still haven't got a chance to look at them closely, but I am hoping the performance of the suspension on the new Silverado/Sierra 2500 is relatively comparable. The new 1500 sure doesn't have the wheel travel, although it does ride well when empty.
Extreme height like in the new Ford Superduty is stupid if you really can't get a standard camper on it without spacers in the bed and special jacks.
I think Tim will back me up on this, anyone stating the reason not to get a 3/4-ton is the difference in gas mileage should get a life. What's the difference in the 5.3 1500 and 6.0 2500, 2-5 mpg? (if that) Come on Quadrunner, if that's such a problem, get a Grand Vitara or something, they're really cute! hehehe. The only time I complain about mileage is if a more powerful motor gets better mileage (i.e. my buddies Chevy 350 (around 20 mpg) vs. my Dodge 318 (about 17 mpg).
Oh yeah, I don't care if the GM 1500 outsells the 2500 5-to-1 or 50-to-1, I still haven't heard ANY complaints on the 3/4-ton, and plenty of people are raving about them. I'm sure Tim will be a good sport and let us know if something goes wrong. Meanwhile, I'm hearing plenty of problems with the rear springs, drive shaft shutter, vibration, computers, brakes, rattles in the dash . . . on the 1500 to scare me.
I'm hoping I don't hear any problems from Tim, because I am getting close to ordering a 2500 HD SLT 4wd ext. cab w/the 4th door & long bed. I'm putting off the test drive 'cause I know when I do, I will have to order one very fast. It should be a truck to satisfy needs for a long time.
I know all brands have problems, but watching my boss's problems and reading the posts from owners and the GM mechanic on #654, I think there's reason to be a little concerned about manufacture quality.
I have never bought a truck for my company due to it's looks. That's the difference between commercial and personal sales. Explains also the reason why Chevy can't touch Ford's Superdutys. Ford didn't design the new Superdutys for camper guys--they designed it for the commercial market. That's why there is a F-250LD.
Tim, I'll gladly take my '98 1500 dodge up against a comparably equiped chevy 1500 in a pulling contest. Chevy is fine for going to the market or driving to work. When you get to work and its time to perform you get into the Dodge or if they are all taken , better grab a ford. When you go out in a chevy you buddy up with another chevy so when the first one breaks down you guys can get back. DODGE RULES and ford isn't far behind. Go park them chevys over by the tundras.
Wow the Dodge guys are turning up the fire. A little advice from the middle.
Tweverts, you asked for it. You said something like "no "opinion" was asked". If you don't want advice or opinions, turn off your computer. I'm sick of people saying stuff like that when they voluntarily come to the forums. Besides, don't start saying how dependable and perfect your new silverado 1500 is when you have barely driven it off the lot. ** see below
jcmdie, I would be a little careful, too, I own a dodge 5.2 and I know I would not want to have a pulling contest with a new chevy 5.3 or a 350 (or compare mileage, for that matter). My dodge has been very dependable, good quality (no rattles, etc) over 50k miles, great off-road and good towing. But if there is one place where I would not want to compete with GM, it would be with gas engines.
Rocles, I agree with Tim, most Superdutys I see are for personal use.
trucklover, I couldn't agree with you more ("The average buyer needs and wants 4 doors. how many average buyers want a CREW CAB?") Crew cabs have never sold well, they're just too big for 95% of buyers. Poor off-road, too. Club/extended cabs are another story. I'm guessing Dodge will be very responsive to the buyers if they really started demanding the crew cab. Maybe the market has changed, and crew cabs are in more demand now.
**. . . Well my boss just came in and the first thing he said was he now has fluid leaking from his axle and two leaking valve covers. Add those problems to the long list. Sorry tweverts, its the same configuration as yours: '99 GM 1500 SLT 4wd ext. cab. 5.3L.
Tim, I'm thinking about trying to find a 2000 Sierra 2500 to test drive this weekend. Maybe my wife will let me have one for an anniversary present. Only problem, we need to replace her car soon, too. I'll let you know what I think if I can find one.
My theory would look pretty good after we both tried to cross a creek with steep banks and you were left sitting there with both bumpers hung up with your chevy.(low rider). Seen it happen dude!! Dodge breezed right through.
I own a '97 Ram 1500 4x4, and a '98 Ford F-150 2wd. I owned a '95 Chevy C-1500.
Ram: looks good. Mediocre paint job. Comfortable inside. World's worst cupholders, but since improved on new models. Handles like a beast compared to the ford. Doesn't feel "in control" on curves and going down hills. Feels much bigger and wider, even though it really isn't. More spacious regular cab than ford or chevy. More room behind seat. Gets a lot of compliments on it's looks. Braking is NOT good. In shop 3 times for tranny in 30,000 miles. In shop twice for abnormally long stopping distances (dealers could not/would not diagnose) as in.......your pedal hits the floor and the truck doesn't skid, but slowly decelerates through the intersection. We're getting rid of it because of this reason. It's just not as safe as I'd like. Gas mileage in mostly city driving with 5.9L is 13.5 mpg. May hit 15 on the expressway, downhill, with a tailwind. Overall, not terrible, has never broken down, but just leaves you with an uneasy feeling as to quality. Dealer network (we've tried 3 so far) is...well....either dishonest or incompetent. I get the impression they don't like performing warranty work and will try to get you to "live with the problem". Still, their pluses almost outweigh the negatives.
Ford: looks good if configured just right, but not as good as the Dodge IMHO. Reliablity perfect in first 28,000 miles. Still on original brake pads, btw. (Ram used two sets in first 38,000 miles, but it is a heavier vehicle and may have rear brake problems). Split bench seats are UNCOMFORTABLE, but the '99 and newer ones are somewhat better. Steering wheel position is too far away for my build (6'0"), which combined with seats causes major league back pain on long trips. Selling this one for THAT reason. (take a long test drive, this didn't show up on ours) Mileage with the 4.6L is 17 in daily commuting, only 13 mpg when used to tow a light work trailer. Got about 19 on an extended trip(but it has the lower rear end, it's an STX) Smooth ride, quieter than ram. Steering is a bit too twitchy for my tastes, but '97 era Ram's steering was a little too stiff and vague. That has since improved, also. One potentially MAJOR Ford problem.....door cracks. Mine has a hairline crack right at the window, as many others have, from what I'm reading on the net(70% or so). This could be a big negative for Fords down the line. Who wants a repainted new door on a "new" truck? Dealers we've dealt with have been great. Good customer service attitude. (fixed a factory cracked rear window with no hassles, even though they could have just caulked it and we'd have never known it was cracked inside the frame....also zero sales pressure...honest)
'95 Chevy- no problems at all in 28,000 miles, but it handled like a hearse and was pretty homely(2wd), so I sold it, but it was a pretty cush ride if you didn't have many curves and turns. I'd have kept it had it been a 4wd. Haven't driven the Silverados yet, but am considering one. Local Chevy dealers a cagey bunch, hate to give out prices over the phone, just seem to use "old fashioned" sales tactics more. Never used the shop.
As for cost.....I've found that "real world"....I can find a Ram configured to look and perform the way I like for a good deal less than the fords and Chevys. I don't need 4 or 3 doors, so can save on a club cab ram, plus the regular cab rams have financing incentives the others don't. If configured exactly the same price differences are small, though. Also, my dealer will sell it at invoice plus $0. I also can use a $500 rebate from being a farm bureau member, which the others don't offer. The others are a few hundred more than invoice.
Overall, I priced a 4x4 reg cab ram slt 1500 (no 4wheel abs) to drive out at about $2,000 less than a Ford I liked (with upgraded cap. chairs and elec seats to make it bearable), with Chevy being about the same as the Ford.
As you can see, I don't keep any of these a long time. I'm just not confident enough in their reliability. A tranny rebuild alone (the ram is already making clunking noises at 40,000 miles) could negate the savings of keeping a vehicle into old age. Plus, I hate the hassle of taking a vehicle in to get fixed(especially since it often doesn't get fixed right the first time these days)
I did own a toyota that was 10 years old, but these trucks aren't toyotas and I hate the Tundra styling enough to pass on it. And even the toyota had some repairs needed as it aged.(maybe $1500 worth in last 5 years)
Finally, A guy at a dealer I respect told me when ordering once....that other than "packages" (SLT....LS...LT...XLT...etc) most options add ZERO to a truck's trade-in value(he actually made a zero gesture with his fingers) So keep that in mind. Most trucks on lots are either stripped or really loaded up. I have found more "reasonably equipped" Rams around, though.
I'm not wealthy, so I don't think I'll be taking my $30K truck across a creek anytime soon.
I usually use a bridge. If I want to cross creeks regularly, I'd buy an ATV or an old Jeep for $2,000. Eventually, even a Hummer will lose in a pounding match with the rocks and logs.
Cross a creek? Isn't that why man developed bridges? Oh well, sounds like a neat hobby.....
Am I the only one who sees a ton of superdutys for commercial work? If that's the case then I guess virtually ALL of Chevy 2500's are for personal use. Seriously, that many trucks for yuppies? Not satisfied with the SUVs, eh?
Yes..lot's are for work...but a boat load..probably more..are for everyday commuting.
Mine's a Weekly commuter...and a weekend hauler. Bro-inlaw just got a dodge 2500. he gets a spray in liner...and then uses a trailer to pick up a small tree that would easily go in the back. He says he couldn't reach up that high to take it out. I say Bull! I mentioned something about pallets of Bricks being about 3000 lbs. and a 3/4 would take that easily. He said he would take something like that in 2 or 3 loads. People are nuts boss! That is the mentality of so many truck owners. they are afraid to use them! I was at the landscape place last weekend getting a pallet of retaining wall blocks...a guy had a Z71 getting topsoil. He had a liner..and still put a tarp down? And when the 1 yard bucket had dumped about 1/3 of it..he told the guy to stop! that's all he wanted to take at one time! Gimme a break man.
I'm not Construction Joe...but come on man...don't be afraid to use the damn things!
Bro said he would take about 1000 max in his 3/4 Dodge....why even get a 3/4?
The Ram has had the same body style since 1993/1994. When will they update? At some point keeping the same style will start to hurt their sales. You must admit that the looks of the new Ram (if you can call it new after 5 years) is at least 90% of the reason they started selling more trucks. I know two people who bought Rams just on looks alone - both were smart enough to also buy the extended warranty package. How would you like to be the owner of a new Ram when they do finally change the body style?? Then again maybe the Bugs Bunny look will last another 50 years.. I sure would like a Caddy with the large tail fins!!!!
z71bill, The next generation ram will be out in fall 2001, as a 2002 model. First the light duty rams 1/2 ton a 3/4 will come out, on a completly new frame design, and the following model year, the heavy duty line up which will feature new engines, plus a all new diesel (by cummins), new tranny's ,new everthing. It will resemble the powerwagon greatly. The light duty will be more like the current ram but have all new sheet metal.
My question is does anyone know where I can get the wood grain interior thats found on the rams with leather? I did not want the leather but I got the camel/tan interior in cloth, but I want to know if chrysler has the wood grain as a part I can buy? If I were to call the 1-800... number will they be able to help me or am I wasting my time trying to find this option? My 2000 ram 3/4 ton QC 4x4 diesel should be here in about 4 weeks.
P.S We just ordered a plow for it. It's an artic 9ft poly and were wondering if this is too big for the truck. Its a 3/4 ton 4x4 qc diesel, the plow dearler says it should be ok. Also we have the auto tranny.
Tim, 1000 lbs max???? Are you kiddin' me??!!? In a 3/4 ton? All man, that just proves my theory that most of these guys are weenies. Hell, an S-19 or Ranger could easily handle that load let alone any half-tonner! You should have berated him on the spot for being a weenie.....
Before he bought he was talking about 1/2 tons and mentioned 1500lbs...( I think he is going by the model..1500?) and said that was not enough. hell..1/2's will do over 2000..(politically correct specs that is). So I guess he thinks the 2500 model does 2500? I think a long box 3/4 4WD is like 3400-3500? His is 2WD ext cab 8 foot 3/4. Nice truck for a dodge...but it will never see much work at all. To make it worse...he even got the Diesel! What a waste..eh?
This is my first 3/4. Damn nice when loaded down. I think my 1/2 ton days are over!
The Rosewood applique was an option you could buy for the interior panels right from Dodge. Don't own one to know for sure, but when I was looking at Rams, I found the Rosewood on the Dodge Ram Website, under accessories, or something like that.
If Ford would come out with a serious Diesel engine, perhaps they would sell more serious trucks. The "Power Choke" engine is a joke compared to the awesome Cummins that Dodge offers. Chevy trucks are for girls so they don't even come out with a Diesel. Go figure!
gwmoore The chevy engine does get better mileage but has no better pulling than dodge. Actually the tires and rear end ratio are probably more critical in pulling.
Tim I agree your brother in law is a weenie. My 1500 has hauled a load of rock 2400# and work deliveries in the 2000# range dozens of times. Towing while loaded down is excellent.
I own a 1998 G,M,C, Sierra 1500 P/U truck has 39,000 miles on it. Runs great 20,000 miles pulling 6,000 lbs of trailer. 10,000 miles ago felt rumble thru truck speed didn't matter no wear on tires dealer can't find it. any help appreciated
I am a HUGE fan of the Cummins. It is my first choice for a pickup powerplant, if I can afford it. But, I don't think it would be a big step down to have a Powerstroke (as far as the engine, anyway). Ahhh!, how did we get on the topic of fords, anyway. The only Ford I would want now is my old '73 Bronco.
What's all this chest beating going on, and then making fun of someone mentioning crossing a creek with his truck? Last time I was in the mountains (last weekend), I did'n notice a "Bridge" across every creek in the road. Maybe some peoples' idea of rough is alot different than others! Even though we paided more than $34K for ours, It Still Says TRUCK on the title, and if the front bumber clears it, it should go over it. But then maybe I expect more from a truck, but I still want it to look nice, ride nice, and not loosen -up under these conditions. It may not work all of the time, but it has to live up the TRUCK title. Lets face it, Dodges can take it.
Tim I think you are right about people not treating their trucks as trucks. Man, its just a tool, granted a Big expensive, good looking tool, but still a tool.
I'm also with you that pick-ups are used less and less as trucks, especially as more and more are sold to city-yuppies who never leave the city limits, hire out all their yard work and home projects, and who's idea of adventure is going to the new Vietnamese restaurant. The pinheads that think having a truck will make them tough and interesting. The rest of us who need a truck for what we are (those who do physical work and need a physical truck, those who tow big toys, those who go fishing, hunting, and/or ride horses) can really appreciate how much pick-ups have evolved because we owned them before they were "cool" and comfy.
Pickups have always been tools for us, tough and good for a variety of heavy uses. Now they are very flexible and excel at a wide range of uses. Extended cabs have done the most for pickups, allowing them to be a primary vehicle. Those who say they don't need extended cabs don't know what they are missing. The ability to have extra people and gear in the safe and secure confines of the cab makes it possible to have the truck as your only car, therefore, we can spend more money on them.
While trucks are now more flexible and can often out perform cars in comfort, they are still trucks and need to be built and used as trucks. If you're not going to use the vehicle for what it is designed, there are better vehicle options. Try one of the car-based SUVs if you have to have a higher vehicle. The more non-truck people that buy pickups, the sooner we will lose our gas guzzler exception, and then the lower mileage of the 6.0 liter we love will be a factor to consider. It's a "Catch-22"; the more buyers, the more competition for the manufacturers and more innovations that come out. But, the more pickups with poor mileage sold, the more the tree-huggers are going to call out for taxing the heck out of us, at the very least. Oh well, they will never take my truck away from me, I'll Ram their Yugo.
Tim, I couldn't get away last weekend to take a drive in the new 2500. For some reason my wife had other things in mind for our first anniversary weekend. Women are strange that way. My test drive will have to wait, I'm heading out for the opening of bird season this weekend. Gotta use my truck, still love the one I have.
I intend to use my Silverado for towing a horse trailer, and a boat, and hauling wood. It should also be great in the Winter. Not many cars can do those things.
What I don't intend to do with it is to uselessly beat it driving across creeks, jumping chasms, or crawling along the Rubicon trail. That's a nice hobby for some people. A Jeep Wrangler or older, modified truck is great for that.
There are more categories than "yuppies" - who use pickups to drive the kids to soccer practice, and "truckmen" who work or offroad it all day.
Pickups have become the best allround vehicle for many people as gwmoore, pointed out. Also take a look at the number of people who buy aftermarket parts - what are most of them for? - to make their truck pretty, put in a better stereo, etc. Are people who want a nice stereo, [non-permissible content removed]? who needs that in a truck? - let's just sit there and listen to the beautiful music from the diesel !
That as trucks become more of the primary vehicle for the family or whatever...it must become more "pretty" or "Option packed" to suit the buyers.
I myself want all these goodies too. If it's gonna be my seat to sit in while fighting road rage for a couple hours every day....well then you're damn right I want all the "pretty" stuff for it. Also want it to drive smooth like a car...but be tough for the work I have it for also.
So don't be ticked if people call for more options to re-fine these things....it's just the way we are these days.
Accept change!
...but I do understand the "had it before it was cool" thing also...
Any 4wd truck should be able to go across a creek (reasonably). The point is, a 4wd pickup should be built to withstand some punishment and people who are afraid to use a truck at least a little are paranoid. The Rubicon Trail is a different story. (For those of you east of Reno, the Rubicon is west of Tahoe and is the baddest jeep trail around. Some serious rock climbing. Nothing but CJ-5s and the old LandCruisers need apply.) Better to tow a pair of ATVs along.
Pickups have never been the ultimate off-roaders. But not letting one stretch its legs off-road a little is a shame (it shouldn't be that hard to find a reason to). Likewise, a 3/4-ton, or even a 1/2-ton, has the capacity to carry more than the bed-liner around. The yuppies we are talking about are afraid to use them, or have no intention of using them for anything but taking kids to soccer practice. By the way, my truck has been great for going on a full-day trip to the city to watch a play (put the dogs in back with a canopy and load up the club cab with people, didn't have to board my dogs), pretty yuppie, huh!. The next weekend, the truck was slopping up a ranch road taking the same dogs hunting. Now that's versatility.
Beneath the club cab, 4th door, leather, and other new comfort and gadgetry options, there is still a good truck frame, engine, suspension, transmition, and tires - Enjoy it all! If it can't handle it, let us know what kind it is so we don't make the same purchase mistake.
By the way Kernick, be careful in the winter, you would be a lot better off with a Subaru than a 4wd pickup in snow or ice.
I hope I didn't offend any city folk. Not my intention. Pickups are great primary vehicles, even in the city, as Tim can attest. I have plenty of city pickup use experience, myself. Just saying if commuting and going to the store are the ONLY things they are intended for, then that's a shame. There are plenty of new truck buyers that won't load their truck above the bed mat or drive on anything looser than asphalt. Those are the "Yuppies" I'm giving grief to.
Since we started talking about it the last week, or whenever, I have been paying attention to how the new Ford Superduties are being used around here. About 60-70% appear to be for personal use. Many have campers.
The funniest one I have seen yet (and waist of money), was a F-350 (1-ton) regular cab, short bed, powerstroke, jacked way up, with HUGE super swamper tires. It looked like a rediculous 5'-5" steroid freak reincarnated in the form of a truck. So much for commercial use.
A 4wd pickup should be able to handle moderate offroad experiences. To me this means muddy fields, logging roads, and yes probably small streams would be okay. I will take it places where I am pretty damn sure it will not get damaged or stuck on a stream bank. It may happen sure - but I don't intend to needlessly take it more and more difficult places, just to see what it can do. That's 4-wheeling, and as I said before - a 227" long, $30K truck is not my pick for that.
gwmoore By the way my other vehicle is a '96 Subaru Impreza Outback wagon. It's pretty good in the Winter, especially with Blizzak tires. The ground clearance leaves a little to be desired - I got stuck when the snow reached the bumper, and I "snowplowed". I'm hoping that the Autotrac will perform more like an AWD, than a standard 4WD. The only problems I've ever had in the winter with a 4WD was when I didn't have 4WD engaged, and spun the rear wheels "at speed" creating a fishtail. The Autotrac should prevent this if it works as advertised.
Gotta head up and situate things for the big killing Nov.15th! soon.
I believe a Silverado with autotrak will work simailar to AWD. Others believe a 4wd without a locker will be 2WD. I believe with autotrak...it will work much better...provided it sends power to the spinning wheel....as stated..
There's a guy with a web page (I forget him at the moment) that races a Silverado 4x4. Oh yeah, Tom Byrne, T. Byrne Motorsports. Anyway, he gets his best times at the track with autotrack in "auto" mode, so it must kick in fast enough.
But..autotrack doesn't send power to the spinning wheel, it just engages the transfer case. The front differential is open. But 2 wheels on different axles driving a 4x4 is still better than 2 wheels on the same axle, as with a locker on a 2wd.
No matter how good a 4wd system, they are still pickups, and that means poor balance for slippery stuff. Put a few sand bags in the back, that'll help more than anything. Although, I'm sure you guys know that. I do think these club cabs, and particularly with the short box, have better balance (i.e. weight on the tail) than standard pickups, but my old Subaru Legacy wagon was sure better in the snow and ice than my truck. Studded tires are key, just a few weeks away.
You are right, kernick, a little more clearance would help on the Subarus (I guess the Outback and Forester are better). A little weight would too, I remember having a hard time getting out of snow tracks because the car couldn't cut its own way through deep snow. But boy, that 4wd system was sure good on the slippery stuff. Anyway, enough with car-talk.
Well folks, just changed my oil, loaded my shotguns and gear, and I'm off for the begining of Chukar (partridge) season up here in the Oregon Desert. I hope everyone gets to use their trucks for as much fun as I do this weekend.
But you know me....Just gotta defend my belief for open rear axle being good enough that I don't need a locker. By all means a locker can't hurt...but for me..it was not needed.
I drove a Chevy C2500 Crew Cab today (2wd sb)and it didn't accelerate very well. I'm not too thrilled with the style either, it looks old fashioned. We need a new truck but would like to have more room for the kids than we have now in our 91 Silverado extended cab. My husband is a loyal Chevy owner but most dealerships don't have very many of the crew cabs. I know he wants a different gear ratio, 4.10, I think. We haven't looked at the Dodge Rams (quad cab) yet and I know we would be sacrificing some room in the rear. I like the safety features on the Ram and the different options available. Does the Ram 2500 2wd quad cab accelerate any better? How does it compare to the Silverado 2500 extended cab? I need some good "guy reasons" to convince my husband to look at a Dodge. I've read tons of these posts and I have printed the edmunds comparisons. I just like the Dodge better, it's bigger and looks more rugged. It also has more leg room in the rear than a Silverado. Can anyone help?
I find hard to believe. You were probably comparing the "older style" C2500, instead of the newer Silverado. You'll find better acceleration, mileage, room, comfort, etc., etc than the "older style" chevy or dodge.
definitely go sit in the back of a new silverado before you say the Dodge has more room...it doesn't. It has more hip room, but less leg room that the silverado. A Silverado 2500 with the 6.0 engine and 4.10 rear end will really move when you step on the gas.
did the chevy crew cab have a 350 in it? For some reason they equipped quite a few crew cabs with a 350 and a 3.73 rear end ratio. makes for the best fuel mileage, but the most anemic acceleration. engine would do much better with a 4.10. If you drove a 454 with a 3.73, it would accelerate much better also, the new 454's are awesome and still reliable.
try the ford crew cabs with the v10. very reasonably priced, great power, better mileage than the dodge.
Dodge probably has the least acceleration, if thats a big concern.
I had to special order a plain jane Dodge. Used to be a guy had to special order a deluxe one. I figured I'm going to keep this one a long time so I don't need power windows, carpet, power door locks, anti-lock brakes or any of that other "junk". Got a 2000 Dodge Cummins,2500 camper special longbox, 4:10 rear, anti slip, six speed manual trans., tow package for $28,500. Anyone looking for a 97 Dodge 1500 Clubcab SB 30,000 miles absolutely mint, all the extra stuff you can put on one, $20,200. ??
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Besides why would anyone buy something they didn't like the looks of?? Like I said, just observe a chevy and a dodge side by side and do an unbiased lookover. Dodge totally kicks!!!
As far as the previous post concerning the module going out on a Dodge, never heard of it! 29,000 on my 97 1500, not one single problem, great truck! If your buddy is scared of Dodge then don't let him look at all the posts here about the problems with new chevys. I'm not saying one is "better" than the other, in that regard they're even, get the one that suits your need and the one you like the "looks" of.
The Dodge does sit high and looks bigger than most trucks. I would question how useful that is and what the tradeoffs are. It probably creates poor aerodynamics, and makes cornering worse. It would help in ground clearance, but the trucks I've seen could use bigger wheels/tires to help, and look better.
I bought a Silverado, and looks aren't that important to me - except when I hate something like an F-150 "droopy" headlight look.
It looks like the Dodge wheelwells can fit a much bigger tire than the Silverado. Anyone know the maxs?
is fitting for you and I would take Tim's advice and would definitely back out the door if you were in the same room.
ps Rammers, you seem as phoney as your email address "a@aol.com"Stating facts is not spouting off.
Can't help if your dissatisfied with your purchase. I actually think you have "Chevy" envy or something since you seem to spend more time trying to tell Chevy drivers what they should have bought when no "opinion" was asked. I'm not sure why you bought your Dodge but it was Your choice and hope your happy with it. Geeze, its almost like you were trying to gain acceptance in the GM crowd.
Now before you start in about bleeding
Chevy blood, I've owned Chevys, Fords, Dodges, Jeeps and a few european models as well. They all have great ones and not so great ones.
You also seem to be hung up on the 4 doors that Chevy lacked in the 1st new model year. Well its now available on the 2nd new model year and GM still has a real crew cab if you must have a fourth door. Where is Dodge's crew cab? How many years with Dodge's new style and still no crew cab? Imagine that and Dodge actually had the first crew cab. Hope it gets accomplished before the 2002 new style Dodge comes out or it may never happen.
Ford and Dodge aren't bad choices as long as they're right for you. I bought the right one for me and didn't mind spending the extra $ as it's a better truck which will definitely hold its resale value better when the time comes for a new truck.
I test drove them all and like I stated in my earlier post, drive the competition and choose the truck that's right for you.
Tony
Tony
I agree with the yuppy thoery...however it's not just one brand. Here in the Motor city there are hundreds of thousands of all brands...and most are the yuppy or similar that never see off road. Height does make some advantage...but not the only advantage as you state.
I'm sure that Any day you would like to compare the two off road..or attatch a chain back to back....well...your theory would die real quick.
..Do I have to say it again?...OK..
Dodge and performance have nothing to do with each other...
..and Ford Vs.Chevy is all it ever has been...and all it ever will be. Dodge never has been and never will be a contendor.
I heard nascar might see a dodge soon?....that will be a joke..
Let's see....Dodge 4 door...4th in model year
Chevy 4 door....2nd in model year..
But oh no!!...manlover says I will feel stupid when the 4 doors come out and I have a 3 door!!..what will I do!!...someone please help me!!....Oh the Humanity....
You just need to have enough wheel travel to allow a good suspension system to work and enough clearance to get over rocks. That's why, Tim, I was asking how your truck is with a load, and how much wheel travel is allowed.
The modern 2500 Ram, with tons of wheel travel, has a great suspension for heavy loads like big slide-in campers. Unlike the previous model Ram, with too little wheel travel (beat you up when it was dry or loaded), the modern ram has a great ride either loaded or empty. I still haven't got a chance to look at them closely, but I am hoping the performance of the suspension on the new Silverado/Sierra 2500 is relatively comparable. The new 1500 sure doesn't have the wheel travel, although it does ride well when empty.
Extreme height like in the new Ford Superduty is stupid if you really can't get a standard camper on it without spacers in the bed and special jacks.
I think Tim will back me up on this, anyone stating the reason not to get a 3/4-ton is the difference in gas mileage should get a life. What's the difference in the 5.3 1500 and 6.0 2500, 2-5 mpg? (if that) Come on Quadrunner, if that's such a problem, get a Grand Vitara or something, they're really cute! hehehe. The only time I complain about mileage is if a more powerful motor gets better mileage (i.e. my buddies Chevy 350 (around 20 mpg) vs. my Dodge 318 (about 17 mpg).
Oh yeah, I don't care if the GM 1500 outsells the 2500 5-to-1 or 50-to-1, I still haven't heard ANY complaints on the 3/4-ton, and plenty of people are raving about them. I'm sure Tim will be a good sport and let us know if something goes wrong. Meanwhile, I'm hearing plenty of problems with the rear springs, drive shaft shutter, vibration, computers, brakes, rattles in the dash . . . on the 1500 to scare me.
I'm hoping I don't hear any problems from Tim, because I am getting close to ordering a 2500 HD SLT 4wd ext. cab w/the 4th door & long bed. I'm putting off the test drive 'cause I know when I do, I will have to order one very fast. It should be a truck to satisfy needs for a long time.
I know all brands have problems, but watching my boss's problems and reading the posts from owners and the GM mechanic on #654, I think there's reason to be a little concerned about manufacture quality.
So much for that theory!
LOL
- Tim
Here is what we sound like:
www.teleweb.net/mgdvhman/DodgeWar.wav
...Course I'm the one doing the hitting!
LOL
- Tim
Must have been a fluke?
- Tim
What ya think?
Tweverts, you asked for it. You said something like "no "opinion" was asked". If you don't want advice or opinions, turn off your computer. I'm sick of people saying stuff like that when they voluntarily come to the forums. Besides, don't start saying how dependable and perfect your new silverado 1500 is when you have barely driven it off the lot. ** see below
jcmdie, I would be a little careful, too, I own a dodge 5.2 and I know I would not want to have a pulling contest with a new chevy 5.3 or a 350 (or compare mileage, for that matter). My dodge has been very dependable, good quality (no rattles, etc) over 50k miles, great off-road and good towing. But if there is one place where I would not want to compete with GM, it would be with gas engines.
Rocles, I agree with Tim, most Superdutys I see are for personal use.
trucklover, I couldn't agree with you more ("The average buyer needs and wants 4 doors. how many average buyers want a CREW CAB?") Crew cabs have never sold well, they're just too big for 95% of buyers. Poor off-road, too. Club/extended cabs are another story. I'm guessing Dodge will be very responsive to the buyers if they really started demanding the crew cab. Maybe the market has changed, and crew cabs are in more demand now.
**. . . Well my boss just came in and the first thing he said was he now has fluid leaking from his axle and two leaking valve covers. Add those problems to the long list. Sorry tweverts, its the same configuration as yours: '99 GM 1500 SLT 4wd ext. cab. 5.3L.
Tim, I'm thinking about trying to find a 2000 Sierra 2500 to test drive this weekend. Maybe my wife will let me have one for an anniversary present. Only problem, we need to replace her car soon, too. I'll let you know what I think if I can find one.
Good weekend to all -- Greg
My theory would look pretty good after we both tried to cross a creek with steep banks and you were left sitting there with both bumpers hung up with your chevy.(low rider). Seen it happen dude!!
Dodge breezed right through.
Ram: looks good. Mediocre paint job. Comfortable inside. World's worst cupholders, but since improved on new models. Handles like a beast compared to the ford. Doesn't feel "in control" on curves and going down hills. Feels much bigger and wider, even though it really isn't. More spacious regular cab than ford or chevy. More room behind seat. Gets a lot of compliments on it's looks. Braking is NOT good. In shop 3 times for tranny in 30,000 miles. In shop twice for abnormally long stopping distances (dealers could not/would not diagnose) as in.......your pedal hits the floor and the truck doesn't skid, but slowly decelerates through the intersection. We're getting rid of it because of this reason. It's just not as safe as I'd like. Gas mileage in mostly city driving with 5.9L is 13.5 mpg. May hit 15 on the expressway, downhill, with a tailwind. Overall, not terrible, has never broken down, but just leaves you with an uneasy feeling as to quality. Dealer network (we've tried 3 so far) is...well....either dishonest or incompetent. I get the impression they don't like performing warranty work and will try to get you to "live with the problem". Still, their pluses almost outweigh the negatives.
Ford: looks good if configured just right, but not as good as the Dodge IMHO. Reliablity perfect in first 28,000 miles. Still on original brake pads, btw. (Ram used two sets in first 38,000 miles, but it is a heavier vehicle and may have rear brake problems). Split bench seats are UNCOMFORTABLE, but the '99 and newer ones are somewhat better. Steering wheel position is too far away for my build (6'0"), which combined with seats causes major league back pain on long trips. Selling this one for THAT reason. (take a long test drive, this didn't show up on ours)
Mileage with the 4.6L is 17 in daily commuting, only 13 mpg when used to tow a light work trailer. Got about 19 on an extended trip(but it has the lower rear end, it's an STX)
Smooth ride, quieter than ram. Steering is a bit too twitchy for my tastes, but '97 era Ram's steering was a little too stiff and vague. That has since improved, also. One potentially MAJOR Ford problem.....door cracks. Mine has a hairline crack right at the window, as many others have, from what I'm reading on the net(70% or so). This could be a big negative for Fords down the line. Who wants a repainted new door on a "new" truck? Dealers we've dealt with have been great. Good customer service attitude. (fixed a factory cracked rear window with no hassles, even though they could have just caulked it and we'd have never known it was cracked inside the frame....also zero sales pressure...honest)
'95 Chevy- no problems at all in 28,000 miles, but it handled like a hearse and was pretty homely(2wd), so I sold it, but it was a pretty cush ride if you didn't have many curves and turns. I'd have kept it had it been a 4wd. Haven't driven the Silverados yet, but am considering one.
Local Chevy dealers a cagey bunch, hate to give out prices over the phone, just seem to use "old fashioned" sales tactics more. Never used the shop.
As for cost.....I've found that "real world"....I can find a Ram configured to look and perform the way I like for a good deal less than the fords and Chevys. I don't need 4 or 3 doors, so can save on a club cab ram, plus the regular cab rams have financing incentives the others don't. If configured exactly the same price differences are small, though. Also, my dealer will sell it at invoice plus $0. I also can use a $500 rebate from being a farm bureau member, which the others don't offer. The others are a few hundred more than invoice.
Overall, I priced a 4x4 reg cab ram slt 1500 (no 4wheel abs) to drive out at about $2,000 less than a Ford I liked (with upgraded cap. chairs and elec seats to make it bearable), with Chevy being about the same as the Ford.
As you can see, I don't keep any of these a long time. I'm just not confident enough in their reliability. A tranny rebuild alone (the ram is already making clunking noises at 40,000 miles) could negate the savings of keeping a vehicle into old age. Plus, I hate the hassle of taking a vehicle in to get fixed(especially since it often doesn't get fixed right the first time these days)
I did own a toyota that was 10 years old, but these trucks aren't toyotas and I hate the Tundra styling enough to pass on it. And even the toyota had some repairs needed as it aged.(maybe $1500 worth in last 5 years)
Finally, A guy at a dealer I respect told me when ordering once....that other than "packages" (SLT....LS...LT...XLT...etc) most options add ZERO to a truck's trade-in value(he actually made a zero gesture with his fingers) So keep that in mind. Most trucks on lots are either stripped or really loaded up. I have found more "reasonably equipped" Rams around, though.
Now I know.
Thanks.....but get real!
- Tim
I usually use a bridge. If I want to cross creeks regularly, I'd buy an ATV or an old Jeep for $2,000. Eventually, even a Hummer will lose in a pounding match with the rocks and logs.
Am I the only one who sees a ton of superdutys for commercial work? If that's the case then I guess virtually ALL of Chevy 2500's are for personal use. Seriously, that many trucks for yuppies? Not satisfied with the SUVs, eh?
Yes..lot's are for work...but a boat load..probably more..are for everyday commuting.
Mine's a Weekly commuter...and a weekend hauler. Bro-inlaw just got a dodge 2500. he gets a spray in liner...and then uses a trailer to pick up a small tree that would easily go in the back. He says he couldn't reach up that high to take it out. I say Bull!
I mentioned something about pallets of Bricks being about 3000 lbs. and a 3/4 would take that easily. He said he would take something like that in 2 or 3 loads. People are nuts boss! That is the mentality of so many truck owners. they are afraid to use them!
I was at the landscape place last weekend getting a pallet of retaining wall blocks...a guy had a Z71 getting topsoil. He had a liner..and still put a tarp down? And when the 1 yard bucket had dumped about 1/3 of it..he told the guy to stop! that's all he wanted to take at one time! Gimme a break man.
I'm not Construction Joe...but come on man...don't be afraid to use the damn things!
Bro said he would take about 1000 max in his 3/4 Dodge....why even get a 3/4?
www.teleweb.net/mgdvhman/WhatAreYou.wav
- Tim
My question is does anyone know where I can get the wood grain interior thats found on the rams with leather? I did not want the leather but I got the camel/tan interior in cloth, but I want to know if chrysler has the wood grain as a part I can buy? If I were to call the 1-800... number will they be able to help me or am I wasting my time trying to find this option? My 2000 ram 3/4 ton QC 4x4 diesel should be here in about 4 weeks.
P.S We just ordered a plow for it. It's an artic 9ft poly and were wondering if this is too big for the truck. Its a 3/4 ton 4x4 qc diesel, the plow dearler says it should be ok. Also we have the auto tranny.
That's a new one..
- Tim
1000 lbs max???? Are you kiddin' me??!!? In a 3/4 ton? All man, that just proves my theory that most of these guys are weenies.
Hell, an S-19 or Ranger could easily handle that load let alone any half-tonner! You should have berated him on the spot for being a weenie.....
Before he bought he was talking about 1/2 tons and mentioned 1500lbs...( I think he is going by the model..1500?) and said that was not enough. hell..1/2's will do over 2000..(politically correct specs that is).
So I guess he thinks the 2500 model does 2500? I think a long box 3/4 4WD is like 3400-3500?
His is 2WD ext cab 8 foot 3/4.
Nice truck for a dodge...but it will never see much work at all. To make it worse...he even got the Diesel!
What a waste..eh?
This is my first 3/4. Damn nice when loaded down. I think my 1/2 ton days are over!
- Tim
Tim I agree your brother in law is a weenie. My 1500 has hauled a load of rock 2400# and work deliveries in the 2000# range dozens of times. Towing while loaded down is excellent.
Chevy gas engines are FARR superior to Dodge gas engines.
Even though we paided more than $34K for ours, It Still Says TRUCK on the title, and if the front bumber clears it, it should go over it. But then maybe I expect more from a truck, but I still want it to look nice, ride nice, and not loosen -up under these conditions. It may not work all of the time, but it has to live up the TRUCK title. Lets face it, Dodges can take it.
Tim
I think you are right about people not treating their trucks as trucks. Man, its just a tool, granted a Big expensive, good looking tool, but still a tool.
Wildman
I'm also with you that pick-ups are used less and less as trucks, especially as more and more are sold to city-yuppies who never leave the city limits, hire out all their yard work and home projects, and who's idea of adventure is going to the new Vietnamese restaurant. The pinheads that think having a truck will make them tough and interesting. The rest of us who need a truck for what we are (those who do physical work and need a physical truck, those who tow big toys, those who go fishing, hunting, and/or ride horses) can really appreciate how much pick-ups have evolved because we owned them before they were "cool" and comfy.
Pickups have always been tools for us, tough and good for a variety of heavy uses. Now they are very flexible and excel at a wide range of uses. Extended cabs have done the most for pickups, allowing them to be a primary vehicle. Those who say they don't need extended cabs don't know what they are missing. The ability to have extra people and gear in the safe and secure confines of the cab makes it possible to have the truck as your only car, therefore, we can spend more money on them.
While trucks are now more flexible and can often out perform cars in comfort, they are still trucks and need to be built and used as trucks. If you're not going to use the vehicle for what it is designed, there are better vehicle options. Try one of the car-based SUVs if you have to have a higher vehicle. The more non-truck people that buy pickups, the sooner we will lose our gas guzzler exception, and then the lower mileage of the 6.0 liter we love will be a factor to consider. It's a "Catch-22"; the more buyers, the more competition for the manufacturers and more innovations that come out. But, the more pickups with poor mileage sold, the more the tree-huggers are going to call out for taxing the heck out of us, at the very least. Oh well, they will never take my truck away from me, I'll Ram their Yugo.
Tim, I couldn't get away last weekend to take a drive in the new 2500. For some reason my wife had other things in mind for our first anniversary weekend. Women are strange that way. My test drive will have to wait, I'm heading out for the opening of bird season this weekend. Gotta use my truck, still love the one I have.
What I don't intend to do with it is to uselessly beat it driving across creeks, jumping chasms, or crawling along the Rubicon trail. That's a nice hobby for some people. A Jeep Wrangler or older, modified truck is great for that.
There are more categories than "yuppies" - who use pickups to drive the kids to soccer practice, and "truckmen" who work or offroad it all day.
Pickups have become the best allround vehicle for many people as gwmoore, pointed out. Also take a look at the number of people who buy aftermarket parts - what are most of them for? - to make their truck pretty, put in a better stereo, etc. Are people who want a nice stereo, [non-permissible content removed]? who needs that in a truck? - let's just sit there and listen to the beautiful music from the diesel !
I myself want all these goodies too. If it's gonna be my seat to sit in while fighting road rage for a couple hours every day....well then you're damn right I want all the "pretty" stuff for it. Also want it to drive smooth like a car...but be tough for the work I have it for also.
So don't be ticked if people call for more options to re-fine these things....it's just the way we are these days.
Accept change!
...but I do understand the "had it before it was cool" thing also...
- Tim
Pickups have never been the ultimate off-roaders. But not letting one stretch its legs off-road a little is a shame (it shouldn't be that hard to find a reason to). Likewise, a 3/4-ton, or even a 1/2-ton, has the capacity to carry more than the bed-liner around. The yuppies we are talking about are afraid to use them, or have no intention of using them for anything but taking kids to soccer practice. By the way, my truck has been great for going on a full-day trip to the city to watch a play (put the dogs in back with a canopy and load up the club cab with people, didn't have to board my dogs), pretty yuppie, huh!. The next weekend, the truck was slopping up a ranch road taking the same dogs hunting. Now that's versatility.
Beneath the club cab, 4th door, leather, and other new comfort and gadgetry options, there is still a good truck frame, engine, suspension, transmition, and tires - Enjoy it all! If it can't handle it, let us know what kind it is so we don't make the same purchase mistake.
By the way Kernick, be careful in the winter, you would be a lot better off with a Subaru than a 4wd pickup in snow or ice.
The funniest one I have seen yet (and waist of money), was a F-350 (1-ton) regular cab, short bed, powerstroke, jacked way up, with HUGE super swamper tires. It looked like a rediculous 5'-5" steroid freak reincarnated in the form of a truck. So much for commercial use.
I will take it places where I am pretty damn sure it will not get damaged or stuck on a stream bank. It may happen sure - but I don't intend to needlessly take it more and more difficult places, just to see what it can do. That's 4-wheeling, and as I said before - a 227" long, $30K truck is not my pick for that.
gwmoore
By the way my other vehicle is a '96 Subaru Impreza Outback wagon. It's pretty good in the Winter, especially with Blizzak tires. The ground clearance leaves a little to be desired - I got stuck when the snow reached the bumper, and I "snowplowed". I'm hoping that the Autotrac will perform more like an AWD, than a standard 4WD. The only problems I've ever had in the winter with a 4WD was when I didn't have 4WD engaged, and spun the rear wheels "at speed" creating a fishtail. The Autotrac should prevent this if it works as advertised.
Gotta head up and situate things for the big killing Nov.15th! soon.
I believe a Silverado with autotrak will work simailar to AWD. Others believe a 4wd without a locker will be 2WD. I believe with autotrak...it will work much better...provided it sends power to the spinning wheel....as stated..
Good Luck
- Tim
But..autotrack doesn't send power to the spinning wheel, it just engages the transfer case. The front differential is open. But 2 wheels on different axles driving a 4x4 is still better than 2 wheels on the same axle, as with a locker on a 2wd.
You are right, kernick, a little more clearance would help on the Subarus (I guess the Outback and Forester are better). A little weight would too, I remember having a hard time getting out of snow tracks because the car couldn't cut its own way through deep snow. But boy, that 4wd system was sure good on the slippery stuff. Anyway, enough with car-talk.
Well folks, just changed my oil, loaded my shotguns and gear, and I'm off for the begining of Chukar (partridge) season up here in the Oregon Desert. I hope everyone gets to use their trucks for as much fun as I do this weekend.
But you know me....Just gotta defend my belief for open rear axle being good enough that I don't need a locker. By all means a locker can't hurt...but for me..it was not needed.
..But we have already had this discussion..
Thanks
- Tim
We haven't looked at the Dodge Rams (quad cab) yet and I know we would be sacrificing some room in the rear. I like the safety features on the Ram and the different options available. Does the Ram 2500 2wd quad cab accelerate any better? How does it compare to the Silverado 2500 extended cab? I need some good "guy reasons" to convince my husband to look at a Dodge. I've read tons of these posts and I have printed the edmunds comparisons. I just like the Dodge better, it's bigger and looks more rugged. It also has more leg room in the rear than a Silverado.
Can anyone help?
definitely go sit in the back of a new silverado before you say the Dodge has more room...it doesn't. It has more hip room, but less leg room that the silverado. A Silverado 2500 with the 6.0 engine and 4.10 rear end will really move when you step on the gas.
did the chevy crew cab have a 350 in it? For some reason they equipped quite a few crew cabs with a 350 and a 3.73 rear end ratio. makes for the best fuel mileage, but the most anemic acceleration. engine would do much better with a 4.10. If you drove a 454 with a 3.73, it would accelerate much better also, the new 454's are awesome and still reliable.
try the ford crew cabs with the v10. very reasonably priced, great power, better mileage than the dodge.
Dodge probably has the least acceleration, if thats a big concern.
Anyone looking for a 97 Dodge 1500 Clubcab SB 30,000 miles absolutely mint, all the extra stuff you can put on one, $20,200. ??