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Comments
thanx in advance
Eric G
john
I own a roofing firm and have branched out into the demolition industry; ie:interior demolition only: refabbing offices and the like. We own all sizes of trucks from half-tons to tri-axle dumps. The truly heavy-trucks were all bought used but all light-duty(one,3/4,half ton) are purchased new. We maintain service through a garage of my cousin's who also services other owner-operators.
Regular maintenance is a must for our company. I wouldn't even want to consider the alternative. Warranty work is done by the dealers.
Rams? We have four total. Surprisingly to myself, they have held up better than the GM products of similar model years. I would recommend with a side-bar: Watch for axle and wheel bearings to fail if under constant stress and abuse. The engines have been reliable if nothing else.
I still prefer Ford due to my own personal history of costing less in the long run for service.
I could ramble on but my fingers are getting tired.......
Just to let you know why I am so curous...I ordered a 2000 ram 1500 4x4 sport quad cab. So i want to know what to expect. I figure if I keep up the maintenance it should last as long as I want it to.
Eric G
Despite the problems you are reading about in the Silverado posts, I do think that other people with Fords/Dodge/Toyota are experiencing problems too (different ones). Don't forget, the percentage of people who actually posts their problems on this website are very small. No one likes to deal with buying a new truck and having to take it back to the dealer numerous times, however, don't single out the Silverado.
However, since demand for the Siverado is SO extreme that GM can't keep up with orders, you may as well opt for a different kind of truck, the wait from order until delivery is excrutiating.
95 and 96 are the model years of the Rams in question. We had a slipped tranny in one of the 95s but was taken care of by the dealer due to warranty. He did tell me to expect more problems with the others though due to reputation of those model years. I would hope that by now you shouldn't have to worry much. As I am led to believe, Dodge has improved their trannys over the past few years due to the problems. Have fun with your new truck!
In a great marketing strategy move, Ford announced it is teaming up
with Harley to make a limited edition F-150 pickup. Expect lots of
chrome and leather, including the Harley-Davidson logo stitched to
the back of the seats. This is a great match up since many bikers
own Ford trucks.
So don't feel alone if you're walking rather than driving that truck. Besides in Japan those minicars would probably get sucked into your engine and clog the air filter.
I like to [non-permissible content removed] because it makes me feel good. Maybe I tend to get irritated when some clown, who knows nothing about trucks mind you, criticises me for my purchases. Gee big truck guys, I own over 30--maybe I might know what I'm talking about?
Go right ahead and buy your truck and I honestly hope you will enjoy it.
Navy? Now long ago, I was a Marine and I would like to know how you are going to pay for that truck!!!! LOL!
planejane,
Good observation on the harley connection. Since I own both Harley and Honda, maybe a limited edition of a Toyota made in Indiana as well??
My decision for the truck was based on what I learned here, and personal taste. If I don't enjoy the truck, I will never admit it to my friends who hear me talk about it every day!! LOL
Can you imagine the truck with that Harley roar? I can't take that noise on a motorcycle! Sorry guys.
mccdon1: You started out real intense (when I 1st read your post), but you seem like you're alright! I'm sure you will enjoy your truck no matter what you use it for. I intend to trash mine (well, put it to good use anyway).
Can't wait any longer...
Mac
Now remember that the Viper motor does in fact fit under the hood of a Ram
kcram
Community Leader/Smart Shopper Conference
Is the tundra considered a full size or a midsize I read an article in Motor Trend calling it a midsize comparing it to the dakota,the dakota's wheelbase is actually longer but the tundra is 2" longer overall and almost a foot shorter than a fullsize truck,this was based on the dakota extended cab and the tundra xtra cab.
kcram
Community Leader/Smart Shopper Conference
At a foolish age in high school, 17, I decided to be a jar head. I entered at 18 after graduating and regretted my decision for three years until I got the hell out in 82. I wasted time in Panama at the Rodman Naval base. After a five month stint on the FFG-16, I wanted out. Got out and went to school in Philadelphia working as a roofer paying the bills. I then decided that I didn't need to wear a tie and still make a ton load of money so I stuck with roofing.
I may just be the most educated roofer in this town! Just joking!!
Marine jokes? Fine by me! I have a few as well but I'm hampered by the rules of this site.
tomfitz,
For that price, what size engine did you receive and with what type of additionals? I hope it works out fine for you.
The reason why there are so many yuppie truckers here, is that trucks are so flexible they appeal to all buyers. It doesn't matter what you use it for the space always comes in handy, the height is great etc.
Yes I am a yuppy driver, but I also have a big dog, a need to carry a light but bulky dog sled, and tow a 23' cabin cruiser.
Oh yeah, and I paid $37,700 Canadian bottom line (about $150 US) for a 230hp V8, that can tow over 6,000#, carry me in comfort, and has all the toys I could possibly want. Now that's value.
I may not be a truck expert, but neither do I attack on subjects I know nothing about, yes I enjoy banter with other regulars here, but if they have opinions other than mine, good for them - its not my fault if they are all wrong - Tee Hee.
Just remember Dodge rules - now I think I'll sit back and wait for the attacks.
No attack.
LOL
See - so full of rage I can't type
eh?
No information was released ast to manual trnasmisions, although the NV5600 6 speed used by Dodge with the Cummins is a sure bet, since GM and DaimlerChrysler co-own New Venture.
Word has also not been released as to whether these new trucks will join Ford and Dodge in having solid-axle front ends in 4x4 configuration.
kcram
Community Leader/Smart Shopper Conference
Also interesting that GM outsold Ford F series in august.
The 2001 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty (HD) pickups, scheduled to go into production next fall, will be available with an all-new Duramax Diesel
engine and an all-new 5-speed automatic transmission from Allison Transmission. These new powertrain options promise to make diesel-equipped HD Silverado
and Sierra pickups best- in-class in terms of power, performance, torque, durability and quiet operation.
Gary White, Vehicle Line Executive, Full-Size Trucks, GM Truck Group, said, "GM's all-new full-size pickups have set new industry benchmarks. In this case,
we've parlayed our relationships with Isuzu, the world's largest producer of diesel engines, and Allison Transmission, the world's largest producer of
commercial-duty automatic transmissions, to create a powertrain combination that will deliver more of just about everything to truck customers with heavy-duty or
commercial requirements."
Later this calendar year the company will roll out all-new full-sized sport utilities -- the new Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, as well as the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.
Then, next fall, GM will introduce its 2500HD/3500/3600 Series pickups, including Crew Cab, Big Dooley and Chassis-Cab models.
"GM President, Rick Wagoner, has described the full-size truck platform as 'the economic engine that drives General Motors,' and he wasn't exaggerating a bit,"
White said. "That's why it's so important that every truck we bring out based on this platform be a leader in its segment. The new engine and transmission options
we're announcing today will help us put the newest versions of the Silverado and Sierra into exactly that position."
Heavy Duty and Commercial Diesel Demand Growing
The growth in the pickup truck market over the past decade has been outstanding, and the portion of that market devoted to users with heavy duty hauling and/or
towing needs has grown apace. This is especially true for trucks equipped with diesel engines.
"Ten years ago, the industry sold less than 10,000 diesel pickups a year in the United States," White said. "Today, customer requirements for more power and
torque, coupled with a need for more efficiency and durability, have raised demand far beyond that. We think we'll see industry sales of more than 250,000 diesel
pickups a year in the very near future.
"Competition is fierce out there, so we know we have to provide a product that is head-and-shoulders ahead of our competitors if we hope to be successful," White
added. "We believe the all-new Duramax Diesel 6600, coupled with the new 5-speed Allison Transmission 1000 Series(TM) automatic transmission will be such a
product. This combination gives us performance capabilities that our competitors can only dream about."
Duramax Diesel 6600 V8
The Duramax Diesel 6600 is an all-new, 90-degree V8 with Bosch common-rail direct-injection and an overhead valve (OHV), four-valve-per-cylinder design. It
replaces GM's current 6.5-liter turbo diesel and will provide Silverado/Sierra 2500HD/3500 Pickup and Chassis-Cab customers with best-in-class power,
performance, fuel efficiency, reliability and durability. In addition, it will provide best-in-class noise/vibration/harshness characteristics ... virtually eliminating the noise,
shake and roughness often associated with diesel powerplants.
The new engine will meet Federal and California emissions requirements, allowing it to be sold in all 50 states, and has been designed to meet government regulations
well into the 21st century.
The Duramax Diesel 6600 is the second in a totally new, growing family of GM-branded Duramax engines. The first was the Duramax 7800 (7.8-liter) Diesel
introduced by GM for use in its 2000 model year medium-duty series trucks.
The Duramax engine family is the result of a joint venture (DMAX Ltd.) between GM and Isuzu Motors. GM's relationship with Isuzu began in 1971 and was
strengthened in 1997 when GM announced that Isuzu would develop diesel engines for GM. Because of Isuzu's expertise in commercial vehicles and diesel engines,
the company plays an important role in GM's global strategy. Isuzu is a world leader in diesel engine design and development, and has produced more than 60
million diesel engines in the past six decades.
The Duramax Diesel family is domestically sourced, and will be produced in a brand-new DMAX, Ltd. facility in Moraine, Ohio.
Allison Transmission 1000 Series(TM) 5-speed Automatic Transmission
Most of the diesel engines installed in light-duty trucks, including those of GM's primary competitors, have to be restricted in terms of power output because the
automatic transmissions being used with them cannot handle more horsepower and torque.
That's the new Allison Transmission 1000 Series 5-speed's reason for being. It's specifically designed to handle all of the horsepower and torque the new Duramax
Diesel 6600 can deliver, and Allison Transmission's hard-earned reputation for reliability and durability in commercial-duty applications ensures that Chevy and
GMC customers will enjoy the benefits and bottom-line savings that they expect and deserve.
The 1000 Series is a fully automatic, electronic 5-speed with overdrive and a park pawl, and it offers planetary helical gearing similar to that now used in Allison
Transmission's popular World Transmission. It will be produced in Allison Transmission's Indianapolis, Ind. manufacturing facility, which has recently been updated
and expanded as the result of a $275-million investment by GM.
The 1000 Series(TM) is ideal for general use in trucks of up to 19,850 lbs. gross vehicle weight (GVW) and 26,000 lbs. gross combination weight (GCW). It
features 5-speeds forward (with 5th gear as overdrive), a torque converter with lockup clutch and integral spring damper, and fully electronic controls.
Allison Transmission, part of the GM family since 1929, was originally founded in 1915, and is the world's leading designer, manufacturer and seller of medium- and
heavy-duty automatic transmissions.
SOURCE Chevrolet Motor Division
CO: Chevrolet Motor Division; General Motors Corporation; Isuzu; Allison Transmission
ST: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana
STRANGE WAYS HAVE YOU PUT YOUR TRUCK TO USE? Best Stories Win Truck Force Action Prizes!! In my neck of the woods, when the Amish don't know your name, you'll probably be called "Jakey" sooner or later. My time was sooner when I received a scratchy phone call from an "Amish Pay Phone Booth". (They keep phones away from where they live, often in shacks where rain fouls-up the connection and voice quality.) The voice on the other end was unmistakeable, an Amishman. "Hey", says he "you're the hearse driver for mules aren't you Jakey?" Half asleep, I thought some buddy was putting me on, so I said, "ya, sure, you got Jakey the mule hearse man." "What can I do for Abner", I enquired? (You call all Amishmen Abner if you don't know their names.) "Well, I got this mule ain't doing me no good no more cause he's dead and I gotta get him outa the front of my place cause my Wife don't like dead things and it's startin' to sticnk some, you know." "In a flash of brilliance, I replied, "I guess it does ... don't all dead mules stink Abner?" "Yeah, Jakey, you got that right and I'm Milo, not Abner." "Abner's my cousin." Do you know him Jakey?, he asked rather suspiciously." No, I don't really know Abner well", said I, "but how do I get to your place to get the mule?" "It's gonna cost you fifty bucks and you've got to have the men to load it on my truck." "It's against my Religion to lift dead mules." "Really, Jakey, and what religion might that be?" I told him I was sorry but that it was also against my Religion to tell him the name of my Religion. "That would be too Worldly", I said. He replied, "Well Jakey, I certainly understand that, but do you think you could make it $35.00 for the mule carcass?" I shouted, "Hell no, I was going to get you for $75.00 plus mileage but I kinda felt you were the type of man that deserves a break." "Maybe not." "Oh no Jaakey", he said quickly, "I am that type of man and I deserve a break for true" "Fifty it'll be and you'll get no more argument from me." "To get to my place, you first pass Intercourse on the way toward White Horse, passing Bird-in-Hand and when you get to the big street in Blue Ball, turn left and go 2.7 miles to the white place with a red barn and a green roof on the house ... that's me" "Name Milo Stoltzfoos is on the box." "You can't miss it." Wearing my full respirator mask and blasting the AC, I drove my Black Beauty into Milo's spread just past dusk to see some 15 Amishmen, several with Coleman Lanterns lighting-up the huge, dead mule. They told me it weighed between 1200 and 1500 lbs. dead. With a hoist hanging out of the upper barn window and hundreds of feet of 1" manila line, they manhandled the dead thing into my well protected cargo area (I'd stopped and bought a throw-away plastic drop cloth at the Hardware store to protect my sano super machine.) My Super Duty shocks and struts hardly budged when they dropped the big dead thing into the truck. Milo tried writing a check, but I reminded him about my Religion and how we only deal in cash. He looked cheated because he couldn't cheat me, which he'd loved to have done, and I blasted off the renderers. The Flowmasters made a beautiful sound on that quiet country night and Amish Farm, and just getting $50. from an Amishman is a jackpot rarely duplicated in my experience. If you need Jakey's Hearse, Just call Truck Force Dave. Next time I'll tell you about the $1,000.00 fine I helped a friend pay to his nasty ex -wife. He took 50,000 pennies and dumped them into my truck bed filled with corn syrup (on protective
plastic sheeting). My job was to dump the whole load in her front yard and give her a note from him that said something like, "Here's your grand [non-permissible content removed], I hope you have fun taking it to the bank!
She yelled, screamed and groaned and I told her, I'm Truck Force Dave, alias Jakey the Hearse Man, I can't help you ... I just deliver in style!!
If you've got a good story (and they have to be better than these), send them with pictures if possible and we'll make you a WEB-SITE STAR and send you a Truck Force Gift of great value. Well, sort of great.
http://community.webtv.net/dp2000/TRUCKFORCEACTION
"DODGE"
thx
Are you happy in your world? What's up with these stories? Serious question-bud-not trying to hammer you.
Now I said World Superbike, did not say 650's. Troy Corser was one guy I saw whipping up on Scott Russell and his Muzzy Kawasaki. Beating up on poor Jamie James and Colin Edwards Yamahas too. I think Miguel Duhamel might have been the other Duc rider. Always out front, just about everytime I watched Cycle World, but it hasn't been recent.
Catch you all later!
kcram
Community Leader/Smart Shopper Conference
Barlitz
Quad,
I'll trust your explanation of the Duc motor-even though, you'll have to agree that it is unique. It's 600 and 750 class--there is no 650 for racing. Duhamel? I always thought he rode Honda?
Either way, my point to ZBADDD was that claiming push-rod tech as superior to OHC was a stretch.
Barlitz, I'm shocked at you, but think you have a much more useful truck now. I did see a "White Lightnin' today that was hot, but I'd take your F250 any day.
There is a website that modifies a Ford truck to get more power and better gas mileage. It's not a super duty, but it still should be of assistance in deciding what to add. The website is:
http://www.performanceunlimited.com/projectmpg/
-powerisfun
Take care, Jack
Good Luck