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Comments
-mike
It will be the comfort when you're not towing that will make the difference. In 4x4 form, the Ram has a solid front axle - not terribly harsh, but not as pliable as the IFS on the GM. Wheelbase will also play a part - the Ram mega Cab (with 6'4" bed) is the same chassis and wheelbase as the Ram Quad long bed (8-foot). The Ram Quad with the smaller bed is a full 20 inches shorter. The Sierra Crew cab is about halfway between the Ram Quad and Mega in terms of rear seat leg room.
Test drives should focus on the truck outside of the powertrain, since diesels break in and run better after a few thousand miles of "drive it like you stole it" use.
I will give GM one important brownie point, and it could make a difference depending on where you live... the GM air conditioning is usually much better than the Ram (especially in the last few model years).
kcram - Pickups Host
-mike
-mike
I'm trying also to find out what real-world MPG numbers are on these as there are no EPA requirements. I do believe that the 1/2 ton trucks "short-bed" is 5.5' so, the "standard" bed is 6.5' and the full bed is 8'. Only the latter two are options on the HD trucks and only the 8' bed is available on the 3500HD models.
I do find it to be kind of funny that there were all these GM proponents arguing about the fully-boxed frame being this big advantage (even though I and others mentioned that even semi-trucks don't use it) and the "HD" 3/4 and 1 ton GM trucks use open-lipped C-channels for their frames. Not that this is an issue for me at all, I honestly don't care about it that much -- it isn't like there are trucks with mangled frames lying around on the side of the road -- I just thought it was kind of funny to see that it isn't used in the "real" trucks when it is so heavily advertised in the 1/2 tons...
Anyhow, I also wanted to find out what the weight capacity of the tailgate is when it is folded down. That may make the difference for me in terms of doing a 6.5' bed instead of an 8' bed and make it a little easier to park this beast! Does anybody know off hand?
-mike
kcram - Pickups Host
For the average pu user, any of the pups are fine, and then such things as the dashboard etc are things to make a choice by, but if its serious overloaded work on a repetative basis, the Ford will take it much better.
In addition to the technical merits, the hoods add really agressive styling to an already nice line of trucks.
I was thinkin 'bout a Borla exhaust system w/one of those throttle body plates. Again, thats alot of money to drop on a truck thats' worth 5G, maybe less. And I'm not sure that set-up would produce the power I'm lookin for.
Diesels have more torque so they pull better than gas, especially uphill. But there is the initial expense of diesel over gas. As much as $7500. Plus they will require a fuel additive to keep the fuel from gelling.
GM doesn't offer the 8100 anymore, so you would have to buy used to get it. Dodge only has the Hemi and not the V10. That leaves the Ford V10 which has gotten more powerful.
I personally have the 8100 and it pulls great. I don't tow that often so that's why I got the gas engine. But diesel engines are so much better nowadays, if I were you, I'd get the diesel. You'd be surprised how much nicer the newer diesels are compared to your old "Binder" diesel.
1 on my 01 i had a throw out bering go out then the trans.. the shift links r not very good. 05 trucks trans. has been revised. truck stock the day it was born.
2 f-350 has cat back dual exhaust [flowmaster mufflers] kn filter and intake tube. how much of this makes a differances? dont no. it has after market shocks. i have installed rear air bags.
3 f-250 stock the day it was born. snowmobile trl towing speed was at 70 mph.
this f-350 v-10 does like to drink fuel at 80 mph run about 2600 rpm just little over 12mpg this is where the 4;30s hurt.
Any 4WD can be helpful pulling a boat up a steep boat ramp, or can be used in other difficult (but temporary) instances.
Bottom line is that it's probably better to have 4WD, but don't count on using it much unless it's of the on-demand/full-time type.
Bob
Also almost all the SUVs have AWD available as well.
-mike
Here is the link to the Chevy 1500 and 2500HD/3500HD specs.
http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado/features/
If you check out the 1500 models (scroll down about 1/3 the page) and you will see Autotrac mentioned. Scroll down further (near the bottom of the page), into the 2500HD/3500HD area, and Autotrac is not mentioned.
Bob
-mike