In your UNBIASED opinion, which truck is best?
10-05-2008 | 06:31 PM
#16
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Flat out the best and most trouble free truck built is the 92-93 4X4 Dodge with the club cab, and the early 12 valve Cummins. They are trouble free, have the last of the real transfer cases that would stand up to anything, DANA axles, and the only difficulties were with the Getrag transmission needing to be overfilled to keep it alive or the automatic not having an overdrive.
If you have the option of powering one yourself, then I would go with the Chevy or GMC K30 from around 1980, that still had the good gear driven transfer case, then install the 1987-88 P pumped 12 valve with a modified head from late 92 or 93, and heavy duty version of the New Venture transmission used by Dodge in 97 and 98.
A mid-90's 1 ton Ford 4X4 is also a good conversion candidate, there is nothing really worth using in the Ford transmission or transfer case, but the front and rear axles and suspension are top quality. The lighter duty Fords are a waste of time, and run as far and fast as you can from any with the articulated front axles.
If you have the option of powering one yourself, then I would go with the Chevy or GMC K30 from around 1980, that still had the good gear driven transfer case, then install the 1987-88 P pumped 12 valve with a modified head from late 92 or 93, and heavy duty version of the New Venture transmission used by Dodge in 97 and 98.
A mid-90's 1 ton Ford 4X4 is also a good conversion candidate, there is nothing really worth using in the Ford transmission or transfer case, but the front and rear axles and suspension are top quality. The lighter duty Fords are a waste of time, and run as far and fast as you can from any with the articulated front axles.
Wow, that was an informative post. I guess I should have been more specific with my question. I'm looking for something fairly new, ~99 model at the latest. I found a 99 Ext cab, manual tranny with 51k miles, but it's a 2WD.
I also found a 2004 4 door SLT with 40.5k and a manual tranny with 4WD for around $22K(asking price). I think it has to be a 4WD so the 99 is out of the question, even though that sounds awesome and I could probably get a killer deal on it.
10-05-2008 | 06:48 PM
#18
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I won't let them do it again.
10-05-2008 | 07:13 PM
#19
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From: Kerrville eastern new mexico, west texas
rented 3 duramax's 1-06 and 2-08. 4x4 3500 drw cc, they never got better then 14 without a trailer all had 3:73's and got less then 10 with a trailer and worse when the trailer was loaded. I tried to kill both the 08 and couldnt all they would do was overboost. i put about 25k on the 08's the mileage never got better. the trucks where very comfortable compared to the dodge which i've had 7 of but as far as motor and lasting the longest and the toughest i would have to say CTD. never even considered a ford
10-05-2008 | 09:03 PM
#20
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From: New Holland, PA
10-05-2008 | 09:45 PM
#22
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From: Wesley Chapel FL
If you want good mileage get an 03 or early 04. They have no cat and a 305/555 motor. The 04.5 and up get 325/600 or 610 dependent on the year. They have catalitic converters and dont get as good mileage from what ive seen. The 04.5s and up make more smoke and they get a 4 inch exhaust from the factory as apposed to the 3.5 inch on the 03 and 04s. Ive never been around a 12v but most people think they are the best but its hard to find a clean one. I have a 98.5 24v and love it and havent had any probs out of it. Really I think it depends on how good a deal you can get on one and that its got a Cummins
10-05-2008 | 11:34 PM
#23
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From: Earth
ford I believe, is the best TRUCK. Gm's are ok, but the fords are the best.
The 70s fords I like, but any pre-96 is ok.
The third gen dodges, in that era, are the best. The 7.3l also isnt that bad either...
The 70s fords I like, but any pre-96 is ok.
The third gen dodges, in that era, are the best. The 7.3l also isnt that bad either...
10-06-2008 | 05:42 AM
#24
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From: Owensboro KY
Chrysler is also closing dealerships . That has been discussed in another thread . That doesn't help service any . More people needing service at each dealership means longer waits for service .
10-06-2008 | 09:02 AM
#26
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From: VA Beach
Unbiased I would have to say a Ford built dodge design with a Cummins.
The engine is proven.
Dodge just has a lot quality problems in their construction (can you say dashboard pieces?) But I like the looks of the Dodge.
The engine is proven.
Dodge just has a lot quality problems in their construction (can you say dashboard pieces?) But I like the looks of the Dodge.
10-06-2008 | 10:47 AM
#28
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From: Dixon, IL
Get a Chevy/GMC if you are driving 90% around town empty. I am presuming you are not into 1st Gens, them being too old. BUT if you go Dodge, by all means, get a 1st Gen!!!
RCW, the 1st gens had a OD in their 92-93 trucks, just no LOCK-UP. Also the P-pump didn't come out until 94, the VE was on the 88-93 trucks. And (donning flame suit) the NV4500 isn't all that it is cracked up to be....
MHO,
Jon
RCW, the 1st gens had a OD in their 92-93 trucks, just no LOCK-UP. Also the P-pump didn't come out until 94, the VE was on the 88-93 trucks. And (donning flame suit) the NV4500 isn't all that it is cracked up to be....
MHO,
Jon
10-06-2008 | 04:33 PM
#29
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From: Erie, PA
If Fords are the best why do they always rate lowest in road test comparisons by automotive magazines and " Popular Mechanics " ? I know a lot of hotshotters and RV haulers . The largest percentage buy Dodges . Chevys are growing in popularity and very few use Fords . Dodge dealers have a very poor parts inventory . Very rarely are needed parts in stock . I know Dodge owners that sat in a motel 4 or 5 days waiting for parts . Chevy owners have far less downtime . A Duramax will pull fine . I know a hotshotter that runs 3 Chevy 4500's with 32' and 40' trailers . He regularly pulls more weight than you ever will .
Chrysler is also closing dealerships . That has been discussed in another thread . That doesn't help service any . More people needing service at each dealership means longer waits for service .
Chrysler is also closing dealerships . That has been discussed in another thread . That doesn't help service any . More people needing service at each dealership means longer waits for service .
Who buys stock replacement parts?
That's why I bought a Cummins with a Dodge wrapped around it
10-06-2008 | 06:04 PM
#30
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From: Owensboro KY
People with trucks that are still under warranty or have a recall . He said he wants a fairly new truck . If your truck breaks down on the road and is towed to a dealership they aren't likely to let you run NAPA for parts . But you make a good point . When the ball joints went out on our Durango I didn't replace Chrysler junk with Chrysler junk . I put in Moog parts because I planned on keeping the vehicle a while . When our Jeep Liberty had 4 recalls I knew I'd be getting rid of it soon and let them use replacement parts . Early Liberties had a second recall to replace ball joints that were put in on a first recall .