OT: Light Duty Trucks

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:23 pm

This should stir the pot some

You might remember that a couple years ago I traded a perfectly good F150 in on a Civic....Nice but didn't work out. So a year ago, I got a Honda CR-V and it's close, but no cigar....Gentlemen, I'm having severe truck withdrawal after two years. I think I'll buy a truck tomorrow....So...do you guys like F150s, Dodge 1500s with a Hemi? These would be 4x4s I have a preference for the Ford, but Dodge has killer deals ( 0% for 72mo) and a lifetime powertrain warrenty. GM or Cheby is NOT a choice

Terry Murbach · Post by **Terry Murbach** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:31 pm

I WAS ALWAYS AN F150 GUY, ALONG WITH FULL SIZED BRONCOS. AFTER PILING UP MY BRONCO IN '98 I COULD NOT FIND A NICE USED F150 COMING OFF LEASE AND ENDED UP BUYING A DODGE DAKOTA V8. I NOW HAVE THE SECOND DAKOTA V8 [ 5.4LITER...] AND THINK IT IS JUST ONE HECK OF A FINE TRUCK THAT DOES ALL MY F150'S COULD DO AND DO IT WITH BETTER MILAGE AND BETTER WEIGHT TO HORSEPOWER RATIO. I WENT TO LOOK AT A NEW DAKOTA THIS YEAR AND FOUND THEY WOULD SELL ME A DODGE 1500 FOR THE SAME PRICE AND HAD GIVEN UP SELLING THEIR OWN PRODUCT, THE DAKOTA. I DID NOT BUY A 1500 AND STILL DO NOT KNOW WHAT I AM GONNA DO IF THE CURRENT DAKOTA CROAKS. IT IS A '97 WITH JUST 100M MILES ON IT. IT RUNS FINE, GOOD AS NEW ACTUALLY.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:33 pm

Ford!

If not that then Nissan!

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:36 pm

I've had four Ram 1500s and have gone through 5 transmissions!
Though our driveway seems to be full of Dodge/Jeep products.
I love the looks of the Dodge trucks more than anything else.

That being said. My next truck is going to be an F150.
Ford was the only one to tell 'Bama to get lost.
They weren't about to let the Gooberment run their company.

jb

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:39 pm

2ndovc wrote:I've had four Ram 1500s and have gone through 5 transmissions!
Though our driveway seems to be full of Dodge/Jeep products.
I love the looks of the Dodge trucks more than anything else.

That being said. My next truck is going to be an F150.
Ford was the only one to tell 'Bama to get lost.
They weren't about to let the Gooberment run their company.

jb

What engine/tranny?

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:44 pm

5.4 Triton w/HD auto

adirondakjack · Post by **adirondakjack** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:46 pm

Before I'd buy a new F150 or any new dodge, I'd buy a used 3/4 or 1 ton dodge with the cummins turbo diesel in it. It's a heftier truck all around, and a diesel with 150K on it has more left in it than a new gas job, and will get about double the mileage when towing..... My neighbor just picked up a cherry 3500 diesel with 69K on it. That truck is barely broke in. Price? $12,500.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:49 pm

Two were 318s, one 360 and one 4.3(I think) V-6.
all automatic transmissions.
The 360 ( my favorite a '99 quad cab 4x4) was The one
that blew through two of them.
Beautiful truck and could pull a house over but in the 5 years we had it
it sure had a lot of problems.

My all time favrite P/U was a
2001 Ford F150 4x4.
4.9 Liter V8. I had 164k miles
when I traded it on my wifes
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
I felt like I left one of our kids behind when we left the dealership!

I have a 2004 Durango now. I'm on my third water pump and
have had to have it towed home at least five times.
Nice looking truck and rides like a Caddy but really dissapointed.

jb

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:54 pm

Terry Murbach wrote:I WAS ALWAYS AN F150 GUY, ALONG WITH FULL SIZED BRONCOS. AFTER PILING UP MY BRONCO IN '98 I COULD NOT FIND A NICE USED F150 COMING OFF LEASE AND ENDED UP BUYING A DODGE DAKOTA V8. I NOW HAVE THE SECOND DAKOTA V8 [ 5.4LITER...] AND THINK IT IS JUST ONE HECK OF A FINE TRUCK THAT DOES ALL MY F150'S COULD DO AND DO IT WITH BETTER MILAGE AND BETTER WEIGHT TO HORSEPOWER RATIO. I WENT TO LOOK AT A NEW DAKOTA THIS YEAR AND FOUND THEY WOULD SELL ME A DODGE 1500 FOR THE SAME PRICE AND HAD GIVEN UP SELLING THEIR OWN PRODUCT, THE DAKOTA. I DID NOT BUY A 1500 AND STILL DO NOT KNOW WHAT I AM GONNA DO IF THE CURRENT DAKOTA CROAKS. IT IS A '97 WITH JUST 100M MILES ON IT. IT RUNS FINE, GOOD AS NEW ACTUALLY.

Terry,

Just keep up the maintenance and that 97 Dakota will last as long as you need it.

Blaine,

I've had two Ford 4X4 PUs. Both F 250s. Both big bruisers that would go anywhere I wanted to go except pass a gas station. Well, that's just the nature of the beast.
My problems with the light duty trucks from any manufacturer is the electric transfer case / front axle controls. I cannot like them. I want a manual transfer case shifter, and either manual or automatic locking hubs. I do not want electronics, vacuum, or full time running front axles.

That right there is what kills any sales of the F150s and most imports now for me. My 95 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic locking hubs and a manual transfer case shifter. Nothing to short out or rot or rust away. This thing will be trouble free when most electric controlled 4x4's are dead.

To my knowledge the only way to get away from that is to go to the F250s and above.

I know, not what you want.

Joe

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:00 pm

IMO, 0% is a no brainer. With a warranty like that? Duh.

I'm not partial to any brand except Honda. I've had bunches of others and they have all been lemons compared to Hondas.
We did just trade in a 08 Accord because of a creak they could not make go away. They did good by us on the trade in.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:12 pm

I was a Ford guy right up unto I got my toyota. LOVE IT! good luck with your choice.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:36 pm

Blaine, another possibility is what a lot of guys I know are buying lately.Close to where I live is this very big dealership that sells leased cars/trucks (Simmons Rockwell,Big Flats NY) Anyway it seems the best deal for the dollar if you dont need a BIG truck are those midsize extended cab Dodge Dakotas.They have got a lot bigger than they used to be/good power decent gas mileage.
Here for a 2006 or 2007 4WD extended Dakota w/ Auto/power options/ etc. with like 19000 miles they are selling them for $13,900 Heck,grab a plane ticket,pick one up,see the country driving it back!

Brother in laws brother just got his with 12,000 miles 2007(looks brand new)

$13,400

Post by **Hobie** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:36 pm

I had a Datsun(1973), then a Nissan (1984), then a Mazda (1991), then a Dakota (1995), and now a F150 (2004). Wish I'd started with a F150. Griff has ridden in it, Sean has seen it. I run all my vehicles 6-8 years or 100,000+K minimum. My boy drove the Mazda to 155K before he killed it. Apparently he learned and has driven the Dakota since then. He's working at Krogers somewhere near Cantonment, FL now. The truck is white, somebody here from around Milton should go over and see how much of a beating a truck can take!

That said my wife has an 2001 Xterra which now has 136K on it. Won't hold a left wheel hub cover but otherwise goes good. We had to sell Mom's 1998 Subaru wagon, it had 110K on it.

If you want to haul a bike you NEED a truck. I personally won't buy a government motors vehicle. Otherwise, you should be all-right.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:40 pm

If you want to haul a Harley you NEED a truck. I personally won't buy a government motors vehicle. Otherwise, you should be all-right.

I agree.....

Post by **Hobie** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:45 pm

That leaves a lot of room for negotiation.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:51 pm

Cummins Diesel in a dodge wrapper.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:54 pm

The darn gas they say will be $3 plus @ gallon by New Years?????
Another possibilty,in June I dumped my GMC 4X4 ,put a hitch on my Ford Escape and spent $1000 on a brand new 3500lb gvw Mid Atlantic 5X7 trailor. Thats what I haul my Grizzly 700 4X4 ATV with, even w attached snowplow on it.When done unhook and roll it in garage.Also put a hitch on the Maxima(30mpg and can carry anything I need)

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:02 pm

Well I think buy the Ford.
ON the other hand you could go get the Dodge, and then be sure and take good care of it, hope you get it paid for and it still runs so at least the Grandkids can see what the horrendous income taxes they're paying to China bought.........

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:34 pm

Lets all chip in and build one of these for blaine! The Levergunners special!
http://www.redneck-trucks.com/wp-conten ... k-tarp.jpg

Warhawk · Post by **Warhawk** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:57 pm

Just over 150K on this one, so far, runs and drives like new. It's my fifth Toyota and 4th 4x4 Toyota.

Toyota builds the Tundra in Texas, and will soon be building the Tacoma there too.

OI phones in... · Post by **OI phones in...** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 11:09 pm

Hmmm....

A Truck Debate...

I suggest a BLONDE.... no, wait, a Red-Head... or maybe a Brunette...

Oh, never mind.

Find somthing that runs and has the weight class to haul what you need to haul. Preferably somthing old enough that it will keep running regardless of EMP or other electronic fiasco... somthing with a mechanical distribution/ignition system.

handirifle · Post by **handirifle** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 11:46 pm

I know you said GM was not an option, not a bad idea. I bought an '06 GMC 1500, new. With less than 8K on it GM bought it back, thanks to the CA lemon laws (there ARE some good reasons to live here). After fighting with a sales manager that ws very uncooperative and told me I should buy a Toyota,.....so I now own an '06 Tundra.

The GMC was in the shop 10 times (that's in less than 8,000 miles, visit 1, for the power steering pump, was at 600 miles) for problems like replacing the power steering pump, the exhaust system, the wheels, and for a vibration they never could identify.

The Toyota hasn't seen the dealer since I took it home, except for scheduled maint. The Tundra would be my recommendation, but it wasn't on your short list. IF I buy an American truck ever again, it will most likely be a Ford. I like their trucks, and they thumbed their noses at the Obama takeover.

Not to flame dodges, but everyone I know, gets poor mileage (except the Cummins) and even worse repair stops.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:46 am

I know everyone now is ticked at GMC stuff,but got to tell ya I had my 1987 GMC K1500 and for 22.5 years it NEVER let me down.Except tires all it had was 1 distibutor/1 radiator hose/1 fuel line,gas tank /exhaust/1 water pump On the highway it got 20mpg-------(350 EFI 4 sp auto overdrive w/3:08 rear end.) but still from a standing start hit the gas and burn rubber.

OI phones in... · Post by **OI phones in...** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:51 am

As for Government Motors Corp...

Any USED vehicle you buy is guilt free. Just do't buy a NEW Chevy/GM.

If you must buy New, buy Ford... or a Toy(ota)

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:52 am

My son just found a 2007 F-150 for about $13K. I'll be looking for one next year myself. There are Ford dealers around here offering 0% financing as well if you look I'm sure you can find one in your area.

I have a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab now and I buy a new one every 10 years so this one is about done. It has 188K on it and has not been without it's problems.

Like the others said, Ford didn't take bailout money from my grandkids.

As for a diesel... I can buy a short block for a gas engine for what an injector pump costs for a diesel. Diesel is $.36 a gallon higher than regular gas here right now.

OI phones in... · Post by **OI phones in...** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 1:00 am

Rusty wrote:My son just found a 2007 F-150 for about $13K. I'll be looking for one next year myself. There are Ford dealers around here offering 0% financing as well if you look I'm sure you can find one in your area.

I have a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab now and I buy a new one every 10 years so this one is about done. It has 188K on it and has not been without it's problems.

Like the others said, Ford didn't take bailout money from my grandkids.

As for a diesel... I can buy a short block for a gas engine for what an injector pump costs for a diesel. Diesel is $.36 a gallon higher than regular gas here right now.

But when everything tanks (as it is almost guaranteed to) Diesel will run on vegatable oil, where petrol vehicles will be stuck.

I'm getting a non-electronic diesel as soon as possible.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 1:11 am

Rusty wrote:My son just found a 2007 F-150 for about $13K. I'll be looking for one next year myself. There are Ford dealers around here offering 0% financing as well if you look I'm sure you can find one in your area.

I have a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab now and I buy a new one every 10 years so this one is about done. It has 188K on it and has not been without it's problems.

Like the others said, Ford didn't take bailout money from my grandkids.

As for a diesel... I can buy a short block for a gas engine for what an injector pump costs for a diesel. Diesel is $.36 a gallon higher than regular gas here right now.

The Dodge has a lifetime powertrain warrenty.....would those be covered? I'm sure they are.....

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 1:51 am

Tundra is a good truck. I use one as a work vehicle. Wore out a Ranger and F250. Would have gotten another Ford, but none of the dealers in my area wanted to sell "work" trucks. They just had sissyfied blvd cruisers (and this from the "fleet sales" folks). Truthfully, Whether its a Dodge, Ford, Chevy or Toyota, they're all good trucks. Some are better than others from any given manufacturer. It can be a stuff shoot.

The Tundra is about 18 months old now, and with just about 70,000 miles hasn't needed anything other than routine maintenance, except for tires and frontend alignment. But it seems all new trucks need alignment after the "settle". I did have one, well it happend twice, but it was the same problem with the tailgate latch. Toyota put a cheap plastic clip to hold the linkage in place. Six weeks after purchase one side broke. The week after that was fixed the other side broke. The new part is thicker and stronger and has held up, so far.

The truck I miss the most is the F250. It was a crew cab longbed with a V-10. Gas mileage sucked, but it was a "TRUCK". Not really a "light duty" truck though.

And Blaine, tell the truth, you just want to get rid of the CRV because it attacked you. Did it leave a mark?

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 1:54 am

jeepnik wrote:Tundra is a good truck. I use one as a work vehicle. Wore out a Ranger and F250. Would have gotten another Ford, but none of the dealers in my area wanted to sell "work" trucks. They just had sissyfied blvd cruisers (and this from the "fleet sales" folks). Truthfully, Whether its a Dodge, Ford, Chevy or Toyota, they're all good trucks. Some are better than others from any given manufacturer. It can be a stuff shoot.

The Tundra is about 18 months old now, and with just about 70,000 miles hasn't needed anything other than routine maintenance, except for tires and frontend alignment. But it seems all new trucks need alignment after the "settle". I did have one, well it happend twice, but it was the same problem with the tailgate latch. Toyota put a cheap plastic clip to hold the linkage in place. Six weeks after purchase one side broke. The week after that was fixed the other side broke. The new part is thicker and stronger and has held up, so far.

The truck I miss the most is the F250. It was a crew cab longbed with a V-10. Gas mileage sucked, but it was a "TRUCK". Not really a "light duty" truck though.

And Blaine, tell the truth, you just want to get rid of the CRV because it attacked you. Did it leave a mark?

Left a mark, and couldn't touch my nose for a couple days

Noah Zark · Post by **Noah Zark** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 7:25 am

Friends don't let friends buy Mopars.

I do A LOT of driving in the course of my work, and the branda of vehicle that is most frequently stranded along the highways and interstates are Chrysler/Jeep products.

Five-six years ago Dodge trucks ate rear axles when Chrysler gave Dana Corp the shoe and went across the board with Chrysler Corporate axles and their weak differential gears.

Chrysler specified New Process transfer cases in the 1997-up Cherokee. For two years the silent chain sprockets made from powdered metal slowly wore away, requiring replacement between 25,000 and 50,000 miles. Not every one, but an alarming percentage of the total production. The sprocket supplier finally discovered the problem and fixed it.

The current version of the old 318 V8 is STILL a prodigious oil burner. It was in 1958 in my parent's Plymouth, and it is in my office assistant's 2002 Durango. She gets 700 miles per quart. And the power outlet wiring in the cargo area caugt fire, fortunately when she was inside and stopped at a supermarket. She shut off the engine and used a blanket and a small fire extinguisher to put out the fire.

And don't get me started on Minivan auto transmissions. Between 60K and 90K, Minivan slushboxes have a world-famous rep for putting excrement in the sleep furniture. My advice: Spend the $$$ on a Jasper rebuild and get 250,000-300,000 miles out of the vehicle before rust claims it, like we did with our company van whose tranny went south at 72,000. The Jasper took it to 287,000 when we sold the van for $1000. That was and will be my last Chrysler product.

They HAVE improved, though. They engineered the ballast resistor out of the vehicles and you not longer have to keep a spare ballast resistor or two in the glovebox. But that's a story from another time.

Noah

dr walker · Post by **dr walker** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:15 am

I bought a 1999 Ford F 150. It has been great. It is a work truck and a family car. It now has over 200K miles on it. No drive train repairs at all. I have replaced the AC, some front end parts, brakes and tires. If I was looking new I would also check out the Toyota fullsize.
If Datsun still made the 1972 pick up, I would be all over one for my daughter.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 9:08 am

On the gas vs diesel thing, my 95 250 4x with the powerstroke gets 20-22 mpg when running empty, 17 with a cabover camper, but drops to around 12 when pulling a gooseneck stock trailer. So there are times when even at the higher diesel prices it still cheaper to take on a longer trip.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 9:27 am

Blaine, dont know if its the same there but they say SOON the gas will be at $3 @ gallon(maybe it is now??)
Here it is like $2.64 Anyway,like at the dealer I mentioned before I have noticed in the past when ever the gas hits the magical $3 @ gallon or more(there trucks drop about $2K and their small cars(like a Focus)go up $2K At over $3.oo @ gallon its ridiculous.Last year for example they had a 2007 dodge 1500 2WD (auto)V8 w/17000miles (not very fancy,kind of like the work truck models)===$7995 Almost bought it for daughter but she didnt want it! So waitng a few months might save you some big bucks???????? For a truck like that right now they want $10,995 with the gas at these current prices under $3.00 so that is even more than a $2K difference?

Its just I am cheap

Here is this almost new big truck Auto/V8 17,000 miles $7995 ???
The wife kept saying either quit stopping and looking at that darn thing or buy it! I just kept thinking,boy thats a lot of metal for $7995

Will also say those Toyotas are tough trucks too!

rangerider7 · Post by **rangerider7** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 9:45 am

I have a Ford Ranger 4 by 4 off road. It has been a real good truck. It's a little tight but it goes anywhere my Polaris Ranger goes. It's light and saves on gas. If I get a full size it would be a Honda. They make the best product I have seen or used. I have a Pilot. It has 100.000+ on it and no problems.

Saz · Post by **Saz** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:16 am

Jeepnik,
you are right, the 250 is a "TRUCK". After being married for a while, having a kid my straight cab F-150 wasnt gonna cut it anymore. I was home on R&R from Iraq in 07 and the wife, son (less than a year old in a car seat yet) and I jumped in my truck and went out to get something to eat. Well we stopped here and there, then it started raining. Everything we bought that day had to be crammed in the cab. No big deal right? WRONG! I live on Ft. Richardson, AK and you have to show your military ID when you come in the gate- no ID. Whoops...... Well my wife had her ID so I had to trade places with her and ride in the middle. Did I mention that she is 5'3 and I am 6'0, and my truck was a stick! The gate guard just laughed at me and waved us by...........

So while I was in Iraq I ordered a 08 250 super duty crew cab short bed, 4X4, stub on the floor, manual hubs, 5.4, 6 speed (manual)and 4:10 gears. What a sweet driving truck. Before you are sold on a light duty truck, go drive a new super duty. It rides better than my 2000 F-150, and if you keep your foot out of it I get about 14-15mpg in town, and 17-19 on the highway empty. Same milage as my F-150 straight cab 4X4, V-6 5 speed. I also have a 32' travel trailer that is 6900lbs empty, and is usually around 9000 when we go out for the weekend. I get between 8 and 10 mpg with the camper- mind you I live in alaska, and most places i camp are a steep mountain pass or two away, so it is not all flat land im driving on. Bottom line is that I couldnt be happier with that truck. Sure I could pull that camper with a half ton truck, but it will push it all over the road. That heavy super duty handles that thing like a champ, and my wife can handle driving it with a trailer, if that tells you anything. Go check out a newer (08 or up) super duty and you will be surprised.

Saz

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 11:20 am

As a TAXPAYER, I know I would appreciate it if you left GMAC products alone if your buying NEW! I AM TIRED OF GMAC CONSTANTLY PUTTING THEIR HAND OUT FOR OUR TAX DOLLARS!!!

I used to be a diehard CHEVY guy. However my last truck a 2000 Z71 4x4 had nothing but issues COLD ENG KNOCK, RUST, and the Trans started slipping just before I got rid of it. I have gone to FORD and its been fairly refreshing. Like you I traded my truck off back when gas prices spiked at $4.50 in my area and purchased a sedan for gas mileage because I commute about 60 mile per day. I recently purchased an old 88 Ford 150 extended cab for the paltry sum of $1000 so that I can go hunting and fishing without worrying about tearing up one of my good vehicles.

Coldfingers · Post by **Coldfingers** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 11:44 am

I have a 95 F-150 w/fuel injected 300 and that d@#^ Mazda 5 speed...FOR SALE!

Nice enough truck when the doors arent falling off and the clutch slave cylinder isn't puking fluid. It does have a good heater though.

Got so p.o. at it that I am driving my 81 Toyota again (just dropped in rebuilt motor...good for another 300,000 miles

)

That said, when I need a REAL truck, I fire up the 2000 GMC 1ton Crewcab. Now THAT is a truck. That diesel pulls good, is quite efficiant even when the truck is loaded to the gills and the cab has room enough to sleep two even with extra gear in the backseat.

I would drive the GMC year round except for the high cost of keeping it plugged in so that it stays warm enough to start here in the Arctic.

That Toyota starts no matter what and has never failed to get me home, even with a broken cam and running on two cylinders.

Except for the short flirt with the Ford, I have run the stuff out of a few Toyota's over the last 20 years. Always bought them for a few thousand dollars after someone thought they were worn out and proceded to drive them for YEARS afterwards. I have yet to get less than 250,000 miles before a major repair (like broken timing chains or neglect induce cam wear) My 85 pulled off 368,000 miles before it took a nap. (motor in rebuild process now)

Toyota's and Subaru's are quite the berries here in the Arctic, followed by 1 ton Diesels in various forms.

Enjoy the truck hunt if possible.

Scotty

Gun Smith · Post by **Gun Smith** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 11:57 am

A word about transmissions. I owned a transmission shop at one time so I am somewhat knowledgable about them. The killer of automatics is HEAT! To prolong the life of an auto, you need to remember two things: NEVER tow in overdrive, and never let the tranny get over heated, even it it requires stopping once in a while to let it cool. For those of you who do tow heavy trailers, I might suggest having a temperature gauge installed in the trans to cooler line to keep track of the temp. Following those simple rules will extend the life of your tranny by 10's of thousands of miles.
I have owned Fords (F150-250) for over 40 years and they have never let me down.

Barcelona Rick · Post by **Barcelona Rick** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:52 pm

BlaineG....man you cannot beat a Ford. I have had 5 since 1978. The first 3 had 300 Inline sixes and ran 100,000 plus miles with zero repairs. I currently have two F150's. A 1999 Extended cab XLT with the 4.6 V8.....225,000 miles and still running great.and a 2005 F150 SuperCrew XLT with the 5.4 V8......150,000 miles and also runs great. They have both had routine maintence ('99 has had a front end rebulid) and are just as solid as can be. The 5.4 is a little noisier (injectors click) but it rides like a dream. I'm gonna drive these two until the wheels fall off.....my bride has a 2004 Accord EX and it is a very fine car.....good luck....

jumbeaux

Mokwaw · Post by **Mokwaw** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 3:38 pm

If I were buying new, I would get a Toyota Tundra........

Best truck I've had was a 78 Ford F250..in-line 300 6cyl..4-speed stick....

...had an 87 Dodge 1500 318 V-8 auto....tranny crashed at around 100k....traded it for a Win. 70 in .300 mag..............

...next was 90 Dodge V-6 Auto...130k still going strong...my son drives it everyday.........

...my present truck is an 01 Chevy 1500 ext cab...3.8 V-8 auto...102k...tires, oil changes and tune up is all its had except just replaced the shocks in Oct..............

...all were 2 wheel drive......if it looks like I'm going to need 4x4, I walk in, don't go in at all, or start wishing I had one of my old Jeeps back again.......

stretch · Post by **stretch** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:59 pm

Dodge and GM both pay their employees too much to build stuff.

It's really sad, but they both used to build a good truck.

I had a '99 Dodge 1500 SLT. I got rid of it at 40K. New radiator,
paint peeling off, tranny going south, and finally oil in the water.

I traded it on a 2004 GMC 2500 - work trim. As simple as you can
get - not even air. Under warranty I've had new bumpers, and all 4
brake rotors. The frame is rusting like mad, and it still only has 28K
on it. I'm not impressed.

Ya might as well buy a Ford. Toyota and Nissan stand behind their stuff
a bit better than GM or Dodge (remember the rusted Toyota frames and the
credit they gave everybody on their new Toyota?), but I just can't bring myself to
buy a Japanese pickup truck. Passenger cars, no problem. I know that's
completely irrational, but there ya go!

-Stretch

jnyork · Post by **jnyork** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 7:48 pm

I am driving a 92 Toyota pickup with over 150,000 on it, had it since new. It is just a basic little truck. Sure wish I could buy another new one just like it but alas, nothing like it is manufactured now. They are all so loaded down with fancy jimcrack gadgets, bells and whistles, technological marvels and just junk it is like buying a luxury car with a bed on it.

Mutt · Post by **Mutt** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:07 pm

The only Dodge truck I owned had many problems with the different sensors and similar things . I have and do own now a Chevy 2500 , stick shift. Love it with one exception , The 5 speed isn't what I had remembered from the past . I liked the older ones much better. But it has been a pretty good truck so far. Usual problems with 150,000 miles.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Mutt

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 12:45 am

Never owned a Dodge. But for a number of years I used a Dodge PowerWagon. It was a crewcab with a 360, 4x4, stick. It was an USAF rescue vehicle. That truck was great. Tough a nails, and could scoot even with all the stuff we stuck in the various nooks and crannies, not to mention the compartments. But, that was back in the 70's. Lets face it, none of todays trucks are near as tough as the old iron. Most have been sissyfied, or just plain castrated. Wimpy suspension, girly interiors and just plain too pretty to work for a living.

Hankster · Post by **Hankster** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 1:03 am

From a PARTS GUYS point of view...most all new cars/trucks SUCK! They are loaded with expensive, hard if not at times IMPOSSIBLE for the "home mechanic" to diagnose parts/systems, etc. Dodges eat Front ends and rear end parts in the lighter duty models..... 3/4 and 1 ton are better.... but why do THEY need "Track bars" at 150 to 200 A pop and no one else does?? Fords.. gotta love the new idea of a coil for EACH cylinder!! Expensive if they go out.... do NOT get the V-10..... 140.00 bucks for spark plug replacement is NUTZ! Oh, and because those plugs are different and fit nothing else, they have a bad habit of snapping off the lower end..IN THE HEAD! Special "removal tool" is needed.....NISSANS??? WHY do thier parts have to be so ridiculously high compared to everyone else??? Toyota parts are less AND more plentiful..and WHY do trucks need FOUR O2 sensors??? Nissan Xterra?? 175+ a pop!!! X4!!! insane.... you want to learn what and what NOT to buy from a cost/maintenance standpoint??? Go to your local PARTS store, and see what they sell the MOST of, from WHAT maker etc.... or what they sell for the model YOU are thinking of.... you might be surprised what you learn BEFORE you "sign on the line"!!!!
Diesel lovers, ask what an OIL CHANGE will run you, even at do it yerself prices!!!! Some of those guys are 80 bucks an oil change!! Doing it YOURSELF!! Get educated before you drop your dime.....

And Jeepnik, you said a mouthful!! You got it pegged!

shawn_c992001 · Post by **shawn_c992001** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:51 am

I've been looking at the new GMC Canyons with the 5.3 V8's in them.