Looking at a new truck...

lofsfire

lofsfire

Active member
Ok, I have been looking at trucks for a few years now. I currently have a 98 F 150 4x4 extended cab. I bought it with 20,000 mi. on it, and now have 186,000 mi. It been a great truck therefore up till about a month ago I had been looking at Fords. For two reason; one the way mine has lasted, and two b/c I could get X-plan pricing on Ford through friends. I took a new job that now gives me x-plan equivalent pricing on the big 3 plus their sister brands, so my options have opened up. But I also found out that I qualify for some really special pricing from Dodge due to being a firefighter. I know there are allot of other Police and FF's on here stop at your local Dodge Fleet dealer and you can get all the info. If they can't help PM me and I will give you my dealer so you can get all the info to take, to your local dealer. You do need proof that you are a Police Officer or FF.


So, I have basically come down to the F150 or the RAM The Ram is winning with the price by far.
Looking at the CrewCab with the short bed in a 4x4 3.55 rear end


FORD
5.0
XLT or FX4 packages


RAM
I want the:
8 speed trany
air-ride
sport (look)


You think this would be easy, I called my dealer today to give me a price and he said I need to pick one or the other 8 speed trany or air-ride or change the from the sport look.


This is what I could build:


1500 CREW EXPRESS 4X4 (140 in WB 5 FT 7 IN box)
5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VVT Engine
6-Spd Automatic 65RFE Transmission
Monotone Paint
Cloth 40/20/40 Bench Seat - Black/Diesel Gray
Class IV Receiver Hitch
ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera
Air Suspension - 4-Corner
32 Gallon Fuel Tank
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
Premium Display Package
Popular Equipment Group
Power Black Trailer Tow Mirrors
Remote Start and Security Group
Trailer Brake Control
Dealer added
Sport Hood
upper glove box door
sport headlights




1500 CREW SPORT 4X4 (140 in WB 5 FT 7 IN box)
Customer Preferred Package
5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VVT Engine
8-Spd Auto 8HP70 Trans
Mineral Gray Met. Clear Coat
Monotone Paint
Cloth/ maybe lether Bucket Seats Black
Trailer Brake Control
Class IV Receiver Hitch
ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera
32 Gallon Fuel Tank
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
Comfort Group
Power Black Trailer Tow Mirror
Sport Premium Group
Remote Start and Security Group
Notice NO Air Suspension - 4-Corner I was told its not available on the sport


So what would you give up the Air Suspension or the 8-Spd Trans?
I know the Sport has more bell and whistles but the express is what meets my practical "NEEDS". Plus it leaves extra cash for a sled in the future.


Also does anyone know when you get the Class IV Receiver Hitch is there an extra trans cooler?


The only thing I really tow is a 2 place enclosed snowmobile trailer. Normally about 200 to 400 miles one way, 4 to 5 times. Might be pulling a 4 place inline for one of the trips.


Any reason to pick one model over the other? (Is there a can't live with out bell or whistle.)


Any problems that are common on the RAMS.
 
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Cat600

Member
Personally I'd go with the Ram Sport, but that's cause I own a 2001 version and want a new one bad. If only I could afford it.

The air I read in another thread somewhere doesn't really help with trailering, only helps with leveling and the bags wear out faster than springs and just get another spring to add to the current trucks or something like that. I don't recall it all.
 
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stealthv

New member
If you're going to keep it for 186,000 miles, to me a regular spring suspension is going to cause less headaches over time.
 
T

Team Elkhorn

Guest
It took me a few minutes to find it but the trans cooler is standard on both those models. Its in the standard feature list.
Someday I'll probably need to start thinking about replacing my '04 Dodge and go with a new Ram. My son has a '11 2500 Ram with all the bells and whistles. It cost more then my first house but its beautiful. If it had the gas motor instead of the diesel, (I just don't want a diesel), I would buy it from him in a heartbeat before he goes to trade it in next year when he gets new truck-itis again, kids.:rolleyes:
 
D

Deleted member 10829

Guest
Have you ruled out the Ford? I'd get the American owned Ford all the way.
 
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slimcake

Well-known member
I think 6 gears is more than plenty. I have the 6 spd in my Silverado and its shifting all the time. Couldn't imagine what 8 would be like.....
 
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lenny

Guest
I'd sacrifice the air ride first or get a extended warranty/ I had a air ride on a VW Touareg and mine worked perfect but others had issues and big dollars if they mess up
 
X

xcr440

Well-known member
slimcake said:
I think 6 gears is more than plenty. I have the 6 spd in my Silverado and its shifting all the time. Couldn't imagine what 8 would be like.....
Click to expand...

8 speed gets better mpg, that's why everything is going to more "speeds" in the tranny.
 
SledTL

SledTL

Active member
If your gonna really go for a dodge make sure it's a diesel...otherwise go with ford. Nuff said. Also wouldn't it seem like the more you got on the truck the more there is to break
 
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tyeeman

New member
Just my opinion but I would sprint, not run from the air suspension. I like you keep my trucks forever and air springs or what ever they are just wont last, and I bet they are pricey to replace. Back in the days of the Lincoln Continental, they had air bag springs at all 4 corners. To replace one was in the area of $1100.00 and that was like in the early to mid 2000's. Then you have the pump to fail, leaking air lines, etc.
Go with what's meant to be under a truck, , , steel springs.
 
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classic_rider

New member
you ask for opinions , youl get a pile of different ones for each brand,everyone has their own opinion,,,theyre all good until they have a problem,,,,the 6 speed works great,had it in my silverado and now in my 2012 ram ,,dont know much about the 8 speed or the air-ride both new on trucks,,,i have the ram big horn , bucket seats ,tap shift 6 speed in center console hemi engine me likey :}
buddy has 2012 sport 6 speed on steering wheel he likes his to ,,,i personaly stay away from something new till it gets in peoples hands a few years to check it out,,,,,, like i said everyone has opinions,,,,,im sure youl be happy with either choice
 
M

MZEMS2

New member
F150 with the 5.0 gets my vote too. Avoid the Ecoboost for another year yet. If you go to the F150 Forums online, you can read about issue with them until your eyes cross. Some guys have gotten lucky and gotten a good one, but I sure do read a lot of negative stuff about the Eco's. The 5.0 seems to be rock solid. i'm a little biased in that I own a F150 now. Love the ride, and quiet ride at that. It's the 09 with the 5.4. I would prefer to have the 5.0, but this is what was on the "used lot" that day.
 
A

anonomoose

New member
All trucks and cars have issues...that's why they get mechanics that specialize in working on them.

Warranty is important, and personally which ever one offers the longest would get my vote. They all will take care of your truck needs which are marginal at most.


Ecoboost requires the best fuel possible and has not been around long enough to by classified and tried and true!

Chrysler builds a good standard duty truck and has a good warranty. If you needed a heavy duty truck I would look at a Ford..even if they don't have as long a warranty. I have heard bad things about Chrysler heavy duty and check engine lights that they can't "figure out"....

GM builds a good truck too and it will also do the job you are requiring. They also have a great warranty...again something important...

In the end, stay away from the air springs unless you are going to get rid of the truck before warranty expires, and get the one what you like the most. They will all be good enough for what you do.
 
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Crown98

New member
you cannot go wrong with either the ford or the dodge, i have had both and liked both. i currently have a 2011 Ram 1500, it does not have the 6 or 8 speed tranny but still gets great mileage (for a truck) and it does not have the air suspension but it is still the best riding truck out there in my opinion. the hemi is a fantastic motor and pulls great.
 
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ezra

Well-known member
Do u really want to drive a Fiat ?
dodge took the money really want to support that ?
I just got a 11 ford f150 and I love it.
I will never own a GM or dodge again.
next look at percent of American made parts and labor Ford wins.
go with any other option in my opinion is backing the current situation this country finds it self in.
there is a reason the f150 is the best selling auto in the USA.
 
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classic_rider

New member
like i said earlier ,,,everyone has their own opinions,,,just like toilet paper to each their own brand,,,i myself will never buy another
ford in my life again,,, a 4 letter word is just that and my momma told me to never cusssssssssss,,,,,
 
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