View Full Version : Help Team Sergeant pick a New Truck.
Team Sergeant
06-09-2004, 08:51
Time for a new truck for the Team Sergeant. Anyone have any advice on the topic?
It must be a 4X4 and four door. No little tonka trucks, heavy American metal only.
Ford and Dodge are favorites so far.
TS
A Dodge with 6 cyl Cummings diesel. A little work on the super charger will kick it in the ass. Of course, just from what I've heard.
Then, of course, you can get the Viper version and fly over rough terrain with 2WD.:D
Roguish Lawyer
06-09-2004, 09:14
6 cylinder diesel?
I assume the TS is looking for something with 8 that uses gas. Could be wrong, though.
Team Sergeant
06-09-2004, 09:21
Roger, Gas.
I hate the smell of diesel fuel.
Darn TS. I didn't think you wanted a Tonka Toy. I'm looking at a Ram 1500 four door w/hemi myself. I hope my wife is too. I have a 1990 Ford F-150 Lariat with 263,000 miles.:)
Team Sergeant
06-09-2004, 09:35
I've got a Ram 1500, 4X4, Sport, 99, loaded, 40K (didn't use it a lot).
I have a friend with a 2003 Ford F350 V-10, he loves it and is getting ready to buy a 2005 (he trades every 2 years). My neice's husband has a Dodge 1500 with a Hemi, but has trouble passing a gas station;) . Of course I don't know what kind of mileage the Ford gets.
Go diesel. With one of the computer chips for the fuel injection system, you can get 20 miles a gallon, more power than a gas engine, and the same speed.
Personally, I'd say F-250 superduty 4 door, 4x4, with the 8 cylinder Powerstroke. Can't go wrong. Oh yes, and for the survivalists, diesel can be made from corn, easier to get around after the Apocalypse
have you considered the evil foreign made Toyota tundra double cab?
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2004/tundra/models_dcab.html
Not a small tonka toy and actually built in America (Kentucky I think).
another foreign option would be the Nissan Titan... for sure not a tonka toy.
http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/ModelHomePage/0,,24367,00.html
If you are going to drive and drive and drive, go diesel. Diesels are at their best when run continuously,i.e. 18 wheelers and German taxis. More isn't always better. In a light truck a Cummins 6 cyl out performs the 8 cyl. especially with an inexpensive upgrade of the super-charger and ignition chip.
For casual driving, go gas!!
Roycroft201
06-09-2004, 11:15
I know where you can get a great deal on one, TS !
The young man next door has a beautiful new truck and it is just sitting there. He's newly married, the new baby arrived, and he finally got transferred home (he is a corrections officer who was commuting from Buffalo, NY to SingSing !! A 7hr commute minimum if the troopers didn't stop him !). He was so glad that everything finally seemed to fall into place that he went out and bought the truck that he has always wanted and it is loaded with everything (except that, as a woman, I don't know exactly what that means - LOL). Then, the gas prices started going up and the truck hasn't moved since !
I think you could get a good deal. :)
Roycroft201
ghuinness
06-09-2004, 12:46
Originally posted by Team Sergeant
Roger, Gas.
I hate the smell of diesel fuel.
If you are looking for a serious truck you need diesel.
I have an F250 4x4 and I tow.
Truck weighs 8500lbs. I would be getting 8 miles to the gallon with a V10 and 2 miles to the gallon towing. I get 18-19 miles to the gallon constantly.
Smell is not as bad as it used to be, neither is the noise.
Second is the bed construction. I tow gooseneck. You can't tow goosenecks in an F150, Dodge 1500 or GMC 1500. You need to upgrade to the 3/4 ton in all makes. Toyota and other dealers will tell you anything, but when it comes to towing, you should be mid-range in the capacity not at the high end. I hate Toyota (mostly from dealing with their dealers and their lying). Also the actual truck length. If the truck is too small you will have the tail wagging the dog. Toyota trucks are toys and too small for significant towing. I have jack-knifed with horses and learned the hard way through false information from dealers. Max capacity on the 1/2 ton (any truck) is about 5000lbs. That is the max and if you tow for any length of time the engine will be screaming.
3rd - maintenace. You have to be consistant with oil changes and fuel filters in a diesel. You don't get the 30K/60K/90K lump sum maintenance costs. I pay $85/oil change and fuel filters are $75.
I plan on getting 400K miles out of my truck and currently at 120K.
Rebuilding the enging: the cummins is the cheapest to rebuild usually around $6K (Ford owns cummins even though it is in the Dodge), ford international is around $8K.
I wouldn't touch Dodge. Check the recalls. While the Cummins is a great engine too many other part of the Dodge vehicle have issues (brakes, transmission, electrical). Everyone I know that has bought Dodge Diesel switched to Ford.
Ford 6L 32Valve Diesel is the way to go for a serious truck. If you search for a used one avoid the 6L 32 valve from last year, first model with the bugs worked out was 2004; prior to 2003 get the 7.3L 16 valve.
I know GMC has a new diesel but it has no horsepower for day-to-day travel. Great for strictly towing though.
Lastly, don't chip the engines. Some swear by it for more power. My experience is degraded life of the vehicle.
My .02
J, I replaced my 2002 Avalanche, which was a fantastic 'truck' last Veteran's Day with new 2004 Chevy Crew Cab (4 real doors) 4x4 Silverado LT with the Duramax diesel and Allison 5-speed auto trans. I pull a trailer quite a bit; the 5.3 gas motor in the Avalanche was fine, but I had trans problems. I'd recommend against going with the big-block Chevy motor - you'll average 9 mpg no matter how you drive it.
If you don't need to go that 'big', then test drive a Z-71 Avalanche. I put 49,000 miles on mine in 20 months. They'll carry your family in comfort, and you can still haul all your junk/trash/dirt/firewood/toys/etc in the back - albeit not as much of those as you can in a real pick up.
If you want a truck that will last forever (I hope to keep this one 10 years), then consider a Chevy or GMC with the Duramax/Allison combo. I get 20 mpg on the highway when I'm not pulling a trailer, and about 14 in town. I also get between 14-15 on the highway at 70 mph pulling the trailer. It pulls like a freight train, and the motor/trans are not built by GM, so it should last a lifetime.
I can tell you more - PM me if you'd like.
DOL
cc
Ford F250 Powerstroke Diesel, for all the reasons stated above plus a few more including the price of fuel. It actually drives better when towing the camper, and towing the boat is no problem at all.
My oil changes cost me $58 (just had it done last week), and I have a K&N air filter. The only thing I would change: crew cab instead of extended cab.
New truck aye..... well I am selling mine. It will be new to you haha. 1986 ford f-150 67,000 miles new belts hoses, new alternator, all new seals, and new timing belt. It has a towing package. Regular cab, with 8 foot bed. New tires also. Asking 600 lol any takers??? :confused:
Originally posted by Denny
New truck aye..... well I am selling mine. It will be new to you haha. 1986 ford f-150 67,000 miles new belts hoses, new alternator, all new seals, and new timing belt. It has a towing package. Regular cab, with 8 foot bed. New tires also. Asking 600 lol any takers??? :confused:
If you lived in NC I'd jump on that in a heartbeat. Nothing like having a reliable "beater" truck around :)
My vote:
GCD Dodge Beauty (http://www.galt.fivestardealers.ca/new_inventory-full.cgi?extend=298486844&make=&model=Ram%202500&year=2004)
Don't let the price scare you - that's Canuck Bucks.
Hint - you want shiny toys with big engines? Marry into a dealership family. :D Low on first aid value, but great mileage and you might even get a gas card with air miles, too!
What will you be using the truck for?
I just decided to build you one.:lifter
http://www.designyourlandrover.com/designyourlandrover/images/photos/RangeRover_on.gif
Team Sergeant
06-10-2004, 08:26
Originally posted by Valhal
What will you be using the truck for?
Transporting my golf clubs and partners to the country club.
Bringing my guns to and from the range.
Placing the fear of Thor into those that race Honda civics on the public roads.
Shopping at Home Depot.
Normal redneck stuff. (No heavy towing.)
TS
Sacamuelas
06-10-2004, 08:35
Heck Team Sergeant... with those requirements, you just need a car like my wife's current ride. I use it all the time for Golf buddy trips and Home depot runs. :cool:
Z71 Chevy Tahoe
Originally posted by Team Sergeant
Placing the fear of Thor into those that race Honda civics on the public roads.
My old 1978 full size Chevy Pickup, rust colored by nature not paint, was the perfect truck for that. I had nothing to lose if they did something stupid and I hit them after they ran the stop sign, tried to cut me off, etc :)
myclearcreek
06-10-2004, 10:03
Originally posted by Team Sergeant
Transporting my golf clubs and partners to the country club.
.........................
Normal redneck stuff. (No heavy towing.)
TS
Rednecks play golf? Ohhhhhh, now I know who those guys are wearing shorts, cowboy/jungle boots and straw hats at the golf course.
My truck scares small vehicles - 1991 Ford F350 diesel, 250K miles. I got 20 mpg until this year, down to 17 now. I smile when I smell diesel (still stinks) and enjoy the lower price at the pump.
ghuinness
06-10-2004, 10:13
Originally posted by Team Sergeant
Transporting my golf clubs and partners to the country club.
Bringing my guns to and from the range.
Placing the fear of Thor into those that race Honda civics on the public roads.
Shopping at Home Depot.
Normal redneck stuff. (No heavy towing.)
TS
F150 4x4 Super Crew V8 would do.
(although an F250 is better :D ).
My girlfriend wanted a truck and her significant other thought she needed a car.
Two bottles of Tequila and I had him convinced. They picked up an F250 6L Diesel. Now he wonders why he never bought one before :rolleyes:
Test drive one before you eliminate it. Just a suggestion.
myclearcreek
06-10-2004, 10:21
Originally posted by ghuinness
My girlfriend ........ her significant other .......
:confused:
Ford, TS. Ddddddodge the Dodge. The best mechanic I know just bought a Ford F350, fully loaded.
If money is no object, than the big bad boy on the block this year is the ford four door diesel. It is long and mean and sure to scare every model Honda makes.
Dodge, around here at least, is thousands cheaper for its comparable model.
If you do not need to tow, than diesel is not worth the extra money. It would take you years to get the difference back at the pump.
I have a Chevy 1500 Silverado, it's comfortable and drives like a car. It sits lower to the ground than the others, so its easier to but the golf clubs in the back.
Good luck with your hunt.
ghuinness
06-10-2004, 11:58
[QUOTE]Originally posted by myclearcreek
[B]:confused:
LMAO :D
myclearcreek
06-10-2004, 14:54
Originally posted by ghuinness
LMAO :D
*chuckling* There are SO many things I could say, but being true to my nature, I will refrain. ;)
My wife has her heart set on the new Nissan Titan. She wants it to tote her horses around in a bumper pull trailer... 4 doors are available, and a V8 motor.
They've received great reviews, as well.
For somebody that kept his last truck for only 5 years and 40K, does no heavy towing, and hates the smell of clatter stinks, a diesel would be a waste of money. Go with the gas, test drive both and pick the one you like best.
Team Sergeant
06-11-2004, 17:23
Ok thanks for the ideas, I’m now thinking about the following:
Ford F-150 Lariat
Ford FX4
Ford Excursion
Nissan Titan
Ferrari Testarossa
Chevrolet's Avalanche
Chevy 1500 Silverado
I’ll let you know when I’m down to three.
TS
Kyobanim
06-11-2004, 18:37
Ferrari Testarossa
Chevrolet's Avalanche
One of each
Roguish Lawyer
06-11-2004, 18:57
OK, Team Sergeant has now picked out his truck. Here it is:
Bill Harsey
06-11-2004, 20:57
Ok Team Sergeant, In case you don't follow Guys advice on the high ticket British rig, remember, the Ferrari won't haul much firewood or real long guns. I fully reccomend an Oregon Classic 1979 Chevy One Ton Six Pack with see thru floor boards so you tell if the road has ice on it or not and you can spit your chew right thru the steering wheel and down between your feet into the slip stream below! Be sure to get the "DANGER! STAY CLEAR!" sign for the tailgate just like on the one around here.
ghuinness
06-12-2004, 10:44
Bet you pick the Avalanche ( FX4 close second) :munchin
Originally posted by Team Sergeant
Ok thanks for the ideas, I’m now thinking about the following:
Ford F-150 Lariat
Ford FX4
Ford Excursion
Nissan Titan
Ferrari Testarossa
Chevrolet's Avalanche
Chevy 1500 Silverado
I’ll let you know when I’m down to three.
TS
WOW !!! That almost looks like Capt. Terry's garage.
Team Sergeant....go with the FORD. Any of them. Why FORD and not CHEVY ? Cause I'll swear by FORD till the day I die. CHEVY's, I just swear AT !!!
I drive a 1999 Ford F-150, Triton V-8, 5.4 Liter engine. I just turned 130K on it a few days ago and it is still running strong.
I've taken Vette's off the line before, yes I have, and have put the FEAR of GOD in those little, punk Honda "Zip" cars.
***side note***
I'm LMAO with Chevy though. First they come out with their AVALANCHE, now they've come out with their new COLORADO. This from a company in DETROIT.
Hockey fans will get the irony of it. Just wish FORD had thought of it first. But oh well, they were just building a better truck, than thinking of cute names.
Team Sergeant
06-12-2004, 12:17
Originally posted by Bill Harsey
Ok Team Sergeant, In case you don't follow Guys advice on the high ticket British rig, remember, the Ferrari won't haul much firewood or real long guns. I fully reccomend an Oregon Classic 1979 Chevy One Ton Six Pack with see thru floor boards so you tell if the road has ice on it or not and you can spit your chew right thru the steering wheel and down between your feet into the slip stream below! Be sure to get the "DANGER! STAY CLEAR!" sign for the tailgate just like on the one around here.
Sounds like the truck I grew up driving! (You got an eight track in there also?):D
Originally posted by Sdiver
I'm LMAO with Chevy though. First they come out with their AVALANCHE, now they've come out with their new COLORADO. This from a company in DETROIT.
The puckheads out here smile pleasantly at this fact. We think it's a case of envy; if you can't beat 'em, name all your new products after them.
I'd suggest the F150, OR a 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60. :D
AngelsSix
06-13-2004, 19:29
Well, you could always go with a Durango......I love mine!! There are pics of it somewhere....I'll see if I can dig them up for y'all.
Captain Caveman
06-14-2004, 23:49
Horsepower TV just reviewed all the 4 door pickups recently.
Here is how they rated:
1. Nissan Titan - Best overall AND the cheapest. Fastest too I think. Also the Titan is BUILT in the USA.
2. Ford F-150 - Most comfortable with the amenities. HEAVY vehicle, but it rides EXCELLENT. Nicest interior of the bunch, but is slow.
3. Dodge (hemi) - Fast, and it just looks mean.
4. Totota Tundra
5. Chevrolet - First year jinx.
Sacamuelas
06-15-2004, 06:54
LIke this, but SF oriented.:p
ghuinness
06-15-2004, 11:19
Darn - all this talk about trucks and I had to check out the new Ford Super Duty 2005 model......
drooling (http://www.fordvehicles.com/2005superduty/towing/index.asp?bhcp=1)
zeroalpha
06-17-2004, 20:55
You simply can NOT beat a LandRover.
I'd go for a RangeRover if I could afford it, however Im happy with my Discovery.
myclearcreek
06-17-2004, 21:26
Originally posted by Sacamuelas
LIke this, but SF oriented.:p
Are you saying he needs to step outside the box and drive a LOUD, and NOT quite PROFESSIONAL vehicle? ;)
Team Sergeant, I saw the truck that you need to get next :)
The International CXT 'extreme' pickup truck. The CXT will be the world's biggest production pick-up truck when it goes on sale later this year.
Roguish Lawyer
09-14-2004, 16:24
Team Sergeant, I saw the truck that you need to get next :)
Dayum! What are those bad boys going to sell for?
$95-100,000
CHICAGO (AFP) - Move over Hummer, the monster truck is coming.
General Motors Corp.'s uber-sport utility, the Hummer, has been the biggest and baddest passenger truck on the US market to date, but it may soon be getting some outsized competition in the form of the CXT.
Modeled after commercial haulage trucks and dump trucks, the CXT will be the world's biggest production pick-up truck when it goes on sale later this year, its makers said Monday.
The brainchild of International Truck and Engine Corp., a manufacturer of commercial trucks and mid-range diesel engines, the CXT has been conceived of as a industry-worthy truck with some of the consumer comforts of passenger pick-ups.
The CXT combines towing, dumping and tilt bed capability with 220 hp and 540 lb.-ft. of torque. At six tons, its hauling capability is three times the payload of consumer pick-up trucks.
Buyers will be able to customise their new set of wheels with a leather interior with wood grain trim, reclining captain chairs, a fold-down bench that can be used as a bed, a DVD, and a rear-mounted camera for increased visibility behind the vehicle.
But none of this comes cheap: the truck will retail for 95-100,000 dollars -- about the double the price of a Hummer SUV.
The CXT is slated for a soft launch in the fourth quarter of this year, with a full roll-out in 2005, a spokesman for International Truck and Engine Corporation said Monday.
The company plans to build between 600 and 1,000 units next year at its plant in Garland, Texas and it's hoping that the vehicle will find customers among tradesmen like landscapers, carpenters, and brick or stone contractors, and home builders.
"The International CXT is a truck for businesses that want to promote themselves as much as perform," said Rob Swim, a spokesman for International Truck and Engine Corporation. "If you brought this truck to the playground, you'd be king of the dirt pile."
Roguish Lawyer
09-14-2004, 16:45
Only 220 hp? Hmmm. Seems a little weak for a truck that big. For $100K, I'd want more horses! LOL
Team Sergeant
09-14-2004, 17:27
I watched a Discovery Channel special on these trucks. Ford is also making one and the military plans to purchase both, why I'm not sure...
I'm sure they're going to get a lot of takers at six figure price....
Team Sergeant, I found the perfect truck, just for you! If I was buying, I would snatch it up in a heartbeat...Hope you like it:
(p.s.If you click on the pic, it will enlarge!)
Holly :D