GM finally beefed their IFS so it is a contender now. Still don't care for several things but both GM and RAM have really gotten into the game.

 

For the record:

I grew up on a ranch here in Tx. FORD, LOL NOT hardly, we called folks that drove Ford trucks, share croppers, Tx was CHEVY country.

When I finally retired after several careers and came home to S Tx I knew I needed a truck. many years since I drove that '54 Chevy ranch truck, lots water under my bridge. I am an engineer and have an extensive R&D and Testing background. So I put my hat on and stopped by Chev/GMC, Dodge/Ford. I did not care what I bought as long as I bought the best truck for my needs. I downloaded a ton of stuff, talked to ranchers I would see etc.

I knew I needed a 350/3500 series so it was a level playing field for everyone.

Some notes form visiting dealers.

Chevy/GMC, 2 dealers in 2 major cities: You want a what? You can order that if you need something that big. You need to talk to Fleet sales for a truck that big.

Dodge: Yea but its got a Cummings engine. Sure but its a got a Cummings engine. You are buying for the Cummings engine.

Ford: Why do you need a F 350, let me be sure that is the right size truck for you. It will out haul, out pull and your wife will like the interior.

So I am on my 3rd F 350, '09 SRW, '11DRW, '15 DRW and I have been pleased and satisfied, great trucks with an interior that is the best NO MATTER what they do or say. ONLY the Ford SD has room for a cowboy hat ON your head. Ford outclasses them all. Other than a Ford tractor on the ranch, never owned a Ford product in my life...till my F 350!

 

Rodney - It is interesting up here - I see a ton of Fords compared to the GM Twins and Dodges. One thing that GM has with IFS is that they have Auto-4WD and you don't bind up.

It never mattered to me until now I notice it as I was in 4WD for months this MILD winter. It might be something that I also look into when it is time to change vehicles.

 

Good conversation folks and thanks for keeping it civil. I know this type of chatter grates a lot of folks the wrong way. ALL these trucks are a lot of $$ and we want to be proud of them. i get that.

Don - I am still a Texas resident and looking to get back there when i retire this summer. Just something about that place....

 

4 years ago I retired for the last time and I headed home to S Texas in the Hill Country just N of San Antonio. Great place to live, no state income tax!!!

 

My parents have a small place just south of the city limits of Blanco. Beautiful country out there. Much prettier than where I live.

 

We run up there for lunch fairly often, just up the road a piece...

 

The latest version of gm ifs doesn't ride any better than our trucks, from what I can tell, while retaining the off roading characteristics of a piece of plywood.

 

Of course it rides better. If you go off road I understand your preference. (Which I never do.) But lets not just fabricate reality to suite our needs.

 

I've been thinking a lot about this thread topic and paying attention to other trucks as I drive. I've driven 6300 miles so far this month and my "new" 350srw has been a dream.

Styling? I'm starting to see lots of new 150 trucks. I actually really like the new look of them, they changed from a car like vehicle to looking more like a truck. The front end and waistline/body lines has really changed a lot. I always thought the older 150 looked like an "old mans truck" for some reason. Had a softer more car like appearance.

I'm talking about the new 150 because it's been implied that the new SD will share the styling cues. If the new SD takes the general shape of the 150 it will be nice. I truly hope it is bigger and that the front clip remains similar. Seeing one in person is a lot different than those spy pics. There is hope yet.

 

I'm curious to see how the new front end on the GM trucks does in terms of longevity. The one I had ate up ball joints and my buddy puts them in every 50k like clock work. I hope the new version holds up better.

 

Andre, personally, I'd take maintenance and better ride quality any day over longevity. Although, I'm a unique case as I buy new, don't put a ton of miles on, and don't keep my vehicles that long. I'm three years into my current truck and it's got less than 25k on it. When I sell it in a couple of years, it still won't be at 50k. Although it will be accumulating a bit quicker now with the sale of my summer car...

 

I already have 80k on my truck as I drive it all the time. I bet yours starts seeing a few more miles once you get your fiver! You'll be looking for every reason in the book to hook up and go

 

Up until now, that's where it got it's most use. Towed the last hauler over 10k with the truck. New one will start being towed within a week...

 

Rusch, think you are right for all the reasons stated. Making the 150 less car looking and more truck looking would appeal to a lot of buyers I am thinking. I see no reason why a 150 should not look similar to a SD.

Not sure what the Top of the line is in 150 series but there is one that certainly has some points that make it look more truck like and I think you are seeing a preview of where the SD will go next year.