Hmmm.....seems the Mexicans have better options than we do.
Lots of trucks and powertrain options which have been discontinued here in the US are still available there as 2005 models. They get all the nice upgrades we get while still having older options available. GM 3500 HD is still available there, with both the duramax and detroit 6.5. Ford trucks come with both the ZF 5 speed and 6 speed manuals. Dodge has an overcab model available and also a 4500 series truck which is identical body wise to the current Ram. All manufacturers Mexican websites show truck interiors with 5 speed manuals.
In fact most trucks sold over there are manual. Very few trims are available
with automatics, and Dodge didint even list an auto transmission option as being available. Was cool seeing our modern day trucks equipt with leaf packs that looked like they came out of a 70's truck. Very little wasted in these trucks on safety technology, except abs of course. Too bad our market has really "civilised" US versions of these trucks, I can't even remember the last time I've even seen a manual trans truck around here.

Mexico seems to get the best of both worlds. Upgraded cabs and sheet metal technology, ABS, modern gas and diesel engines, hydroformed frames, 4 wheel disc brakes, etc, AND they still get - manual transmissions, REAL heavy duty leaf packs, and trucks which can pull stumps without setting off airbags.

 

When I was in Mexico last year, I saw a 94 - 02 body style Ramcharger. That's right, Ramcharger. 4x4. Only thing is, I wasn't close enough to see if the top came off, or if it was diesel powered.

I saw lots of diesel crew cab Rangers too.

 

I thought the Mexico RamChargers were only 2wd? Thats killer that the made a 4wd version!! Now only if Ford would pony up and build another Bronco.

I always dug the 4-door 4x4 Isuzu Hombre's the Mexican police had!

 

ram chargers are awesome. i see funny trucks there like little tiny nissan and a bunch of chevy ssr size trucks. and everything were 4 doors even the nissan hardbodies.

 

please some one check gm's web site. you can get a 2500 or 3500hd here with a 8.1 litter 496ci big block

 

We also had the 5 speed ZF available in Australia in the F250 up until the start of this year.
Was mated to a 4.2l inline 6 turbo diesel, was a really good engine too, no electronics, just a basic diesel, it wasn't going to be a drag truck, but they go forever (more reliable than the 7.3l that we still get!!!!)
Just a pity it failed emissions.

Stick shifts are generally more popular in Oz as well (where available, some models only come in Autos - 4R100 )

We still get leaf springs and live axles at the front to (our regular cabs come with AD level springs - super cabs come with AE, and Crews with AF).

And I know the rear springs for the F250 & SRW F350 had to be specially designed for Australia - they are basically DRW F350 springs without the overload spring - as people here use them constantly at GVM, and the standard springs sag when constantly loaded going over our roads.

Interestingly also XL trim spec is the most popular spec - lariat was imported for a while, but no one bought one, so we just get XL and XLT - although XL gets A/C in Australia.

Just a bit of useless trivia for you guys...

 

BigF350.
Just curious where the Aussie F-series are made, now that the truck plant on Oakville Ontario is closed.

 

Sao Paulo, Brazil...

 

We are getting royaly screwed here in North America. Sorry for bein so blunt.

 

Hate to tell you, but last time I checked, Mexico was part of North America.

But it does suck how there are so few choices here, especially where I am.

 

This posting may have cleared up a mystery for me. My wifes office had a 4 X 4 wheel drive. Looked like a four door Bronco, had split rear doors like a van and was very heavy duty. They called it the Mexican Ford, I did minor maintenance on it, cleaned it up, and took it to be serviced. Couldn't find any indication it was built in Mexico, but plenty of Made in USA labels.