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I am currently a Dodge driver, 2004 Ram 1500 with a 5.7L Hemi. I want to upgrade to a 3/4 ton truck. I wanted a diesel just because I have always wanted one, but the more I think about it I really dont need it.
I dont see myself towing much in the immediate future, but that could change with work I guess. I would like to be able to haul a pretty good bit in the bed which is why I want the 3/4 or 1 ton. One more requirement for me is a manual transmission. I have driven manuals since I was 16. My current truck is an automatic and I really dont ever want another one if I can help it.
That leaves me with two choices, a 5.4L manual or a 6.8L manual. I would really like a RC/LB, but I would take a SC/LB. 4 wheel drive doesn't matter too much so I would take either I guess. For someone with my needs, which motor do you suggest I try to find? Im not into racing or trying to go fast, I just want a reliable stick shift truck that I can load up with tools.
I forgot to say my current truck gets 11-12mpg mixed unloaded, so I dont think the v10 could be much worse. If its 1 or 2 worse I really dont care anyway.
To max your payload capability I would suggest the 5.4 for the motor and get the snow plow package as it will have a higher GCWR. I seemed to have gotten around there in my 06 with the 5.4. I will still tow a pretty decent load too.
If you are not really towing anything, and you just load some stuff into the bed occasionally, a 5.4L would be fine, unless you really want the V10. I would suggest a test drive of both, and usually, both motors will get similar MPGs.
EDIT: Also go for the SuperCab. You never know how much you'll appreciate the extra room until you have it, and can't live without it.
I have had both motors the 5.4 in an 05 F250 14 to 15 mpg empty about 8 towing my 08 F350 crew cab 4X4 single rear wheels gets 13 to 14 empty about 9 mpg towing and the V10 is a hoss towing not as good as a diesel but it does a good job.