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The newest Dodge 1500's are weak compared to all the other trucks including the older Dodges. I honestly think the Dakota would be a better truck than the newest 1500 Ram. The new 1500's only tow like 8500 pounds(Ford is between 10-12k) it has an independent rear suspension which IMHO = weak, but one of these days I'm sure all trucks will have it unfortunatley.
Independent rear suspension is different than the new dodge coil spring suspension. It still has solid rear axle, it just doesn't use leaf springs. It is also one of the best riding trucks because of it.
I think Chevy also had CATs in there big trucks like 6500s and up. But not in pickups.
But heres how i rank my pickup truck diesels #1 Cummins, #2 Powerstroke, #3 Duramax
Chevy's used to have the "TORBO Diesel" - not spelled incorrectly - Sucked big time...
Military Humvees have a version of the detroit in them... WEAK too... Nothing but problems. Mosly electrical stuff, and I realize they have been de-tuned, but still, a testament to the addage about the cheapest bidder.
I know Ford F-650 and above used to offer CAT, Cummins, Powerstroke and an in house Ford Diesel. Don't know if they still do. Really like the Cummins, but wouldn't take the rest of the truck... Have to go with Powerstroke. Can't wait to see what the 6.7 does...
Oh lol i thought we were just naming diesels that are awsome.. well what ever. but a freind of mine is putting a 6v 53 2 stroke detroit in his 77k5 blazer.... only one problem you will fall through the floor if you sit inside of it....
Also something newer chevys got that are alright are the allison transmissions.
I get passed all the time by hemis, diesels, fancy cars and the like. I dont care though. My 302 has plenty of power and has always got the job done. And has for 225,000 miles and almost 15yrs. What more can I ask of it? If you want to show off on the way to the mall, get a hemi. If you want to get work done, day after, year after year, get an F-Series. Horsepower means nothing; realiability, simplicity and drivability are everything.
I agree HP and Torque are not everything, but it sucks having to mash the skinny pedal just to get up a hill with a load on...Especially after paying upwards of 40,000 for a truck.
You have a good point, especially considering the amount of cash you have to spend on a new vehicle. I just shift down and slow down. People need to remember that the speed limit is the fastest you are supposed to go, even when passing.
How heavy is that load? It sure seems to be squatting for such a small trailer. Wonder how much travel is left in the suspension...
I think the new Dodge is a great truck for the everyday buyer... Who uses it as a daily driver in the city. For those who really use their truck I think they would prefer the leaf springed Ford that has a higher payload and towing capacity. Unless they are going to be driving around cones or pushing the limits at the drag strip I'll take the leafs.
The coils would be good at getting groceries though....
The squat on that Dodge reminds me of when my Dad used to tow a 24ft Airstream trailer with the 71 LTD wagon.................in fact, I don't think the LTD squatted that bad and I bet the Airstream weighed more than that trailer.