New truck, what to buy?

[Rick323]

How about a ram promaster with the 4 cyl diesel automated manual trans.
2014 Ram ProMaster® - Work & Cargo Van for Multiple Needs

[CFECO]

4x4 is required....Steep dirt hill, pulling tailer with snow (occasionally) or loose and rough normally, plus... Mama don't winch!

[TheEnemy]

been wanting to put a winch on the front of Ugly, that way I can say "To the winch Wench" :0 .... I would probably get smacked.

More seriously, there used to be a restored FC170 running around here that was pretty sweet.

[CFECO]

Oh Man.... Mine has an FFL, I'd be target pieces!

[CFECO]

Originally Posted by TheEnemy

been wanting to put a winch on the front of Ugly, that way I can say "To the winch Wench" :0 .... I would probably get smacked.

More seriously, there used to be a restored FC170 running around here that was pretty sweet.

I had a chance on a straight, "No Rust" FC 170 roller years ago for $500 and waited too long figuring out what to do with it, but it got me thinking about the cab forward 4x4 idea. A couple of years later it still stuck in my mind and I found a cheap Isuzu NPR and did some measuring. Some time later I had a 94 NPR with 2 1/2 ton steering axles front and back, basically a bolt in after moving the engine back. That truck went away before finishing, in the "divorce" from the woman from hell. Good riddance, wish I had the NPR.

[TheEnemy]

I am down to just the last few details putting in a pair of Dana 44's out of an 1980's Waggoner under Ugly.

I also found a Dana 44 under a Honda Passport that I plan on putting under the pickup, it should be a simple bolt in as everything measures out the same.

[CFECO]

Well, the new truck arrives today, we hope. We bought a a new 2013 Tundra 4x4 double cab. I wanted a 4.6 engine, but could not get it with the towing package we need, to pull our camp trailer, and our Pasqualli Ranch tractor. I am thinking of the possibility of lowering the truck and adding air bags to the rear for loaded conditions, we'll see. No more AZ pin striping, don't know how I'll get to the mining claims! The 5.7 engine shows only 1 mpg less than the 4.6, but the BFG All Terrains should be good for 50psi, which should make it better than the 4.7 03 we are trading.

[Hersbird]

A little late but the 1500 4x4 Ram gas v6 8 speed gets 23 epa highway compared to 17 for the V8 Toyota. Also probably costs 10k less. The new diesel 1500 doesn't make sense in comparision (it gets 27) to the gas because diesel costs so much more at the pump the mileage doesn't make up for it. For more power the ecoboost f150 or Hemi 8 speed are middle ground at 21 highway in the 4x4s. The Tacoma 5.7 is about the least efficient 1/2 ton you can buy.

[CFECO]

The Ram V-6 is no Tundra 5.7, and at what speed does the EPA rate these vehicles at? I would go Gubment Motors 5.3 or 6.2 before the Ecoboost, have you ever had to replace a turbo on a Ford, it's not pretty. Does Dodge make bodies that don't shed parts yet? I have a friend who has an EB, we'll see who is in the shop first, I just traded an 11 year old Tundra, which had "0" shop time other than regular service. They don't put the 5.7 in Taco's. I am looking to lower the rear, add an air dam, bed cover, higher pressure tires, and electric fans maybe. We'll see. I don't know how I'm going to go to the "out there" Mines though, AZ Pin-striping is not allowed any more! Thanks for the reply though!

[Hersbird]

I personally have owned all kinds and just about all makes. I have had a few problems here and there but haven't ever noticed Toyota is more reliable then Dodge or Ford. I remember in 1998 I had a Neon with supposedly the "terrible" head gasket problem consumer reports tore the car up on. First failure was usually a slow external leak that gave plenty of warning, never disabling the car and finally costing $300 to fix. The same year Honda Civics were effected at just a high rate of ignition failure which cost $300 for the part alone and completely disabled the car without warning. Consumer reports loved that car. The neon also cost less and was rated at 42 highway which we often got that or better, and oh yeah, our head gasket never had a problem and would have been covered by a 7 year warranty compared to the Hondas 3. Basically I rarely look at supposedly reliability because maybe I just take care of my stuff but I just don't have problems with anything.