Looking at HD trucks, any advice?

I mean, if the garage is your main focus....I'm just messing with you.

Why I left out the 2025? I never buy the first year of anything. Some other fools can be the sex doll.

-New motor, new injection pump, same hydraulic lifters that have been an issue....
-The dealer's around here can suck my balls. They really do suck. That is the main reason, and the diesel techs are not trained very well. My last experience with (then dodge) blew my mind. I am certain my knowledge level was greater than the lead diesel tech. In fact, I know it was...he wadded up my motor with 42k miles and I had to learn real quick how to pull a head, do injectors, injection pumps, yadda yadda yadda.

The positive things:

-The new motor is a move in the right direction. Non-CGI blocks, Aluminum head, the ZF transmission is leap years ahead of others.
-Rams interior are damn nice as well. In fact, probably one of the nicest in the top trim packages.

Even the ones I don't recommend have been good trucks...it is how you use them. The heavy use guys (think hot shots) have been blowing up motors, so not good. However, look at Ali that posted up in his dually Ram. Been a great truck for him. He doesn't tow overly heavy for a dually Ram, great on maintenance, got the recall done to go back to a CP3 (make better power anyway), and doesn't use the truck to go get groceries. I do think he has an angel on his shoulder though (literally...he has quite the story when he was a sheriff deputy that made national news).

Right now used vehicle prices are out of control....still. So I'm going to toss this out to you...

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...00|Big Horn&trimCode=RM3500|Laramie&zip=80908

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...00|Big Horn&trimCode=RM3500|Laramie&zip=80908

Since you are going 5th wheel, nothing like a dually for towing and the stability/safety they offer. Even more if you get the cab and chassis, I think you can get the lower gear ratio and the ridiculously big factory fuel tank. 52 gallon rear mounted tank with the option to order a 22 gallon midship tank as well.

Then put your kick ass skirted flatbed on. You would have the baddest ass truck in town for less money.

https://cmtruckbeds.com/


I would still shop around. 70K for a big horn truck sounds spendy.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...00|Big Horn&trimCode=RM3500|Laramie&zip=80908

 

Wanna know how bad the Ram dealers are here? Recently this summer I took my oldest to her last instruction driving course and had two hours to blow. Well well well, let's check out the new Rams.

I was in the showroom, on the lot, walked all around. I was not greeted or acknowledged during that time. Had to park next to the Red Eye...



This was the only 3500 on the lot, and it was in Laramie trim for 99k dollars.



This was a 2500 for 87k dollars and it was nothing special. Cloth seats, no power passenger seat.



No way in hell would I purchase in this city or state.

 

We have a lot of military bases around here. I have heard three times from sales managers since I have been married (almost 24 years) "we don't have to offer deals. Some military guy will pay full price as long as we get them the payment they want."

As a veteran I just smiled and said "good to know...Denver I go."

The Mustang, low boy gooseneck, dump trailer, and most likely my next truck will be purchased elsewhere.

 

One more thought, diesels are expensive and when out of warranty they get really expensive.

This is what I was doing today:

Transmission cooler housing crack.
30 minutes to remove the grille and front bumper. Parts came in late so I'll finish up tomorrow. Dealership wanted 1650.00 to do this and I would have received the truck back mid-September.



Then my daughter came out and changed her headlights out on her Corolla. She's getting pretty good at the whole maintenance thing.


New vs old



Little shit did it by herself.

 

I kinda like having a supercharged vehicle. That might be the way I go next go around.

 

I would mate that to a 2024 or newer 10 speed. No need for transmission upgrades since it's the same one as the diesels.

The years that SC is for...a built transmission is probably a good idea.

There are centrifugal SC kits that are even cheaper.

 

You can use 87 on the 6.6l gas, but performs best with premium.

Here, premium and diesel cost the same.