Need truck advice

[PolkThug]

Looking at used trucks, 2wd, v8, extended cabs, 1997+. They will most likely have around 90k miles already on them.

I think I've got it narrowed down to the Dodge Ram 1500 or Ford F150.

Any experiences, opinions, what to look for?

Thanks

[BaggedLancer]

Don't quote me on it but I heard dodge trucks are notorious for transmission problems and weak frames.

My dad has always had chevy trucks since the early 90s and never had any problems.

My cousins have always used ford trucks since the early 90s and never had problems.

When looking at a used truck, always try and find out if it had been previously used as a plow truck....if so there could be transmission strain and other hidden problems.

Diesel trucks get the turbo's checked to make sure the owner always allowed proper cool down, etc.

I'd say Chevy or Ford and basically decide on whatever you find based on price and condition.

[exalted512]

I say go with chevy. My last GMC has 199000 miles on it before we sold it. Only problem it had the entire time was the master cylinder and ac clutch. Cant ask for much better reliability than that.
-Cody

[ND13]

What kind of price range are ya wanting to stay in?

[bobman1235]

Oh boy! Another Ford vs Mopar vs Chevy fight! :D

[IanD]

Go for the Ford. Our Dodges never went the same distance before falling apart as the Fords did. For the heck of it, check the resale values of both trucks. That should help you make up your mind.
BTW, I drive a Nissan :D

[Jstas]

Trucks are trucks dude. You know that. What it comes down to are two things.

1.) Does it have the features you want at a price you want to pay?

2.) What was it's previous life?

As mentioned already by BaggedLancer, if it was a plow truck or used exclusivly as a tow-mule, you'll want to know that because there will be driveline problems. You'll also want to look at what kind of company it worked for if it was a commercial vehicle. Construction companies are very hard on suspensions and drivelines. Contractors like plumbers, electricians and HVAC guys will do alot of work at construction sites and often have to use the same vehicles for hauling loads a tad heavier than they should.

If the truck was used for commuting then you want to know highway or city miles. If the truck was used for emergency response like first-responder or a cheif's truck for the fire department, that's important too. All this kind of info wil give you a good idea of how this vehicle spent it's life before it was sitting on this used car lot.

You'll want to check for things like water in the oil. Just stick your finger inside the filler cap and look in the PCV hose. White goo? There is a problem. It might just be condesation from sitting so long but it could be a leaky gasket. Check the exhaust. If it is still dripping large amounts of moisture at operating temps, you might have a problem related to that water in the oil. Smell the exhaust, don't huff it, just take a sniff of the odors. Does it smell rich? Might be a bad O2 sensor. Does it smell lean? You might have a fuel problem or it needs a tune-up. Is the smoke gray or excessivly sooty? Indicative of other problems. Take it for a ride. Does it make alot of noises? Are the bumps harsh? Does the truck wallow in a turn? If it does, that's evidence of worn rear springs which could be evidence of previous over-loading.

Check tires. Are they wearing evenly? An alighment is prrobably due but alot of trucks, especially 4x4's can show signs of bad bearings up front from simple tire wear patterns. Look down the side, does the rear axle line up with the front axle? I've seen many vans and pickups riding down the road crooked from accident damage or a bent axle that couldn't be aligned properly.



Otherwise, the typical problems that plague most trucks are apparent. The Fords are good because if the mod motors are taken care of, they will last for at least 250K miles. You need to make sure that any TSB's and recalls related to the cooling system was taken care of though. I've heard of trans problems too. Idle air control valves tend to kick the buccket frequently too. For the most part though, the problems I have heard with the Fords has been related to wear items like brakes and belts and such. Most of the problems related to that have been of dubious distiction because it's hard to be sure that the repair work was done properly.

The Dodges have alot of the same issues. Nothing really drastic or unexpected. I've heard of some complaints with windshields and interior fabrics but nothing worth mentioning. Other than that stuff, keep in mind that trucks are heavy and hard on driveline and suspension components. They are also expected to do much more work than regular cars. Consequently, thier problems can be vastly different and sometimes more expensive to fix. If you go with a truck from any one of the big three, you are unlikey to have any really serious problems. Just make sure you look the truck over well and interrogate the salesman on the history of the vehicle. If there are documented service records, even better! If it's a private sale, be as through as you can. If you have a mechanic buddy with a shop, see if you can stop by with the vehicle in question and have him check it out for you. Mechanics have a trained eye and usually loads of experience. What might look like something serious to you might end up being nothing worth worrying about to them. But an expert opinion is always better than taking a gamble of something you are unsure of.

[ben62670]

Go for the Ford. Our Dodges never went the same distance before falling apart as the Fords did. For the heck of it, check the resale values of both trucks. That should help you make up your mind.
BTW, I drive a Nissan :D

I have heard this same exact story from many companies that have fleets. They bought the Dodges for the power/price/looks, but the reliability isn't there. Especially tranys. The gas millage sucks on Dodges, I don't care what the EPA stickers say. Myself and my friends all worked the Fords and beat the snot out of them. In the long run the Fords last the longest. A lot of the older fords start running a little funny, but they just don't die! My Chevy friends stopped picking on our Fords a long time ago.

Ben

[wodom1]

I have heard this same exact story from many companies that have fleets. They bought the Dodges for the power/price/looks, but the reliability isn't there. Especially tranys. The gas millage sucks on Dodges, I don't care what the EPA stickers say. Myself and my friends all worked the Fords and beat the snot out of them. In the long run the Fords last the longest. A lot of the older fords start running a little funny, but they just don't die! My Chevy friends stopped picking on our Fords a long time ago.

Ben

He's right about the gas mileage sucking on Dodge's. My 4.7L V8 in my '02 Durango gets 12.3 MPG on my 18 mile commute and I've never gotten better than 16.9 on the highway. I've never had any maintenance issues with it though, and I'm at 77k miles. I've been happy with it and the 4.7 L is a quick engine -- 235 HP & 295 torque. If I were you, I'd lean towards an F-150 though. I drove a '96 F-150 with the 4.9L I6 for years and it seemed unstoppable, plus I've always liked the looks of the F-150's the best.

[Demiurge]

I love our F-350.

[shawn474]

My dad has a Dodge and brother a Ford - I say if it's between them go for the Ford. The Dodge has been in and out of the shop for years - the Ford basic maintenance only and runs like new. Both were cared for in the same way.

However from my experience I wouldn't count out the Silverado or Sierra (GMC version). They are good trucks especially for the money. Just my experience though.

Shawn

[markmarc]

I live on the edge of farm country and I know many of the farmers. their trucks get a hell of a work out every day. About 70-75% are Ford's, and most of these guys keep their trucks on average of 250K miles.

[PolkThug]

Thanks fellas. The collective knowledge of the forum rocks. F150 probably works out better for me anyway since my Mustang tuning shop can tune the F150 also.

[Sartori]

Looking at used trucks, 2wd, v8, extended cabs, 1997+. They will most likely have around 90k miles already on them.

I think I've got it narrowed down to the Dodge Ram 1500 or Ford F150.

Any experiences, opinions, what to look for?

Thanks

Okay we bought a Dodge Ram 1500 new in 1995 when they changed the body style. Its a 4x4 short box with the 360 and an automatic. We put 98,000 miles on it, hard miles. My wife pulled a horse trailer all over the country with it and pulled a tandem trailer hauling vehicles around the state. It had been run off the road a couple of times due to icy conditions, didn't wreck it but bounced it around pretty bad, been buried up to its frame in mud and pretty much had crap rodded out of it.

I then sold it to my sister and shes been driving it since and they just love it. The only major issue I had with it was the intake manifold gasket went bad but they had a recall on it anyway so wasn't too big of a deal. And as far as the mileage goes my sister is currently getting around 17 with it.

We also own a 2001 Dodge Diesel 4x4 with an automatic and am in the process of putting a Banks kit in it. We've had zero problems with that one. And I am running an 02 Dakota for my work truck. Have had zero problems with that one also.

So my recommendation is Dodge:)

[Polkersince85]

Ford.

Come down to GA and get one, good prices and no salt.:)

(might be some beer spilled on the seat)

[RuSsMaN]

Another Coke vs Pepsi thread, great.

I'll take a Dr. Pepper.

[Sartori]

Oh, and I drink Diet Pepsi:)

[Toxis]

I vote Toyota.

[BaggedLancer]

http://69.20.127.42/StaticFiles/internationalTrucks/pictures/CXT-4.JPG


How about a nice international cxt?

Perfect size :)

[PolkThug]

I vote Toyota.
I'm test driving a Tundra tonight. Oddly enough, they appear to have more American parts than my new Mustang.

[PolkThug]

Another Coke vs Pepsi thread, great.

I'll take a Dr. Pepper.

I've got a case of Dr. P stashed in my cubicle. :)

[scottnbnj]

f150online is a pretty good resource. if you end up with a ford it might be worth checking for the ford shop manuals (dvd) on e-bay. i got it for my 06 350 for something like $30 a couple of months ago.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/index.php

)

[beardog03]

Noel (ND13) is in the business...listen and learn...

If it`s between dodge and Ford F150...I personally would take the Ford

[Dennis Gardner]

I have a '04 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab with the Hemi and couldn't be happier. 20MPG at 65MPH, 15 around town if I stay out of the throttle which is pretty hard as fun as it is to let the engine run out.

[PolkThug]

No F-150 for me, there are way too many people that have blown out sparkplugs, which Ford didn't issue a TSB on, but corrected the problem on the '04 heads. ('04+ is out of my price range)
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_spark.html

I'm test driving an '01 Tundra right now. ( it has the same American made content as my Mustang, 65%)

[VR3]

PThuggy...

Weren't you downing me a few months back about liking the Tundra???

Japan brotha - designed there, all built here. ;)

[ben62670]

No F-150 for me, there are way too many people that have blown out spark plugs, which Ford didn't issue a TSB on, but corrected the problem on the '04 heads. ('04+ is out of my price range)
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_spark.html

I'm test driving an '01 Tundra right now. ( it has the same American made content as my Mustang, 65%)

Its amazes me to see that many complaints when I have never heard of anything like that. What I would really like to know is were the plugs ever changed in those vehicles. Any aluminum head is very easy to strip with a spark plug. Cross thread it slightly or over tighten it like most people do, and that may be the cause. Like I said I've heard a lot about Dodge tranies, but I have never heard of plugs popping out. With this info I would have no second thoughts about buying another Ford . I have owned 9 of them, but I certainly would make sure the plugs are changed properly.

Ben

[PolkThug]

PThuggy...
Weren't you downing me a few months back about liking the Tundra???
Japan brotha - designed there, all built here. ;)

Yep, I said something like "a jap truck, wtf!" :)

So far, the only thing I don't like on the Tundra is the brakes seem kind of weak for how big the truck is.

[brettw22]

My brother in law has a Tundra (fairly new though) and that thing has been a great truck. He's only using it really as a commuter truck though so I don't know what kind of work you're needing it to do.

[PolkThug]

My brother in law has a Tundra (fairly new though) and that thing has been a great truck. He's only using it really as a commuter truck though so I don't know what kind of work you're needing it to do.

It has to be able to pull my Mustang to redneck cities all over the US.

Yeah, my uncle is in the used trucks business and the Tundra is his favorite truck.

[karpiel666]

+1 for the toyota. Anything bigger I would go with ford.

[PolkThug]

Now I'm test driving an '01 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4. I'm liking its differential better than the 'one wheel wonder' Toyota diff. Downside is that the Dakota has a lower towing capacity.

This is my first experience with a 4x4, and lucky for me we got about 5 inches of new snow to test it out.

Switching from 2wd to 4wd is completely seamless on the Dakota, just a quick turn of a dial on the dashboard. It makes no extra noise when switching over.

[wodom1]

Now I'm test driving an '01 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4. I'm liking its differential better than the 'one wheel wonder' Toyota diff. Downside is that the Dakota has a lower towing capacity.

This is my first experience with a 4x4, and lucky for me we got about 5 inches of new snow to test it out.

Switching from 2wd to 4wd is completely seamless on the Dakota, just a quick turn of a dial on the dashboard. It makes no extra noise when switching over.

Mine doesn't make any noticeable noise when switching to 4HI, but you can definitely hear it when going to 4LO. Does the '01 your testing have the 4.7L?

[PolkThug]

Mine doesn't make any noticeable noise when switching to 4HI, but you can definitely hear it when going to 4LO. Does the '01 your testing have the 4.7L?

Yep, the 4.7L "Magnum".

[Rivrrat]

I have an 05 F-150 with the 5.4 triton. I love it, and it has had less warranty issues than the Nissan hardbody it replaced. Lots of HP and torque for it's size, and if you're not careful, it's a cop magnet, because it's usually going about 10 over what you think you're doing.

[Mike682]

4.7L magnum is a solid engine. Runs flawlessly in my Durango


http://www.allpar.com/mopar/47.html

[Jstas]

First off, those guys with blown plugs and no service are full of it and getting shafted by thier dealer. Mine popped a plug (more common on Lightnings due to higher cylinder pressures) and the dealer did all the work and even paid for the rental under manufacturing defect repair. I got an entirely new cylinder head, new plugs and they changed the oil and coolant for me. Didn't cost me one red cent. Ford also DID release a TSB on it because the TSB was referenced in my invoice for the work order. On top of that, the spark plug issue on the N/A engines is not nearly as common as it seems. I know quite a few Lightning and Harley Davidson F-150 owners who have had issues but next to no regular F-150 owners with the issues. Some simple preventative maintenance of just checking the plugs are tight each time you change your oil will keep them from blowing out. They blow out because the aluminum heads expand and contract and the plugs will work themselves loose like they can on any aluminum head, even aftermarket heads. When they work loose, they do not have enough threat contact to keep the cylinder pressures from popping them out. The simple fix is to make sure they stay tight. The expensive fix is to replace cylinder heads at about a grand a pop plus 800-1200 for installation depending on what side blew out.


As far as the 4 wheel drive making noises during engagement, that depends on if the vehicle has a gear and chain driven transfer case or a viscous coupling like in an AWD system. Electronic 4x4 systems are usually clutch and fluid operated with 4LO engaging a chain drive. On the heavier duty 4x4 systems, they usually have a manual stick to shift 2WD--4LO--4HI which enagages a manual, chain driven transfer case. they will make clunking and metallic noises. The AWD systems use clutch packs and bands very similar to an automatic transmission or a viscous coupling like a torque converter in an automatic transmission and they are less likely to make noises. Also, electronic hubs are servo operated with sycronizers in them. Newer ones don't always require you to back up. However, heavier electronic hubs and manual hubs have heavier locking mechanisms with no syncronizes and you will have to back up to set them in the locked position. These will make ratcheting noises until locking mechanism is engaged. If you are travelling at speed in 4WD HI or moving too fast for 4WD LO, they will whine and make grinding noises because the hub gears are usually straight cut and not helical like what is in most differentials.



Rivvrat, if your truck is rolling as much as 10 MPH faster than indicated, are you sure you have a tire size similar to the stock size on there? I see alot of guys jack the trucks up and put 30-35 inch tall tires on a truck with gearing for a 29 inch tall tire and then the speedo is all out of whack because they didn't get the drivetrain computer recalibrated for the larger wheels. Mine is a cop magnet for other reasons but my speedo is accurate to less than 2% which is pretty good for a stock guage.

[PolkThug]

Rivvrat, if your truck is rolling as much as 10 MPH faster than indicated,

I think he was just saying its easy to go fast because its so smooth. When I test drove the Tundra, I let it slip up to 85 without really noticing how fast I was going.

[Jstas]

Oh yeah, one more thing on the Ford engines. Alot of people on the referenced site are stating that they found someone to do the work for them for cheap and "redrill" the heads for the spark plugs. That is not possible to do and the repair is more likely a helicoil which would work on a cast iron head but aluminum is too soft for a helicoil to work properly and they will blow out under high chamber pressures and just make the hole bigger. Eventually, it will get so big that the combustion chamber and/or a water jacket gets compromised and the head has to be replaced at a minimum.

The reason Ford has the cost of the service so high is because the service includes replacing the old heads with newer ones from '04 and up. These heads have deeper threads and are less likely to blow out when neglected for 50-80,000 miles. Just because the plugs are supposed to last for 100,000 miles doesn't mean you can ignore them for 100,000 miles.

If you don't check the plugs and keep them tightened, they can work themselves loose. It is not a design flaw nor a manufacturing defect. It is due to the physical and thermal properties of aluminum. Even aftermarket heads will have similar issues. Alloys have gotten better to reduce the amount of expansion and contraction but it will still occur. The issue there is that the aluminum alloy expands and contracts faster than the steel spark plugs and iron engine block and exhaust manifolds. They have to be checked on a farily regular basis. Just like the torque specs on your lug nuts have to be checked more so if you have aluminum wheels. Ford even lists that spark plug and manifold bolt torque specs be checked during several if not all of it's recommended service intervals. If it's in the manual and you aren't maintaining the vehicle properly, it can be argued that the failure would be attributable to lack of proper vehicle maintinance by owner. That is, unfortunatly for them, more likely the issue most of those people on that site are experiencing.

[Jstas]

I think he was just saying its easy to go fast because its so smooth. When I test drove the Tundra, I let it slip up to 85 without really noticing how fast I was going.


That I can see. I find myself catching myself exceeding the speed limit by a good deal when I wonder why everyone else is going so slow!

[MillerLiteScott]

I know from experience that the plugs on the Ford V8 are a bitch to get to. I have only owned Ford Trucks. The one I have now is nearly as nice as a luxury car inside and I am very happy with it so far.