My 2008 F450 update.

[Dmace]

You guys are half right. Dodge is cutting a contract with Cummins but it's NOT for the medium duty diesel in the RAM heavy duty trucks. It was for the V8 diesel that was to be put in the RAM 1500. They are now planning on using a small FIAT sourced diesel for the RAM 1500 instead but a Cummins will still be in the Heavy Duty trucks.

 

[Lt CHEG]

You guys are half right. Dodge is cutting a contract with Cummins but it's NOT for the medium duty diesel in the RAM heavy duty trucks. It was for the V8 diesel that was to be put in the RAM 1500. They are now planning on using a small FIAT sourced diesel for the RAM 1500 instead but a Cummins will still be in the Heavy Duty trucks.

I hope you're right, at least that the Cummins won't be going away in the 2500 and up trucks. Personally, I'm a little concerned about the auto companies moving away from having specialty truck engine companies building the diesel engines that power their heavy duty pickups. Everyone seems to like the new Ford 6.7 liter Powerstroke, and on paper it appears to be better in every way than my 2010 6.4 Powerstroke. However, I like the fact that my engine was built by International, and I can say for sure that I won't just automatically buy another Ford Diesel to replace my current truck. Especially with auto makers trying new and novel ways to make the most fuel efficient cars, as well as hybrids, plug in hybrids, straight up electric cars, etc I don't think that the auto makers can be all things to everyone. I feel more comfortable having a dedicated specialist producing the engines for the specialty vehicles that auto makers manufacture that often times have to work for their customers and often account for a fairly small percentage of overall sales. I think it makes the best sense for over the road truck engine manufacturers to continue to make the diesel engines for the heavy duty pickup trucks.

 

[slowzuki]

I imagine the smaller dodge will have an iveco diesel in it. In terms of servicing, trucks are just getting to be like cars. So many repairs on fwd's need the engine/tranny cradle dropped now. Haven't been able to change most fwd V6 back bank of plugs for many year in most brands etc.

If we want good looking forward windshields, we have to cover the top of the motor. Maybe if it gets far enough the cabs will hinge like a cabover.