Good truck experiences.

[WilliamBos]

I almost wonder if the problem is the "flush chemicals" that get used by most shops that do the fluid changes. I wonder how much difference there would be in a neglected transmission between just changing old fluid for new vs a power flush with a cleaning cycle in the middle...

Aaron Z

I agree. Just do a pan drop, filter change, and add fluid to top it back up.

 

[Dmace]

I almost wonder if the problem is the "flush chemicals" that get used by most shops that do the fluid changes. I wonder how much difference there would be in a neglected transmission between just changing old fluid for new vs a power flush with a cleaning cycle in the middle...

Aaron Z

Plus, just the force of "back washing" the filter puts all the small metal pieces (if any) stuck in the filter back in the transmission.

 

[ultrarunner]

That red Chevy van reminds me of a 1985 Chevy van I had years ago. It was a "heavy half" and former LP gas company work truck. Great engine, smooth suspension and never a lick of problems. With that heavy rear suspension, we used to load the **** out of it too!
It ended by given up in the battle against rust like most New England trucks.

My 85 van has always remained exposed to the elements here in California and rust is starting around the windshield.

So far my only complaint is I could use more in the towing department... 305 ci carburetor was the largest motor available in CA at the time.

It tips the scales between 9 and 10k because it is always fully loaded.

All original suspension except for the overload leafs.

 

[aczlan]

Plus, just the force of "back washing" the filter puts all the small metal pieces (if any) stuck in the filter back in the transmission.

Yep. In my Volvo V90 the recommended DIY method for flushing the transmission fluid is to:
1. Drain the pan, refill with as much as came out
2. Pull the upper transmission cooler line (the out line), hook it to a hose and run out 2 quarts of fluid
3. Shut the car off, put in 2 quarts of fluid
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the fluid coming out is as clean as the fluid going in

Aaron Z

 

[coobie]

My great trucks 1972 ford with 300 6 cyl with three on the tree tranny,1987 toyota 22r motor 187,000 miles,2004 dodge cummins diesel 85,000 miles.coobie

 

[Hay Dude]

What year is the second duramax?

2007. I'm at just over 100K. First one was used to tow hay trailers all over the east & midwest. Always nervous when the guys went to deliver hay when she had high miles on it, but it always came home with check in hand. The allison trans never missed a beat. I think I should have kept that truck.

 

[WilliamBos]

2007. I'm at just over 100K. First one was used to tow hay trailers all over the east & midwest. Always nervous when the guys went to deliver hay when she had high miles on it, but it always came home with check in hand. The allison trans never missed a beat. I think I should have kept that truck.

ohhhhhh you have an LBZ Duramax do you? I would love a low mileage stock LBZ Crew Cab!! Did they take care of the GPCM update before you got it?

 

[Hay Dude]

late '06 & '07 is the way to go. Pinnacle of power, simplicity and lack of pollution crap.
The earlier models are nice, too, but you dont get the factory higher HP and the 6 speed. The 5 speed is a great tranny, too though.
The really nice thing about these trucks is they drive like a sportscar, but pull like a powerful truck. You sit lower, feel more stable and sleek. The fords and dodges follow the more traditional "lift kit" look and are more macho trucks.......until you race them against a chevy or gmc.....lol.

 

[Fordman1981]

Good stuff so far guys. I currently have a 2500 ram quad cab long bed with the 6.7 cummins G56 trans it has a little over 12,000 miles on it right now. I hope to have the same service or better service out of this truck as I did my 02 f250 7.3 with the manual trans. I have a standing order in for a new company truck it will be a ram 3500 srw quad cab 5.7 Hemi 4x4 with the factory gooseneck prep package and the chmsl camera and tailgate back up camera with 8.4 inch touch screen. It should be built this month and maybe arrive at dealer in early march. So I will be able to see side by side what the 2012 cummins and the 2013 3500 hemi will be like as far as maintenance cost and repairs.

Well I just wanted to let everyone know the 2013 3500 I had on order I canceled today. It was supposed to be built on the 2/29/2013 and be shipped soon after. Well I talked to my dealer they pushed the 3500's back and won't be shipped til late April. I heard a rumor on another forum that the 2014's would be built soon. My dealer confirmed this 2013's will be built for 5 months then the 2014's will go into production. I didn't feel good about getting a truck with such a short production. I also have heard rumors of the 2014 getting the 6.2 hemi. So I'm waiting to see if that turns out to be true. Just thought I would update everyone that's interested in the new Rams.

 

[Dmace]

I also have heard rumors of the 2014 getting the 6.2 hemi.

I hope!
Good choice on waiting.

 

[Ryan03]

The three best trucks that I have owned have been...... in no particular order.

1992 Ford F 150 Custom 4x4 reg cab, long bed, 300 6cyl, 5 speed., heater and seat. bought at 34k and 4 yrs old. Traded in at 100k and 7 yrs old. Withstood my late teens and early 20 bar hopping off roading days with only semi regular maintenance. It could not be killed.

!999 Ford F350 reg cab dually 4x4 xlt, v10 auto. Brake pads at 60k, 3 Iac motors, and an alternator. Bought at 5k miles, traded in at 98k.

2003 Chevy 2500HD Dmax Ally, reg cab 4x4. Has had lots of nickel and dime issues like stepper motors, cluster bulbs, window regs etc. Only major was 8 warranteed injectors at 100k. They werent that bad but I wanted to get it done before gm changed their mind. 130k and still going strong.

 

[NICKB304]

I hope!
Good choice on waiting.

It's coming. Found out a few weeks after I bought a 2012 5.7 2500. My 1500 hemi was bullet proof for 90k and this one has noticeably more power and hopefully will provide the same low maintenance operation.

 

[Dmace]

Some sources are stating a 6.4l HEMI with the 6 speed Aisin tranny is coming for the 2014 HD trucks. What a combo that would be!
http://www.allpar.com/model/upcoming-trucks.html

 

[Diamondpilot]

Some sources are stating a 6.4l HEMI with the 6 speed Aisin tranny is coming for the 2014 HD trucks. What a combo that would be!
http://www.allpar.com/model/upcoming-trucks.html

Good tranny is the key. In most every modern vehicle the trannies seem to develop issues first before the engine, chassis, body, electrical system, ect.

Lets face it, we all have our favorites. Ford really has had a step up on the competition for 10 years now offering the premium tranny (Torque Shift) behind the gas versions. 5.4, 6.8 V10, & the new 6.2. GM offered the Allison for a few years behind the 8.1 but it was not standard, just a option. The 6.0 has never had much behind it but if they could strap an Allison it would help sales. Dodge now has a premium tranny after all these years and it will make many such as myself give them a second look. Strapping it behind that 6.4 is a smart move and will force GM's hand to step up and match the competition.

This is a good move for everyone.

Chris

 

[Dmace]

Good tranny is the key. In most every modern vehicle the trannies seem to develop issues first before the engine, chassis, body, electrical system, ect.

Lets face it, we all have our favorites. Ford really has had a step up on the competition for 10 years now offering the premium tranny (Torque Shift) behind the gas versions. 5.4, 6.8 V10, & the new 6.4.

Ford 6.4l gas...? You mean 6.2?

Also, the RAM RFE transmissions may not have a fancy name like Torqshift or Allison but they've held up very well since 2003. In fact, we've had more Torqshift failures than RFE's and no Allison failures yet... All stock power output cab-chassis trucks with service boxes and booms.

All in all, it's harder and harder to buy a bad truck these days.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Ford 6.4l gas...? You mean 6.2?

Also, the RAM RFE transmissions may not have a fancy name like Torqshift or Allison but they've held up very well since 2003. In fact, we've had more Torqshift failures than RFE's and no Allison failures yet... All stock power output cab-chassis trucks with service boxes and booms.

All in all, it's harder and harder to buy a bad truck these days.

You are right, 6.2 Ford.

As for Torque Shift trannys I have never heard of one fail and for that matter same for a Allison.

Chris

 

[RollingsFarms]

You are right, 6.2 Ford.

As for Torque Shift trannys I have never heard of one fail and for that matter same for a Allison.

Chris

Allison's fail when you take them out of stock form. They don't hold up to extra horsepower well from what I understand.

 

[NICKB304]

Ford 6.4l gas...? You mean 6.2?

Also, the RAM RFE transmissions may not have a fancy name like Torqshift or Allison but they've held up very well since 2003. In fact, we've had more Torqshift failures than RFE's and no Allison failures yet... All stock power output cab-chassis trucks with service boxes and booms.

All in all, it's harder and harder to buy a bad truck these days.

after my 02 5.9L v8 46re combo started having tq. converter issues early on and finaly let go at 80k i decided to give dodge another chance in 08 and was really impressed by the hemi/545RFE combo. That truck was bullet proof for 90k mi untill i traded it in on my 2012 2500. the 545rfe did not have the ratio sread to compete performance wise with the new gm and ford 6 speeds but they have proved to be just as reliable. The new true 6speed 66rfe is a nice improvement for the 2012+ hemi 2500 trucks. it uses the better ratio spread from the 68rfe that the current cummins come with. I have not towed the tractor around with it yet but it makes my heavier 2500 crew cab with 3.73 gears feel sportier than the 08 1500 quad cab with 3.92 gears. hopefully it is just as reliable because i really like this new truck.

 

[Oaktree]

08 Nissan Titan 4x4. Replaced a axle seal on the supposed upgraded Dana 44 axles. Did it myself for about $40. New battery in May along with front and rear brakes. 66K and I don't plan on selling it antime soon. Love to see if it can match or beat the Toyota.

Not setting your standards very high are you?
I had an '05 Titan for a company vehicle at my last job. Plan on replacing rear bearings/seals every 50k or so. Front hubs at 90k. Steel power steering lines tend to go around then too, kind of a PITA to get at them to replace. Was an OK truck otherwise, but nothing I'd get again. Sucked off road. Parts were pricey. Strong engine, gas mileage wasn't bad (16 mpg).

For personal vehicles had a '79 F-150 with 302. A bit underpowered, but otherwise a great truck. Only sold it because I wanted a 4x4.
Replaced it with an '88 Dakota with the 3.9 V6 & 8' bed. Still on the road. Frame is getting kinda punky, might get another year out of it. Too bad they don't make 'em anymore. IMHO it was the only decent mid-sized truck out there. Not sure what I'll replace it with...full size trucks are way bigger than I need.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Allison's fail when you take them out of stock form. They don't hold up to extra horsepower well from what I understand.

Yea, but anything can fail when you do that. I see lots with a egr removed and a 50 towing tune.

Chris