Hey, what year would be a good year for a used

[EddieWalker]

If it's with the auto tranny, avoid it. Noboyd I've ever met is happy with the auto tranny in those trucks. Dodge has a new one that is supposed to be pretty good, but from what I've experienced and heard about, it was pretty bad.

Eddie

 

[v8dave]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Did you see the sketch of Fords new Super Duty due in 2007-2008 yet?
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Anyway, the new Fords rear doors are hinged in the rear and when open are like the current extended cab trucks where the entire entry is one big opening. . . )</font>

Yep, one big opening blocked on both sides by the doors and the open side blocked by the car you parked next to. Unless you're used to parking in the middle of football fields and not along side other vehicles, it ain't much good.

Rear hinged doors might look good but aren't very practical. Usually when you go shopping and return to load the truck you approach from the rear. Now if there is another vehicle next to you--like 90% of the time--you can't just open the door and leave it open to place the packages into the rear seat. You have to close the door to pass it and then open it up again to place the packages inside. Try doing that with both hands full with a large carton. If both doors on the same side are open, it's even difficult for more than one passenger. It's a real thrill when it's raining (or snowing) and you're in a hurry.

I'll keep both my doors hinged at the front, thank you very much.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I know what you guys are saying. However, you are talking about using these trucks as daily drivers and getting grocerys which is not what Ford intended for the new superdutys.

The original place for the crew cab was on farms and construction sites. Wide open spaces. This is still the main use and place for these trucks. We store tools and such in the back seat of our extended cab. It is nice to have that big opening to get tools out of there. But as you guys have said, this style of doors is not for everyone.

As for having to have one open for the other to open, I think ford designed this new truck to open independantly. At least the Tonka and the sketch I saw both show it having handles on the rear doors. I have no idea how they would have done that but I am sure we will see soon enough.

 

[HGM]

Robert,
I agree these trucks shouldnt be nailed down to grocery getters... The problem is that 80% of the buyersare not using them for work purposes only. Ford realizes this and seriously doubt the new truck would have 2 fullsized doors on the same side that open in the middle. That is a show tactic. This way the media and show goers can see the interior at its fullest. Like I said, the cab design on the one's I have seen are identical to the current model. Though they are dressed verry different.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I know the spied trucks are showing the traditional cab still so we will see. I would not be surprised though if the doors are like the show trucks though /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Have a good one.

 

[RedRocker]

Half way through 98 Dodge went to the 24 valve. You should go to TDR to find the ins and outs of the different models.
I'm not a fan of the 5 spd, I lost 5th gear 4 times and finally put a 6 spd in my 97. You'll find no better engine than a Cummins though.

 

[Highbeam]

"However, you are talking about using these trucks as daily drivers and getting grocerys which is not what Ford intended for the new superdutys. "

I will wager that almost every change made since the 80s, including getting rid of the carburetor, had everything to do with these trucks being driven daily by real people. Real people park in parking lots and need to load junk or passengers in the rear seat.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

What's the deal with fifth in these trucks? Scotts 98 just lost fifth last week. He says slipping it into fifth is just like putting it into neutral.

His has a hundred and sixty thousand plus. He's wanting to keep it for his daughter. But this year he's spent a fortune on it.

He was asking about the six speed when I told him someone here said it was the best cure for the five speed. He's got the six speed in the 2002 utility bed and loves it.

Is is simple swap or does it involve a conversion kit etc?

How much was the cost if you remember?

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Almost every change Ford has made was to improve the truck overall. If Ford was trying to market the Superduty to the daily driver/grocery getter crowd they would add airbags to the suspension to soften the ride up and lower the truck to the ground some.

Ford markets these trucks to the professionals and just smiles when the average homeowner buys one also. The F-150 is what Ford designed for the daily driver crowd and it shows as that truck is terrible to work on.

Chevy is the same way with their 3/4 and larger trucks. Dodge, well Dodge is out to sell trucks to everyone but if not for the Cummins I do not see them selling very many trucks to the trade markets. They design and market their trucks to the daily driver and smile when a farmer and contractor buys one.

 

[HGM]

Robert, I agree with some of your points...

Ford definitly markets the truck to the people that work them, but if you look at the fact that your are hard pressed to find one ffor less than $40k because of the leather and power groups available, it shows the catering to the soccer moms and grocery getters. I do agree that it is still more of a truck, in my opinion of course...

Dodge has always been more of a utility truck. Not alot of frills, not as comfortable. They have come a long way...

GM has always catered to the car market, providing a smoother ride and not so tough truck.

Fords F-150 in '97 leaned to the smoother ride and less work truck feel. Similar to GM.

When the '04 came out, Ford began to hear many gripes about the ride. It became a rougher riding, stronger truck overall. Alot of folks wish for the older version. Ford listened to the people that work their trucks and wanted a tough truck by going with the new '04 design, now the average folks arent satisfied.

This is my opinion based on what I have seen. Of course some will find offence with my comments, but they werent intended to slam any MFG. They all have their strong points and week points. I myself prefer the overal capability of the Ford as do most municipalities, fleets, service providers, and workers in general.