coobie
Super Member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2004
- Messages
- 6,302
- Location
- S.Michigan
- Tractor
- Kubota RTV 1100c, JD 740,Kioti DK 40 with KL401 loader .
Maybe time for a new truck.
- Thread starter LD1
- Start date
- Views: 7394
OP
LD1
Epic Contributor
Mind not made up yet. So no, not looking for confirmation.
The dilemma is....everything in 05 was mostly emissions and def free.
Alot has changed since I last shopped. So I am clueless about the new stuff and the problems they may have.
But keep hearing many people say that these trucks are like the golden goose. Too good to part with
OP
LD1
Epic Contributor
I saw some new can and chassis trucks under 50k too.
Which would be fine, truck beds are just too wimpy and get beat up easy.
GN can be added. But quad cab, long bed, 4wd, automatic, and diesel are the must haves
OP
LD1
Epic Contributor
Regarding the condition of the rest of the truck for those that asked....
The frame is just superficial rust.
The body...a little rust on the inside of the door bottoms, and bed and bedrails are dented(hauled alot of firewood). But I have seen far worse trucks of this vintage.
But about everything that wasn't painted or aluminum or plastic underneath is bad. Bolts, cast components, trans pan, turbo housing, etc. Maybe I'll get some pics when I get home.
The frame is just superficial rust.
The body...a little rust on the inside of the door bottoms, and bed and bedrails are dented(hauled alot of firewood). But I have seen far worse trucks of this vintage.
But about everything that wasn't painted or aluminum or plastic underneath is bad. Bolts, cast components, trans pan, turbo housing, etc. Maybe I'll get some pics when I get home.
OP
LD1
Epic Contributor
OP
LD1
Epic Contributor
It seems that you have the luxury of time so another option would be to look around on Craigslist, Hemmings, and some of the other sites until you find a low mileage older truck that isn't from the "Rust Belt." They don't appear every day but you sometimes find something in decent shape for considerably less than a new one.
YLee Kioti
Platinum Member
So understanding your sit-rep and re-reading you posts I'd like to share a few items for your interest.
1- Consider a 6.2L F-350 or GM 3500. I left out the 6.4L due to the many literally hours I read MDS performance issues. (my own bias here)
Gas MPGs not the best but my 6.2l gets about 14-15 on the road which my Tundra never got!(15 mpg that is)
2- Here are some forums to come up to speed on the 6.7L Power Stroke and the I-6 Cummins.
2a- 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
2b- https://www.cumminsforum.com/ & DIESEL FORUM - ALL DIESEL FORUM & https://www.ramforum.com/
There are quite a few emission items on these engines that takes a while to learn digest and grasp.There are Xcel spread sheets that show a break even point of 100k miles to make it worthwhile for the 8k to 9k premium on a diesel. Then there are extended warranties many buy with the diesel.
There is an investment of time to come up to speed on the new technology. Kindah keep in mind many of these folks love to modify, delete emissions, etc. Like many forums the majority of posts are problem related which can give a poor impression of a particular vehicle. (I know but the MDS just scared me away)
If you decide on a Ram either 6.4L gasser or the oil burner the best bar non pricing seems to be at: New Ram 35 in Caldwell | Dennis Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
It took about 2-3 weeks of shopping to buy my F-250 6.2L to haul the NX and the 33' TT. So can appreciate your situation. If you do decide to get a replacement, used or new lots of folks have already suggested the Fluid Film treatment. I've never used it but from others it seems like that should be the first accessory, if you will, to make it your own.
Then many happy years of doing what you enjoy on your own time.
1- Consider a 6.2L F-350 or GM 3500. I left out the 6.4L due to the many literally hours I read MDS performance issues. (my own bias here)
Gas MPGs not the best but my 6.2l gets about 14-15 on the road which my Tundra never got!(15 mpg that is)
2- Here are some forums to come up to speed on the 6.7L Power Stroke and the I-6 Cummins.
2a- 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
2b- https://www.cumminsforum.com/ & DIESEL FORUM - ALL DIESEL FORUM & https://www.ramforum.com/
There are quite a few emission items on these engines that takes a while to learn digest and grasp.There are Xcel spread sheets that show a break even point of 100k miles to make it worthwhile for the 8k to 9k premium on a diesel. Then there are extended warranties many buy with the diesel.
There is an investment of time to come up to speed on the new technology. Kindah keep in mind many of these folks love to modify, delete emissions, etc. Like many forums the majority of posts are problem related which can give a poor impression of a particular vehicle. (I know but the MDS just scared me away)
If you decide on a Ram either 6.4L gasser or the oil burner the best bar non pricing seems to be at: New Ram 35 in Caldwell | Dennis Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
It took about 2-3 weeks of shopping to buy my F-250 6.2L to haul the NX and the 33' TT. So can appreciate your situation. If you do decide to get a replacement, used or new lots of folks have already suggested the Fluid Film treatment. I've never used it but from others it seems like that should be the first accessory, if you will, to make it your own.
Then many happy years of doing what you enjoy on your own time.
Rustyiron
Super Member
That truck looks great compared to the image I got from your first post. :thumbsup:
Another consideration, is now the time to "cash in" before you know what is ultimately coming for your trusty old friend and it's looks. It may be a diminishing return situation with the increased up keep and the inevitable spread and worsening of the rust, what would the truck be worth in another few years and how much have you spent along the way keeping it running? A crappy decision for sure, I am there with you on my wife's 2500 Suburban that we ordered new in 2000. It's dying of rust while mechanically just fine.
Another consideration, is now the time to "cash in" before you know what is ultimately coming for your trusty old friend and it's looks. It may be a diminishing return situation with the increased up keep and the inevitable spread and worsening of the rust, what would the truck be worth in another few years and how much have you spent along the way keeping it running? A crappy decision for sure, I am there with you on my wife's 2500 Suburban that we ordered new in 2000. It's dying of rust while mechanically just fine.
OP
LD1
Epic Contributor
The pics dont do it justice.
I am afraid to even bump the oil line running to the turbo....and I literally think I could shove a finger through the tranny pan. Fuel lines aint much better.
But cosmetically....as far as body and frame are concerned...yep...still look pretty good. But crawl under or pop hood its a different story.
IF the rust issues were only cosmetic....and didnt infect such vital components like fuel lines, coolant lines, etc.....then it would be a different story.
Sure, I can fix all that....but the little rust that is starting on body and frame is only gonna get worse. So hypothetical.....if the truck is worth 18k today......and keeping it for a few years requires fixing all the mechanical stuff (rotted lines) just to get by....spending a few grand doing so....but in the meantime the body rots of cancer....and in two years the truck is so bad that its only worth 10k.....was it a wise decision to keep?
