My 2008 F450 update.

[tlbuser]

While I agree it is not the best design, the choices out there for 3/4 and 1 ton diesel truck where this does not have to happen is 1 (Dodge) but come 2013, it will be just like the other 3. Doesn't leave folks a whole lot of choices. In your last sentence, it seems as though you are implying the op was not "smart enough" and bought a truck where this is required. I take offense to this as I have owned 2 of the "cab off" trucks. I, fortunately, did not have the cab removed for anything and have since quit farming so no longer need a truck of this size. Knowing what the op does for a living, he does not have a choice and is quite capable of doing the repair himself. With him, time is money and he cannot afford to spend time fixing his own truck. It seems he has found a needle in a haystack in finding a good, reputable dealer. If the work is done right and priced fairly, I have no qualms about lifting the cab.

Interesting that you are opposing something I wrote, yet you weren't offended by the OP comment,

Will the back yard mechanic be able to work on his own vehicle? Nope, 99% of them likely don't have the skill set anyway.

 

[deerefan]

Interesting that you are opposing something I wrote, yet you weren't offended by the OP comment,

Why would i be? He is correct, i am not skilled enough nor have the necessary tools to complete the task. On the other hand, you were questioning the "smarts" of people who buy these trucks. Since i have owned 2 of these trucks, you are questioning my "smarts". That is an unnecessary and offensive comment to me and many others who own these trucks.

 

[Dmace]

While I agree it is not the best design, the choices out there for 3/4 and 1 ton diesel truck where this does not have to happen is 1 (Dodge) but come 2013, it will be just like the other 3.

I don't see how you come to this conclusion but as long as it's an inline six cylinder, there will be plenty of room to work on it. I'm not a fan of cab-off repairs. While it may make it easier to work on the engine, I've heard of a few complaints of noisy cab mounts and misaligned doors after a cab-off repair that required multiple trips back to the dealer. If Ford is gonna keep cramming the engine bay with twin turbos and V8's then they might as well go to a big-rig style lift hood.

 

[tlbuser]

Why would i be? He is correct, i am not skilled enough nor have the necessary tools to complete the task. On the other hand, you were questioning the "smarts" of people who buy these trucks. Since i have owned 2 of these trucks, you are questioning my "smarts". That is an unnecessary and offensive comment to me and many others who own these trucks.

Sounds like you aren't included in the "backyard or shade tree mechanic" realm. And your self exclusion takes you out of the realm to which I was speaking. How about some comfy socks to go with that shoe you've selected to wear , or maybe I could help with a nice cheese selection
CLT Everyday Comfort Socks by Thorlos
http://www.cheeseboutique.com/

 

[Diamondpilot]

Rumor around here, Indiana where Cummins is built and I know 2 pilots for, is that 2012 is the last year for the Cummins motor in a Dodge truck. Again, just rumor and from pilots at that but I can see it happening and seeing a in house motor going in.

Chris

 

[deerefan]

I don't see how you come to this conclusion but as long as it's an inline six cylinder, there will be plenty of room to work on it. I'm not a fan of cab-off repairs. While it may make it easier to work on the engine, I've heard of a few complaints of noisy cab mounts and misaligned doors after a cab-off repair that required multiple trips back to the dealer. If Ford is gonna keep cramming the engine bay with twin turbos and V8's then they might as well go to a big-rig style lift hood.

The quote from DP is what the service manager at a dodge dealer in baton rouge that I shoot with was referring to. We were talking and I told him I was selling my F250. When he asked why, I told him it was almost out of warranty, did not need the diesel anymore since I do not farm on a large scale anymore and I was not crazy about the removing of the cab for repairs. I told him I really like the cummins for its simple design and ease of maintenance. He then told me to buy one now b/c around 2013 the dodge engineers are designing a new diesel and the way it will fit in the truck requires the cab to be lifted. I asked him if it was etched in stone and he said they are already training techs for this possibility and he has seen literature on it, but nothing more than that. I hope it does not come to light b/c I really like the cummins engine. I had one in an International tanker used for watering troughs and it was tough. The truck had 740,000 miles on it, 560,000 when it came from Haliburton, and never rebuilt or any major mechanical issues.

 

[deerefan]

Sounds like you aren't included in the "backyard or shade tree mechanic" realm. And your self exclusion takes you out of the realm to which I was speaking. How about some comfy socks to go with that shoe you've selected to wear , or maybe I could help with a nice cheese selection
CLT Everyday Comfort Socks by Thorlos
Cheese Boutique

Actually, you are incorrect. Your statement is no where near factual. No where did I say I was not a "backyard or shade tree mechanic". I simply stated I do not have the skillset or tools to lift the cab off the chassis. I perform most mechanical repairs and maintenance on my equipment myself. Keep your comments above the belt. This thread has useful information and because we disagree there is no need to get it closed.

 

[Haoleguy]

Rumor around here, Indiana where Cummins is built and I know 2 pilots for, is that 2012 is the last year for the Cummins motor in a Dodge truck. Again, just rumor and from pilots at that but I can see it happening and seeing a in house motor going in.

Chris

Maybe a Fiat diesel will go in as reported in 2009 ..... REPORT: Chrysler could ditch Cummins for Fiat diesel power — Autoblog Green ......Gary

 

[deerefan]

Maybe a Fiat diesel will go in as reported in 2009 ..... REPORT: Chrysler could ditch Cummins for Fiat diesel power — Autoblog Green ......Gary

This is along the lines of what I was hearing....would be a real shame. The cummins is a fantastic selling point for dodge.

 

[Diamondpilot]

This is along the lines of what I was hearing....would be a real shame. The cummins is a fantastic selling point for dodge.

Yep, sales will fall by 50% I bet if they drop the Cummins.

Chris

 

[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.