Looking for a behemoth of a truck

Porkanbeans · 03-12-05, 09:35

Well, it's about that time for me to start scouting out my first car. I'm looking for something I can detail out of efficiently and go offroading in on the weekends. That narrows it down to a truck, obviously. In particular, I'd like a *deep breath*1998.5-2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4x4 Cummins Diesel 24 valve High Output 6-speed, since many are in my price range ($15k). My goal is to find one with less than 75k miles for about this price. Ebay has had trucks that meet my requirements occasionaly, and after researching everything local, it looks like the way to go. I'm going to try to pay cash, so perhaps a truck that's a bit out of range can be bargained for. The purchase won't be made until September, but I wanted to get a head start on research. So, my questions for you are:

1) Is it too lofty a goal to find a truck like this for $15k?
2) If so, what alternate trucks would you suggest?
3) The Cummins diesel will last 300k miles before a rebuild is necessary, but do you think the truck itself will last a good 150k miles before major replacements or fixes are required?

Thanks in advance.

travisdecpn · 03-12-05, 09:42

Why not something like a Chevy Silverado? a '00-'02 could be found for about that price, and your fuel costs will probably be less. Chevy trucks are pretty dependable too, especially with a vortec V8. That's just my thought, it comes down to personal preference in the end.

MongooseGA · 03-12-05, 09:44

Dodge didn't make a full 4-door for those model years, so unless you're looking for the 2+2 door, you'll need to switch your goal truck.

Also, depending on the kind of off-roading you do, (forest vs. open field running) this truck won't fit on most trails. We've tried it with out crew cab long bed Super Duty.

I had looked breifly at the Dodge Cummins trucks before buying the Lexus, and I remember them being a little more than 15k. I might have just been looking in the wrong places. They seemed to hold their value much better than the Fords or Chevy's.

My own preferance for a truck transmission is automatic. If you're towing something, I personally feel more comfortable if the truck itself can choose when it needs to shift. Having said that, most 18 wheeler trucks are manual.

BTW, many members here detail out of their compacts and hatch backs. An 8' foot might be nice, but isn't a necessity.

Good luck with your search

TW85 HHI · 03-12-05, 09:50

If I were you, I would look for a midsize SUV such as a 4Runner or Pathfinder. If you are going to be off-roading on forest trails, a shorter vehicle will be to your advantage, not to mention they're significantly easier to drive in the city.

Also, I would never own a Dodge without a warranty (from experience).

Porkanbeans · 03-12-05, 09:56

Travisdecpn,
The late model Silverados are my strong second choice. My dad's 03 Tahoe and previous 01 Suburban were perfect. No problems whatsoever. That's why I'm considering those trucks as well.

GA,
I do a lot of hunting, so a big truck with lots of space is a nice commodity. I'm fine with the extended cab, as I'll only keep guns and personal stuff back there if anything. I am also counting on this truck to be a good mudbogger.

Also, the autos in the Rams are supposedly poor choices, so I'm trying to get a 6 speed.

Thanks for your advice!

Blazern00b · 03-12-05, 10:03

Hey man,

I know you want low miles on a truck, but even a truck that was taken care of, and has 100K on the odo, being a diesel, its still in pretty good condition. I have a cousin who has a 99 or so full size Ram, 6 speed and all. They make awesome hunting trucks as they are geared pretty darn low, so you can dump it into 1st gear and let out the clutch and crawl along. I recall many a day going out with him and trolling in the woods here. Another good truck would be the Chev's with their 6.6L and Allison tranny. I think alot of the early kinks have been worked out so they are nice. GMC/Chev make awesome trucks in terms of comfort and style, trust me i work on cars all day and the #1 in terms of those two are GMC's. Fords seats feel funny and they are pigs to turn, same with dodges. Thats my opinion however. YMMV

ben54 · 03-12-05, 10:14

How about this. I actually saw this on the road the other day. It looks like a F650 attached to an Explorer. It was huge and it attracted a lot of attention. Not sure if it was the truck or the women hanging out of the windows.

ben54 · 03-12-05, 10:15

This is the inside. When I drove in front of it, you could see the disco ball going in the truck.

Porkanbeans · 03-12-05, 10:17

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about!

I wonder how much those things run.

ben54 · 03-12-05, 10:24

Not sure on the price to purchase, but it's $210 per hour to rent.

BradE · 03-13-05, 11:00

The Cummins is a great motor, but the downside is it's in a Dodge. Dodge transmissions are pure and utter trash, especially behind the Cummins. They simply can't handle the torque, even the manuals are spotty at best. The Dodge truck fad is quicky dying off, everyone is finally realizing they are way overrated.

If your looking for a big truck, I'd stick to the F250 Super Duty. Since you mentioned hunting and off-road you can get them with a manual transfer case and hubs as well.

MongooseGA · 03-13-05, 05:18

Quote:

Originally posted by BradE
The Cummins is a great motor, but the downside is it's in a Dodge. Dodge transmissions are pure and utter trash, especially behind the Cummins. They simply can't handle the torque, even the manuals are spotty at best. The Dodge truck fad is quicky dying off, everyone is finally realizing they are way overrated.

If your looking for a big truck, I'd stick to the F250 Super Duty. Since you mentioned hunting and off-road you can get them with a manual transfer case and hubs as well.

AWESOME post Brad!!!