Any thoughts? Hoot?

I am pretty sure that the tree the fell on his truck also hit him in the head on the way down. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Insanity defense???http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

Momentary Lapse Of Reason!


I heard a rumor that last year for Halloween he dressed up as a Duramax injector! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

He may be thinking about that right now as I passed a new white Dodge Cummins on a roll-back last night going south on 476; http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Dead.gif with traffic I could not tell if it had the H2 wheels on it though! Only time will tell, he could still be walkin' home!

Common sense :), kidding, it's what he wanted so he bought it. I know out of the big 3 for a new truck today..my choice would be dodge..the only reason i didn't get one first is because they wanted to screw me severely on my F250 trade. My next vehicle however is going to be a jeep..one of the last true offroaders that I can still work on.

The reason I didn't buy a Dodge is I've spent thousands on my two Chryslers (Sebring Conv. and Grand Voyager) fixing bad engineering and electronics. As much as I like the Dodge, I just couldn't give any more money to the Chrysler Corporation. All problems have happened between 40 and 55k miles except for cosmetic issues.


Sebring: 1. Is on third rear window at $600 a pop. Defroster contacts continue to pop off. Gave up and have no rear window defroster anymore. 2. Interior door handle and plastic finishes are actually PEELING. 3. Brakes last about 20k. 4. Not to mention the 7-8 trips under warranty for a leaking roof (which I eventually fixed myself using a factory manual).


Grand Voyager: 1. Transmission sending unit "pack" ($450). 2. Two exhaust O2 sensors (another $350). 3. At least three injectors have failed ($650).


I will NEVER again own a Chrysler product. On a positive note, my friends that do have a Cummins are EXTREMELY happy with them and have had NO problems.

I think its becuase the train horns fit better

Attention .... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif





Mac

He realy wanted a different woman but he settled for a different truck. A lot cheaper.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Maybe he ran out of insults for the dodges & fords so he thought he'd have a go at the duramax? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Maybe the ins co screwed him on the claim and it's all he could afford? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif

Maybe he ran out of insults for the dodges & fords so he thought he'd have a go at the duramax? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif





As they say, if you can't beat them, join em! http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Attention .... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif





Mac





That's my guess toohttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif.. unless he thought trees were more scared of dodges than chevy's...Edited by: Diesel Power

I wanted a truck http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

The attention is fun but you all should know by now I'm not jumping brands for attention. I might me dumb but I'm not stupid.

Seriously... I really was thinking about a Cummins powered straight axle 4x4 for a few years. I looked and test drove them before and this time I felt it was worth a try. So far I feel like I made the right choice. No showstoppers and I'm likin it more everyday. Matter of fact the thing I like most about it is I'm no longer concerned about my truck. I can go about my life now without thinking about the truck... just enjoying driving it.

It looks great... never was really impressed with GM's styling so I had nothing to lose. Never was impressed with GM going IFS when the introduced the HD's. I think it was a huge mistake. If they would have designed it as nice as a H1 Hummer, that's different, but they didn't. It was an iteration of the previous model. Everybody was screaming for a solid axle but it fell to deaf ears. I don't recall anyone wishing for IFS.

Do I need it all? NO Do I use it all... NO

But if I'm spending that kind of money... I alone make that choice.

GM has a lot of nice features but so does Dodge. It wasn't the features that sold me. It was the truck and a cool one at that.

And finally... the LLY didn't excite me. My Dodge has no EGR, no CAT and a full 5" exhaust except for the 4" downpipe. Turbo sings and she runs fantastic. You can hook a downpipe up to the turbo in 5 minutes. Accessability is great.

Most people talk up the Cummins as the reason. I agree it is a great engine.. (potato chip trucks have been running them forever http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif) and I love the fact that it is known for it's torque and reliability. But in case you haven't noticed... that's not the main reason I bought it. I don't sound off Cummins constantly. I want something proven reliable. Cummins fits that criteria. The rest of the truck, as everyone always cries... is questionable, but so far the truck seems very well put together. Fit and finish is first class and I feel much better than GM. You haven't only heard that from me. Hope my AAM axles and New Venture transfer case hold up.... don't you guys hope yours do too? How about our Bosch common rail? Geeze... this truck can't be that bad... it's practically a GM with a solid axle. Got GM wheels on it too.


http://home.comcast.net/%7Ehoot74/dodge/h2/goodshot.jpgEdited by: hoot

Your right HOOT it's a GM with Live front Axle ,a Cummins ,no Allison ,dressed in "Sheep" Clothing ....


See you in September, don't drive the Tahoe...


Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

MAC... you mean a REAL front axle.

I'm looking forward to September. Missed seeing all you guys. Hopefully Broker will be healed.

My truck will still be stock... power wise. I can't afford to play big bucks. The things I've done to it so far really feel like they've made it run stronger.Edited by: hoot

The things I've done to it so far really feel like they've made it run stronger.





Hey Hoot! Nice truck! Sooo.... just how good does it run? Got any GTech numbers?


Oh, and PS- can you give us a link to the Dodge/Cummins forum where you are hanging out now? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gifEdited by: TraceF

Max Power wrote:


I am pretty sure that the tree the fell on his truck also hit him in the head on the way down. http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

That's funny, I don't care who you are that's funny right there.


Matthew

I hang on TDR and DTR.

I was wrong. Would have bet Hoot's answer would have been...........


"the motor"!


People ask about what I drive and the answer is always...."A Cummins"!


A truck is a truck. To me it's just that. A way from point A to point B. The Dodge is a truck. I really do think my GMC was a better truck, except for the motor. No big deal one way or the other. I really think the Dodge is eclipsed by the motor. But the motor.....aaaaahhhhhh, the motor.


Time to haul the big boat and go fishing for a few days. Gonna sit behind that Cummins.

The Dmax is a tough motor too. Not a whole lot of problems except the obvious. captainmal... had you not had injector failures would you say the Dmax is a comparable engine to the Cummins?

Hey Hoot !!! I knew you had Dodge on the brain http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif LOL X 1000 http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gif


Hope you have good luck with the Dodge Boys. Just remember to keep it pointed down hill ! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Rock On.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifEdited by: BlueMaxxxx

I HAVE HEARD THAT HE ALSO HAS GONE TO OTHER SIDE ON OTHER THINGS. THEY SAID HE HAS EVEN GONE AS FAR AS HOLDING SIGNS UP FOR GAY MARRAGE.BUT IF HOOT WANT TO FLIP TO A LEFTY WHAT DO I CARE !

I HAVE HEARD THAT HE ALSO HAS GONE TO OTHER SIDE ON OTHER THINGS. THEY SAID HE HAS EVEN GONE AS FAR AS HOLDING SIGNS UP FOR GAY MARRAGE.BUT IF HOOT WANT TO FLIP TO A LEFTY WHAT DO I CARE !

Is that your and your partner in your avatar? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

http://dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/rednecktoiletpaper_Small.jpg Edited by: hoot

I guess He's from "French Lick" Indiana http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Holy crap....I just noticed that...

Sometimes I think this forum brings out the "animal" in some folkshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif. On a more serious note----HOOT, I really wish you the best of luck with your Dodge. I'm CHEVY to the bone and I hope (expect) to have great service from my MAX. Mechanical failures can happen with any brand vehicle. Wishing someone else bad luck won't make mine more reliable.-----------------later---------Phil http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

JRKRACE...cows are holy in India...


That one's lickin'... so Holy Crap is right!!!!


*LOL* http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Rock On.gif (this smiley is addictive)


Tom http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Pig.gif


Oh, yeah...as for Hoot....to each his own. Edited by: TheBac

All I want to know is if that's a Ben & Jerry's cow. Because if it is I'm giving up on Ice Cream ! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wacko.gif

Hoot; did you get the ding in the passenger door fixed yet? And how about the under hood light?


Also, Dodge is no longer the only truck without under hood insulation. Ford has anonced that they will be eliminating it from lower trim level trucks for 2005 model year.


All kidding a side. You have a very nice truck, and I am sorry you dinged your door with my mirror. Glad it wasn't bad. It is in deed as nice as many trucks. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/CZ9_14718DarwinAward.jpg

Sometimes I think this forum brings out the "animal" in some folkshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif. On a more serious note----HOOT, I really wish you the best of luck with your Dodge. I'm CHEVY to the bone and I hope (expect) to have great service from my MAX. Mechanical failures can happen with any brand vehicle. Wishing someone else bad luck won't make mine more reliable.-----------------later---------Phil http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

Overall everybody has treated me fair as expected. The digs are fine. I haven't all of a sudden become a GM detester. They are nice trucks.

But being CHEVY to the bone just isn't smart. As is Dodge or Ford to the bone. Open up your minds and step back. Look again at all three. Ford has a huge cab, GM is cushy and Dodge has come up real fast.

I think the Dodge got me because of the straight axles and the Cummins reliability. The upgrade auto helped alot too. Once you own one for a while, especially after personalizing it with wheels an other accessories... it sure becomes one sweet looking and running truck.

Hoot; How do you like or dislike the automatic in your new truck? How does it compare to the Allison?


I know you ran the Duramax with added power most if not all of the time, But if you can remember how it was stock, how does the power/torque differ in the two trucks?

The Cummins really surprised me since over the years I test drove new onces they were real doggy and had a lot of turbo lag. This thing romps pretty good and if it wasn't for the trans it would be right there along side if not ahead of a stock Dmax. The Allison gives the Dmax a slight advantage in acceleration and a huge advantage in overall power and braking control.

My trans shifts well, selects shifts well and locks the TC in 3rd and fourth. You really don't notice the one missing gear much. It's just inefficient in first and second gear. Whne the TC locks you can really feel the Cummins power.. and it's as strong as the Dmax if not more so.

Hoot,


Operation of both Cummins and Duramax, for towing, is about the same. I agree with the implication that they are similar. The Cummins bonus is in-line six design ( I like looking at it)with easier service and a less "cluttered" engine compartment. That assessment does not consider reliability issues.


GM just sent me the paperwork for reimbursement. It looks straightforeward.

captain.... you're talking what $7000 or so? When's the party!!!!

Hoot,


They want credit card receipts and check copies. I have just now put all the paperwork together. Cannot deal with the pressure regulator repairs or all the rail leaks as they are NOT injectors directly. Obviously all the computer-related failures and transmission isues are not included either.


The bill I am submitting to GM dating from 2-'03 through 8-'03 for direct injector repairs is exactly $5,050.70.


Let's wait and see.

$5,050.70 is still enough for a good ole shin dighttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

hdmax,


Tell me you took that picture in Mexico. Looks like "typical" Mexican truck repair. I saw how they fix busses in the mountains. If you're a passenger, bring lots of blankets, food and water. Neither you or that bus are moving until the roadside fix is done.


That money reminds me of a tax refund. It is/was my money and part of the appx. $8,000 I spent during a 6 month period trying to keep that Duramax running. Will be happy if GM refunds me that part.


Not counting chickens but a 'shin dig' would be nice.


One, two, three four...... Oops, not countn' dem yickns.

hdmax,


Tell me you took that picture in Mexico. Looks like "typical" Mexican truck repair. I saw how they fix busses in the mountains. If you're a passenger, bring lots of blankets, food and water. Neither you or that bus are moving until the roadside fix is done.





I found that on the net sometime back. Can't you just see that truck falling and doing that guy in? I wonder what he is on to make him that stupid.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif

I HAVE HEARD THAT HE ALSO HAS GONE TO OTHER SIDE ON OTHER THINGS. THEY SAID HE HAS EVEN GONE AS FAR AS HOLDING SIGNS UP FOR GAY MARRAGE.BUT IF HOOT WANT TO FLIP TO A LEFTY WHAT DO I CARE !




Is that your and your partner in your avatar? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

http://dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/rednecktoiletpaper_Small.jpg


So, what was the prognosis after the cowlinoscopy? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif I didn't see the back half of the bovine, but I hope it wasn't a bull. If it was, bet I can guess the bulls next move. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

If you look real close, I think the guy is replacing his muffler bearing, isnt he? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


Hoot, is that your stock exhaust under your pickup in the background?


Jason

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gifHoly s&%$!!!!!!!!!!, Im gone for a few months, and look what happens!


Hoot buys a dodge!!!!!!!! what? MR. GM buys a dodge!!!!!!whada shock! whats next, a ford!,hehe. I have to admit I have visited a dodge dealership and had a good look at the cummins, Impressive! but the quad cab on a dodge is a joke.


Good luck to you hoot!

I've got both, and they are both great trucks, good points and bad points... Funny thing is, I'm beginning to like the Cummins more and more. Too bad that all of you make fun of the dodge, you don't know what you are missing... Toot toot...


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/3E6_1.jpg


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/862_Truck_Signature.jpg

HAVE THEY QUIETED THE MOTOR DOWN ANY? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif Sorry, didn't mean to yell.


Here is why I have avoided Chrysler products.


1) Resale value.


2) Rattle, squeak, clank.


3) Resale value.


4) Noisy (CTD)


5) Resale value.


Oh, and did I mention the poor resale value? Besides the Viper and other few trick rods Chrysler has recently put out I guess the Ram CTD will probably hold it's value better than the rest of the Chrysler fleet though.Edited by: TraceF

If you look real close, I think the guy is replacing his muffler bearing, isnt he? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif]
Hoot, is that your stock exhaust under your pickup in the background?
Jason

No that's not the stock system. See my signature.



http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gifHoly s&%$!!!!!!!!!!, Im gone for a few months, and look what happens!
Hoot buys a dodge!!!!!!!! what? MR. GM buys a dodge!!!!!!whada shock! whats next, a ford!,hehe. I have to admit I have visited a dodge dealership and had a good look at the cummins, Impressive! but the quad cab on a dodge is a joke.
Good luck to you hoot!


Thanks.... I needed luck with the Dmax too. Don't anybody kid yourself.





HAVE THEY QUIETED THE MOTOR DOWN ANY? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif Sorry, didn't mean to yell.
Here is why I have avoided Chrysler products.
1) Resale value.
2) Rattle, squeak, clank.
3) Resale value.
4) Noisy (CTD)
5) Resale value.


TraceF.... you and the rest are jut throwing stones. Most of those points you made are BS... or similar to my GMC and guys on this forim who are buyin Dodges are confirming it. I'm tired of typing comebacks.

I will guarantee you if you look for a used Dodge/Cummins you'll find resale is pretty good. They are few and far between and get good money even with very high miles. You proved you don't know cause yes.... they are quieter than the Dmax since 2003 when they went common rail. It really gets old when you hear crap like this from people who don't have a clue.

I'll take the frame/suspension difference over the crew cab difference... but that's my preference. I'll take the Cummins over the Dmax but that's also my personal preference... doesn't make the GM worse... just my preference.

Edited by: hoot

Hoot, about that Dodge that was on the roll-back on 476 last week, I found out last night that truck was a Cummins and it was the second time in two weeks that the trans had failed in it. He was joking that you can't go anywhere and break down and somebody doesn't notice it. The truck belongs to the son of one of the bigger car dealers in the Philly area who races cars and last night he showed up with a F**d Powerstroke pulling his trailer. Since they park across from us it was hard for nobody to ask him what was going on. He told us that was the second time in two weeks the trans failed on him while pulling the trailer and since his family also owns a F**d dealership, he pulled a truck off the lot to try for a few weeks. He was taking the ribbing pretty good but he is used to it since he has access to just about anything he wants but he did like the D*dge except for the trans failures. Now his crew likes the F*rd because of the bigger cab so we will see what he ends up with in a few weeks. Everyone has got to remember the rule, "anything mechanical subject to break at anytime without warning!" And sometimes half the fun is trying something new and seeing what you can do with it as a new challenge!

HOOT...


1) Don't type anymore come backs if you are tired of it.


2) You edited my quote. I said "Besides the Viper and other few trick rods Chrysler has recently put out I guess the Ram CTD will probably hold it's value better than the rest of the Chrysler fleet though."


3) If I "proved" that I don't know how quiet the new CTD is.. so be it. I asked the question because I seem to always notice HOW LOUD THEY ARE.


4) I would prefer the Ram front suspension too.





Take a pill Hoot. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif Yer gonna give yerself an ulcer.


I hope the Ram works out great for you. Now everybody quit picking on the poor guy. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifEdited by: TraceF

12 valve cummins-LOUD


Newer 24 valve cummins, 04, super quiet.


Trace, I asked my buddy who owns both Chevy and Dodge Dealerships and was told 'hands down the dodge has much higher resale than the chevy'


PS, my chevy rattles more...

I am not loyal to any brand. In my lifetime I have owned: 1 VW, 1 Triumph (Spitfire), 1 Audi, 4 Chevy's, 1 Pontiac, 3 FoMoCo (2 Fords, 1 Mercury), 2 Dodge's, and 1 GMC. Most were acceptable transportation at least, some were damn fine vehicles. However, the only one I truely hated was one of the Dodges (not a truck). That soured me on them, probably permanently, although they make some of the best looking cars today.


That said, I say it's your money so spend it as you see fit. If you want to drive an AMC Pacer (IMO, top 5 in world's ugliest car list), that's up to you. I'll not bash any make as there are good and bad in all of them, but I will vote with my wallet.

12 valve cummins-LOUD


Newer 24 valve cummins, 04, super quiet.


Trace, I asked my buddy who owns both Chevy and Dodge Dealerships and was told 'hands down the dodge has much higher resale than the chevy'


PS, my chevy rattles more...








I have a buddy who is a service manager at the Dodge store on Merritt Island and drives a demo of his choice back and forth. I'm gonna give him a buzz and see if he can bring one home for the weekend so I can look it over.


I went to Kennedy's site to look at the Edge Juice module HP and torque graphs I knew he had posted and the power the new CTD is making is definately impressive.


Has the new motor been reliable or have there been bugs?

from what I've heard, the Cummings go 300-500 miles without a rebuild. I was in Texas last week at my friends Dodge dealership, and the service writer showed me a customers old 12v that had over 600,000 miles on it without any work to it other than typical maintenance and a few clutches.. impressive.

The Dodge is really a decent truck. I'd take the cummings over the Isuzu any day. I just hate the QuaD CAB, and I don't like the mopar automatic. I looked at them close before I bought my '04. All of my neighbors work for Chrysler so I could get a better price on a Dodge. I guess all of my neighbors are sick of seeing Ford and GM products in the drivehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif. I certainly don't think the cummings is quieter but that's just my opinion. The thing I really hate about the Dodge that I couldn't get past is the el cheapo drivers seat. What a POS. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Dead.gif

TThe thing I really hate about the Dodge that I couldn't get past is the el cheapo drivers seat. What a POS. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Dead.gif

I don't see that at all???? I'll put my truck side by side with a GM and somebody show me what's so cheap about it. Maybe it is cheaper but for some reason I haven't noticed it to the point of it needing mention.

Hoot, I would say the same thing about the Bosses Hemi. The seat is a POS. If they would replace that dang miserable seat I might actually have went with the cummings and a stick. It's the one complaint I hear from Dodge owners over and over. I don't really know if it's cheap but it sure is uncomfortable. Other than That I think its a nice ride. I dont see much to brand loyalty. Really I think you get a good one or a POS. I hope you got a good one and it gives you a lot of good miles. Of course the good thing about the Cummings is better fuel economy. If I could put the Cummings/Allison in a GMC then that would suit me right down to the ground http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif Best of Luck Hoot. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

Hoot, I would say the same thing about the Bosses Hemi. The seat is a POS. If they would replace that dang miserable seat I might actually have went with the cummings and a stick. It's the one complaint I hear from Dodge owners over and over. I don't really know if it's cheap but it sure is uncomfortable. Other than That I think its a nice ride. I dont see much to brand loyalty. Really I think you get a good one or a POS. I hope you got a good one and it gives you a lot of good miles. Of course the good thing about the Cummings is better fuel economy. If I could put the Cummings/Allison in a GMC then that would suit me right down to the ground http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif Best of Luck Hoot. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif





Funny, what I hear 04.5 MY CTD owners complain about is the fuel mileage is not near what they expected it to be. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

yep, the mileage in my CTD shortbed is 14 on the highway, whereas the mileage in my duramax is a consistant 18-20... all hand calculated...

I got 19.5 on the trip to Muncie in my Dodge... hand calculated and same as overhead readout.

The seats in my Dodge are more comfortable than the ones in the GMC. Must be a personal thing. The GMC seats were a bit firmer and would cut the circulation in my legs. Uncomfortable on long trips. I was totally comfortable on the long trips with the Dodge.

Actually I would rather see the Cummins in a full crew cab truck with an Allison behind it and NO IFS. I finally have to agree.... GM's attempt at an HD IFS system was ok but missed the boat. It doesn't belong under a heavy diesel unless it's truly designed properly.Edited by: hoot

Hoot with all your Commuting you had IFS problems ??





Mac

Hoot with all your Commuting you had IFS problems ??





Mac

No and surely never would have. Also never had any problems with four previous GM 4x4 IFS trucks. I just don't think GM made the right move with the latest iteration. Particularly the design of the tierods.

Basically it's a "just enough" design for commuters http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

The overall low stance annoys me. I'll never forget how my 97 Chevy sat compared to Fords and Dodges. Even while trying to sell it the guy that bought it sad at the last minute... "I just wished it sat up a little higher" That's when I pulled the taller tires out from the basement and sealed the deal. They were mounted on Boyds billet wheels. He couldn't pass it up. I threw them in with the deal.

Then GM announced the new design HD back in 1999. We all get excited.... Thinking all new.... nope. I'm just pissed. I wanted them to compete with the SuperDuty. Don't get me wrong... I keep saying this and I mean it... GM HDs are very respectable trucks. I wouldn't have owned them for so long. I had very few problems with them over the years. Never had a tranny fail, only replaced a few normal wear front end part. Our 94 fullsize Blazer has 80,000 miles on it. Recently I had idler and pitman arm done. The only problem I have with it is the brakes feel terrible compared to my truck. Like putting your foot into a pillow.

I am seeing more and more HDs and Dmax round. They seem to really be selling well. Also seeing more and more med duty GMs with Dmaxes used commercially.

I like the Dodge for the sporty tall look, classic but modern 4x4 suspension and the diesel.Edited by: hoot

Hoot with all your Commuting you had IFS problems ??







Mac




No and surely never would have. Also never had any problems with four previous GM 4x4 IFS trucks. I just don't think GM made the right move with the latest iteration. Particularly the design of the tierods.

Basically it's a "just enough" design for commuters http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

The overall low stance annoys me. I'll never forget how my 97 Chevy sat compared to Fords and Dodges. Even while trying to sell it the guy that bought it sad at the last minute... "I just wished it sat up a little higher" That's when I pulled the taller tires out from the basement and sealed the deal. They were mounted on Boyds billet wheels. He couldn't pass it up. I threw them in with the deal.

Then GM announced the new design HD back in 1999. We all get excited.... Thinking all new.... nope. I'm just pissed. I wanted them to compete with the SuperDuty. Don't get me wrong... I keep saying this and I mean it... GM HDs are very respectable trucks. I wouldn't have owned them for so long. I had very few problems with them over the years. Never had a tranny fail, only replaced a few normal wear front end part. Our 94 fullsize Blazer has 80,000 miles on it. Recently I had idler and pitman arm done. The only problem I have with it is the brakes feel terrible compared to my truck. Like putting your foot into a pillow.

I am seeing more and more HDs and Dmax round. They seem to really be selling well. Also seeing more and more med duty GMs with Dmaxes used commercially.

I like the Dodge for the sporty tall look, classic but modern 4x4 suspension and the diesel.


The front suspension and injector problems are the Achilles heels of these trucks for sure. I've been lucky with the injectors but I replaced the LF hub assy at 49k, the RF at 54k and the pittman and idler arm at 56k. The tie rod ends are next I'm sure.

IFS is good but it needs to be truly heavy duty. I'm typing with dirty hands... installing a 2" front leveling kit. I'm taking pics along the way.Edited by: hoot

Hoot your a Old Fart ,I guess you'll have to carry a milk crate with you to step on to step on a nerf bar to get in ....





Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

he he, aren't we almost the same old age Mac?

I don't like nerf bars and I typically remove stuff to make my trucks look taller. I think I'm taking the front valance off mine today.

MAC... just finished the 2" leveling kit and you know what... you're right... it's not getting easier climbing in

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Sometimes I think this forum brings out the "animal" in some folkshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif. On a more serious note----HOOT, I really wish you the best of luck with your Dodge. I'm CHEVY to the bone and I hope (expect) to have great service from my MAX. Mechanical failures can happen with any brand vehicle. Wishing someone else bad luck won't make mine more reliable.-----------------later---------Phil http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

Overall everybody has treated me fair as expected. The digs are fine. I haven't all of a sudden become a GM detester. They are nice trucks.

But being CHEVY to the bone just isn't smart. As is Dodge or Ford to the bone. Open up your minds and step back. Look again at all three. Ford has a huge cab, GM is cushy and Dodge has come up real fast.

I think the Dodge got me because of the straight axles and the Cummins reliability. The upgrade auto helped alot too. Once you own one for a while, especially after personalizing it with wheels an other accessories... it sure becomes one sweet looking and running truck. Well HOOT, in your opinion being CHEVY to the bone may not be smart but that's the way I am. This ain't my first rodeo. I've got two diesel furds in the yard now (hate to drive 'em). I've owned durdges my friend and I don't see another one in my yard in the next century( just got this thing about seeing "made in MEXICO" stamped all over everything). Yes I'm CHEVY to the bone for several good reasons------I own and have owned furds and durdges. I still wish you the very best of luck with your durdge.------I'm just that kind of a nice guy!-----http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif------Phil

Thanks Phil!

It never bothered me to see the Izuzu label on the side of my Dmax valve cover either. Any other "foriegn" vehicles possibly in your family? Seems like these days everybody drives foreign cars.

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A buddy of mine bought a brand new 2002 Chevy Suburban, and the dealer salesperson asked him, want on made in mexico??? Guess they have been making them for a while now as well as some trucks.


It's funny seeing so many D-Maxes on e-bay with between 50k to 80k miles, seems lot-s of people don't play crapps!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif


I'm my way through WI and back to MN over 400 miles, counted 20 - 25 Dodges, 15 - 20 Fords, and about 5 - 10 Dmaxes, pulling full-size 5'ers, not little tow behinds, seeing from prev posts about the front suspension, what else is next?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif


Glad to see you went to a Dodge Hoot, glad to see you still share information how to do, this and that, it's much appreciated http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif.


I have 3 close personal friends with dodges, and I've seen their experiences, with pulling, working, and just using their trucks, I don't understand why there is such a difference between what said on here frrom some, to my personal friends experiences, from what I've seen, it will be fun and enjoyable several years from now.....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Bigwheel... well said. I get a lot of guff partially from my history of being a Ford and Dodge basher on other "War Room" sites. Just something I have to live with. I enjoy helping people out if I can.

You are correct though about your counts on the road. GM came out with a nice piece of machinery but it just hasn't turned anything around. Basically it pulled GM out of the 5% diesel share ito the 20% share.... still number three. I decided it was time to root for another teamhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif

We have a few Dallas fans here in Philly that gave up on the Eagles cause they never win.Edited by: hoot

You are correct though about your counts on the road. GM came out with a nice piece of machinery but it just hasn't turned anything around. Basically it pulled GM out of the 5% diesel share ito the 20% share.... still number three. I decided it was time to root for another teamhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif
.


Guess what? GM sells nearly twice as many diesels then Dodge does. Why do you think Ford rushed the new then 6.0L Powerstroke? The latest numbers break down I seen was Ford still holding the top spot with about 45% of the diesel market, with GM second at about 35% , and Dodge picking up the remaining 20%.


That is pretty remarkable for GM considering just 5 years ago GM had just over 7% of the diesel market. Ford is the one that took the biggest hit with the release of the Duramax. At the time Ford had about 71% of the diesel market.


I will try to find the latest number that I read to back yp my numbers.

Find them numbers Mike cause I recently read Dodge took the lead again. It's a tight race between GM and Dodge right now. The only rock in the numbers if you use the Dmaxes going into the 4500's.

Then wait till all the 100,000 mile Dmaxes hit the used truck market.

The 4500 and 5500 and trucks may well be in the numbers I seen. In fact I would bet they were, just as the 250, 350, 450, and 550 were all included in the Ford numbers. And with the Ford the Vans are included.


It is easy to get the true and accurate numbers for Dodge, but GM and Ford has other vehicles that the diesel go in to, so it is more difficult. I do not think I have ever seen a break down of each vehicle model.


I would like to see the total break down, meaning how many 3/4 ton pickup from each of the 3 manufactures as well as each of the other configurations.

quote from Hoot:


Thanks Phil!

It never bothered me to see the Izuzu label on the side of my Dmax valve cover either. Any other "foriegn" vehicles possibly in your family? Seems like these days everybody drives foreign cars.








Personally I don't like the Isuzu badging under the hood, but than again if you look here http://carscarscars.blogs.com/index/2004/03/who_owns_who.html you'll get a better idea of who owns who and how much. Than again, look at the Isuzu Ascender and tell me what that looks like and the 275 4.2 inline 6 hmmm.


I have an 03 Trailblazer, an 03 Duramax and a 99 Victory motorcyle(Polaris made for those not in the know).


I've owned Dodge, Ford and GM. All of these vehicles had their ups and downs. I've also had 2 Honda motorcycles, 3 Kawasaki's, 1 Harley and 1 Victory.


If you love what you drive, drive it and enjoy it. I love my truck although Ive been down the injector road once already.


I didn't like the 7.3 or the old 5.9 for noise. GM was the first 'quiet' diesel out there and for a short term also had the power/transmission package to beat. The new 6.0 has teething pains, and I personally hate the new dodge bodystyle(no offense hoot).


But hey I'm happy, and for my money that's all that matters to me.

Victory Red,

There was a time when I would get upset about large foreign purchases but I don't worry as much about it anymore. Probably because this country gave up. The majority simply doesn't care. Price and availability seems to be the drivers today. In cars and trucks.. people shop quality/price and pretty much don't worry where it's made. Ones that do are falling into a minority. As this country falls into the world economy with all the rest of the countries we will and are experiencing all kinds of quality, price and product design fluctuations. As the countries with cheaper labor advance, thier workers will demand more. Mean time this country will do what it has to do to survive. I think we have turned into the medeocre as far as innovation and quality is concerned. We're fat and happy. Hopefully it won't get much worse. And the countries that advance will need products and services. It's pretty much all good as long as we don't get to lazy.

You don't like the Dodge bodystyle? I hated it when it came out. But after seeing them for a couple of years they grew on me to the point where looks wasn't a purchase issue. Dodge is known for cutting edge changes.

Here is the latest police cruiser...

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/D69_dodgecop180.gif

Mike,


I did like the previous year models, but the current design was taken a little too far for me. As for police cruisers, they use Impalas and Tahoe's around here. My brother is a sheriff deputy although I haven't had a chance to get a ride/peek under the hood yet. Maybe I'll have to arrange a ride in the back seat http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif.


Anyhow for really ugly vehicles we have the Honda Element, Buick Rendezvous, Malibu Maxx and the new F150(although I do like the interior of it).


Of course a lot comes down to personal choice. Isn't it great to have all the choices to make people happy. I personally would be happy with a cummins(or even better a Cat) diesel.


Love your train horn though, got anymore laying around????http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Here is some heavy-duty pick-up market share info, gas & diesel.

Autoweek (http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=00821746)


It doesn't differentiate about 2500, 3500, 4500, etc, though.

"In diesel engines, Ford held a 51 percent share for the same period, followed by GM at 25 percent and Dodge at 24 percent."

You can see where from one period to the next it can change. At one point GM held over 30% market share. They lost 5% in the last year or so. Edited by: hoot

At one point GM held over 30% market share. They lost 5% in the last year or so.

Geesh, my intention certainly wasn't to give hoot more ammo for his Dodge propaganda gun.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Can anyone give me a link to confirm that GM had a 30% diesel market share at one time? I've searched & searched, & I can't come up with anything. Actually, I'd say Ford is the one that is hurting. They had a 70%+ share at one time.

Last I heard GM still hadn't expanded the Duramax engine plant capacity. Until that happens, GM will never have a chance to increase diesel market share. Of course they could still lose market share if they sold less or others sold more.


As far as the market share goes, there has to be several ways to calculate that so I'd expect different #'s to be floated based on year to year, quarter to quarter, etc..

You guys seem to be missing the one problem with this information.


" Through May, GM held a 50 percent share of gasoline-powered heavy-truck sales, according to R.L. Polk data provided by Ford. Ford's share was 38 percent, followed by Dodge at 12 percent. In diesel engines, Ford held a 51 percent share for the same period, followed by GM at 25 percent and Dodge at 24 percent. "


Every time I have ever read information that was written by the company in question, it was very miss leading. I don't care where R.L.Polk comes in, this is coming from Ford.


Besides this, isn't Ford having their best years ever? I'll go ahead and answer that one for you. The answer is YES! GM is pretty much flat this year, (Up maybe 2%) while Ford is up about 10%. This is only the 3rd year in the last 60 that Ford has out sold GM as a whole. But the gap has been closing as of late, so in the end GM may over take the sells leadership.

Here is some heavy-duty pick-up market share info, gas & diesel.

Autoweek (http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews &loc_code=index&content_code=00821746)


It doesn't differentiate about 2500, 3500, 4500, etc, though.


Oh great, another new motor brought out by Ford.. Wonder if it will run as long at the 6.0?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Hoot, Sad to see you go! I was hopeing to catch you with all of the mods! The problem I have is that the "Warden" keeps a close eye on the money spent.


I would have purchased a Dodge, even tho the "Warden" works for a chevy dealer, but my son who is 15 and 6' 2" wouldn't fit into the back seat comfortably.


I dont have to worry about the 4X4 issues as I bought a 2WD this time. I have always owned 4X4's but got tired of paying extra along the way, and, not being able to play too much in the dirt due to the "California off-road nazies"


Enjoy it, and I'm sure we will all miss your usefull/important information when you decide to migrate full-time to the "DODGE" forums.


Hows that for kissing up to someone you've never met??


Seeyoulaterbye, Kirk