So help quit driving myself nuts An Update

[Larry]

I have no idea why you wouldn't want a diesel?

Oh, boy. This thread is starting to remind me of this....

 

[todpod]

That was funny Larry. I really don't see a compelling reason to by a diesel, for the amount of miles i will be driving it will never break even, even at 10 mpg, and there is only a couple of Gas stations around that sell diesel and that would be a pita.

 

[Alaskan1Ton]

I wont get into the diesel vs gas debate. Ive owned both and loved them both. My cummins was rock solid, my 460 gasser is rock solid. My cummins got 16-18 mpg's, my 460 gets 8-10. Both will pull stumps, my gasser is better for the cold winters here in AK. SO that decision is moot I think. Whats important is that you LISTEN to us about getting a 3/4 ton 4x4 truck!!. You seem to be still hung up on 1/2 tons................you will regret it, I swear.

 

[todpod]

More hung up on $$$, then anything I have found a couple of 2500s in the correct price range. I actually like the idea of getting a 3/4 or even a 1 ton, so I can load it down if I want. Its meeting the dollars.

 

[redthies]

How far are you willing to go to buy? I mentioned Texas, but you don't need to go that far, just curious how big an area to shop you have. The further south, the less rust, the more you can look older than 06-07. I have said the same thing in another thread recently, but consider 92-97 F350s. They are really simple, reliable, and comfortable. A nice compromise if you are only using it once in a while. They can be had with low miles (100-130) for $5k. That would allow you to have pretty much the entire truck gone through. That is something I would consider if I were in your shoes. I drove a 92 20,000 miles in a single trip with total confidence and reliability. I paid $4k for the truck and put about $1k into it before the trip. More food for thought...

 

[todpod]

I don't want to think anymore. I am in western PA, about 90 minutes north of Pittsburgh. Not really sure how far I am willing to travel, most of my searches on autotrader have been at 200 miles which put to Detroit and to Washington DC.I have found enough in a 2 hour drive to kinda keep looking here. But I will check out the Texas thing, sounds interesting at least. I have thought about an older Truck and actually found a few, just not convinved thats the right way to go, but am considering it. If i wasn't planning any long trips thats probably what I would do, so we will see. I appreciate all the input.

 

[redthies]

Yup, it's a lot to digest. The ol' interweb is full of opinions, both good and bad. The reason I suggest go slightly older and have some work done before your first trip is, at least you can have some peace of mind. The Dodge you linked has just shy of 80,000, and will likely need some things soon. I found a few F250s on Pitt Craigslist for right around $5k. You then have $10k to put new motor and trans etc. I know that sounds like a lot of work, but if you find a reputable shop, it can be a good way to go. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[Alaskan1Ton]

More hung up on $$$, then anything I have found a couple of 2500s in the correct price range. I actually like the idea of getting a 3/4 or even a 1 ton, so I can load it down if I want. Its meeting the dollars.

I understand money, but don't let a couple thousand dollars prevent you from getting the truck that you want. Nothing worse than making payments on something that you think is "OK" and on something that you cant wait to upgrade.

 

[todpod]

Patience is going to be the key here. I have found a few 2500s that are in the ballpark, at around 16000. It just waiting for the right truck to appear and being able to pull the trigger. The big thing is the compromises i am willing to make to get the truck.

 

[Alaskan1Ton]

Patience is going to be the key here. I have found a few 2500s that are in the ballpark, at around 16000. It just waiting for the right truck to appear and being able to pull the trigger. The big thing is the compromises i am willing to make to get the truck.

Well if it comes down to compromising your good old dog then dont do it, a good dog is hard to find.

If it comes down to compromising the wife for a good truck then go on ahead, a good truck is hard to find.

 

[todpod]

So we did it. We bought a 2011 Dodge 1500, 4.7 4wd today. Nice truck seems to be a good runner. Not going to do alot, running boards, mud flaps, but not much more then that.

 

[Sock Puppet]

Congrats! The newer 4.7 is a much better engine than the older versions that most people remember. Your wife and kids will like the creature comforts, which can go a loooooong way to your happiness on a trip.

 

[todpod]

Haven't really had a chance to get out and drive it much, but the 4.7 seems to have plenty of power esp coming from a PT Cruiser . Going to get out tomorrow and drive a little more.

 

[Alaskan1Ton]

I woulda held out for a Hemi but the 4.7 will be ok for you. I have a buddy with a 6 speed 4.7 truck and it feels torqey, but its probably the 6-speed that helps that out.

 

[DT75FLH]

I have 2 friends that own 02-03 grand cherokee with the 4.7 owned since new with scheduled maint done. both have over 240k miles on the 4.7 eng and the 02 just had a trans put in at 250k miles.