Your Opinions Needed...

[cowboy63645]

I am looking at buying a 2003 Dodge quad cab short bed 4x4 with the 5.7 V8. What are the pro's and con's? I need a truck for hauling trailers, I need the room for me, my wife and 3 kids, as this will be a daily driver as well. I am also going to be using this truck for my "backcountry" expo's. I am thinking a camper shell for the bed, leveling kit, 33's and 4.10 gears as well as a rear locker. I love the styling, and they seem to be everywhere so used parts should be easy to come by for replacements incase of trail carnage. What are your opinions?

 

[ntsqd]

My own bias in a full size is to only buy a diesel. That may be hard to justify for your use. Catagorically they get better mileage, but for the difference in initial cost compared to how far you're likely to drive the truck you may not recoup the difference.

I would guess that most of the non engine related comments made on the various diesel sites would also apply to the non diesels.

 

[inked33]

if your going to be doing alot of towing with the truck id look at getting the diesel engine.

 

[cowboy63645]

The towing will be a 16' trailer with a few 4 wheelers, and occasionaly my "buggy" which is a chopped up blazer with a truck cab, no lift and 36" swampers, it weighs around 4200 fully loaded with my equipment. I am trying to keep the cost as low as possible. Not only will I be driving this truck, but my wife and occasionaly my mother in law will be as well.

 

[angusdevil]

The towing will be a 16' trailer with a few 4 wheelers, and occasionaly my "buggy" which is a chopped up blazer with a truck cab, no lift and 36" swampers, it weighs around 4200 fully loaded with my equipment. I am trying to keep the cost as low as possible. Not only will I be driving this truck, but my wife and occasionaly my mother in law will be as well.

Ok, so I can assume you're talking about a 2500/3500? If so, it'll either come with 3.73's or 4.10's. With it being a 5.7, the more gearing you can get, the better.

Does it have the 10.5" or 11.5" rearend?

You'll be able to fit 35" easily with a leveling cut but might get a bit up rubbing (not binding) on the control arms at full lock.

What are your plans for suspension? Stock is no way to rock, even if driving to the mall.

If the budget is tight, just get a leveling kit for the front, a set of 315's and some new shocks/springs. After that, build up for you really NEED.