Buying advice for 05

[ArrizX]

OK so here is the situation. My beloved Ford has failed me....

I have an F350 because I used to do a ton of towing. I have the V10 and love that monster. Made the truck exactly how I want it. But its got some issues that cant be resolved so i'm just going to get rid of it.

Anyways I have found a sweet standard cab short box 05 with the 4.7 and a 6 speed manual. I am probably going to trade my truck in. My only real requirement is that I need to tow my wheeler around. Its a 99 cherokee on 38s. Its cut up pretty bad and that, trailer and gear will only be about 5k lbs.

I frequently tow mountain passes and steep grades for several hours to go wheeling. Just wanted reassurance that this is going to be a reliable truck and do what I want, and there arent any immediate problems concerning towing with the package that I want. I have grossed out at 20k in my F350 and it loved it. But I am getting out of the really big and heavy wheelers and my current situation and future plans don't warrent the big truck anymore. Im not a car or SUV guy so I think this will be a great truck for me.

Think it will work out well? Is there anything in particular I need to make sure is good to go on this truck? Any common problems and so fourth?

Thanks!

 

[SmokedRam]

I have an 05, with the 4.7 with the 3.92 gears....my honest opinion for you...towing isnt a problem with the 4.7, but towing in mountains with 5K pounds behind it, with the 4.7...meh, I love my 4.7, don't get me wrong, but if you're gonna work it like that, I'd look for a Hemi truck.

 

[ArrizX]

Well I look at it like this.......

My F350 I love bcause I always had more power than I need. I mean my tow capacity is double this trucks. But this year I only went wheeling 3 times. If it means I need to leave an hour earlier to take it slower on the passes I will. Thats not a huge concern.

Gas mileage isnt either. My truck is 7 to 11 mpg period. Towing or not it doesnt matter highway or city it doesnt matter.. There is no way I can get that bad in this newer truck.

My issue is finding a newer truck with a manual tranny. I found this and its setup about perfect. In a perfect world it would have a hemi but the price is right so I am learning to settle! Thanks for the fast response.

 

[SmokedRam]

If you're dead set on the 4.7, definitely pick up a Superchips tuner for it...the 3865 and run a better tune for when towing. Honestly, a lot of people complain about the 4.7's fuel mileage, but mine's an automatic and with my mixed driving, which is prob about 70% highway and 30% city, I average 17.5-18...and like I said that's with the 3.92's. If I keep it at 60MPH, which is about 1650 RPM on the highway, I have NO PROBLEM getting 21-22.5 MPG with this thing.

I have only towed with mine once, and that was hauling a 12 foot trailer with 3/4 roll of hay and about 25 people between the trailer and bed for a Halloween hayride, and it towed pretty well, but I never got over 25MPH, lol.

 

[ArrizX]

im not dead set on the engine Im just kind of dead set on this truck and it just happens to be the engine thats in it. I cant find anything else this new with a stick shift in my area or anywhere close too it.

I imagine a tuner would help with MPGs on a light tune anyways, right?

 

[SmokedRam]

For sure...

 

[ArrizX]

For the record here is the truck

2005 Dodge Ram 1500 ST V8 4WD 6-Spd Manual **80K LOW Miles**

 

[SmokedRam]

I'd defenitly try getting them down to at least $9K

 

[ArrizX]

We'll see.... Ive talked to the guy and I think we are going to price that truck at that, I am getting new wheels and tires and a sliding back window and we are going to over value my trade.

It should work out to where my monthly payment stays the same. I still owe on my truck which is what makes this hard.

 

[ArrizX]

Thanks for all your advice though.

 

[smykowski]

keep in mind when going uphill, the shifting can be on the lazy side. Tow/haul will take care of this if the option is in the truck. My 05 doesn't like hills in OD at all.

 

[Casper]

Provided you can get the right price, should work out well enough.
The manual tranmission removes a lot of the uncertainty with a used truck assuming the synchros are still tight--no added oil cooler or deep pans required for towing. With 80K miles be sure to check the clutch cafefully as well. Last thing you want is to get stuck on the side of the road with a smoked clutch pad and have to leave your trailer to get towed.
Oh, and those spray-can silver work truck rims have got to go!

 

[v8only]

The 4.7 is kinda weak when you are used to so much more....I'd opt fire the hemi they can be found cheap and mpg is about the same

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