hello all..... helpful advice needed

[Jon NC]

If I could go back, and get my extended cab 1999 Ford F150, with the straight 6, 4 speed, nothing fancy that would work, but alas, got a slightly trimmed Hemi.
IF Ford would put out a base truck based on that grand ole 6-300 motor and offer a standard/auto and a modest amount of features and keep price relevant, they would make a killing, IMHO.

Yessir - I had one with that 300. 6 cylinder --- TORQUE ----- reliable.... They should bring it back......Wish I still had that thing ------ electric red over aztec gold Eddie Bauer edition.

 

[Jon NC]

Pentastar vs Hemi. Hemi all day long, but that is just my preference. I do not worry about MPG, U buy a 6,000 lb truck with a Hemi motor, why are you concerned with MPG? Guess PPL could go out, and get a 6 cylinder truck and put Prius decals on them, lol. My inane sense of humor.

IMHO: RAM still missing the boat. If they were to totally go back to Hemi, remove E Junkola and do a lil change to improve oiling and ditch MDS, they would neva be able to keep those trucks in stock. Just my skerry thoughts.

and those are my thoughts exactly....thanx Turkeybird

 

[Jon NC]

Great post. Now I don't haul or tow but after owning a hemi Now having the pentastar go for the hemi. I live in upstate New York all hills you will not see much better mpg but with what you're asking the truck to do both will get it done but you will be happier with the hemi. Both my trucks have 3.21 gears my current pentastar has e torque no problem so far fingers crossed. I am just south of 60 as well. Either way good luck i really enjoy these trucks.

Thank you, sir........ rather have it and not need it than not have it and wish I did......

 

[RamDiver]

Thank you, sir........ rather have it and not need it than not have it and wish I did......

And nothing like just itching to drive your truck because it's insanely fun. I've had mine for just over 3.5 years now and can't wait for my next excuse to pilot it somewhere.

Plus, I don't mind performing a safe pass whenever I meet a slow poke. I'm one of those who believe passing should always be quick and easy with emphasis on the quick.

.

 

[Rambo71]

Hey everyone. Decided to register and ask for your input. I will need to be replacing my old tried and true P'up in the next year or 2.... I am in my late 50's, have worked many construction jobs but have been a nurse for the last 20 years.

I have never owned a Ram/Dodge other than a Chrysler Concord - have never owned Dodge/Ram p'up, but my brother has. He has owned all domestic brands, my Dad is pure Chevy, me ....I plead the 5th. I am not here to bash other brands, and I appreciate conversations that avoid that.

I am here because Ram gives a few options I like. I also like their look, how they drive, etc. I recently had a rental - - 2022 ? with 3.6.

I was surprised and impressed.

To start with, I am leaning towards a full crew cab, (NOT quad) 4x4 with the Pentastar.

The truck I chose will end up with will get mostly highway miles, hardly ever towing anything, but will be used for loading/hauling firewood - our primary source of heat.
In the past, a 3/4 or 1 ton with 8 foot bed would be appropriate, but now that Im next door to 60 years old, it's not so mandatory. Timbrens may come in useful or some aftermarket coils for the back to lessen the sag when fully loaded.

Not looking at new, but one that's used, 2020 or newer.
3.6 quad - not crew- the rental I had - we used it to haul a FULL load of bulk mulch----while it didn't effortlessly fly down the highway - the pentastar was the little engine that could. It did what I wanted. I never go any more than 15 miles with any load..... firewood? I live in the middle of WNC - forests in every direction - we got smashed by Helene - I have a LOT of free firewood within a mile of my front door.

So what am I asking?
While I don't N E E D a Hemi - can you give me valid reason for it? (NO OFFENSE - not here to bash!!) Sure the extra power - but what is REAL WORLD MPG ?) Hemi tick? How can this be prevented ? I do maintain all my vehicles FAITHFULLY - oil changes are NEVER neglected
95% of the time it will be highway miles with no load - - -

Plus many other questions I will think off after signing off - - -
I am not an auto mechanic, but have been around farm equipment growing up and construction equipment for a decade. I know a lot about a little and a little about a lot - and specifically Ram trucks - I know very little.

What would you recommend ? I wish I could get a longer bed, but I do need a back seat for people over 4 foot tall....so I need the full crew cab.

As far as power - I am replacing a 210 hp /240 torque 4x4 that Ive had for 20 years now (not a Ram)..... It's done all I need, and PLEASE give me a nickel for every time it hauled a load of firewood - LOTS of nickels - and towing - and pulling out tree trunks (4 wheel low).

I have a lotta honey do to do today, Ive gotta go - but will check back later to see any advice is shared.

Thanks all in advance - appreciate any and all constructive comments

2015 Quad Cab w/Ramboxes (loaded with tools+Chainsaw), Hemi, 8HP70 8-speed and 3.21, zero mods. Haul rocks/gravel, pavers, firewood and mulch frequently. Currently at 155,000 miles, no Hemi tick. Just good maintenance. The torque of the Hemi will be appreciated. I live in the hills of the lower Shenandoah Valley. Avg mpg is 16.4 (I drive very spiritedly). Tow/Haul mode is blessing on these hills with a load. Upgraded brakes last year to Powerstop Z36, PPE trans pan with replaceable filters. Hemis start out at 395 HP and 410 Torque, plenty to keep a solid load of cargo and people at highway speeds without the hunting and pecking a V-6 would do on the hills around here. Happy Hunting!

 

[Jon NC]

2015 Quad Cab w/Ramboxes (loaded with tools+Chainsaw), Hemi, 8HP70 8-speed and 3.21, zero mods. Haul rocks/gravel, pavers, firewood and mulch frequently. Currently at 155,000 miles, no Hemi tick. Just good maintenance. The torque of the Hemi will be appreciated. I live in the hills of the lower Shenandoah Valley. Avg mpg is 16.4 (I drive very spiritedly). Tow/Haul mode is blessing on these hills with a load. Upgraded brakes last year to Powerstop Z36, PPE trans pan with replaceable filters. Hemis start out at 395 HP and 410 Torque, plenty to keep a solid load of cargo and people at highway speeds without the hunting and pecking a V-6 would do on the hills around here. Happy Hunting!

Thanx Rambo..... although it will get hi way miles, it will be used to haul stuff....including many loads of hardwood firewood.....

 

[Yardbird]

Thanx Rambo..... although it will get hi way miles, it will be used to haul stuff....including many loads of hardwood firewood.....

I would consider the HEMI then. The Pentastar will pull it, but at 3500-4000 + rpm up hills.

 

[RamRigger]

Hey everyone. Decided to register and ask for your input. I will need to be replacing my old tried and true P'up in the next year or 2.... I am in my late 50's, have worked many construction jobs but have been a nurse for the last 20 years.

I have never owned a Ram/Dodge other than a Chrysler Concord - have never owned Dodge/Ram p'up, but my brother has. He has owned all domestic brands, my Dad is pure Chevy, me ....I plead the 5th. I am not here to bash other brands, and I appreciate conversations that avoid that.

Just a little experience from my end, on Ram

I had owned Chevy's and Fords all my life (approaching 80) duty I watched as several friends and family members had been driving from 2010 to 223 Ram 1500, 2500 & 3500's. I heard about a few electrical issues but not mechanical problems over the past 15 years. So I bought one, 2021 2500 Crew, short bed. I'm done with firewood. So far a couple of electrical issues which have affected my radio but after a few warranty check ups it is doing well. The only other issues were, warranty air bag replacement sensor and a replaced part to prevent a possible fire.

Still in warranty but this all adds up to I'm very happy with my Ram and that 6.7 Diesel will outlast me. Still hasn't;t outlasted my 86 f250 6.9L Idi though and no problems with it either mechanically

Enjoy your Ram but look up problems and reliability by year if you can find that

Thanks all in advance - appreciate any and all constructive comments