Long time Ford guy

[jackham]

Driving a ford ECO boost is equivalent to driving a grenade with the pin pulled. It makes you wonder when its gonna blow.

A co-worker went thru three f150 eco`s back to back. Two blew the engines, the third one smoked the transmission.
Each f150 he had, the dealers had his trucks longer than he did while he was waiting for repairs.
Ford ended up doing a buy-back on two of them. The 3rd time, he traded up to a hemi.

He`s in a hemi truck now, he`s been happier ever since he switched to a RAM truck.
When i asked him why he switched brands, he then asked me if i liked baseball.
I guessed it was due to "the 3-strike rule"...? His reply.... YUP!


LOL... truthfully, i think he got tired of hearing saying, shoulda bought a RAM, mine have ALL run GREAT!

Well I loved my 2003 2500 Hemi and I love my new one. But you won't find me bad mouthing my 2011 eco. It did everything it was asked to including 183,000 problem free miles and since it is a heavy duty half ton with 3.73 gearing it will smoke any factory pickup from the line.

My son is a major builder and uses all sorts of turbo diesel pickups. He has employees go through turbos one after another and the trucks he drives last forever with no turbo problems. Hence, I think your "friend" needs to learn how to drive.

 

[Random_Walk]

PS: Also agree on the old Fords... my last one was a 1979 F-250 Supercab w/ a home-built 460. Ran like a damn tank... but ate gas like one too.

 

[bigred90gt]

This ram (2017 hemi 3.92 rear) is my first truck that’s not a ford. I’ve had 9 F150s and a ranger prior to this one (and a few mustangs thrown in for good measure). I was actually on my way to the ford dealer to buy a 2017 F150 when I stopped by the local dodge lot on a whim. I had never driven a ram before. Bought it that day.

The interior is great, but so was the interior on all of my f150s. The ram isn’t the fastest of the bunch, but it’s a big truck, it doesn’t need to be fast. The 13 reg cab 5.0 3.55 rear with a tuner was the fastest truck I’ve owned. It was faster than the 14 regular cab Tremor (3.5 EcoBoost with 4.10 gears) with a tuner. The 13 was a blast to drive.

What sold me on the ram was the ride quality and the options/dollar. My ram was sticker’d at $45k. I paid $32k (demo with 5k miles). A comparable F150, even used with more miles, was more expensive. I was looking at a crew cab STX 5.0 with 3.55 gears and it was on the lot for $36k with less options than my Lone Star (no nag and no siding rear window in the ford). As someone mentioned, the leaf springs in the F150 provide for a typical truck ride. I won’t say it is bouncy or a bad ride, in my opinion it is neither, but the ram is smoother by quite a bit.

When it’s time to get a new vehicle, if I don’t get a Jeep, it will be between a new Ram and a new F150 again.

As for longevity concerns, the only f150 that ever left me stranded was my 86 that I was passed down from my dad (he gave me his f150 and traded my ranger for his 2000 f150). It had over 200k on it and I was a typical 18 year old with a lead foot. I blew the engine in it. Aside from that, I never had a problem with any of them. I had them with old pushrod 5.0, 4.9 inline 6, 4.2 v6, 4.6 v8, 5.4 v8, 3.7 v6, 5.0 and the 3.5 eco. All trouble free except for one, which was completely my fault.

The thing about the ram that concerns me is MDS. I’m only concerned about it failing at some point and causing problems. It is another electrical system that I would imagine can wreak havoc if it goes south. But I typically don’t keep them very long, so it’s not a huge concern. I’ve had this one for 2 years coming up in July, and I’d venture a guess I won’t get another year from it before I get rid of it.

 

[GreyShadow]

While I have never owned a Ford, I was raised on Ford Super Duties, by my neighbors from way back before I could even start to think about driving. My parents are A to B people. If it gets them from point A to point B, they are happy.

Back in 2014, after four months of $500 repair bills and a fifth scheduled, my wife and I opted to trade in our 2002 Honda CR-V. I went looking at used F-150's, but they were an easy $10k more than an equivalent Ram. We didn't have that kind of money, so I came home with a 2012 express. I also liked the fact that the "extended", Ram quad cab, had 4 real doors, instead of those backward things that the Ford's have.

If weren't for getting hit last year, I'd still have that truck. Bought it with 35,000 miles on it, and after 4 years it was at 110,000. Now I have a 2016 1500 sport. I love it except for the 3.21. (Apparently my area doesn't get 3.92's.) My area of driving, including the highways, is not flat. It's all hills, some of which are a mile long. I miss the 3.55 on my old 2012.

My only complaint with the dealers I dealt with (Toyota dealer for the 2012, and a Dodge dealer for the 2016), is that both told me the MDS gear buttons were for manually shifting the truck (like a sport-matic, like our explorer). This forum enlightened me to what those buttons actually do.

I have enjoyed both of my Ram's, have no reason to look anywhere else in the future.

 

[bchap05]

My wife really liked the suspension and steering on my Ram. When I test drove them, this is what I found (imo):

Best-
1. 2019 Ram, 5th gen, I like the looks and the feel of it. The 8 speed paired with the Hemi is awesome, same with 4th gen. Less droning noise than my 17' when MFS kicks in and a flat floor with no shortened middle seat .

2. F-150, 2017+, with the 10 speed. I tried the 3.5 and 2.7, I like the 2.7 better. Felt just as powerful as the hemi. Pretty good gas mileage, around 24-25 mpg when cruising at 75 for a few hours. I don't like the cluster on the dash, Ram looks better.

3. 4th gen Ram, good value for what you get (bought a 17'). I think the looks are a little dated, I like the flatter front on the 2500 better, but it still looks nice in the sun.

4. The 2018 Sierra, in a shortbed. Nice looking truck, and the quality feels good.

5. Now don't make fun of me, I really like the new Honda Ridgeline. The interior feels good, never a rattle in a Honda and the engine is actually very fast, much faster than the pentastar I test drove. The payload is close to 1500lbs, not that far off my 1500. Took my buddies a few hours away to a biking trail, we got 27 mpg going 75 on the freeway. Impressive.

If Ford or Toyota makes a good effort on a hybrid/electric i would be all over that.

Had me until Ridgeline. Literally one of the ugliest things ever made. The firt gen looked better than 2nd and they were still hideous.

 

[indept]

Had me until Ridgeline. Literally one of the ugliest things ever made. The firt gen looked better than 2nd and they were still hideous.

Ridgelines are the vehicle versions of the granite countertops that fit over your existing formica countertop. Look under a Ridgeline and you'll find a complete Civic, body and all with a truck body cover...

 

[Jessica Smith]

We don't know about the reliability of the new RAM yet of course, but it still has a hemi and you don't have to get e-torque if you don't want it. Check out this dude, Alex on Autos, has great reviews and talks about the new generation if you are shopping new and can afford the premium (I definitely can't):

 

[Jessica Smith]

Ridgelines are the vehicle versions of the granite countertops that fit over your existing formica countertop. Look under a Ridgeline and you'll find a complete Civic, body and all with a truck body cover...

Not a Civic, its basically a Honda Pilot with a short bed, but that's not a bad thing for the right customer.

The Honda Pilot after all gets rave reviews, and for someone that is never going offroad and only ever doing light duty towing, the unibody design is more space efficient for its height than a body on frame truck, it'll handle better, it'll have a smoother ride, the tailgate and bed "trunk" are cool features, and Honda has a great track record for reliability and low cost of ownership. Its not really a truck per say, more like a "crossover truck", but not everyone needs a real truck.

For that particular niche customer that doesn't really tow much, just wants something for home depot and garden center trips, its a good option and really has no competitors since its in a class by itself.

 

[Jessica Smith]

My son is a major builder and uses all sorts of turbo diesel pickups. He has employees go through turbos one after another and the trucks he drives last forever with no turbo problems. Hence, I think your "friend" needs to learn how to drive.

I think turbos have always been more sensitive to abuse:

1) Let the oil warm up before going crazy with boost.
2) Chill out for the last few miles before parking.
3) Change engine oil more frequently if driving hard since turbos are harder on and more reliant on good lubrication.
4) Don't ever seafoam a turbo car.
5) Be cautious about "free horsepower" on turbocars by chipping it, the boost limits were set for engine/turbo longevity
6) Replace air filter regularly, and skip aftermarket ones that can let junk through

I also heard that once you have a turbo blow, you're much more likely to have future turbos fail prematurely, as metal particles can blow into the intercooler and its hard to get stuff 100% clean, so the brand new turbos can end up ingesting the old 'sploded bits.

No question though, naturally aspirated engines are generally going to be more long term reliable, at the cost of being larger, heavier, and often less fuel efficient for a given output.

 

[Raylan Givens]

Turbos last for many hundred of thousands of miles on diesels. Same principal, exhaust gases turning a turbo.

If good oil is used, I wouldn't worry about the turbo. I would worry more about cam and piston wear, just like the Hemis we have.

 

[indept]

Take the F150 Egoboost, the turbos on that aren't the same as the old turbos that spun at a slow 50,000 rpm. The fords spin up to 200,000 rpms. I wouldn't take a chance on them. A relative works at a ford dealer as a service manager and said they replace a lot of those turbos. They cost about 1200 ea + labor and there are 2 of them.

 

[TruckNut]

Not a Civic, its basically a Honda Pilot with a short bed, but that's not a bad thing for the right customer.

The Honda Pilot after all gets rave reviews, and for someone that is never going offroad and only ever doing light duty towing, the unibody design is more space efficient for its height than a body on frame truck, it'll handle better, it'll have a smoother ride, the tailgate and bed "trunk" are cool features, and Honda has a great track record for reliability and low cost of ownership. Its not really a truck per say, more like a "crossover truck", but not everyone needs a real truck.

For that particular niche customer that doesn't really tow much, just wants something for home depot and garden center trips, its a good option and really has no competitors since its in a class by itself.

Exactly. My wife has one (1st gen) and it is a perfect truck for her. It pulls her horse trailer, hauls hay and she commutes 4 days a week to work in a level of comfort not available in a body on frame vehicle. Super dependable, decent mileage, 5 star safety and excellent resale-a handy Swiss Army knife.

 

[German Shepherd]

I've had 3 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4's, all decent for what I used them for (hauling my retrievers to field trials and enduring rain and muddy fields). Also had them in the snow a fair amount and they did fine. Just never walked away and looked back thinking "man that thing looks good". Job changes and life required an SUV (that was just awful), and in the fall realized it was time for another truck. Kept looking at the Fords due to friends recommendations but it just wasn't right. The dealers were refusing to budge on what I thought was way too much for an average truck and the Ford forums scared me to death. On my wife's suggestion we went to look at a RAM and were immediately sold on the ride quality, options, and interior. The dealer was flexible and even gave us a fair trade on the SUV. We drove it home overnight and decided the BigHorn 4x4 was what we needed. It has been great for us. Rides and drives well, roomy interior, backseat is humongous, and it just looks good. Now it seems as if every time my wife leaves the house she takes my truck and leaves her SUV for me and the dog. Not sure how that happens, may be time for another RAM. They just work! Plus, when I walk away, I find myself turning back and thinking, "I really really like that truck".

 

[GsRAM]

a handy Swiss Army knife.

For what? Working on tinker toys? Lol. That's about all that "tool" is suitable for!

I guess for soccer moms and the like who want a car with a bed and dont do any real work or hauling they are ok...but let's not get too carried away here bud? Ok?

Hahahaha... just messin with you!

 

[Criticallylow]

I’m on my third 4th gen 1500, my current one being the night edition. Whatever transmission problems and front end issues dodge had in the 3rd gens they figured out. My previous 2014 sxt had over 100,000 rough kms and not a single issue. My next one will be a fifth gen, no doubt about it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RammerHarder]

Unfortunately, I must disagree on the first part. The 2002-2008 Hemi was a not the same engine as the one in the 2009+. The 2009+ was upgraded with a whole range of items, from variable valve timing to a different intake manifold to higher flowing components, and many others. While they may be similar, they are not the same engine.

I will agree on the 8-speed. It is my favorite transmission of any I've driven so far. Only down side to it is its a tad harder to change the fluid compared to the older 5/6-speeds.

Apples and oranges budd, its still a hemi no matter how you see it. Yup, your right, it has had some upgrades, but its still built for chrysler and still made from the same hemi platform.

 

[RammerHarder]

Well I loved my 2003 2500 Hemi and I love my new one. But you won't find me bad mouthing my 2011 eco. It did everything it was asked to including 183,000 problem free miles and since it is a heavy duty half ton with 3.73 gearing it will smoke any factory pickup from the line.

My son is a major builder and uses all sorts of turbo diesel pickups. He has employees go through turbos one after another and the trucks he drives last forever with no turbo problems. Hence, I think your "friend" needs to learn how to drive.

But yet here you are, in another RAM truck... if the 2011 eco was so great, why did you buy the RAM truck then.

 

[RammerHarder]

I've had 3 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4's, all decent for what I used them for (hauling my retrievers to field trials and enduring rain and muddy fields). Also had them in the snow a fair amount and they did fine. Just never walked away and looked back thinking "man that thing looks good". Job changes and life required an SUV (that was just awful), and in the fall realized it was time for another truck. Kept looking at the Fords due to friends recommendations but it just wasn't right. The dealers were refusing to budge on what I thought was way too much for an average truck and the Ford forums scared me to death. On my wife's suggestion we went to look at a RAM and were immediately sold on the ride quality, options, and interior. The dealer was flexible and even gave us a fair trade on the SUV. We drove it home overnight and decided the BigHorn 4x4 was what we needed. It has been great for us. Rides and drives well, roomy interior, backseat is humongous, and it just looks good. Now it seems as if every time my wife leaves the house she takes my truck and leaves her SUV for me and the dog. Not sure how that happens, may be time for another RAM. They just work! Plus, when I walk away, I find myself turning back and thinking, "I really really like that truck".

You`re not alone...lol, my wife steals every damned truck i`ve ever owned...lol

 

[jackham]

But yet here you are, in another RAM truck... if the 2011 eco was so great, why did you buy the RAM truck then.

One major reason is I am bored with the Ford Interior. I also think the RAM rides superior. But that Eco is a beast, however I missed the V8 growl. Also my Laramie Longhorn interior is drop dead gorgeous. People open the door and it just stops them cold. And now I am learning there are all sorts of ways to hyper mile this hemi.

 

[indept]

Apples and oranges budd, its still a hemi no matter how you see it. Yup, your right, it has had some upgrades, but its still built for chrysler and still made from the same hemi platform.

I found an article describing the differences and started this thread:
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/5-7l-article-comparing-3rd-to-4th-gen.142855/