Picking 2013 truck and model

[LOFSFIRE]

Ok I sure I'll take some heat for this but I have been looking at trucks for a few years now. I currently have a 98 F 150 4x4 extended cab. I bought it with 20,000 mi. on it, and now have 186,000 mi. It been a great truck therefore up till about a month ago I had been looking at Fords. For two reason; one the way mine has lasted, and two b/c I could get X-plan pricing on Ford through friends. I took a new job that now gives me x-plan equivalent pricing on the big 3 plus their sister brands, so my options have opened up.

So I have basically come down to the F150 or the RAM
Looking at the CrewCab with the short bed in a 4x43.55 rear end

FORD
5.0
XLT or FX4 packages

RAM
I want the:
8 speed trany
air-ride
sport (look)

You think this would be easy, I called my dealer today to give me a price and he said I need to pick one or the other 8 speed trany or air-ride or change the from the sport look.

This is what I could build:

1500 CREW EXPRESS 4X4 (140 in WB 5 FT 7 IN box)
5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VVT Engine
6-Spd Automatic 65RFE Transmission
Monotone Paint
Cloth 40/20/40 Bench Seat - Black/Diesel Gray
Class IV Receiver Hitch
ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera
Air Suspension - 4-Corner
32 Gallon Fuel Tank
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
Premium Display Package
Popular Equipment Group
Power Black Trailer Tow Mirrors
Remote Start and Security Group
Trailer Brake Control
Dealer added
Sport Hood
upper glove box door
sport headlights


1500 CREW SPORT 4X4 (140 in WB 5 FT 7 IN box)
Customer Preferred Package
5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VVT Engine
8-Spd Auto 8HP70 Trans
Mineral Gray Met. Clear Coat
Monotone Paint
Cloth/ maybe lether Bucket Seats Black
Trailer Brake Control
Class IV Receiver Hitch
ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera
32 Gallon Fuel Tank
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
Comfort Group
Power Black Trailer Tow Mirror
Sport Premium Group
Remote Start and Security Group
Notice NO Air Suspension - 4-Corner I was told its not available on the sport

So what would you give up the Air Suspension or the 8-Spd Trans?
I know the Sport has more bell and whistles but the express is what meets my practical "NEEDS".

Also does anyone know when you get the Class IV Receiver Hitch is there an extra trans cooler?

The only thing I really tow is a 2 place enclosed snowmobile trailer in the winter. Normally about 200 to 400 miles one way, 4 to 5 times from Dec to March. Might be pulling a 4 place inline for one of the trips.

Any reason to pick one model over the other? (Is there a can't live with out bell or whistle.)

Any problems that are common on the RAMS.
I have a 07 GMC Acadia that I love but it has its share of problem, all taken care of under warranty so far, but its still the hassle of taking it in. And it has been some small stuff right up to a full engine replacement at 36,200 miles. Anyone want to guess why I'm not looking at GM's? So I sure the Rams have some problem hopefully not like my Acadia.

 

[TXKID]

Strange that they don't combine the two options...

I say get what YOU think is best, but the 8 speed 5.7 isn't gonna be out til later this year (as far as I know), but you could always install aftermarket air bags if your set on the 8 speed. Not sure if you have a mod budget but just something to consider maybe.

I haven't seen any real time statistics of the 8 speed yet on any engine yet so hopefully some more guys will chime in soon about it.

 

[audio1der]

IMO the airbags can be added later if required, but the 8 spd would be a gamechanger.
I'd go with the 8spd if it were me
Good luck- et us know what you choose!

 

[0212353]

I'd also get the longer bed......if its available for order now.

 

[Texasez]

Can you go up a trim to outdoorsman or Laramie and get the 8spd and hemi? As long as you keep your trucks it's probably be worth it. It's not hard to add the sport look and get the two big options you want up front. On a side note it looks like Ford is about to change the F150 so if you're leaning towards that you might want to wait for the change. Their concept right now is the Atlas and it looks bad ass.

 

[Guts~n~Glory]

8speed tranny hands down, easier and cheaper to add airbags later.

 

[Chewy]

8 Speed should be out the end of 1st qtr beginning of 2nd and I believe you can order now.

As for the pick one or the other, I've watched the press release and no such thing was said.

8 speed will gain you 10% minimum fuel savings per the press release video.

If you buy the Ford (which I own a '98 F150 4x4 as well) you'll have a design that will be old sometime next year when the new one comes out.

Chris

 

[65Bowtie]

I am afraid of the air ride suspension. Just seems like a pretty important part that is prone to expensive repairs later down the road that cant be ignored and has a huge unknown durability issue in a truck right now. For me I would pass on it till its been out for a few years.

The 8 speed would be nice, but again I would like to see someone else be the guinea pig on that one as back in the day (90's) Dodge had questionable transmissions.

 

[redsand]

That's odd because the build site let's you do the sport and air suspension. . Although can't add the 8spd tranny on there yet

 

[kkreit01]

Just as an FYI, there were some issues with the air suspension on the '11 Grand Cherokees. They seemed to have ironed out now after a few years. I'd wait for the 8 spd. The 8 spd runs well even with the Pentastar. When matched with Hemi, it should be great.

 

[WhySoSerious]

Thanks for your info on the Acadia. I had a '95 GMC Jimmy and it gave me lots of trouble. What a junker that thing was! I sit here and wonder if things have gotten better but you reminded me that GMC isn't the best option.

I can check Acadia off the list of trucks I want to get. I'm gonna go with the Ram 2500 Power Wagon most likely. Or......maybe just maybe the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn if my brain takes over my heart.

I can't offer you much advice on which truck to get because it really comes down to personal preference. I like the F-150's but I like the Ram more. Just based on looks alone.

I don't think you will go wrong with either the F-150 or the Ram. Its gonna come down to personal preference.

 

[LOFSFIRE]

Thanks for the input, I have not ruled out the F150 yet, but Ford is going to have to do allot better on the price. Well after lots of comments on the Air-ride I'm thinking that is not a good option.

As far as the web showing one thing and the dealer telling me different, I questioned that too. Their answer was he can only order what their computers allow them to. I'm going to check with another dealer, just as a double check.

As far as my Acadia GM did replace the engine, I drop it off on a Monday by the next Tuesday it was ready for pickup. My dealer was great! But the fact still remains I had a engine replaced at 36,200 miles! WTF! due to a broken piston skirt. When was the last time you have herd of a piston skirt having an issue? Go on the Acadia Forum and you will find a post dedicated to keeping track of all the other post of problems. You will also find Michelle from GM customer service that tells every person that has a problem how important their problem is. I called her out on it in my post (nicely) and she would not respond. I even admitted that other manufactures have there problems but the Acadia seems to have gremlins in it!

I know the engine is a big deal but if you have a sunroof the problem could have been worse. (I don't) People that do have flood the whole inside of the car at a stop. There is a leak that drains into the headliner the headline holds the water like a tray. When you stop the water all comes forward and dumps on the dash and then the electrical problems start. At least with mine they pulled the problem out and put a new engine in.

I keep you up dated on what I end up with.

 

[Chewy]

Just got word from Chrysler Corp on the A8 availability.

We just announced the 8 speed with the Hemi. Pricing will be released later this month.

Thank you and make it an outstanding day!!!

Randy

My guess is you can order it now, but you won't have the price of it. I'll wait a couple of weeks and ask again and see where they are.

 

[LOFSFIRE]

Dealer told me today the 8speed was on the same build time as the other trucks 6-8 weeks. But, he did follow that up with but I have order 2 trucks in the same day close in options and one took 4 weeks the other took 10 weeks.

Also the truck he built (on paper) for me showed "DFD 8-Spd Auto 8HP70 Trans (Buy) $500"

Well after a first look at the numbers I got in my email today the bottom FX4 package (with the 5.0, I don't want the Eco-boost) is $5000 more than the Ram Sport listed above with leather. I think the Ram will be winning in the end. I do want to go back a drive both again. Then there is about $4000 difference between the two Ram models I built.

The Express is a basic but with all the main features I "need". The Sport has the extras I really like and "want". But I think the Sport will be better for resale. Plus I can get the 8 speed trany in the Sport. And I thinking that will be a good thing.

A few people have mentioned rear ends. I assume the 3.55 will be good for my needs, but I do have a choice of a 3.92. Any reason to get the 3.92 for what I pull (see first post) Also I drive 55 miles round trip to work each day.


PS
If money was not an object or I was single, I would walk in to Ford an order a Raptor right now and then stop and get a Cat 1100 Turbo Snowmbile (177hp)!

 

[smiley]

Get the 3.92 gears unless you get 8 speed trans then I think 3.55 or whatever the largest number they will offer will be best IMO.


$miley

 

[65Bowtie]

3.92 no matter what. The final drive ratio is the same so it wont affect your highway mileage. IMHO the hemi is still lacking on the highway. It pulls like a horse in the city but at higher speeds it leaves me wanting.

Of course this is coming from a long time diesel guy whos Duramax would pull like a freight train. But it was programmed with an extra 225 hp and 350 tq, so I will have to chip this too!

I could only imagine what the hemi would feel like with 3.92's and the low gears the 8 speed has in the city, off the line!

 

[Ike]

I have to add, if you want the airbags (factory) thats going to be a $1500 option. and the only ones I've seen on the lot are Laramies stickering out at 49-50K.

Im sure they will become more readily available as the year goes on. I almost held out for a '13. But I realized I would probably not want to pay the extra for the airbags, and I really wanted a new Truck now, so I took advantage of the deal on the '12.

Ike
Ike

 

[White]

I had a similar decision to make, I went with the ram. I'm not really interested in testing out the new tech, so I'm fine with the 6speed hemi. I'm add airbags later if I feel like it will be an issue.

That said, the f150 is a nicely built pickup. Actually nicer than the ram in a lot of ways IMO, but more expensive for a similar truck. Also too many things i just didnt like. Not nearly as good looking, the ridiculous radio/HVAC controls, etc.

 

[LOFSFIRE]

Well I think I going to get the Sport. I am looking for some info on the Mopar Accessories.

1st the hard fiberglass tonneau cover.
Does any one have one?
Is it easy to remove?
What are the steps.

My current tonneau cover once opened you pop the struts off then lift the back just a little more the the front slides out of the hooks, and you done. I looking for something that easy. I have found after market but the Mopar is less with the installation.

2nd the bed rug liner
Is this one piece like the brand BedRug liner is?

Also does anyone know who the real manufacture is of both of these products?