Any Dodge guys here?

["Bankrupt"]

Looking at a new Dodge 1500 quad cab truck. It's a Laramie fully loaded with the 5.7 hemi. It's a nice truck but I'm wanting to know if there is anything I should/need to know about them first. I've been a die hard Ford guy for years but the 5.4 in the Fords just don't cut it pulling a heavy load (just ask Paul). And I don't tow enough or often enough to buy the diesel.

Here is the truck I'm looking at.

* 5.7L V8 Hemi multi-displacement engine
* Electronically controlled throttle
* 5-speed automatic transmission
* Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
* 3.55 axle ratio
* 9.25" rear axle ring gear diameter
* Electronic stability program
* Rear wheel drive
* 600-amp maintenance-free battery
* 136-amp alternator

* Trailer tow wiring-inc: 4-pin connector
* 6.3' cargo box
* 6700# GVWR
* HD front & rear shock absorbers
* Front stabilizer bar
* P265/70R17 all-season BSW tires
* Full-size spare tire w/steel wheel & winch-type carrier
* 20" x 8" chrome clad aluminum wheels
* Pwr rack & pinion steering
* Pwr 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes

It's the full Laramie package with leather, nav system, Infinity sound. It has every option except sunroof.

http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab168/the_wonder_/truck.png

[Atomic_Sportsman]

Dodge doesn't have the best automatic known to man. Other than that, sounds like a nice rig.

[chunks7mm]

if you get it,buy a tuner and make the transmission shift a little stiffer,you'll thank me in the end...

motors pretty much bullet proof,and makes amazing torque,

the hemi i had got pretty decent mileage with the 4 cyl shutdown mode....on the interstate i would get 26 MPG with it

["Bankrupt"]

Just discovered it has remote start!!! That's a huge plus in my book.

[stricker76]

Have driven a few, and nice trucks to drive. Hear about alot of tranny and wiring issues with them, but my buddy works at a dealership so im sure i only hear the worst.

["Bankrupt"]

It comes with a warranty lol. I'll look into a tuner as was said above. I'm just testing it right now. Gotta take it back to the dealer tomorrow and let them know if I want it or not.

[wildboar]

About 2 weeks ago I just bought that same truck but not a Laramie. I got the big horn addition with the chrome wheels, step bars, etc. Its the same other wise (but silver).
I had a 2004 dodge ram 1500 5.7 before this one and dodge has really picked up there game. Doing away with the rear leave springs and replacing them with coil springs makes it ride better. The power is crazy. I haven't had a big loaded trailer on it yet but its not going to be an issue I'm sure.
I do wish I would have got the trailer mirrors and as much as the twenties look good, trying to swap them out would be to much $ (I prefer hercules tires).
The gas mileage is not going to be great but I didn't buy it to save on gas. Besides when hooked to a trailer they are all the same there gonna use the fuel.
I also like that they now have a solid frame now and not C channel frame. Gotta make it stronger I'm sure.
Let me know if you have any questions

["Bankrupt"]

Tim (Big T) had the big horn when I met him in Texas a few years ago. I liked that truck when I saw it. There was a full size Polaris Ranger crew cab stuck up over the floor boards in some peanut butter mud and they had like 10 4 wheelers hooked to him and it wouldn't even budge. He went and got his Dodge and pulled that Ranger out with ease.

The only thing I don't like so far are the side mirrors. Coming from a Ford, they have superior side mirrors to just about anybody. And the rear seating area. I had been looking at F250's and they have a true club cab. The rear seats have as much room as the fronts do. This truck has less leg space than the Fords. Other than that I'm impressed.

My first truck was a 1984 Dodge W100 4x4 when I turned 16. I gave that truck immortal hell and it kept asking for more. I put that truck in more mud and deeper mud than any of my friends and I never had to work on it. Even after I lifted it 10" and put 40's on it, it lasted a LONG time. The only thing we had to do was replace the engine after I dropped a valve through the piston and kept driving it for 3 days. We took the 318 out and put a 440 out of a 76 Chrysler Imperial. My dad sold that truck when I was 18 (I'm 35 now) and the guy is still using it on a farm today.

[wildboar]

As for the mirrors your right they are small I have got use to them already but my last truck had the trailer mirrors (the ones that tilt out) and its hard to go down in mirror size. But you can have the trailer mirrors put on or get the full trailer package.
As for the cab size look at a mega cab. Sure is some cab space in there!

[800Stealth]

You guys know me, normally I would slam a Dodge.... but the newest models have come up on quality alot. The 5 speed auto is a reliable piece compared to the older 4 speed that fell apart all the time. The Hemi is a good reliable engine that makes plenty of power for a half ton truck. In the current market I'd put Dodge , Chevy, and Toyota trucks on a level playing field, they all make around 400 hp with proven reliable engines, they all have a very similar road feel and braking performance, they come with great warrenties, and the Dodge is the cheapest of the 3. I'm a Chevy guy through and through but I've got to admit it's tough to see why the Chevy is so much more expensive than the Dodge when they are realy equal trucks. I think you'll be very happy with that truck Eric, and don't see any reasons not to grab it.

[hampster_rancher]

Eric, the pic you put up looks like an '08? Is it new as in never had an owner or new to you?
I've got an '06 with the Hemi and the 5spd auto and its been a great truck. Lots of power for towing and very comfortable interior for long halls. It doesnt ride as good as my buddies Chev of the same year, but it hauls a load better.
As mentioned above, the mirrors are small. If you can have it upgraded to the 'flip out' towing mirrors, it will make a huge difference.

Mine is an '06 Mega cab 1500. Its longer and is all 3/4ton driveline underneath.

Mine.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/hampster_rancher/Stuff019.jpg

[wildboar]

In the current market I'd put Dodge , Chevy, and Toyota trucks on a level playing field, they all make around 400 hp with proven reliable engines, they all have a very similar road feel and braking performance, they come with great warrenties, and the Dodge is the cheapest of the 3. I'm a Chevy guy through and through but I've got to admit it's tough to see why the Chevy is so much more expensive than the Dodge when they are realy equal trucks.

Well said. The price tag was the reason I looked for my first dodge. I have owned 2 brand new chevy trucks both 1500 5.3s. They looked great, the first one had 3.73 gearing and pulled great but I had enough problems with them to wonder why I was paying roughly $6000 to $8000 more for a chev. So I made the switch.

I think given the prices and the increase in quality of the dodge vehicles your going to see them take over the truck market. Just my opinion. I know there are a lot of die hard chevy fans (and other brands) but like you said a lot of die hards are starting to look else where.

["Bankrupt"]

Sorry Chad, new to me. I don't buy new vehicles. Case in point this truck. The sticker price on this truck new in 08 was $41,990 and I just gave $19,000 out the door for it with 40k miles on the truck and a 3 year 36k mile extra warranty thrown in for free.

It already has the fold up/out mirrors. This truck has every single option that could have been ordered except for a sun roof. The best way i could understand reading off the Dodge website is that the Big Horn is a 4wd version and a the Laramie is the 2wd version... I think. It has leather, Infinity stereo with nav/gps, factory sat radio, all power everything, 20" wheels/tires, heated seats and cool ass radio volume controls on the back of the steering wheel. My bro-in-law works for the big Chevy dealer here and he pulled the truck up on a few of his dealer only websites and he said the only option it didn;t have that was offered was the sunroof.

It's a 9.25" rear axle with 3.55 ratio. It has the EPS which I think is some sort of stability control from Dodge. The ride is OK (not as good as my Expedition) it's a lot stiffer ride but it's more comfortable than my Expedition. The Expedition rides better on the road but does not handle bumps and stuff as well as this truck. But then again it's 8 years old with 108k miles and this truck is 2 years old with right at 40k miles. I haven't hooked our trailer and 4 wheelers to it yet but I'm sure it will pull them just fine. The Expedition has a 4.6 and it lacked a lot of power towing but would still get 18-19 mpg with the trailer, both quads and all of our stuff. This one won't get near that but should pull a lot easier.

[hampster_rancher]

Nice truck for sure Eric! (But then Im bias......Ive always had Dodges with great luck)

[chunks7mm]

2WD+400hp=fun for sure.....

[Dirtbmw20]

Eric..... you know you got a buddy that works in the parts department at the Dodge dealership. ;)

[stricker76]

Yeah, cause you'll need one driving a damn dodge! LOL.

Sorry, couldn't resist

[dcfox]

I bought a 2004 brand new and the only issue I've had with ti at all was the water pump going about at about 100k and now the radio is crapping out at about 150k.
So far...it's been the best truck I've ever owned.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/dcfox/Dodge.jpg

[Leethal21]

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh141/leethal21/004-1.jpg

2010 Laramie

I have been a GM guy most of my life. When I traded in my 06 GM I prommised myself I would test drive all 3 (Gm, Ford, Dodge). My intention was to get the Dodge overwith first because i knew I would be getting GM or Ford. Well as you can see I didnt think the other 2 stacked up. I love the Dodge. I dont toe alot but if I did I think the Ford would be better. The Dodge has proven to be a great truck. I have had it since July 1 and still love getting in it every day.

So.....I would say YES if you are thinkin about Dodge.

["Bankrupt"]

Did you put a lowering kit on your David? It sure does look like it's sitting a bit lower than stock.

["Bankrupt"]

Eric..... you know you got a buddy that works in the parts department at the Dodge dealership. ;)

And yes my little Mario friend lol. I would say we now have 2 Dodge's, but her Durango is probably gonna get sold.

[dcfox]

Did you put a lowering kit on your David? It sure does look like it's sitting a bit lower than stock.

Not lowered...look at the pics again...
There's a big heavy trailer hooked to the back with a Rhino and a Foreman loaded on it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/dcfox/Alto%202010/IMG_3737.jpg

[Dirtbmw20]

Yeah, cause you'll need one driving a damn dodge! LOL.

Sorry, couldn't resist

Hey... I just said I worked here, not owned one. I drive a Chevy for a reason,LOL. ;)

["Bankrupt"]

Because you make so much money you have to own a Chevy so you got something to spend the extra money on?

[hampster_rancher]

I drive a Chevy for a reason,LOL. ;)

Don't worry Lee, we will still be your friend, no matter what you drive.

[probus]

not realy a dodge guy but i recently bought and 83 half ton on 35 swampers. got 4.56 gears and lockers front and rear. pretty stout truck.

[fordman]

Dodge still makes trucks???????? LOL

[ready2goriding]

Dodge still makes trucks???????? LOL

Cars with beds...

[Darkside]

:tape:

[stricker76]

I always thought a car with a bed was a van. Pickups are a car with a box.

[ready2goriding]

Pickups do not get high-centered on cigarette buts.

[dcfox]

Pickups do not get high-centered on cigarette buts.

I hope that wasn't directed towards my Dodge.
It's not lowered.It has 100% stock suspension.
The only thing effecting the height is a tire size change.
I went from the stock 275/55-20 to a 305/50-20.

[800Stealth]

A 305/50r20 should be 1/2" taller than the 275/55r20... pretty common swap. So you should actually be 1/4" higher than stock lol. Truck looks normal to me.

["Bankrupt"]

I just said it looked lowered because it sits a good bit lower than mine. I have to take mine to a tire place and have them check the tires today. It rides like a log truck right now but I think the tires have about 120psi in them....

[racer37l]

Sold Dodges for 50 years as a family business. Drag raced Dodges for years. Used a Dodge as a tow truck for racecar. Don't have one now. Con

[Dirtbmw20]

Because you make so much money you have to own a Chevy so you got something to spend the extra money on?

Nah.... that's what I own two Polaris' for,LOL.

[ready2goriding]

I hope that wasn't directed towards my Dodge.
It's not lowered.It has 100% stock suspension.
The only thing effecting the height is a tire size change.
I went from the stock 275/55-20 to a 305/50-20.

Not directed at you, man!

My last Dodge 4x4 was a low rider- bad springs!

I think that your truck is pretty! :)

[Darkside]

you want one doug admit it!

["Bankrupt"]

Love mine so far. Went and had the tires checked...... 50 in 2 of them and 45 in the other 2. Dropped them all down to 35 and the ride improved 1000x over. Gotta do a road trip Friday about 600 miles round trip, gonna see how it pulls the trailer and the mileage it will get.

["Bankrupt"]

Pulling a 4x6 trailer with my Can Am I did a 600 mile round trip Friday and averaged 12.4 the entire trip. That's running 80MPH the whole time. Only about 10-15 miles of this trip were off the interstate.

Not liking that so far, but I'll have to do some looking and see if theres anything I can do to improve the MPG.

[dcfox]

Get used to that.I'm wanting to do something to try to improve the towing MPG for mine also.
Pulling the setup here...at 70mph...I get about 10.5mpg.
However...mine is just the 4.7 V8.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/dcfox/tow1.jpg

["Bankrupt"]

What exhaust are you running? Yours does not look stock because I don't see the factory exit behind the RR tire.

[dcfox]

Just a flowmaster with a turndown.
I hated the factory location of the tip.

["Bankrupt"]

Me too. Gonna look for something in a few months. Nothing really loud. I want it to be quiet most of the time and only get loud when you hammer on it.

[dcfox]

Then look into a Borla or something else.The Flowmaster is pretty loud.

[stricker76]

Yeah, flowmaster on a Hemi BARKS!! Magnaflow gives a nice rumble but not nearly as loud as the flows. Borla and corsa are way too quiet for me, and damn expensive.

[dcfox]

Mine isn't a Hemi...but it still barks pretty loud.

[stricker76]

Yeah, 4.7's sound just as good as the hemis with flows on there. As for the mileage, i have no idea on dodges. But i can tell you with my Duramax loaded with the trailer 80mph gets me 11mpg, 70mph gets me 13mpg and 60mph gets me 15.5 mpg. Dropping the speed is worth it sometimes.

[dcfox]

My buddy has a 5.9 Cummings Mega-Cab 4x4...and gets about 17mpg pulling his big ass trailer.

[ready2goriding]

That's better than my f-250 5.4 unloaded!

[stricker76]

My buddy has a 5.9 Cummings Mega-Cab 4x4...and gets about 17mpg pulling his big ass trailer.

If i'm pulling the enclosed with just the quads in it i get 17-19 depending on how i drive. Get the back of the truck loaded with steel wheels, 130 gallons of fuel, and the trailer filled with wheels and tires and it drops to 15-16 sticking to the speed limitish.

[dcfox]

Sounds about right.
I really want to switch to a diesel.
I'd love a Dodge Mega-Cab SWB 4x4(2006-2007 with the 5.9).
My dad has a 2004 SWB Crew Cab Duramax 4x4 and it's a beast...but I like the Dodge better.
A buddy has a SWB Crew Cab F-250 Powerstroke 4x4...and it's a beautiful truck.They look awesome with a small lift and some wide tires on big wheels.
However...they are still expensive(even used)...and it's really confusing as much as they switch motors in those...knowing which are good and which are crap.

[Atomic_Sportsman]

My poor duramaxiepad gets 22mpg unloaded and 17.5 mpg with 7,000 lbs in tow.

[dcfox]

Nice...more reason to switch to a diesel.

[Atomic_Sportsman]

It only got 18mpg unloaded when it was stock.

[dcfox]

That's about what I'm getting unloaded with my 4.7 gas.

[Atomic_Sportsman]

But I had 500 ft lbs of torque stock too.

[dcfox]

Touche'

[stricker76]

Yeah, i was surprised how much the tuner helped my mileage.......getting those leaky injectors out of there helped too. LOL

[Atomic_Sportsman]

Yeah, i was surprised how much the tuner helped my mileage.......getting those leaky injectors out of there helped too. LOL

You got that done? Any pics of the process?

[stricker76]

Nah, i'm not one for taking pictures. Had the laptop right next to me with that thread on duramaxforum on replacing injectors. Wasn't bad at all. I took my time and labeled everything and also did the egt and boost gauges at the same time and it took me about 12 hours.

[Atomic_Sportsman]

Total of 12 hours from start to finish? Where did you go for injectors?

["Bankrupt"]

The expedition got 18 or so loaded with a 14' trailer and both quads but it felt like the air intake was routed through a bendy drinking straw. It was just pretty much gutless pulling up hills and on starts and stops. Once you got up to 80-85 it did good until you hit a long or steep hill.

[stricker76]

Total of 12 hours from start to finish? Where did you go for injectors?

Yup, took about 4.5 hours for the passenger side and 5.5 for the driverside. Got the injectors from a buddy who is parts manager at a dealership near here. $2200 plus the core charges for everything ( injectors, seals & gaskets and gasket maker). I'd do them no problem now, not nearly as intimidated by them now. It's just alot of shit to take off and get out of the way. Not actually a hard job at all.