Small Pickups

[aaron jongbloedt]

IMHO, don't bother w/ the small pickups unless you get a 4cyl.  Most v6
small trucks get like only 1~2mpg more than a full size v8...so why
bother?
 
I got a '95 Dodge 1/2 ton that is mostly used for towing cars....no real
complaints, only failure I have had has been and axle shaft bearing, and
heater core.  I wouldn't get anything that uses throttle body injection. 
Once every manufacture went from TBI to MPI mileage went up by apx 2mpg,
hp & tq went up by 20 & 40 respectively.
 
I am VERY interested in the Ford Eco boost.  3.5l twin turbo.  people are
actually getting the claimed 21mpg hwy!  a ford approved cat back exhaust
gets another 40hp & tq, plus a bit of mileage bump.  towing though,
because one is always in boost is no better than a v8 n/a gasser.  I
really wonder how one of these will hold up to 100,000 miles of
towing....being under boost puts lots of extra strain on turbos,
bearings, and rods.
 
Dodge is about to release a 3.5l diesel turbo 1/2 ton capable of towing
10,000lbs, that sound interesting.
  

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: "Scruggs Family"
  To: quattro at audifans.com
  Subject: Small Pickups
  Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:31:05 -0400


  I have a '98 Ford Ranger XLT with 173k miles on it that I bought used
  in '00
  at 24k.. It was my commuter for about 8 years and has spent a
  lifetime on
  the D.C. Beltway. With Bilsteins and low profile Kumhos I could
  surprise
  much more expensive hardware on the off ramps. The automatic is a
  touch
  sluggish to downshift and the 4.0 V6 is willing but thirsty. The
  serpentine
  accessory belt takes about 30 sec to change but if your alternator
  should
  seize then it will destroy the belt, stop the water pump and your
  engine may
  overheat, warp the heads and blow the head gaskets. There is no need
  to
  speculate how I know this. I've used synthetics this entire time and
  it
  uses no oil between changes.

  It has not had a pampered life. I know that it will repeatedly carry
  2000lb
  of paving stones and the speed limiter kicks in at about 105mph. It's
  about
  as sophisticated as a clothespin and about as reliable. It has not
  been
  trouble free but troubleshooting has been easy and parts are
  relatively
  cheap and junkyards have an adequate supply of them. There are user
  groups
  out there that are quite willing to help with any problem or
  modification.
  Now days my truck is semi-retired and used only for trips to the dump
  and
  Home Depot and for emergency backup. Knowing what I know I would do
  it
  again. YMMV.

  Regards,
  Gross Scruggs
  Annapolis, MD


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..Aaron "youngblood" Jongbloedt

-Verus Corporation Systems Engineer
--Carpe Diem
http://junglemotorsports.blogspot.com
Tis better to wear out than it is to rust out.