[miah1313]

Hello fellas, I finally signed up after visiting the site quite a bit. My current plow truck is dying ('88 GMC 2500). I'm tired of repairing something on it every other day and have decided to jump into the 21st century. I have been looking at the ram 1/2 and 3/4 tons and am trying to decide if it is the truck I really want. I only plow about 4 driveways now, but have had some more people want me to do their's as well, just don't trust my truck. Any suggestions as to what truck I should consider? The most accounts I will probably get will be about 10 or so. I have heard some stories about the rams tranny's not holding up, but my cousin also had a problem with his chevy. I like the chevy's they just cost so much. Thanks!

 

[sno commander]

how new of a truck are you looking for. I would get a 2500. They handle the plow much better. If you are looking at a diesel before 2003 i would suggest a stanard shift, or be willing to dump $3000+ in a bullet proof tranny. If your were looking at 2003 and newer the trannies are much better. i have had really good luck with my 2001 ram 2500 diesel 6 speed. I plow with it in the winter and pull trailers all summer and it takes everything i throw at it. good luck.

 

[RODHALL]

most all transmissions make it 150,000 miles. gas motors last 250,-300,000 miles, before needing major work. CTD you'll wear the body out before the motor stops.

if the most your only gong to be plowing is 10 driveways 1500 would be fine.

 

[miah1313]

gear ratio

The truck I"m looking at right now is a '06 dodge 1500 with no snow prep. It has the 373 gears. Would that work? I know I will need to beef up the front suspension and add a transmission cooler, etc. Thanks for the assistance.

 

[sno commander]

quad cab or regular, what motor 4.7 v8 or 5.7 hemi? either way you will be fine. those are good trucks. They seem to be very reliable, i don't think you would have any problems plowing a couple of driveways. did you look at new ones, you can get a lifetime warranty so you don't have to worry.good luck :salute:

 

[sno commander]

most all transmissions make it 150,000 miles. gas motors last 250,-300,000 miles, before needing major work. CTD you'll wear the body out before the motor stop

those #'s seem a little high for a gas motor, i think if you get to 200,000 youll be doing good,especially the 4.7 or hemi.

 

[kah68]

I hope you have more than just plowing in mind for the $ you're going to spend. If you go the new(er) route, wait to find the truck that matches your needs, don't buy something you have to 'beef up' makes no sense, especially since the economy is slow and there are tons of vehicles too choose from. If I were you I would fix my current ride, or find an older truck in great shape, and see how profitable plowing for money is before I spent the big $ for a new truck.

JMHO

 

[miah1313]

5.7 hemi

The truck I'm looking at has the hemi and is a quad cab to tote the family around. I also do some part time construction work and need a truck any ways. The dealership has it priced at $18,900 with 36,000 miles. KBB says it's worth $23,000. I'm really debating about getting it and not dumping another couple of grand into my old truck. Thanks for the help.

 

[RODHALL]

those #'s seem a little high for a gas motor, i think if you get to 200,000 youll be doing good,especially the 4.7 or hemi.

gas motors last 250,-300,000 miles before needing major work

most all transmissions make it 150,000 miles

is that clear now?

I don't think a 4.7L or hemi trans will last any longer then any other..... Just commenting on the gas motors