Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) It's sold and I not sure i'm pleased

[Dick R]

Hay all I did it I sold my 98 5 speed cummins it had a few problems but not unrepairable by any means bought it new in 98 and was a fantasic truck I just hope the Hemi I replaced it with will gives close to the same reliabilty , I ordered out one with 392 gears it really goes and about 21 hwy mpg , I just can not afford 50 grand for a new truck it's not in my retired pocket book , I'm gone from the site enjoy your cummins they are the best , thanks for all the info and feed back . Dick R

 

[hsmith]

If you are getting 20+ from a hemi truck you must be going with the wind. I've not heard any one doing that good. Good luck. Don't load it, you will be really upset with the mileage.

 

[Dick R]

I live in sort of a rural area and reg driving has been around 14 to 15 mpg , the 21 mpg was on the interstate at 65 mph no idea what way the wind was blowing as far as pulling my 28 ft 5th wheel I'm looking or hoping for around 10 mpg at around 60 mph the mpg will be less than my cummins but than again I'm not paying a premium price for fuel as with diesel and cost should almost even out . I'm never in a rush anymore but if a Ford or GM pulls up along side of me I'm still competitive at the line even at my age of 72 .

 

[Bill Stockard]

I live in sort of a rural area and reg driving has been around 14 to 15 mpg , the 21 mpg was on the interstate at 65 mph no idea what way the wind was blowing as far as pulling my 28 ft 5th wheel I'm looking or hoping for around 10 mpg at around 60 mph the mpg will be less than my cummins but than again I'm not paying a premium price for fuel as with diesel and cost should almost even out . I'm never in a rush anymore but if a Ford or GM pulls up along side of me I'm still competitive at the line even at my age of 72 .

Your mileage figures are about what my brother is getting on his '12 Ram 2500 Hemi. He has recorded as high as 20 mpg driving on the Interstate at a constant 65 mph with the cruise control. He averages 14-16 around town and driving to, around on, and from the farms he operates. He occasionally tows a 24' goose-neck stock trailer loaded with cattle and the fuel mileage drops to 9-10 mpg. It easily maintains 65 mph with the cruise control on the hills loaded. He's pleased with performance, fuel mileage and cost, and the less required maintenance than the Ford F250 6. 4L he traded off for the Ram.



Bill

 

[mwilson]

Bill,



Is your Brother's 2500 Hemi a 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive???



Dick R,



How about your new one, is it 2 or 4 wheel drive??? Also is it a 2500??



Also put a big grin on my face reading that you will readily step up and compete with a GM or Ford at 72 years old.



Keep the faith, brother!!!



Mike.

 

[hsmith]

Me too. Not afraid to mash the go pedal either.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Bill,



Is your Brother's 2500 Hemi a 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive???



Mike.

Yes, it's a 4-wheel drive... a must have for an all weather farm truck. The previous Ford was also a 4x4. The lighter weight gasoline engine over the front axle makes it easier getting around in muddy fields and pastures which has been a welcome relief this year. He has received over 10" of rain since the first of the year and the wheat fields pastures are wet for a change.



Bill

 

[mwilson]

Thanks Bill,



I am watching the 2012 gasser performance and I have to be honest, if a 2012 Hemi 3/4 ton gasser can match the fuel mileage of my '06 diesel then I have to consider that maybe my next new truck will not be diesel powered.



Not ready to jump ship just yet, but it is interesting that the gassers are pulling decent fuel mileage now.



Mike.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Thanks Bill,



I am watching the 2012 gasser performance and I have to be honest, if a 2012 Hemi 3/4 ton gasser can match the fuel mileage of my '06 diesel then I have to consider that maybe my next new truck will not be diesel powered.



Not ready to jump ship just yet, but it is interesting that the gassers are pulling decent fuel mileage now.



Mike.

Mike,



The way diesels have been "burdened" with all the emission stuff, it makes one take a second look at gasoline power when not towing heavy frequently and/or long distance. For my brother's duty cycle, I convinced him that he didn't need another diesel, not even a Ram with a Cummins. He does a lot of slow speed driving, a little heavy towing for usually no more than 100 miles, and seldom runs long distances at highway speed which is what caused some of his problems with his Ford 6. 4L diesel.



He says the Hemi pulls the load very well if he lets it rev above 3500-rpm. Once he got used to the much higher engine operating speed, he claims it doesn't bother him... just turn the radio volume up a notch. As he says, "When towing my loaded gooseneck stock trailer, I punch the Cruse Control set button and let the engine and transmission do their thing and it will easily hold 65 mph".



Bill

 

[Dick R]

the truck I bought was a 1500 4x4 hemi 392 posi gears the darn thing is a rocket I clicked off the traction control out in the country no one around hammered it at an intersection it lost traction and shifted into second range before I got through the intersection smoking the rear tires , I'm doing this just once it's to hard on the new tires and I got some funny looks from the wife she complained of the rubber smell .

 

[Missouri Mule]

mwilson, the Dodge has the Hemi's doing the same thing Chevy/GMC has their v-8's doing. Knocking out Cylinders when they are not needed. My bil's (Chevy Man) truck will run on 4 cylinders going down the highway(with out a load). It has the capability to run on 8,6 or 4 cyllinders.

 

[mwilson]

I have to take the wife's '08 Town & Country into the dealer for yet another recall tomorrow.



While I am there I plan to check out two new trucks,



both are 2012 Ram 2500 4X4 Crew Cab Laramies.



One is Diesel, one is a Hemi.



Almost $10,000. 00 dollars difference in window sticker price.



Just thinking out loud here but is it worth the difference anymore to have the Diesel???



I may drive them both just for grins... ... .....



Mike.

 

[Bill Stockard]

I have to take the wife's '08 Town & Country into the dealer for yet another recall tomorrow.



While I am there I plan to check out two new trucks,



both are 2012 Ram 2500 4X4 Crew Cab Laramies.



One is Diesel, one is a Hemi.



Almost $10,000. 00 dollars difference in window sticker price.



Just thinking out loud here but is it worth the difference anymore to have the Diesel???



I may drive them both just for grins... ... .....



Mike.

Go head and drive both. I'd like to read your evaluation of each.



Bill

 

[NIsaacs]

I think you better let your wife take her own car in or you will be driving a new truck and no more car:-laf



Nick

 

[Bill Stockard]

mwilson, the Dodge has the Hemi's doing the same thing Chevy/GMC has their v-8's doing. Knocking out Cylinders when they are not needed. My bil's (Chevy Man) truck will run on 4 cylinders going down the highway(with out a load). It has the capability to run on 8,6 or 4 cyllinders.

My brother in law's 1/2 ton gasoline Chevy pickup has that feature, but it's still a "gas hog" according to him. However, some of it may be caused by where he drives and his driving style... mostly city driving and a lead foot. The right foot... the biggest factor for good fuel mileage.



Bill

 

[mwilson]

I think you better let your wife take her own car in or you will be driving a new truck and no more car:-laf



Nick

If I trade up and it has a passenger seat that she can sit in for more than 2 hours at a time I will have an ardent supporter.....

Her only complaint with the '06 is the seat... ... .



It is comparable to the Economy Seating in a United Airlines Boeing 757, ie padded cinderblocks stood on end... .



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

Go head and drive both. I'd like to read your evaluation of each.



Bill

I think that is a good idea, going to call the owner right now and make sure both trucks are there. I think the Diesel just arrived this week. The Hemi has been there for a month or better.



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

Yes, both trucks will be there tomorrow and I can have my way with them.



A couple of interesting points from my buddy... .



Only the 1/2 ton Hemi's have the Engine Management System (4, 6 or 8 cyl), the 3/4 ton Hemi's do not have it.



He is currently running a 3/4 ton Hemi as his Demo.

Getting 15-16 mpg on his short commute and about 10 mpg while plowing snow.



Window Sticker for Hemi below... .



Window Sticker for CTD below... ...



Mike.