Corporate Stupidity

[WMcGuire]

After a week of searching the internet (dealers inventory) for a new truck to replace my wrecked one, I found that 2WD, 6 SPD, Cummins equipped trucks are as rare as frog hair, the lots are loaded with 4WD, Auto, Mega Cab Satellite radio 2006 models, guess which 2007 models will be built first and delivered to the dealers, Yup!!, 4WD Automatic Mega Cab fully loaded Hi End trucks, I wonder who makes these decisions at the corporate level?

 

[ohnoitsyu]

Oh, oh, oh... I can answer this one... The person who looks at sales history and knows what sells. They are building the most common setups. I forgot what the numbers were, but something like 80% of trucks sold with the CTD are 4x4 and SLT or higher. Sorry.



In 2005, I was at a dealer in Southern California that still had a new 2003 2wd model with the CTD/6spd. He was begging me to take it. It would have been so cheap to take off his hands.

 

[JARichard]

After a week of searching the internet (dealers inventory) for a new truck to replace my wrecked one, I found that 2WD, 6 SPD, Cummins equipped trucks are as rare as frog hair, the lots are loaded with 4WD, Auto, Mega Cab Satellite radio 2006 models, guess which 2007 models will be built first and delivered to the dealers, Yup!!, 4WD Automatic Mega Cab fully loaded Hi End trucks, I wonder who makes these decisions at the corporate level?

Call the 5 biggest dealers around you, the internet does not show 05 models.

I found a brand new 05 SLT 6 sped in JUNE. But it wasn't on the internet search.





HEll, Just call a dealer and ask them if they can search for a brand new 05.



Advantage to the 05.

better interior cloth than an 06

7/70 warranty

 

[ScottLewis]

When I shopped for my '06, I spent 6 hours at the dealer with the sales mgr. calling all over central CA in search of a 2WD equiped the way I wanted. They finally sold me a 4X4 by reducing the price dramatically, and compensating me the cost of raising my 5th wheel to the height of the new truck.



In trying to sell the old truck, the first question from almost all is "is it a 4X4". Most are just not interested in 2 wheel drives.



Dan

 

[klenger]

Try the dealers in souther AZ, Texas, NM, etc. I think they tend to order more 2WDs in sun country.

 

[RustyJC]

As Ken said, 2WDs are more common down here where they're popular with trailer towers. I've been pulling RVs with Ram duallies since 1996 and have never missed 4WD. Having said that, to get what I wanted, I ordered mine (see signature).



Rusty

 

[MFalkinham]

Try finding a 2wd in Wisconsin sometime. I couldn't, and ended up in Missouri to buy mine used.

 

[JasonCzerak]

...

In 2005, I was at a dealer in Southern California that still had a new 2003 2wd model with the CTD/6spd. He was begging me to take it. It would have been so cheap to take off his hands.

ya think that they would just use the 03 as a "dealership" work truck or something and just not sell it. Maybe a loaner truck.

 

[MAshley]

What are some advantages to a 2X4 truck, other then maybe cheaper to purchase and a little less weight, maybe 3-4 hundred lbs. Not mocking just curious.

 

[RustyJC]

Less to maintain and go wrong, better ride and handling, easier entry/exit, no "death wobble", no height problems with 5th wheels, lower initial cost, etc. , etc.....



Rusty

 

[klenger]

Actually, the 2WD has many more advantages than disadvantages.



4WD Advantages:

1) More traction

2) More resale value



2WD Advantages:

1) Cheaper to purchase

2) Lower weight = more useful load capacity

3) Lower profile (easier to hook up to a 5th wheel or gooseneck)

4) Easier to get in and out of

5) Better fuel economy

6) Fewer gear boxes to maintain

7) Better handling



The "cool factor" is personal preference. I personally thing the 2WD Dodge Rams look very cool. "Why do I have a 4WD", you ask? I debated over this choice long and hard and decided on the 4WD on the chance that I might someday move back to Colorado where 4WD is very useful. Now I wish I gotten the 2WD (and the Atlantic Blue instead of Deep Molten Red).

 

[MFalkinham]

Less to maintain and go wrong, better ride and handling, easier entry/exit, no "death wobble", no height problems with 5th wheels, lower initial cost, etc. , etc.....

Rusty

Agreed, especially with your first point. On my 4x4 F150 I had lots of auto hub & transfer case problems which were expensive. Now I don't worry about fixing any of that stuff. I'm keeping my truck for the next 30 years, so resale value isn't a concern for me.

My last 3 trucks were 4wd, and I hardly ever used it, and never actually NEEDED it. If I ever do get stuck and need a tow, I figure it will be much cheaper than repairing all of the U-joints, the ball joints, etc.

Other guys here absolutely need 4wd, which is why they make them both ways.

 

[JARichard]

Try Allen Samuels Dodge in Katy, TX 866-366-6727

They had 4 05's besides mine in june all 2wd. They also had done a custom truck with custom seats, injectors rims and tires.

 

[Nate]

They make 2wd CTD Rams? Hmmm.





Actually I newer realized they made 2wd Jeeps until I lived in Texas for a while and went to buy a Jeep. Had a hard time to find a 4wd!



You forgot to add to that list, that you have Low range with the 4wds. I was pulling my Jeep/trailer to the mountains a while back on dirt roads. In 2wd I was just spinning/hopping the rear axle and overheating my trans. I put it in 4 Lo and was able to crawl up the hills without any further problems.

 

[Foil Freak 1211]

I'm surprised that you guys with 2x4 trucks are that happy with them. In my experience, my CTD is worthless for traction when the roads get wet, or have even a little snow on them. Just me, but I'd never get a 2x4.



What is the disadvantage to ordering the truck you want? That way, you can get exactly what you want.

 

[Carlsummers]

I have had 1 4X4 in my lifetime, and it was nothing but a moneypit. Love my 2x4 CTD. Would never even consider 4x4 because I have absolutly no use for it. We don't seem to have a problem finding 2x4 CTD's in Florida.....

 

[EEdmondson]

I have had 1 4X4 in my lifetime, and it was nothing but a moneypit. Love my 2x4 CTD. Would never even consider 4x4 because I have absolutly no use for it. We don't seem to have a problem finding 2x4 CTD's in Florida.....

Don't you get stuck in the snow and get tired of putting on chains?

 

[JARichard]

I'm surprised that you guys with 2x4 trucks are that happy with them. In my experience, my CTD is worthless for traction when the roads get wet, or have even a little snow on them. Just me, but I'd never get a 2x4.



What is the disadvantage to ordering the truck you want? That way, you can get exactly what you want.

I would not own a 2wd without the 6 speed. I can get out with low gear.



The only time I will relly miss my 4 wheel drive is when it floods BUT i was stupid for being on the roads at those times anyway!

 

[PSchwering]

I'm surprised that you guys with 2x4 trucks are that happy with them. In my experience, my CTD is worthless for traction when the roads get wet, or have even a little snow on them. Just me, but I'd never get a 2x4.

Does anybody have any idea's? My Brother & I have nearly identical trucks. His is 4x4, mine is 2wd. His is the next thing to useless in 2wd in the snow, where as mine does farly well, but not as good as he does in 4x4. Also, we have Identical Tires, bought at the Same time, with nearly the same mileage on them. Could it be because he has to push his front drivetrain? That is the only difference I can come up with... P.

 

[JasonCzerak]

Does anybody have any idea's? My Brother & I have nearly identical trucks. His is 4x4, mine is 2wd. His is the next thing to useless in 2wd in the snow, where as mine does farly well, but not as good as he does in 4x4. Also, we have Identical Tires, bought at the Same time, with nearly the same mileage on them. Could it be because he has to push his front drivetrain? That is the only difference I can come up with... P.

That sounds about right with the 4x4 in 2wd.



These 4x4 trucks are useless in rain even, unless you shift in and out of 4x4 when turning a corner. Even in 4x4 in some snow I find the truck to be rather pathetic next to my jeep.