Dodge to run a Benz Diesel in 08

[klenger]

So, answer me this. When Ford does start putting the Cummins in their trucks next year, are they going to come to my house and remove the CTD engine from my truck? If not, then should I care what Dodge does next year, or 10 years from now?

 

[Wayne M.]

I'm sorry, but you're wrong. Freightliner, Western Star and Sterling all offer Cat C7 through C15 engines (depending on model of truck). Also, Cummins ISB and ISC are optional on some models.

How could I be wrong? I guess I was given wrong info by a manufacturer



Are you a dealer? My outfit just bought a dozen Sterling mediums (don't know model) and had no other choice but to get MB900's- I would have prefered a C 8. 3 in it's place.



If I were a fleet buyer I would believe the company webstie before I believe you- unless you have proof.

 

[Wayne M.]

For the record, Freightliner trucks, Sterling trucks, Western Star trucks, Thomas Built Buses are all owned under Freightliner LLC whose parent company is Daimler-Chrysler.

You forgot one other DCX "group", Orion bus- http://www.orionbus.com/orion





I think "vertical intergration" has more meaning than what you might think. With the advent of the present and next Heavy duty emmission tiers, powertrains have become so complicated with exhaust aftertreatment and added cooling concerns that OEM's have no choice but to narrow down the options. Assembly lines would be too complicated.

 

[Wayne M.]

I'm with klenger on this one. I can see that he intends to hold onto his truck for a long while, as I plan to also. I am happy I bought when I did because I got a 5600 transmission. I'm not saying the G56 (newer one) is a bad unit. I have had an eye on that particular powertrain since it came out, too bad I couldn't have Dana axles too.



I jumped in here just to apply what I've been learning about medium and heavy trucks to our babies. I've been reading "Diesel Progress" and other trade pub's and I have a feeling that a company like Cummins will be hurt (though they made a smart move by partnering up with Mercruiser). Just about all major truck makers have linked up with an engine manufactrer to build a complete truck with little options- kinda like Mack has been doing.

I know Cummins is commited to Dodge (or the other way around), but only for a time ('till '07?) after that- who knows? the business scheme and DCX pattern I laid out a couple pages back might prevail- or DCX will be smart. I hope to still be alive and rowing gears in my '04 then!

 

[MCrossley]

hahahaha

Well folks, I have to ask what the fuss is all about?? Having worked on and owned Benz diesels and medium duty diesels... these are GREAT engines. How many folks here are complaining about the lift pump and all the variuos problems with the Cummins and injections systems. There isn't a day goes by that I read more and more crap about the 24V problems. You don't find that with the folks with the sprinters... and darn that engine is quiet and powerful. Not to mention the Transmission has had fewer problems than the dodge transmission that you have to build up to make it work properly.



Obviously you have never looked at a frieghtliner or Dodge dealership that works on sprinters have you... . Got bad news for you those sprinters have more engine problems than you can shake a stick at...

 

[SThorud]

How could I be wrong? I guess I was given wrong info by a manufacturer



Are you a dealer? My outfit just bought a dozen Sterling mediums (don't know model) and had no other choice but to get MB900's- I would have prefered a C 8. 3 in it's place.



If I were a fleet buyer I would believe the company webstie before I believe you- unless you have proof.

I don't know what your dealer told you, but you had the option to get a CAT C7 or a Cummins ISC. However, about 90% of the Acterra's (medium duty Sterling model) are purchased with the MBE900. If you don't believe me, please look at this.



http://www.sterlingtrucks.com/P.asp?Loc=Trucks&Application=Dump&Line=Acterra&Area=Specs

You forgot one other DCX "group", Orion bus- http://www.orionbus.com/orion



I think "vertical intergration" has more meaning than what you might think. With the advent of the present and next Heavy duty emmission tiers, powertrains have become so complicated with exhaust aftertreatment and added cooling concerns that OEM's have no choice but to narrow down the options. Assembly lines would be too complicated.

I didn't forget about Orion because I had no intention to mention them. They are under DCX and have nothing to do with Freightliner LLC. I was simply refering to the companies held under Freightliner LLC, which if we want to start being nit-picky, also includes Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp, Unimog and Selec-Trucks.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Blatently stolen from Sterling link above:



Engines:

Caterpillar C-7: 190-330 hp

Mercedes-BenzMBE 900: 190-300 hp

Cummins ISC:225-350 hp*



Manual Transmissions:

Eaton Fuller: 5-11 Spd

Mercedes-Benz:MBT Synchronized 6 Spd



Automatic Transmissions:

Eaton Fuller 6 Spd, 10 Spd Autoshift

Allison 1000, 2000, 2400, 3000, 3200, 3500 MD



I'll bet someone could make one fit under my truck... please???

 

[SThorud]

Shouldn't be a problem. You'd probably want to find a FSO-6406A, which is an Eaton Fuller 6-spd w/ overdrive. They weigh about the same as the NV5600, but they are about 150mm shorter so mounting and drive-line length will need to be modified.



The only problem is the gearing is only slightly taller in the Eaton than the G-56. . 078 to . 079, respectively.

 

[hammersley]

If you think CAT"S are $$$$$ to fix -

check out the cost of repairing a MB!!!! They don't make them for Joe sixpack to afford the repairs... ...



Also here's a Brand New MB Diesel... ...



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merc...029272123QQcategoryZ33615QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[BMH95]

Just to help add to the confusion, I have seen 2 Freightliner, OTR, trucks with "Powered by Mercedes Benz" on the fender.

 

[CHolman]

Well no matter what happens, it's out of our hands, so why fuss and fight????

 

[MLevenson]

Not fuss or fight just topic for discussion

 

[Agandy]

MB quality?

I am going to think twice before I buy a MB product.

Do you remember that MB diesel truck in Raiders of the Lost Arc? Indiana Jones broke that cheap hood ornament right off when he was climbing onto the hood!

 

[jwilliams3]

I am going to think twice before I buy a MB product.

Do you remember that MB diesel truck in Raiders of the Lost Arc? Indiana Jones broke that cheap hood ornament right off when he was climbing onto the hood!

Thats got to be one of the funniest things I have read all year. :-laf

 

[Cattletrkr]

Do you remember that MB diesel truck in Raiders of the Lost Arc...

I'd be willing to bet the thing blew up too. Haven't seen it for a few years. It's a pretty safe bet though.

 

[SCosgriff]

Bottom line is that I bought a cummins engine and the dodge (need to fix everything first) truck came with it.