Father-in-law likely looking to trade out his ford for a dodge

[Cowboy Medic]

My father in law has had alot of bad luck with his ford 6. 0 1 ton dually and told me last night he is real interested in looking at the new dodges. He would be wanting a 1 ton dually quad cab with all the options. I have never really spent much time looking into them as I have been overall very happy with mine.



What are the issues with them, if any. When looking to buy anything he should avoid and anything he should definitely look for.



How does the automatic work for you guys. He has liked the auto in his ford and wants to know how it will compare to what dodge offers.



What about exhaust brakes for the new trucks, will he need to do anything in order to get one on with the automatic? I have always had a manual so I am not sure about how they work with the auto's.



He has alot of cattle and hauls stock trailers and flatbeds with his John deere 4055 on it, as well as a ton of other stuff so this truck will be getting worked hard.



What price range is he looking at. I stopped at the dealership today and they had one that was pretty bare bones and they were asking over $45,000 for it. I know when my folks ordered the one I have they wound up going through Dave Smith motors, are they still the best deal or are there others around to talk to.



Thanks for your help.



Jon

 

[robert4570]

Hello Jon,

Sounds like your father in law works his truck hard . I would recommend a manual transmision for the type of use the truck will get. The 3GEN trucks have turned quite well no major issues . There are reports of the dreaded vibe at highway speeds , some have indicated that this has been a u-joint failure. My dually is an 2wd 05' 6 speed no problems .

Good luck.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Try Albany Chrysler (MN). I've bought two trucks there. Great to deal with. Not a huge dealer, but they know their stuff.

1-800-392-3426

320-845-2801

Ask for Gary and if you think of it, tell him Jake sent ya. Gary'll shoot you a pretty good price right over the phone, no dinkin' around.



If your F. I. L. is used to driving a 5spd auto, he won't be happy with a 4spd. It's only one gear, but it does make a difference.



"Pretty bare bones" and asking over $45K??? Mine's an SLT, somewhat loaded and it listed for $42,910. I bought it for $35,400.

 

[GerryDrake]

Exhaust brakes

I haven't been watching that closely, but I don't think they are putting exhaust brakes on the autos as yet. Another reason for the manual...

 

[Cowboy Medic]

Thanks for the replies guys, keep them coming. He is looking to probably buy before the end of the year so if he winds up ordering one he wants to do it soon. If he finds the right deal before then he would go for it.



Just a 4 speed in the auto huh, I thought they were going to have something to match up to the fords and chevy's. I have to admit the tow/haul feature on his ford auto is actually pretty slick. I will have to ask him how important auto vs. manual is. My mother-in-law just had shoulder surgery a couple of months ago and I know she cannot shift a manual as of right now, but I don't think after that heals either would have a problem. I know his old jeep that he uses to check cattle that are up in the hills is a manual. Guess I will just have to see what he says.



Thanks!!!



Jon

 

[BHolm]

The auto isn't the liability some of the six speed guys would have you think I have three of them with the 4 sp auto and I think they are great. I previously owned two Chev trucks with the Allison 5 sp and prefer the Dodge auto. For '05 the Dodge gets a tow haul mode as well. It doesn't have as good of a grade braking feature so it isn't quite as effective as the others, but it isn't bad. My two work trucks, get WORKED, big loads daily. The auto works fine.



I also have not heard of the stock auto and an exhaust brake. I am pretty sure he would need to ad a trans controller with the brake to control the lock-up. Not a big deal but not as slick as the other brands.



As for prices, my loaded '05 srw QC long box stickered for $48k and we bought it for around $40k.

 

[Tim]

Regardless of reliability concerns, if he wants an exhaust brake he needs to get a manual.

 

[WOT]

From another post it looks like '06 autos are going to be approved for e-brake...

 

[robert4570]

From another post it looks like '06 autos are going to be approved for e-brake...

You're right just seen the order form for the Mega Cab posted by Tomeygun and it show the E-brake option for the auto.

Finally for the auto guys.

 

[Tomeygun]

You're right just seen the order form for the Mega Cab posted by Tomeygun and it show the E-brake option for the auto.

Finally for the auto guys.

Yep, Yep, and ECM programming to make the TC lockup when in use

woo-hoo!



Price is still unknown though