Looking for opinions-no right or wrong here!

[MJawsman]

You guys do realize the Power Wagon likely gets significantly worse fuel economy than the Cummins? It's lucky to get 14. Doesn't diesel now run about the same price as regular unleaded?



-Ryan

Well in my area (MN), Diesel is about the same or maybe . 10 cheaper than gas right now. HOWEVER, the price jumps about . 30-. 40/gal starting in October and running through April or May due to winterizing. If I got 14 MPG (even 12) in a Hemi vs. the 18 I get now (less in the winter), the mileage difference would not add up to the additional cost of fuel at least 6 months out of the year. I expect winterized Diesel to hit over $3. 00/gal in my area by Christmas unless things change economically. JMHO

 

[67guzzler]

Honestly, Get the power wagon. It will get 12 mpg, the low end torque will be, well, low BUT you'll have that 4. 56 rear to help your launches a bit. Life is about variety. I've owned more different types of vehicles than anyone I know. I've had a MINI Cooper S, 740iL, F250 Supercab Diesel, Two 12V Cummins, a PT Cruiser (0 problems -- well built), 2004. 5 QC SLT 48RE and this 2005 G56 -- ALL in the last 10 years! It's all about variety. Get the Power Wagon. It will kick your butt at the pump but it sure will be interesting to own.



The guy who dies having owned the most vehicles wins.



No offense but you're nutz if you've always dreamed of the ultimate offroad vehicle and this Power Wagon option is now staring you in the face and you don't snag it. It may turn out to be a big disappointment compared to the CTD. Big deal. Trade / Sell it in a few years on a 2009 CTD. Then 1) You'll know what the Power Wagon was all about and 2) Have a new found appreciation for the CTD. Conversely, you might LOVE IT and say the heck with that diesel crap (unlikely) and keep the Power Wagon for 30 years, then restore it and it will be on the front cover of the January 2035 issue off 4x4 offroad magazine. #ad

 

[MJawsman]

No offense but you're nutz if you've always dreamed of the ultimate offroad vehicle and this Power Wagon option is now staring you in the face and you don't snag it. It may turn out to be a big disappointment compared to the CTD. Big deal. Trade / Sell it in a few years on a 2009 CTD. Then 1) You'll know what the Power Wagon was all about and 2) Have a new found appreciation for the CTD. Conversely, you might LOVE IT and say the heck with that diesel crap (unlikely) and keep the Power Wagon for 30 years, then restore it and it will be on the front cover of the January 2035 issue off 4x4 offroad magazine. #ad

Dude! I like the way you think! :-laf

 

[67guzzler]

Me too. Now post some pics when you get the truck. Naturally you'll have to be an "Honorary Member" with those silly spark plugs, wires and naturally aspirated 8 cylinders. Be sure to get it with the fabulous G56 transmission too. Flame Red, Mineral Grey or Black. Not the silly white or silver. $3,000 rebate + approx $5,500 employee discount. Gotta have it.

 

[MJawsman]

Well unfortunately every dealer I have talked with says no build date on the 6-speed yet. So slush box it is! Kinda sucks too since it's $1200 I'd rather not spend. But Mineral Gray is the color of choice. If all goes well, I'll have it this weekend. Pics will certainly follow for all those interested.

 

[Hercules130]

i would love to have the 5 spd auto behind the hemi. i will save the 6 spd for diesels.

 

[TCDiesel]

Well unfortunately every dealer I have talked with says no build date on the 6-speed yet. So slush box it is! Kinda sucks too since it's $1200 I'd rather not spend. But Mineral Gray is the color of choice. If all goes well, I'll have it this weekend. Pics will certainly follow for all those interested.

This fuel crisis will end just like every other one did in the past. 1972 came and past ,Remember the gas lines in the early 80"s when you had to purchase a minimum amount here in MN. The oil cartel and refiners will get pressure from the worlds governments (after they make 100"s of billions of dollars) and fuel will drop in the future to around $1. 80 to $2. 00 a gallon. Jawsman you have CTD for years you will miss it. the 6. 1 may be available in a year or so. their will always be a another truck deal.

 

[2broke2smoke]

if you're bound and determined for offroad ability



wait for the FORD f350 Big Hoss



V-10 is 362/457 vs Hemi 345/375



has a fixed yoke NV271 instead of the junk slip yoke dodge uses



has 35 splined axles front and rear



comes with 35's



and manual hubs on the front end



not out yet but i've seen one ... don't ask

 

[Fred Swanson]

That FORD is a SVO project. I wouldn't bank on it making it to production exactly as advertised in the magazine. Cost would be much higher than the Dodge.

Get what you like, for what you plan to use it for. Sounds like a fun truck, too.

 

[kentkroeker]

MJawsman,



I can vouch for the Powerwagon. It's a lot of truck for the buck. I don't think it could be copied for less - meaning, to take a standard 2500 Hemi 4x4 and make it Powerwagon capable would cost a heap of cash. I've driven the heck out of the Powerwagon and love it. Best stock off road pickup I've ever experienced. It would be nice if it came with a CTD, but I've been told that the front axle won't hold up under the diesel's weight (when locked). Also, there's no room for the winch set up and the intercooler, so I don't think we'll ever see one with the CTD - sadly. The bad part about the Hemi is that it's weak and can't be breathed-upon enough to make big power and still hold up. Turbos and blowers make the Hemi's come apart. The good part is that they're poweful enough to get the job done and they're much, much lighter than a diesel, making them really perform well off road.



My philosophy is that we're only here for a short while and then we pass on. Better to go all out, have fun and smile as much as you can along the way. That Powerwagon really made me smile a lot. It will probably make you smile too.



Best Regards,



Kent Kroeker

 

[JCleary]

You guys do realize the Power Wagon likely gets significantly worse fuel economy than the Cummins? It's lucky to get 14. Doesn't diesel now run about the same price as regular unleaded?



-Ryan

All the gas stations around here have regular unleaded at $2. 69 to $2. 79.



Diesel around here is $3. 21 to $3. 39.



So, for us Californians, gas rigs are about the same as fuel cost per unit of distance travelled.

 

[MJawsman]

MJawsman,



I can vouch for the Powerwagon. It's a lot of truck for the buck. I don't think it could be copied for less - meaning, to take a standard 2500 Hemi 4x4 and make it Powerwagon capable would cost a heap of cash. I've driven the heck out of the Powerwagon and love it. Best stock off road pickup I've ever experienced. It would be nice if it came with a CTD, but I've been told that the front axle won't hold up under the diesel's weight (when locked). Also, there's no room for the winch set up and the intercooler, so I don't think we'll ever see one with the CTD - sadly. The bad part about the Hemi is that it's weak and can't be breathed-upon enough to make big power and still hold up. Turbos and blowers make the Hemi's come apart. The good part is that they're poweful enough to get the job done and they're much, much lighter than a diesel, making them really perform well off road.



My philosophy is that we're only here for a short while and then we pass on. Better to go all out, have fun and smile as much as you can along the way. That Powerwagon really made me smile a lot. It will probably make you smile too.



Best Regards,



Kent Kroeker

Kent,



Thanks for your unique knowledge of this vehicle. I pulled the trigger today and bought one. I'll pick it up Saturday. Suggestions on how to improve the Hemi without risking anything? The one I drove felt good, but lacked the "push you back" torque of the Cummins. Feel free to PM me if you would like to talk about this in more detail.



All who replied... you are the greatest bunch of people I have never met. I will continue to be a TDR member just to share in this great group! Many thanks to you all!



Mark

 

[67guzzler]

Congrats man! I'm happy for you. I think that different experiences are what life is all about. No worries even if it's not a CTD. Regarding the low end grunt -- That's gone. I don't think there is a mod you can do to that 5. 7 liter gasser that's ever going to get it to feel like a CTD. But it will be smoother, quieter and lighter. Enjoy!

 

[kentkroeker]

Congratulations! You're gonna love that truck!



Kent Kroeker

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

option: Keep the old truck and buy some POS and fix it up to wheel.

I agree. Keep what you have, and either buy somehing to build up the way you want or buy new ... . either way, keep the 01. FWIW

 

[Graphic man]

CONGRATS on the new ride!!!!! Oo. Oo.

let us know how you like it !!!



Scott