Mexican or American?

[SCREAMNEAGLE]

I have been told my truck was built in Mexico(nor do I care). When I picked up the truck, the window sticker said nothing about Mexico, and there is a sticker in the driver's door window that says it was built in Missouri. Which is it?

------------------
Lilly, Il. 2001 Quad HO Six speed. Yada Yada Yada.

 

[NormE]

Look at the VIN number. If the first digit is a 1 then it is made in the US, if it it a 3 then it is from Mexico. Also, the 11th digit will tell you what factory. See the following link for VIN number decoding.
http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/VIN_decode.htm


------------------
'01 2500 SLT 4x4 QC SB ETC 5-sp 241HD 3. 54 Anti-Spin Med. Bronze Camel/Tan

 

[Mark@TST Products]

It matters to me. When I ordered my 98 and 01 Ram, my Dodge dealer told me I could not specify the country of origin. I told my Dodge dealer that I would not accept a truck built outside the USA. I have children and grand children who must earn their living in the USA. I made it very clear to the dealer that I would not take delivery on a truck that was assembled outside of the USA. They told me I had no choice. I told them that I would not buy a truck that was manufactured in other than the USA. It is easy to tell by the window sticker where the truck is manufactured. The local dealer had 2 2001 HO trucks built for me in Mexico. I looked at both trucks and told them I would not take them. Hope he had a local Mexican that would take them. He finally came thru with a Fenton MO built truck for me.

It may not be a big deal to you, but the Mexican plant pays 5 dollars a day for labor, I've been there; yet they pass none of this thru to the US buyer. If you have kids or grand kids who must earn a living in THIS COUNTRY , don;t let them sell you a $5 dollar a day truck for a $30 dollar an hour labor rate.

 

[RobbyRam]

My '96 Ram gasser was built in Mexico. It ran perfect in every respect for 78K miles, when I sold it.
Our new home construction company has over 500 employees, and about 300 are Hispanic. They are the most meticulous and hard working employees we have, and they are always wanting to work overtime. Quite a few of them send money back to their families in Mexico or Columbia or ?
I inspect the work of the guys, and I'm very happy with their work. #ad
I want my truck to be made in Mexico!!


------------------
Y2K Black 3500 ISB 4x4, 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie,"EZ", LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,Rancho 9000's set at '1',Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner + other stuff.
Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!

 

[JConley]

Living this close to Mexico, It doesnt matter to me. Half of Mexico is already up here.

------------------
98 QC 2500 2WD 12 Valve Automatic, 3. 54 Mag-Hytec transmission pan. DTT Valve Body. Wrap around black Grill Guard (BIG solid steel one. AFC controller adjusted, Mopar mud flaps, Camper package, 2001 Tow mirrors, Cat ran away, No Muff
My Mustang
My Ram
The Wrecking Crew web site for Junkyard Wars
Go Aggies!!!

 

[WOWZY]

When I ordered my truck, the dealer told me that it would come from StLouis or Mexico. He also told me that the trucks from Mexico have by far the fewest quality concerns or defects than the ones that come from the US.

That kinda irritates me, that I was happier that my truck came from Santillo, Mexico than it coming from St. Louis. Kinda bitter sweet if you know what I mean.

I guess the dealer was right. I've had 0 problems, have had not one fastener come loose to cause a rattle or squeak of any kind. I have been irritated that my seat console is hard to open when I push the thumb latch in sometimes, but I know it's not Taco's fault.

 

[EricBu12]

I found a small paper under the frame area on the assembly stuff and it was in spanis so I guess mine was built in mexico and I bought my truck here in Utah,... . go figure


------------------
2001 QC 2500 4x4 bronze W/two tone Driftwood, 24valve HO 6sp. Westin side bars, fender flares, Spray on bedliner, shell Painted to match and soon to get Bf Goodrich AT Tires. Bed rug inside shell W/aux marine deep cycle batt for lights, etc. M Brolins' CB mount.
Name of rig is "big bronze Brute"

 

[Briar Hopper]

I'm with Mark on this one, it DOES make a difference to me also... I once had the misfortune of working for a factory that shut down and laid off over 500 employees, in order to move all the machinery to Mexico and start up production there.
Not to bash Dodge for this, but just about every manufacturer I can think of is guilty of doing this. They closed a profitable Rockwell International factory in my hometown, that built big rig transaxles, in order to ship it all to China. I know where the machinery went, because my friend is a top foreman at a well-respected Machinery Movers & Millwrights company, and he was sent to China to supervise the move. He watched Chinese laborers carry and manhandle machines weighing several tons up to a second story, on their backs...
No wonder we have and need unions in this country, big business cares little about us or anyone else in Thirld World countries.

------------------
Tom
Secretary of the Great Lakes Turbo Diesel Registry GLTDR B. A. D. Boys

 

[Waterpete]

I'm with Mark on this one!
It matters to me where my Ram was built.

Nafta sucks!

Lets take care of Mericans first(thats for Piers, private joke), thats american for the rest of us.

If everyone stands their ground they will all be built in the USA!

I feel strongly about it. Just an old veteran speaking.

 

[porky]

If we keep exporting our jobs and lowering our standards, wages and working conditions in this country so that "we" can be competitive in the world market, then someday soon we will become a third world country. Under GATT and NAFTA and other "world trade cartels," our jobs are rapidly goin' south. the industrial revolution was supposed to relieve man of his tedious labors by the use of machinery, so that a man could have more time with his family. What really happened was that the machines were so much more efficent and fast that man hours were drastically cut and massive layoffs were the result. Importing cheap labor, most of it illegal, from other countries, especially Mexico, has drastically reduced our wages in this country by the laws of supply and demand. An overabundance of cheap labor always looks attractive to employeers. Why should he pay you a decent wage when he can get two "wet backs" for the same rate. So they send some of their money back to Mexico--is that supposed to make us feel better when we're down at the unemployement office. I watched illegal workers rape and decimate the organized construction industry in California---and it's only going to get worse. Liberal Democratice Governor Gray Davis will open Calif's borders to Mexico soon, just to solidify his hispanic constituency and get a few more votes. I want AMERICAN citizens and their families to prosper from their efforts. Lets keep our jobs here so that our children can have a place to work and won't have to enter Mexico illegally and work for under the table cash with no benefits, like most of the hispanics do in Sacramento. My truck was made in the USA. SE Habla usted espanol hermano??? Better learn! Sam

------------------
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie SLT Quad cab named "QUADZILLA". 24 valve Cummins ISB Turbo Diesel. Fully Modified Automatic transmission. Dana 70 anti-spin 3. 54 rear end. All Factory options except leather interior. Towing and camper package. AIR LIFT SuperDuty 5000# rear air bags, Custom exhaust system. K&N air filter. Resonator removed. Boost and pyro gauges. Dodge molded mud flaps. Diamond brite chrome tool box. Full UHF-VHF-HF mobile transceivers with matching antennas. KF6GUW EXTRA CLASS LIC.
Diesel Dynamics Stage I injectors, Boost module and wastegate fitting !!!
Dunrite custom built 618LW 1800 RPM-stall converter and heavy duty performance built complete transmission. Redline synthetic ATF. Mag-Hytec #727 Transmission Pan.
2000 New Holland Boomer TC40D Tractor. 4 cyl diesel!


"I love the smell of diesel in the morning"

 

[Gohon]

You want to blame someone, take a good look at OSHA, EPA, and yes the UNIONS. The companies had a choice, get out of Dodge City or shut down with all the crap being put on them from the three above. Was my truck put together in Mexico, haven't checked but if it is a choice of a hard working Mexican that is cautious and wants his job at five dollars a hour or some crack head in St. Louis at thirty dollars a hour who doesn't even know which day of the week it is, guess which one I choose. As for the EPA and the likes, talk to your represenatives about them. As to the Unions, thats the problem of those who keep swallowing what they shovel out. Now I feel better, anyone wanna talk about their truck?

Originally posted by Briar Hopper:
I'm with Mark on this one, it DOES make a difference to me also... I once had the misfortune of working for a factory that shut down and laid off over 500 employees, in order to move all the machinery to Mexico and start up production there.
Not to bash Dodge for this, but just about every manufacturer I can think of is guilty of doing this. They closed a profitable Rockwell International factory in my hometown, that built big rig transaxles, in order to ship it all to China. I know where the machinery went, because my friend is a top foreman at a well-respected Machinery Movers & Millwrights company, and he was sent to China to supervise the move. He watched Chinese laborers carry and manhandle machines weighing several tons up to a second story, on their backs...
No wonder we have and need unions in this country, big business cares little about us or anyone else in Thirld World countries.

------------------
1999, 2500 QC 4X4, Driftwood,Auto, Stock, Cab High Shell, Tow Package, Camper Package.

 

[Briar Hopper]

Gohon, there are very, very few factories in this state that are union. The one I work at isn't. I've never worked for the union. However, I've beem victimized by bad management enough times to see why there are times we need the power of a union. Unfortunately, the unions are so big and corrupt they no longer benefit the common man...
I'm sure there are quite a few people working in St. Louis who take pride in their work and would take offense to your crackhead remark. The issue here to me isn't whether it's built better by Mexicans or Americans, the issue is the continual loss of jobs in the U. S. to other countries. Blaming the American worker for that is stupid. It's simply big business and government doing what they do best, putting the screws to us.
Yes, the EPA and other agencies may be to blame. Tell your congressman or senator, if enough people do, it may counter the effect the liberal tree-huggers are having.

 

[Gohon]

Briar, I’m not blaming the workers in St. Louis for the problems with Dodge trucks or the economy. My point is just because the truck is assembled in Mexico does not mean it is junk or the reason for lost jobs here in America. Let me give you an example, my ex son-in-law lives in Dryden Michigan and works for one of the big three. He fuels vehicles all day long at a plant and at $27 per hour. That’s right, $27 a hour just to pump gas, plus all the other benefits. If that’s not enough, for 60 days each year his plants shuts down to re-tool for the next years model and he continues to draw this pay while sitting at home. All of this thanks to the union he is in, so ask yourself why the plants are headed for Mexico and why the sticker price is so high on our trucks. Just this week a fellow was complaining about his mileage on this board. He could not figure out why his one ton dully 4x4 with a EZ, injectors, and 4:10 rear end was only getting 14 mpg at 80 mph down the road. He reads this thread and then he says aw-ha, my truck was made in Mexico, that’s the problem. Now I know this is not a political forum but with all the bad rap these trucks get with their transmission, steering, and so on, I don’t think we need to start blaming the Mexicans for problems we may think we have with our trucks. And if someone is foolish enough to think a truck that was assembled here in America was also produced here, they might as well start walking because there is no such animal.

------------------
1999, 2500 QC 4X4, Driftwood,Auto, Stock, Cab High Shell, Tow Package, Camper Package.

 

[Todd T]

the sad thing here and i'm sure Mr. Hopper can vouch for this, is that the Mexican plant is well known for quality and the lowest maintenance record, and the american run factories send their plant managers and maintenance supv's there to learn how to make things better at their own plants, back in the states

normally doing a 6mo. tour and staying in a little village next to the plant while there.

------------------
Todd,
2001 Q-cab SB 4x4 5spd 3. 55's, A pillar Boost/EGT,Jardines 4" turboback kit, and more to come...

 

[klenger]

IMO, it is in the best of interest of the US_of_A to encourage a strong economy in Mexico just as it is in our interest to have a strong economy in minority communities. Why is it that we don't have a problem with Canadians jumping the boarder to get here? I'd much rather send some of my money to Mexico that to Japan. Remember, Mexico is an (North) American country.

------------------
Ken Lenger
On Order - 2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate,
Replaces 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 which is for sale.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[Chad Sheets]

I got family that works for Chryco. They told me that the trucks that come from me-hico are a. j. squared away right down to the tires having el-perfecto tire pressure in them. He said the random quality audits they do have found the driveshafts loose in American trucks, lug nuts loose on American trucks, and said once they found a truck with 80 psi of air in one tire and 17 psi in another... all on the same truck! He said the next truck they audited was a Mexican truck and they couldnt find a defect. That pi$$ed them off and they looked even harder, and still didnt find a defect related to assembly.


I would like to have a truck made in America with Mexicos quality record in it. Sad, but true.


------------------
Always ready to help!
2000 2500 Red Sport quad cab, 4x4, K&N, DDI's, straight piped, boost, pyro and fuel pressure gages, Hot Power Edge, EZ box, race transmission, Barry Grant fuel system, mean looking set of 33. 5" tires, Snap On diamond tool box, Marine Corps window sticker, Semper Fi!

1972 340 Cuda'. Original tripple Black, 340 car w/air. Good clean car, super stock springs, Weld Prostars, shaker hood, strong 340 with a 727/4000 stahl, 4. 56... . Bombs away!
NRA Life Member
My Diesel Page

 

[David_VT]

As to the quality of my mexican born '99, I have no complaints. I knew nothing of the source of the truck when I bought it. It was available, I liked it, I bought it. Long after I bought it, using data from the TDR I was able to determine it was built south of the border. At first I was unhappy about this due to many of the issues above. What calmed me down was my learning of the consistent positive quality coming from that more state of the art factory.

I will not speak to the non-trivial political issues on this one. I see many above who seem far better prepared to engage in that debate.

 

[Archive]

My 99 was born in the USA. I like that. A few of the guys up here have Rams born down south. They are happy with that. Every once in a while, we debate this issue.

Bottom line is that, if given a choice, I will purchase locally. First my town, then my state, then my country.

The labor rate does not affect the bottom line to us... maybe to chrysler. If the labor rate affected us, I would have to research the quality issue some more.

I go to Mexico about every year for a week of vacation, and although I have not seen the chrysler plant, I have seen a lot. A person earning five dollars an hour does not necessarily mean he has pride in his work... nor does it mean a person here earning 50 dollars an hour does. Pride is something that comes from within. A quality rig could depend on many factors, such as wage of employee, attitude, drinking/etc factors, sleep, etc, etc. These factors can vary from day to day, plant to plant, and person to person.
JMHO.

 

[JohnnieWinona]

I have almost 60k on my Mexican assembled rig. It has never been in the shop for a problem, everything fits, no rattles, (paint is not so good, typical dodge), never had a machine like this. The last 2 trucks I had, both made in the US had problems from the time I drove them off the lot, one was bought back by the factory because of so many defects and problems, the other spent half its time in the shop, until I got fed up with 30k and sold it. All things the same I would go with US built, but I don't think that is the case.

 

[JohnnieWinona]

I have almost 60k on my Mexican assembled rig. It has never been in the shop for a problem, everything fits, no rattles, (paint is not so good, typical dodge), never had a machine like this. The last 2 trucks I had, both made in the US had problems from the time I drove them off the lot, one was bought back by the factory because of so many defects and problems, the other spent half its time in the shop, until I got fed up with 30k and sold it. All things the same I would go with US built, but I don't think that is the case.