Ordering a 1500 Diesel...

[MCummings]

When is the earliest you can order a 1500 Diesel?



I hope you don't have to get the "high end" Laramie just to get the Diesel. Personally, I would want a 5-speed automatic in a SLT trim. Of course, I would change the Torque Converter for a low stall converter as soon as one is available (for better mileage), because I know the factory converter will be loose as a goose.



Merrick

 

[WrenchRat]

I sorta doubt Chrysler will box themselves in by offering the diesel trucks only in high end trim.



I would think that a 'Work Truck' with a standard cab, std bed, lightweight 5spd auto and the V-6 CRD would be on the docket. This combo might be the ticket for max mileage, especially if a lightweight 5 or 6spd manual is offered. Many of us with manuals can 'milk' them for better mileage over an auto.



Pricing on a Work Truck would have to be competitive with other brands that offer work trucks with gas motors to fly. The math will have to work before companies shell out cash for the diesel. Gas motors work fine, so there will have to be a distinct advantage to market these things. Mileage, longevity?



Upgrades to a V-8 would be possible for those of us with a thing for power... ?



The Cummins plant (Plant 1) is going gangbusters with construction projects and hiring of folks-big time. Nice to see the parking lot fill up again. It was a sad day when they moved the most of the NT work to Jamestown.



Build rates of the 6. 7L at the Walesboro plant are waaaaaaay down. In fact, a little birdie tells me they are bringing in more 5. 9L commercial builds to fill the gap...



It will certainly be interesting to see how Chrysler markets these new products. Might well help make or break them.

 

[CumminsBu]

I just hope that the high price of fuel doesn't hurt the chance of the release of the Diesel in the 1/2 ton.

 

[hearingyourlies]

The most recent article in truck trend said the regular cab will only be offered in a long bed. So you can throw the idea of a hot rod, 2 door short bed truck out the window.

 

[AKaiser]

When is the earliest you can order a 1500 Diesel?

No sooner than the day after they announce when exactly they're going to bring them out. All anyone has said so far was "after 2009. " Well, "after 2009" is as open-ended as saying after Jesus was born. That goes on forever.

 

[SNiebaum]

IMO, I think they will be available as a mid-year release in 2009 and either badged as a 2009. 5 or 2010. Your best bet is perhaps one year from today. I believe the MY 2009 trucks will be available in late August of this year.

I don't think the price of fuel will kill these projects. Diesels are coming in a big way... . remember, the EPA has the new edict about your fleet averaging 35mpg by 2020... diesels should be part of that solution.

 

[MCummings]

That's good news. Thanks guys. I think I'm gonna get one for my wife... . I really am liking the idea of coils in the rear, I just hope they have coils in the front too. Please no torsions, please no torsions, please no torsions.



Merrick

 

[MMeier]

The most recent article in truck trend said the regular cab will only be offered in a long bed. So you can throw the idea of a hot rod, 2 door short bed truck out the window.

One word... . modify!!!!!!:-laf

 

[AABEN]

I thank torsion is a lot better than coils if you are using it as a work truck. It will have less rowe .

 

[MCummings]

I don't have much against torsions, other than, it's really hard to put airbags in a torsioned vehicle. A Vehicle with coils is nearly a drop in bolt on operation, so with coils in the rear, air bags should be able to be had for budget prices.



Merrick

 

[4570]

Personally,i would like to see a Dakota with a 4 banger diesel or a small 6. When some thing like that comes out ,i will sell my 2500 and my Explorer and buy one . Arnie

 

[FosterW]

A guy out here in C. T. has a 6BT in a Dakota. Hese on this forum too 6BTDakota I think...