What would be the ultimate pickup?

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rbattelle

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After reading through the latest issue of Motor Trend, I got to thinking about what the "ultimate" pickup would be. I mean, what would really make every pickup truck person in the country RUN to the nearest dealer? I started making a mental list of the components I'd have on this truck, and thought I'd post it here to get others' opinions.



How about this:

-Cummins ISX (although they'd probably have to come out with one rated to more than 2000 RPM).

-Spicer 7-speed manual transmission

-TANDEM Dana-80 (equivalent) rear axles with an option for 6-wheel drive.

-Gear-drive transfer case (Atlas II?).



I think there's been a big calling out there lately for a tandem-axle arrangement in a light pickup, as evidenced by Motor Trend's choice for the top reader-submitted "dream truck".



The trick would be putting something this massive together and keeping the GVWR and GCWR within the limits for a "normal" (class A?) driver license.
 
Before you define the "ultimate" pickup, you hafta define it's "ultimate" purpose and use!



For towing service, and in a Cummins powered truck, a true crewcab with an 8. 3 Cummins, matched to a 6-speed manual transmission and LS differential designed for the power - along with the frame and associated parts - and dual rear wheels/axle that are narrowed so as to be somewhat less prominent and intrusive than the "normal" dualies are - toss in some air-suspension to the chassis - and to the seats, along with some improved luxury trimming - and there ya go... .



NOW, someone wanting one more for light chores, OCCASIONAL towing, and lotsa metropolitan commuting would have a LOT different set of priorities...
 
That is just it

The ultimate pickup is one you can spec yourself from what is out there not just what the factory will give you.

If I could buy a pickup the same way you buy a Peterbilt that is what I'd do.

What Gary said but 4x4 too.
 
What is the ultimate vehicle is truely in the eye of the beholder.....



For me? it's a truck made of real metal, one I don't have to worry about tearing up by using it. I grew up with an old '72 chevy pickup that was a farm truck, my grandfather bought it new the year I was born, it was used to haul hay, firewood, cattle, etc. for the first 20 years of it's life. I remember stacking enough hay on the truck where the bumper was barely off the ground, and throwing/piling wood the same way. Today, the truck has very few dents in it, now that's a truck.



As for power? There is never enough, and the more gears the better. How about a true 6x6 truck, not a dually. A crew cab is a must, with it designed to haul 6 basketball players.....



Other niceties to me? Onboard air, a bed with builtin storage for tools, e-lockers front and back, good solid brakes (something my truck needs)



Here's a novel idea... . room to work on the engine?



Just my . 02 worth, and thoughts on my next truck that I will build, versus buying another cookie cutter mobile.



Morph.
 
Someday when mine is paid for, I would like to have it stretched into a crewcab. At the same time I would like to "freshen" it up so that it feels like a new pickup again. It would probably be cheaper than a new one and would then be my idea of a perfect truck.
 
According to the boss, it better be the one I've got, cause I'm not getting another one for a looooooong time. ;)
 
Thanks, just changed it the other night. Thought about saying "1/4 mile ahead of you" but there's always somebody quicker. ;)
 
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