TowRig.com - Diesel Discussion and Tow Tech

Alright, Im 15, and my parents said I could get my first car/truck in JUNE. Just wondering what all you guys think I should get? I know for sure i CANT get a diesel, and i would like a ext. cab and a short bed. I also know im going to do some performance upgrades like exhaust, air delivery, etc... and also a 2-5 inch lift and 32 to 36 inch tires. So what should I get. What I WANT is a 1995- 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Ext. Cab. with a short bed in Black, Silver, White, or Red. So what should I get? :D

For lifting it I would go with a Dodge or Ford in that year range, the GM's are expensive to lift due to the IFS.

Ya, I was thinkin a Dodge. I would go with a F150 if I could find one for the right price. Thanks for your opinion!

For those year ranges I would recomend Ford as Dodges auto tranny has a high tendancy for failure in those years.

Alright, cool, I didnt know that. Thanks for the info. IM DESPERATE PEOPLE! TELL ME ALL YOUR OPINIONS!!! WHAT TO DO???

Man I remember my first vehicle, 1980 CJ-5 Jeep that was used for checking fence on the pastures. The top had more holes in it than a piece of swiss cheese. Thank goodness the heater worked good. Anyways, unless you have a part time job or mom and dad are paying for gas, a full size truck is going to use a lot of gas. Just somthing to think about with the price of fuel these days. I hated it when I was younger and gas money cut into beer money. :pimp:

yeah like rocknbronco said...I hope that you are good friends with a trans guy. Everyone I know who has had a 1/2 ton dodge put multiple trannies in them b4 120k miles. Other than that I like those trucks...but i think lifting one is dumb but you know what they say about opinions and buttholes...:doah:Oh and I would NEVER encourage anyone to buy a Ford

Man I remember my first vehicle, 1980 CJ-5 Jeep that was used for checking fence on the pastures. The top had more holes in it than a piece of swiss cheese. Thank goodness the heater worked good. Anyways, unless you have a part time job or mom and dad are paying for gas, a full size truck is going to use a lot of gas. Just somthing to think about with the price of fuel these days. I hated it when I was younger and gas money cut into beer money. :pimp:

Ya I do have a job.... Mowing in Summer, which brings me $100+ each week, plus scooping driveways in the winter. I am also trying to find a job right now in Highlands Ranch. Not alot of places hire until 16 or even 18. If any of you know where I can get a job, please tell me.

yeah like rocknbronco said...I hope that you are good friends with a trans guy. Everyone I know who has had a 1/2 ton dodge put multiple trannies in them b4 120k miles. Other than that I like those trucks...but i think lifting one is dumb but you know what they say about opinions and buttholes...:doah:Oh and I would NEVER encourage anyone to buy a Ford

Why do you think lifting one is dumb? And why would you never encourage anyone to buy a ford? Is it because your a chevy guy?

Everyone remembers there first money pit..lol well check his sig he is a Chevy guy.If you are towing lawn mowwers I would stay away from the lift as putting things in your bed will get harder than you remember from last summer slugging around over priced fuel cans.

there is no doubt that chevy will top all. if you can drive a stick shift find a dodge with a 5 speed and the dodges are not fords first of all which is a huge winner and second the dodges look better. so if you can find and drive a stick get one with the 5.9L and a 5 speed or the 5.2 is fine also still has plenty of power. those trucks already sit high anyways just stuff some big tires up in the wheel wells and some offset rims to look a little more aggressive and there ya go! ...... and my work truck was free... so like i said and brisk has said dont buy a ford.

I think most trucks in the year range you mentioned will probbably have 100,000 miles on them so if it had a transmission problem it was probbably already repaired. I am not sure why so many people claim the Dodge had a problem with their transmissions? I know several people with these trucks where the transmission lasted to at least 100,000 miles.
And when the transmission is rebuilt, the transmission builder can add heavy duty parts to it if you want to spend the extra cash.

I would look for a truck with the 5.9L V-8. I think most of the 5.9L engines were usually in the higher optioned trucks compared to the 5.2L, and many of these had factory towing packages with heavy duty cooling systems and higher output alternators. I think 2002 was when they changed the body style. The new style trucks are nice, but stay away from the 4.7L engine. The engine isn't really bad, it is just too small for that big a truck so it actually gets lower fuel mialage than the larger engines.

I think most trucks in the year range you mentioned will probbably have 100,000 miles on them so if it had a transmission problem it was probbably already repaired. I am not sure why so many people claim the Dodge had a problem with their transmissions? I know several people with these trucks where the transmission lasted to at least 100,000 miles.
And when the transmission is rebuilt, the transmission builder can add heavy duty parts to it if you want to spend the extra cash.

I would look for a truck with the 5.9L V-8. I think most of the 5.9L engines were usually in the higher optioned trucks compared to the 5.2L, and many of these had factory towing packages with heavy duty cooling systems and higher output alternators. I think 2002 was when they changed the body style. The new style trucks are nice, but stay away from the 4.7L engine. The engine isn't really bad, it is just too small for that big a truck so it actually gets lower fuel mialage than the larger engines.

You know, I was thinkin the same thing about the transmissions. If it had a tranny problem, hopefully it had already been replaced. Plus, my uncle lives on a farm and he has a 1995 Dodge Ram Diesel with a flatbed and it has 200,000 + on it and i dont think he has ever had a tranny problem. And you are right, 2002 was when the body style changed, but I dont have to worry about that because any dodge ram 1500 newer than 2002 is probably out of my price range. Remember, my price range goes up to about $12,000, not $20,000. waytogo waytogo waytogo

If you do decide to lift the truck, keep in mind that if you go way up on the tire size (ie. 35/36's) your truck will lose power turning those tires, so you may want to regear. You will be okay with a 31-32 inch tire maybe even 33's with out it becoming to much of a dog. I have only lifted jeeps and you have to regear to run 35's and have any power, but you could ask around and see what people are running with out regearing. Try here, chevytruckworld.com or just add dodge or ford in place of chevy.

If you do decide to lift the truck, keep in mind that if you go way up on the tire size (ie. 35/36's) your truck will lose power turning those tires, so you may want to regear. You will be okay with a 31-32 inch tire maybe even 33's with out it becoming to much of a dog. I have only lifted jeeps and you have to regear to run 35's and have any power, but you could ask around and see what people are running with out regearing. Try here, chevytruckworld.com or just add dodge or ford in place of chevy.

Thanks, that is a good point. I wasnt to sure on what lift and how big of tires i want to do :doah: because i also want to park in the garage.waytogo waytogo waytogo I got on dodge truck world and it was a pain! :mad: in order to do the forums, you have to be a member, so now im a member of that site to!;) I told them what my situation is and hope to get some replies soon. Thanks for tellin me about that site, hopefully it will help.waytogo waytogo waytogo

are you short?

are you short?

rotfl rotfl :doah:

are you short?

Im like 5' 6'' rotfl rotfl rotfl :pimp: :pimp:
ill put step bars on it waytogo waytogo waytogo

Lmao!!!!!!

you will need more than that:doah: my friend is 5'6" and has 38s he need an elevator your legs will reach the bars just becareful on rainly or ice and snowy days or the whole parking lot will laught.Get down to 31's or 33's they will do just fine for daily driving and light wheeling.

I went to dodgetruckworld.com and told them my situation in a new thread and got like 20 new posts within the first 2 or 3 hours. They said a 2 - 4 inch lift would be reasonable, and they also said tires no bigger than 35's or 36's. They also said that in my case, i might have to change the ring and pinion and the whole rear end to a 3:91 or a 4:10 gear ratio because the big tires will tear up on the rearend. They also said I would make up for power because i am going to probable try and do a 2 1/2 inch to 3 inch exhuast and a Cold Air Intake. Im now even thinking about putting a new cam in. waytogo waytogo waytogo

just remember dude the bigger the tire the less the mileage believe me especially in a V8 expect even with new gearing around 10 MPG and the exhaust and intake wont do too much maybe 5 HP but save up put in a cam and get a hypertech power programmer they are expensive but worth the money IMO.

Also you can runs Amsoil in the Diffs,Tranny,T Case and Engine and get some more mileage and longer intervals between changes.Dont forget those tires wont last all that long with daily driving and upgrade the brakes!!!

But if I get the Power Programmer, and I do a new rear end, I could probably get more power with the programmer anyway, right? And yes, it is a daily driver because I am a teenager, and I need to get from home to school and work, and etc. Wow all of these mods are really adding up:

Truck $6000 - $12000
Lift: Almost $1000
Rims + Tires: $1000 - $1500
Exhaust: $600
CAI: $300
Step Bars: $200
New Ring and Pinion or New Rear End: Atleast $1000 for parts and labor for 4wd
Power Programmer: $280
Also brakes and a cam:
WINNING THE GIRLS AND BEING SATISFIED WITH MY TRUCK=PRICELESS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo

Now I kinda see why some teenagers end up with Honda Civics! rotfl

yeah they cost my friend who can barely get into his truck has 20K in it and just turned 18 last weekend.Fuel and parts add up quickly and God forbid you have a major brakeage issue.

For one, basically throw out all the info you've read about bad Dodge autos. Automatics are a big wild card. You never know what you will get and everyone is different. Just because it's got 100K and hasn't had trans problems doesn't mean you are in the clear. Most fail AFTER 100K. Some do, some don't. It's all about LUCK.

As for lifts, tires, and all that stuff....
http://towrig.com/photos/data/511/48low_front_corner_shot.jpg
Here is my first vehicle/ back up for my Dodge. The problem with all this stuff is what it does to power and mileage. I have a built 406ci small block that is about 320HP, but my Dodge at stock power levels runs right with it accelerating. Not to mention it's basically an 8mpg rig in town and about 11 on the highway.

It costs a lot of money to lift something fairly high and to do it RIGHT with new shafts. Tires and wheels are a huge variable, and think you are a little on the cheap side. I spent over $2500 on my tires and wheels.

Brent/Zippy....I'm 6'4"...:stir:

Nice K5

I just looked at the dyno charts from Hypertech Power Programmer III for a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.9l engine and the horsepower gain is CRAZY!!!!!!!! :pimp: :pimp: :pimp: :pimp: :pimp: :pimp: :pimp: :pimp: :pimp: :pimp:

Factory Horsepower: 214 Factory Torque: 304

AFTER HYPERTECH POWER PROGRAMMER :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Horsepower : 223 @ 4000 RPM GAIN OF 9
Torque: 316 @ 3250

Remember, this dyno was done on stock gear ratio and stock tire size and height.

I will also be doing a exhaust and Cold Air Intake so that might come to and extra 10 - 20 Horsepower and 10 - 30 Torque. Depending on the cam that I want to do, It will bring another 10+ horsepower.

But if I get the Power Programmer, and I do a new rear end, I could probably get more power with the programmer anyway, right? And yes, it is a daily driver because I am a teenager, and I need to get from home to school and work, and etc. Wow all of these mods are really adding up:

Truck $6000 - $12000
Lift: Almost $1000
Rims + Tires: $1000 - $1500
Exhaust: $600
CAI: $300
Step Bars: $200
New Ring and Pinion for both axles (4wd): at least $1000 parts and labor
Power Programmer: $280
WINNING THE GIRLS AND BEING SATISFIED WITH MY TRUCK=PRICELESS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo

Now I kinda see why some teenagers end up with Honda Civics! rotfl

Fixed it for ya not to mention about another $1000 or so for labor on everything else. Believe me I have bought all of my vehicles with the best intentions of tricking them out but $ limitations and common sense prevailed.waytogo good luck though!!

Ithe horsepower gain is CRAZY!!!!!!!!

Factory Horsepower: 214 Factory Torque: 304

AFTER HYPERTECH POWER PROGRAMMER
Horsepower : 223 @ 4000 RPM GAIN OF 9
Torque: 316 @ 3250



rotfl My box added 120HP and 350ft lbs.:D I don't think I would even bother with a programmer on a gas engine. 400-500 clams for 9HP? I don't think so...:rolleyes:

IMHO, you need at least 10HP to actually SLIGHTLY get a better SOP feeling (seat of pants) in a car. In a heavy 3/4-1ton pickup or ANY lifted pickup with big tires, you need at least 15HP, more like 20HP to really get anything to register on the SOP meter.

A Cam is actually a decent idea, and could gain 20+HP or so, but at a very high effort to get it. You really need to know what you are doing, not to mention the amount of work to get the cam in. If the EFI system is a MAF (Mass airflow) system then it will likely adjust for the cam, but if it's a MAP system then you will need a custom prom, which is another few hundred. It's a lot of money and effort for 10-25HP.

This is the reason why diesel power is spreading like wild fire. It takes a ton of money and mechanical effort, along with effecting warranties, to make a stock gas engine gain 15% more power.

You are going to loose what feels like roughly a 30HP or so loss on average with a set of 35's. It will feel even worse if you have high gearing and go with a heavier tire. (A 35x10.50 A/T weighs a BUNCH less than my 35x16 Boggers).

So basically....you are going to loose what feels like about a 15% loss in power and are going to spend probably around $1500 in your planned engine mods to gain 12-15% back.

I don't think it would be worth it to me to spend $1500 for that gain back.

If it was me and I had to have a gas engine, I would either JUST do the exhaust (really, mainly for the sound and maybe a gain of 5-10HP), and that would basically be it.

Now if I really wanted more power I would just go all out, Whipple twin screw charger (another 100HP, now we are talking some decent power), some aluminum heads, and an appropriate cam. All of that would net roughly 150HP more, which would be like a 60% increase. Thats enough to make the 'ol Sop meter register in the red. But, there again, you are talking $5K+ along with all the work to install. Not counting trans work either.

There is only so much you can get out of a naturally aspirated engine that has the mechanical flow limits of stock hard parts (heads, cam, intake, EFI system, injectors, blah blah.) Forced induction is what is going to yeild best results, but at a high cost.

Very true it is easier and cheaper to get more power with a simple programer with a diesle but go back when you were that age and remember your first horsepower mod it made you feel gitty just installing it and then driving it you were like christmas in july.
I wont try to talk you down from building your truck just remember I have a long list of planed mods for our five vehicles and since starting my own shop money is tighter than before find what you can do by yourself,to save money,then pay a pro for the larger stuff like a lift,gears ect if you havent got the place or time and experince or help to do it cause it will save your butt in the long run.
You can do it just take your time and think about how it will affect your daily driving,other bills ect.

rotfl My box added 120HP and 350ft lbs.:D I don't think I would even bother with a programmer on a gas engine. 400-500 clams for 9HP? I don't think so...:rolleyes:

IMHO, you need at least 10HP to actually SLIGHTLY get a better SOP feeling (seat of pants) in a car. In a heavy 3/4-1ton pickup or ANY lifted pickup with big tires, you need at least 15HP, more like 20HP to really get anything to register on the SOP meter.

A Cam is actually a decent idea, and could gain 20+HP or so, but at a very high effort to get it. You really need to know what you are doing, not to mention the amount of work to get the cam in. If the EFI system is a MAF (Mass airflow) system then it will likely adjust for the cam, but if it's a MAP system then you will need a custom prom, which is another few hundred. It's a lot of money and effort for 10-25HP.

This is the reason why diesel power is spreading like wild fire. It takes a ton of money and mechanical effort, along with effecting warranties, to make a stock gas engine gain 15% more power.

You are going to loose what feels like roughly a 30HP or so loss on average with a set of 35's. It will feel even worse if you have high gearing and go with a heavier tire. (A 35x10.50 A/T weighs a BUNCH less than my 35x16 Boggers).

So basically....you are going to loose what feels like about a 15% loss in power and are going to spend probably around $1500 in your planned engine mods to gain 12-15% back.

I don't think it would be worth it to me to spend $1500 for that gain back.

If it was me and I had to have a gas engine, I would either JUST do the exhaust (really, mainly for the sound and maybe a gain of 5-10HP), and that would basically be it.

Now if I really wanted more power I would just go all out, Whipple twin screw charger (another 100HP, now we are talking some decent power), some aluminum heads, and an appropriate cam. All of that would net roughly 150HP more, which would be like a 60% increase. Thats enough to make the 'ol Sop meter register in the red. But, there again, you are talking $5K+ along with all the work to install. Not counting trans work either.

There is only so much you can get out of a naturally aspirated engine that has the mechanical flow limits of stock hard parts (heads, cam, intake, EFI system, injectors, blah blah.) Forced induction is what is going to yeild best results, but at a high cost.

Ya i know what your thinking. When I typed that message (the horsepower gain is crazy) i didnt realize that the torque was on the dyno chart, and i was looking at the torque, so i thought the programmer added almost 100+ hp. Sorry about that. I should probably edit that. I like your idea about the exhaust, that is one of the main reasons I would like to get an exhaust, for the noise. It would probably piss off my neighbors in the morning (coloradok5) when reving up to go to school. You do have a good point about spending a ton of money to get that power back. Remember, I like power though! You know, i would get a diesel but my parents dont want me to get one because it is to expensive. You also have another good point with the whole supercharger thing, and I would do that, but it is to expensive. My dad and I are not made of money. So what to do? I would really like to lift it and do bigger tires because im really into offroading. Im probably not going to be towing much so that doesnt matter. And to spend money on performance parts, or not. You about convinced me not to do anything but an exhuast and a cam. So what to do? everyone keep tellin me what to do, because you guys no from experience, im just a teenager on this site to figure what to do! Please tell me your opinion.

Number one do what makes you happy its your truck and it doesnt matter what we think since we are not paying for it.Living life and trying new things is the only way to find out what you like or dont like if you love off roading then lift it and go for the cam,exhaust and programer,gears ect just do it over time and shop around.

i will agree with him just do what makes you happy and what your finances can provide i remember my first truck was a 90 gmc suburban 2wd. i put a 3" lift on it first and was happy but started thinking well.....self.....you knowfabtech makes a long arm travel kit that is made to bolt on with everything else and so i bought it installed it enjoyed it for 8 months and drove my truck maybe 30 times in the eight months jumped about 8-10 ft. in the air off some railroad tracks landed great and then realized that the whole thing was a waste cuz i got 8 mPG and could barely drive the thing so i encourage you to build what you can and what you want and maybe sometime ill come up and help but just be happy with what you do!

Right now, Im thinkin about going with a 2000 or 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Ext. Cab with the Off Road Package. Then my plan was to squeeze the biggest tires I could under the wheel wells without doing a lift. Then do a few perforance mods like exhuast. Then over time, get a lift done. I will try and spread this out over time. Remember, i am 15, so i am a freshman, I will start my sophmore year with my truck, so I have almost 4 years to do all of this. I was thinkin, maybe I could do something special with my truck for my senior project (our school requires it). This one chick I know painted and did a turbo and a bunch of other things on her older Subaru Impreza for her Senior Project. Maybe I could do something like that if I get the money.

Did you think you would get this much info back on your post carguy? All really good info from what I have read. I was thinking about it, if you are getting a dodge 4x4, they sit pretty high already. If you go up to a 265/75/16 or a 275/70/16 tire with after market rims like the black steel wheels (rock crawler) since they are pretty inexpensive, I think you will be pretty satisfied until you get the money and a plan of attack to go to the next level. You could also consider a body lift to gain an inch or two. As far as exhaust goes, get an after market muffler welded in and it will sound good. waytogo

i agree with CB bolt in a 40 series flowmaster like 40 $ on ebay and they sound great and have midas weld it in for maybe $100. stick 285/75/16's on it they will fit maybe just a little rubbing i had that size on my tahoe with cranked torsion bars so you'll be fine and yeah dwn the road maybe do a lift. if you pread all of it out you'll never get board!

To tag onto to what Zippy said about spreading it out you will also be able to gain knowledge on how to do the work yourself and that will save you a bundle. Kind of like the senoir project you talked about.waytogo

By the way, this is kinda the look im going for:
http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/SL_00Dge_5.jpg or http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/Adam_01Ram.jpg

The first guy has a 5'' lift and 37 inch tires and the 2nd guy has a 3'' lift with 33 inch tires but this is what I kinda want mine to look like when it is done. waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo waytogo

thats great dude go for it and save up for senior project in a few years and you'll win and maybe ill help if you need it. so go forth and save and search.

The blue truck looks pretty nice

So I asked for the truck i wanted for christmas....didnt get it, got a laptop though, guess im still aiming for june!waytogo Man I cant wait.... do any of u guys remember the first day you got your first car??? :pimp:

Yeah I it was a 89 F150 with a V6:doah:and a 5 speed two wheel drive crashed it into a brick wall at 65 walked away or well ran really,trying to get to a co worker across the plant I worked security at,after the wreck it went five milesan hour faster top end...:confused:
Well a lap top couldnt be all that bad at least when you get a truck you can put it up as a wall paper and you can do all of your truck research online with it.I know at your age you eally want a truck but work on getting your grades right,if they are congrats,my parents held me back on my mine so keep tickets and acccidents down.My family had a heridiraty lead foot both sides:pimp: and I would have a DL once I hit college and not a hospital bill or hole in the ground.

Yeah I it was a 89 F150 with a V6:doah:and a 5 speed two wheel drive crashed it into a brick wall at 65 walked away or well ran really,trying to get to a co worker across the plant I worked security at,after the wreck it went five milesan hour faster top end...:confused:
Well a lap top couldnt be all that bad at least when you get a truck you can put it up as a wall paper and you can do all of your truck research online with it.I know at your age you eally want a truck but work on getting your grades right,if they are congrats,my parents held me back on my mine so keep tickets and acccidents down.My family had a heridiraty lead foot both sides:pimp: and I would have a DL once I hit college and not a hospital bill or hole in the ground.

Wow, you made alot of mistakes....you bought a Ford rotfl HAHA jk you got a V6, and a 2 wheel drive......and you crashed it...hmmm Do u have a shrink? JK . Ya, your right about grades, my parents want me to have all A's and B's and obviously a 3.0 GPA. This semester, i got a couple A's, a couple B's, a C in Algebra, dont know how the F*** that happened, i had an A, must have been finals, and an F in Spanish :doah: :doah: :doah: That was only because no one in my class learned anything and everyone had an F so my parents didnt care, AND my teacher got FIRED rotfl rotfl rotfl . I also have a lead foot problem, and I ONLY HAVE MY PERMIT. Got to be careful about that. A couple people I know have fuzz busters (radar and lazer detector) and they work very good. So i might get one of those because my parents will take away the truck if grades are bad or i get a ticket.

My first truck was a 1990 Dodge Ramcharger. That truck was in awesome shape, had 64k miles when I sold it in 2003. We used that money to buy our 2003 ram. I would love to find that old truck and swap in a 12v or somethin. That was a sweet truck.

Wow, you made alot of mistakes....you bought a Ford rotfl HAHA jk you got a V6, and a 2 wheel drive......and you crashed it...hmmm Do u have a shrink? JK . Ya, your right about grades, my parents want me to have all A's and B's and obviously a 3.0 GPA. This semester, i got a couple A's, a couple B's, a C in Algebra, dont know how the F*** that happened, i had an A, must have been finals, and an F in Spanish :doah: :doah: :doah: That was only because no one in my class learned anything and everyone had an F so my parents didnt care, AND my teacher got FIRED rotfl rotfl rotfl . I also have a lead foot problem, and I ONLY HAVE MY PERMIT. Got to be careful about that. A couple people I know have fuzz busters (radar and lazer detector) and they work very good. So i might get one of those because my parents will take away the truck if grades are bad or i get a ticket.

Not mistakes just learning steps.. :doah:

Ok, well im still searching for trucks on the internet. My parents are becoming more "easy" with this whole thing because i am maintaing a 3.65+ GPA. So ive been looking and i was talking to Justice about HotShotting and he said if I wanted to do it I would probably need a deisel (and a couple other things that dont have to do with this). Here is one diesel i was looking at that i really like:

The advantage is, is that it is the same size of the original truck i wanted: 2nd gen 3/4 ton extended cab with a short bed. The only prob is that it has 204,000 miles on it.


http://cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_12_%7CB-12000%7CD-_1292_%7CN-N%7CR-75%7CI-1%7CP-PRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-80129&aff=national&paId=133881557&recnum=42&leadExists=true
http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/179759/PC1998.jpg

hot shotting is a hard industry to start in my friend and you'll need a cdl and under 21 you'll only be able to stay in state. and buy the time you can get going in it you need another truck besides that one so keep that in mind.

You know, I was thinkin the same thing about the transmissions. If it had a tranny problem, hopefully it had already been replaced. Plus, my uncle lives on a farm and he has a 1995 Dodge Ram Diesel with a flatbed and it has 200,000 + on it and i dont think he has ever had a tranny problem. And you are right, 2002 was when the body style changed, but I dont have to worry about that because any dodge ram 1500 newer than 2002 is probably out of my price range. Remember, my price range goes up to about $12,000, not $20,000. waytogo waytogo waytogo


dodges are cheap. you could get an 03 for 12 grand. and go with the ford you'll be much happier. dodges flat out suck. i know this cuz ive owned two! the only thing good about a dodge is the cummins. and you dont get those in half tons

I don't think you want to go hotshotting just yet. I mean this in my own opinion completely, so thats that for anyone that thinks I am trying to tell another person what to do.


Traveling long distances is something that can be scary in some ways. You are all alone essentially, far away from home, far away from towns at times. Everything rides on your shoulders. A person needs life experience to help them through situations that one could occur.

I don't think you quite relize the amount of responsibility that you take on hauling product with a large rig on public roads. It takes experience to be able to handle all the situations that will occur, from law inforcement, insurances, load problems, navigation, mechanical difficulties, and mainly driving expertise.

A 16 year old doesn't have the driving experience right out of driver's training to handle driving long distances with trailers and large pickups. Most teenagers can't even handle keeping from smashing up their first car driving back and forth to school.

Not to mention, the professionality that goes with operating a commercial business like hauling for higher.

I just think you are far too young and far too unexperienced to handle hot shotting. I'm not saying you can't, but it's highly unlikely you could safely and successfully do it. Being out on the road and dealing with everything associated with that, along with a large rig and all the stress of hauling loads.....We have 25-50year old people that have worked for us that can't handle the responsibility.

I'd say consider the idea after college.

Oh yeah, once you come up with said diesel truck, do you have $20,000 ready to go for a trailer, insurance, equipment, and operating costs?


Regardless, go with a Dodge, you'll be much happier. Don't get a Ford, Fords suck and can't keep an engine together after 2002, the only good thing about a Ford is that you don't have to buy one since there are two other better manufacturers:stir: :popcorn:

Oh yeah, once you come up with said diesel truck, do you have $20,000 ready to go for a trailer, insurance, equipment, and operating costs?


Regardless, go with a Dodge, you'll be much happier. Don't get a Ford, Fords suck and can't keep an engine together after 2002, the only good thing about a Ford is that you don't have to buy one since there are two other better manufacturers:stir: :popcorn:
Yeah, you are right. But i would like a diesel anyway. Im kinda thinkin about ditchin the whole diesel idea anyway because of the cost and plus my parents dont think its right for a teenager to have a diesel, so IDK.

dodges are cheap. you could get an 03 for 12 grand. and go with the ford you'll be much happier. dodges flat out suck. i know this cuz ive owned two! the only thing good about a dodge is the cummins. and you dont get those in half tons

Dude, believe me, ive done enough searches for dodge pickups, and the whole "03 for 12g's" is a load of crap. The only way you will get an 03 for 12g is if it is a 2 door short bed with ALOT of miles or if it has been recked. Just trust me on that one.

I don't think you want to go hotshotting just yet. I mean this in my own opinion completely, so thats that for anyone that thinks I am trying to tell another person what to do.


Traveling long distances is something that can be scary in some ways. You are all alone essentially, far away from home, far away from towns at times. Everything rides on your shoulders. A person needs life experience to help them through situations that one could occur.

I don't think you quite relize the amount of responsibility that you take on hauling product with a large rig on public roads. It takes experience to be able to handle all the situations that will occur, from law inforcement, insurances, load problems, navigation, mechanical difficulties, and mainly driving expertise.

A 16 year old doesn't have the driving experience right out of driver's training to handle driving long distances with trailers and large pickups. Most teenagers can't even handle keeping from smashing up their first car driving back and forth to school.

Not to mention, the professionality that goes with operating a commercial business like hauling for higher.

I just think you are far too young and far too unexperienced to handle hot shotting. I'm not saying you can't, but it's highly unlikely you could safely and successfully do it. Being out on the road and dealing with everything associated with that, along with a large rig and all the stress of hauling loads.....We have 25-50year old people that have worked for us that can't handle the responsibility.

I'd say consider the idea after college.

You know what, everything you said is completely true. And guess what, my dad agrees with you 100%. He doesnt think that I would have enough experience to do that. I am going to live with my uncle on the farm during the summer for a couple weeks so i will get some experience there towing trailers and driving trucks. That will help me learn a little bit i guess. I will probably go with your deal and do it after college or something. :D

You know what, everything you said is completely true. And guess what, my dad agrees with you 100%. He doesnt think that I would have enough experience to do that. I am going to live with my uncle on the farm during the summer for a couple weeks so i will get some experience there towing trailers and driving trucks. That will help me learn a little bit i guess. I will probably go with your deal and do it after college or something. :D
You will learn more honestly working hard on a good farm than you would behind a desk with a teacher standing at the front of the room. I don't care what the "you need college half your life!" crowd says, you can gather more experience working hard being put into situations that you have to figure out solutions and understanding the way the world works working on a farm/ranch better than anything else IMHO. It seems too many people these days can't figure out how to deal with problems, and most importantly come up with a working solution. So many people just roll their problems to the next cubicle or put it off until Friday afternoon.

I know for sure, problems I have on the ranch, they are there Monday, and will be until solutions are made up.

Nothing wrong with school, but coming from a family of farmers, and knowing the people I do that are a bunch of goof offs, farm work is a mild version of the army in a lot of ways. You learn a lot of discipline and a lot of common sence.

Dude, believe me, ive done enough searches for dodge pickups, and the whole "03 for 12g's" is a load of crap. The only way you will get an 03 for 12g is if it is a 2 door short bed with ALOT of miles or if it has been recked. Just trust me on that one.

Yeah, most 3rd gens are 20K+ Yeck, even loaded clean 2nd gens like mine and others here on TRC are worth 20K+.

Ya, i know what you mean. I do come from a farm family in Kansas.

Yeah, most 3rd gens are 20K+ Yeck, even loaded clean 2nd gens like mine and others here on TRC are worth 20K+.


well then why is my 05 cummins worth 25k? and the 03 before now only 20k?? the last 02 half ton i looked at was 12,900. it was qc short bed hemi, with 39,000 miles. and ive seen many around that price. dodge just doesnt hold their value, and theres a reason.

Dude, believe me, ive done enough searches for dodge pickups, and the whole "03 for 12g's" is a load of crap. The only way you will get an 03 for 12g is if it is a 2 door short bed with ALOT of miles or if it has been recked. Just trust me on that one.


im just tryin to help ya. stay away from dodge gassers. their worthless.

well then why is my 05 cummins worth 25k? and the 03 before now only 20k?? the last 02 half ton i looked at was 12,900. it was qc short bed hemi, with 39,000 miles. and ive seen many around that price. dodge just doesnt hold their value, and theres a reason.

It's a hemi, add 4-5k for a cummins. It also depends on your area and demand, they go for a high price here. I got mine for a good deal, and plan on hanging onto it for a while.

alright, alright, i know your trying to help. I like the Dodges Body Style and engines and i have heard way too much crap about the Fords and Chevys

For a first truck it would be hard to beat a 96-99 chevy with the vortec 350.

For a first truck it would be hard to beat a 96-99 chevy with the vortec 350.

I actually thought about that. There are these people that live on the street behind me and a couple houses over. They wanted to sell me their 1996 Chevy with a 350 for $4500. My parents would not let me have it because it had 167,000 miles on it. It kinda sucked. Plus they are hard to lift.

as much as i hate to say it id say soemthin like a toyota or a nissan 4x4 would be a good first vehicle run forever from what ive seen and your not spending a arm and a leg on it, i dotn know what youd call me for saying tha because ive never owned anything but gm and mopar, maybe its just im gettin older and ive seen how long they run lol but the ones my freinds had would go pretty much anywhere they wanted them to and i think they only had 33" tires on them....... and thinkin about career so early young skywalker ;) buddy your got a few years before you have to worry about that, go work on the farm for the summer and do normal high school stuff man keep your grades up play football and chase some of those hotties at school cause in a few years after college if ya go your not gonna want to look back at a young life of work lol work is great and a important part of life im only 30 so im not too much older so im just lettin ya knwo the years fly by ya once your outta school and ya get fed up with playing the adult soon enough im sure most of the guys on here will agree if we had a chance to go back to high school again weed be droolin at the chance enjoy the years now while you can bro. cause like the old sayin goes if i only knew then what i know now lol i hope nobody thinks im tellin ya to go party your ass off cause im not....... you get to do that in college if ya keep your grades up hehehehe :)

I say get what you want but I would recomend a four wheel drive.

i agree with rockn get what ya want, the only reason i said get a ricer is from my experiances lol my first was a 81 blazer...fun but a piece of **** i spent more on repairs than i did on the initial purchase of the vehicle. i got the first thing i could possibly get and thats not the rite thing to do.... i figured out with that first vehicle its better to save and wait a lil longer for somethign realiable, just tryin to save ya some aggravation jeremy

I agree on the ricere thay are hard to beat maybe a FJ truck would be nice or a long wheel base Sami and my first Bronco was the same drove me into the poor house.

as much as i hate to say it id say soemthin like a toyota or a nissan 4x4 would be a good first vehicle run forever from what ive seen and your not spending a arm and a leg on it, i dotn know what youd call me for saying tha because ive never owned anything but gm and mopar, maybe its just im gettin older and ive seen how long they run lol but the ones my freinds had would go pretty much anywhere they wanted them to and i think they only had 33" tires on them....... and thinkin about career so early young skywalker ;) buddy your got a few years before you have to worry about that, go work on the farm for the summer and do normal high school stuff man keep your grades up play football and chase some of those hotties at school cause in a few years after college if ya go your not gonna want to look back at a young life of work lol work is great and a important part of life im only 30 so im not too much older so im just lettin ya knwo the years fly by ya once your outta school and ya get fed up with playing the adult soon enough im sure most of the guys on here will agree if we had a chance to go back to high school again weed be droolin at the chance enjoy the years now while you can bro. cause like the old sayin goes if i only knew then what i know now lol i hope nobody thinks im tellin ya to go party your ass off cause im not....... you get to do that in college if ya keep your grades up hehehehe :)

Man, im doin everything ur sayin from the grades to the football, everything. Ive got great grades. And i have to get a job, i have no choice. And im not gonna call u anything for sayin i should buy a toyota or a nissan but theres no way i would drive one. My mom wants either a Silverado, an H3, or a Toyota Tacoma, and im trying to get her to stick with the American Vehicles.

oh im not tellin ya not to get a job no way lol i had to have one too just dont be worrying about your career just yet bro. and they ricer thing...i have a 3 1/2 yr old boy and if he was turning 16 heed be gettin something realiable period. im with ya though i wont drive anything unless its american made or should i say have an american name on iit since pretty close to nothing is made here anymore. and when i was younger i didnt want anything wiht less than a v-8 i dotn knwo about the hemis but i had a 96 with a 360 in it and it was a pooch and not that great on gas at all. if your getting a gasser v-8 iwould go with GM on that for sure im a dodge guy but the gm gassers are hard to beat. anyway you sound like your on the rite path so no worries mate. i was just puttin my 2 cents in like i said tryin to save ya soem aggravation. just keep up the great school work and go to college dude itll keep ya outta the "real world" for that much longer i never went and boy i wish i had. chances are id still be doing what im doing now construction for our family buisness but theres alot ya miss out on if ya dont go. by the way what position do ya play?

Last year, I was on the starting D-line as a D-tackle, which is pretty good for only being 5'6'' and 160, which is also very good because I started in front of guys bigger than me. Now im about 5'7'' and 180 pounds. Weight protien makes u gain weight fast!!! This year I am goin to move over in the D-line to D-end. The only reason I start is because I am the fastest lineman with a 40 of 5.0 seconds. I am also one of the strongest. I do 120% of my bodyweight on Bench. And i max 360lbs on Squats and im goin for the school record my sophmore year, so im a pretty strong freshman so not alot of people mess with me cause im stronger than alot of people in our school. By the way, I am trying to get the best GPA i can so I can go to Denver University, which if you dont know, is a private school, and is one of the best business schools in the world, so ive got education covered.

rite on man, played dt and de as well as ot and og. i always thought end was fun. ya the whey protiein will bulk ya up. ive got soem of that now as well as soem other crap from gnc im tryin to get my ass back in shape lol

rite on man, played dt and de as well as ot and og. i always thought end was fun. ya the whey protiein will bulk ya up. ive got soem of that now as well as soem other crap from gnc im tryin to get my ass back in shape lol

Alright pretty cool. That stuff is expensive though.

yeah I had a buddy who was six six and three hundred and thirty pounds he loved all the items they sold at GNC nearly spent his whole check there one a month or more. I myself need to get back into working out heck I pay for a membership with my wife but for some reason we never make it I dsay she doent want to work out and tries to foul me out..rotfl I honeslty dont know its a lack of disapline on my behalf I should say....











But it is easier to blame others hey how did this get off the trucks so easily.

alright, alright, i know your trying to help. I like the Dodges Body Style and engines and i have heard way too much crap about the Fords and Chevys


i dont know what crap youve heard, but the f 150's with the 5.4 are great great trucks. i worked at a ford dealer and those trucks were averaging their first problems around 150,000 miles. so thats just from my experience there. ford makes a REALLY good truck. i dont think u should over look them. but hey its all prefrence i guess. and you know get what makes you happy. if its a dodge great, its the feeling of having a big 4x4 sitiin in your drive way. thats what makes me happy.

o to go back to high school. i know im not that old but i would of done alot of things different. o well! enjoy life man! have alot of fun, keep the grades up and go party in college!!

Im already partying! lol. Ya, thats true, I would really love to just have a big ass truck sitting in my driveway with a lift and big tires and a whole bunch of stuff done to it knowing that I am happy and I can do whatever I want whenever I want with my truck (especially during a snowstorm......which is very common in Colorado)

Hey, good news, only like 104 days until i get my first truck! I decided im going to do a countdown for myself. Can you blame me? It is my first truck! Man, I cant wait, I am so friggin excited!

Only 94 Days Left!!!

You will learn more honestly working hard on a good farm than you would behind a desk with a teacher standing at the front of the room. I don't care what the "you need college half your life!" crowd says, you can gather more experience working hard being put into situations that you have to figure out solutions and understanding the way the world works working on a farm/ranch better than anything else IMHO. It seems too many people these days can't figure out how to deal with problems, and most importantly come up with a working solution. So many people just roll their problems to the next cubicle or put it off until Friday afternoon.

I know for sure, problems I have on the ranch, they are there Monday, and will be until solutions are made up.

Nothing wrong with school, but coming from a family of farmers, and knowing the people I do that are a bunch of goof offs, farm work is a mild version of the army in a lot of ways. You learn a lot of discipline and a lot of common sence.

I agree 110% Hard work and hard knocks are worth alot more in life than a college degree IMO. Im not saying college is worthless...its just worthless for me.

I agree 110% Hard work and hard knocks are worth alot more in life than a college degree IMO. Im not saying college is worthless...its just worthless for me.

Ya but my parents expect very highly of me and expect me to go to Denver University for a Major in Business. Im going to the farm anyway over summer so I will learn some lessons while im there i guess. Only 93 days left!

I just took techinal classes, welding mostly. I got a sweet job...

I just took techinal classes, welding mostly. I got a sweet job...

You got lucky....rotfl
Plus, the average person coming out of DU makes $85,000 there first year.....does that tell u something?

thats pretty good but its not hard to do that w/o going to DU. and remember money cant buy you a job you love.

Ya but plenty of people love their jobs and make plenty of money? U like ur job? Im sure u wouldnt be doing it if u didnt like it....

thats pretty good but its not hard to do that w/o going to DU. and remember money cant buy you a job you love.

O and not alot of people make that amount of money their first year out of college. Some people have been doing their jobs for years and STILL dont make that much. And getting into DU isnt that easy!

So I decided this is what I would really want my truck to look like, except with a headache rack and a toolbox and cooler paint, etc.......o and no body lift.....
THE TRUCK:
http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/Jerry_99Ram7.jpg
1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Quad Cab; 7" Skyjacker suspension with 3" Performance Accessories body lift. 38x15.50 Parnelli Jones Dirt Grip tires on 15x10 MT Classic II wheels. Jerry Hudson, McGuire AFB, NJ

O and here is basically what my vision of my personal Chevy would be......damn that truck looks good! Check it out!

http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/RC_02GM6.jpg
2002 Chevy 2500HD with 6" RCD suspension lift, 315/75R/16 Wild Country TXR tires, 16x8 American Eagle wheels. Duane Fausset, Omaha, NE

If your parents want you to go to college than that should be your plan for sure. For some people, it's the only way to get a decent job. Not everyone grows up on a farm or ranch and has the opportunity to get into the family business like I have had.

As far as doing what you like for a living.... some people make good money, but hate their jobs, but stick it out because it pays 85K a year.

I for one could never sit in a stupid box all day long with other people in their boxes in one huge room all day long.

I may not make 85K a year, but I make enough to have a nice truck, a nice service truck , nice equipment, a roof, food, and I don't know how many friday and saturday summer evenings I've spent alone laying on my ATV out in the middle of the field watching the sunset, that is the part I love.

If your parents want you to go to college than that should be your plan for sure. For some people, it's the only way to get a decent job. Not everyone grows up on a farm or ranch and has the opportunity to get into the family business like I have had.

As far as doing what you like for a living.... some people make good money, but hate their jobs, but stick it out because it pays 85K a year.

I for one could never sit in a stupid box all day long with other people in their boxes in one huge room all day long.

I may not make 85K a year, but I make enough to have a nice truck, a nice service truck , nice equipment, a roof, food, and I don't know how many friday and saturday summer evenings I've spent alone laying on my ATV out in the middle of the field watching the sunset, that is the part I love.

Well atleast you do what you love, and you still get the things you love, thats the good thing.

I would stay away from the money trip and work on finding a job they you like and you can see yourself for doing for 40 odd years-no you wont have a job that long now due to lack of job security. I know I dont make the most on this board prob never will but I have found a great job been there for two months now and I have just gotten my first promotion this week so it not how much you make its what you like. I have a friend who makes twice as much as me a week but work 7 days and isnt happy with that he does or where he lives also my wife is scared sick,she is in the bed sick now due to stress,over losing her job now being a state worker she gets cherry benifits but the pay is low and that that goes to show you any job you get can get undone easily.

I plan on doing something a little like this pretty soon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQuc3tHOHnQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6imb2FM56E
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

72 days left guys!!!! waytogo waytogo waytogo

Need to get my grades back up though, kinda slipping :doah:

60 days

The final countdown?

The final countdown?

Yes sir