I have a 97' 1/2 ton Dodge ram with a 318, auto trans and 3.55 rear.
I am towing a vette and have had no problems. Just add a big trans cooler,
heat is what kills them.
Jason "RX7 KLR" Isley
jason.isley@alltel.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Mari L Clements [mailto:mrndr2@juno.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2000 7:44 AM
To: autox@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Inexpensive Tow Vehicles
> Dodges would probably do OK, and the Dakota is an interesting size,
> but their automatic transmissions are not known for longevity.
O.K. Is *anybody* surprised that I'm replying to this? ( :
We have a '96 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel (i.e., the 3/4 ton, not the
dually) with an extended cab and long bed. I love this truck.
We bought it with 162K miles in December, have put 8K (mostly towing)
miles on it since, and the auto is holding up just fine (and the original
owner used the truck to haul livestock in a 5th wheel). I didn't want
the auto because it is the weak link in that drivetrain (but then, with
the Cummins engine and the Danas in front and rear, it'd pretty much have
to be an Allison NOT to be the weak link, no?). And because your torque
drops all the way down to 420 with the auto ('course you have 420 from
1200 to 2600 RPM--before that, you only have 300 and from 2600 to 3200
redline you only have 350).
Some things I was surprised about. It does not drive as big as it is.
I've pulled several 3-point turns in downtown State College (tiny for
those of you who've never been to Penn State country) with no problem.
It parallel parks beautifully. The sound insulation allows us to notice
that the factory Infinity speakers are really pretty good. 20 mpg towing
(o.k., that wasn't REALLY a surprise--it was wished for...) Back seat
big enough and comfortable enough for me to sleep on all stretched out
(and Eric with bent knees).
Some things I'm really happy about. It's major league stable. Wind,
rain, water--no problems. Eric went under an overpass and was suprised
by 8 inches of standing water. I (reading as usual) didn't even feel a
thing. Anyone who passes us just likes to drive faster than we do,
because we've never once pushed the power of that truck. (O.K., maybe
that one time...)
And...it's pretty. ( :
mlc
'91 MR2 NA
-----anything after this, I didn't write, and don't necessarily agree
with----
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