Posted by Eric B. on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 9:51AM :
In Reply to: Re: 94 up 1 ton extended cab 4wd Cummins 7,300lbs posted by Todd Wilson on Monday, January 06, 2003 at 9:14PM :
Heck, I just drove 1,300 miles, let the truck idle all night for two nights and one full day(had to keep my passenger warm while I stripped trucks), and I burned about a half a quart of oil.
I drove most of the way using cruise in 5th gear, never dropping below 2,000 rpm.
I find my truck to be up to the task, though my buddies 93 does better, as his has 4:10 gears, if I had 4:10 gears, I could pull just as well if not better, and for my limited 4wd needs the "wimpy" new system works just fine.
I towed a panel with 4 flat tires out of the snow, frozen to the ground with my Ram, and though it took some effort, I got it out, and loaded on my trailer.
I agree that leaf springs are nice, and lockouts are stronger, etc, but I prefer the ride of my 97 to that of my buddies 93.
And I can almost tow as well as he can despite my 3:54s.
The plastic door handles do not bother me(they are strong enough), neither does the quieter cab, the larger back seat area, and the other upgraded features.
If I had had the money I would have bought a 2002 model, many other nice features, and as long as you dump it before you lose warrenty on the motor(injection pump) they are nice trucks.
On the other hand, I can not work on it myself, I leave that to those folks with more knowledge then me, I stick to fixing my old stuff, and leave all that mess of wires, etc to others.
Eric