Well I finally found several 4500/5500 on a lot today. As I totally suspected the entire design of frame has followed the 3500 chassis cab model. Just heavier. The model that I drove was a 5500 2 dr. 2wd. As I expected this truck is a brick. You feel absolutly every worm in the road. Don't dispare, once you put a bed of anykind on it it should tame the ride a little. THIS IS NOT A DAILY DRIVER, THIS IS NOT A PART TIME RVer dream truck. Unless you are towing a rig of any kind with over 16-18k GVW - do not buy this truck. A new 3500 will do you fine. For you drivers that are going to have over 4500 pin load this is the truck for you. If you are under 4000 do not buy this truck. This truck will beat your RV to pieces. Trust me now not after you have already ruined your 5er.

This truck has awsome brakes and springs, if you are towing much greater than what we pions are towing this is a truck for the 30-40k incrowd.

Remember one thing, this truck is the size of a 3500- it has heavier frame, etc. but is still the size of a pickup truck. Due to the mear size of a Ford 650 or Chevy 5500 (bigger body, etc) a large load will be handled by a larger truck better. I think a DC 5500 will handle the 30-40k but I think that 30-40k will still man handle you more than it will a Ford 650 size truck.

Just my thoughts. If I had a 37-42 foot widebody 5er I might consider one of the brutes.

The truck handled the 4.88s well but I would either swap the 225s for 245s (taller) or I would purchase the 4.44s...

 

Thanks for the write up !!!

 

Wow Mayfair, I noticed that they finally gave you 5 stars!

 

YEP !!!

I got em a month or so ago. I'm going for 6 now. I know there's no such thing as 6, but hey, if we can put a man on the moon anythings possible.

 

Nice work, I know it had to be difficult to test that rig out in the name of the forum... j/k

 

I may have to go test drive a few cars this weekend. Maybe go beat on aa ford and chevy, get the dealer thinking I am considering a trade and then down play everything about them to them and thank them for there time.

 

Tommy & Jimmy,

I don't understand your statements?

 

Go and drive a Ford 4500 or 5500 with no load on the back and it is just as bad of a ride. All of the shooters that I travel with went out and bought Fords 2 years ago and I have ridden in several of them that were empty.

You are right, these biggere trucks are only built to handle more weight. The engine and trannys are usually the same as the 3500 trucks.

 

I have driven 450-550s. What I said was not a complaint. The 5500 class vehicles are not fun vehicles. They will kill your kidneys. Just pointing out my observances. Even with custom beds these trucks are not going to be a lot of fun driving.