Well, I've owned my 1998 4 X 4, 360, auto since day one. I bought it new. I dated 3 ladies in it, married one. One of them that left, I still think about her occasionally. I drove it to the hospital when my first son was born. I replaced the radiator once, the plenum once, the starter once, a few sensors, the cat once, and the transmission once at 130k and once at 168k. It has 170k now. It still runs well, it still looks new. I believe it to be one of the best looking trucks ever made. I have come to the conclusion that several things are true about these trucks. The torque is great. They are fairly easy to work on.

 

Is it a beautiful truck? YES, but one of the best looking trucks ever made? Far from it. It's at the bottom of a long list.

 

Well, I've owned my 1998 4 X 4, 360, auto since day one. I bought it new. I dated 3 ladies in it, married one. One of them that left, I still think about her occasionally. I drove it to the hospital when my first son was born. He's older now, and he and my daughter still prefer riding in "daddy's truck" over mom's 08 malibu. I replaced the radiator once, the plenum once, the starter once, a few sensors, the cat once, and the transmission once at 130k and once at 168k. It has 170k now. It still runs well, it still looks new. I believe it to be one of the best looking trucks ever made. I have come to the conclusion that several things are true about these trucks. The torque is great. They are fairly easy to work on. The engines will last a long time, properly maintained or not. I work at a scrap yard and see them come in...beat to hell, knocking, cutting out, water in the oil, tranny shot, but still running. The trucks are an old design, mechanically. High torque, low horsepower. Its a truck. Similar to a tractor. The solid front axle is from an era past. Its tough as hell. It rides like crap. The gas mileage is comparable for the era, but is the worst of the big 3. The auto tranny's suck. Worse than any of the competitors. Even if working properly, they seem to be confused as to what gear to be in or shift at odd times. I will always love the truck regardless.

I am probably going to sell it. My grandfather passed away. He had a 1996 Z71. It has a 305, auto. It has 40k miles. I do not love it. It is not as big, does not have the power, and the mpg's are better, but not great. But, it has 40k miles. No matter how you slice it, a truck with 40k miles will most likely outlast one with 170k. I am not brand loyal. Maybe I will grow to love it. I hope so. I need to get the most for my money that I can, and I can buy this truck for the same as what I can sell mine for. Common sense dictates that I get it. I cannot afford both.

If I get it, I have enjoyed the site, although I do not post regularly. I usually just read and learn. I'd like to hear any comments you guys want to share. And if you see me, just another generic dick in a Z71, take it easy on a sentimental old dodge bastard.

 

I here horror storys of the 305 . Of it was a 350 or 454 it would be nice ! But if nothing wrong with yours why not keep it ? I've seen people go well over 250 k in these trucks

 

I would have a hard time parting with a vehicle I had that much history with....... Is the other truck going to be big enough for you though??

 

You know, I empathize...I had a '74 Roadrunner like that once. Owned it 22 years. I'd hate to remember all the stuff that happened inside, outside, and around it. It even outlasted my ex, but not by much.

HOWEVER....AHHHHHHH hhhhhhh hahhhh heMMMMMMMMMM

You can have my truck when you pry my cold dead hands from the steering wheel...


...after you get to me with the jaws of lfe.
Dd

 

Well, that didn't quite work out as intended... but, merged two threads.

 

Don't you wish you still had that Roadrunner today?

 

In a word.....NO!

It's bad enough that it occasionaly shows up in my nightmares. The kind of nightmares that wake you up in a burning sweat, clutching what (in your nightmare) was a handgun in one hand and the steering wheel in another. Your heart is about to burst from your chest (not good at my age) and the dogs are quaking with fear on the floor.


And thanks...now I'm gonna be in for a rough night

 

Sorry - Still wish I had my 65 Mustang from my younger days!