I've found that if you search for pretty much anything you can find at least one person that describes the product/experience as "horrible - terrible - junk - never again!". While those are useful as data points, I also look for the positives as well. Some people just shouldn't have... well.. anything... 'cuz they are never happy.

You also have to wonder about unspoken conditions such as overloading, poor maintenance, etc. I've actually seen negative reviews where people have complained about (something similar to), "This 2 ton jack broke the first time I used it on my 40' RV!" So, if some people are publicly stating how horribly they mis-use something, how many don't happen to mention some little detail that makes a world of difference...

 

The only "weakness" I've ever heard about the transmission is the "2nd prime" gear used for downshifting. With an 07 you can get that locked out with a tuner which you'd want anyway.

My truck is at ~ 62k miles and I bought it 2 years ago at 48k. It's needed nothing, although the most I've towed so far is my lawn equipment. After having towed 6k lbs with my old 92 GMC extd cab 4x4 (5.7 tbi), I wouldn't hesitate to tow 7-8k with my Ram.

The leaking power steering affects only some trucks, and apparently the fix is adding a hose clamp. That's nothing I'll lose sleep over.

Oh, and just so I can poke at the Ford guys (I test drove an F150 before picking Dodge) -- of course they don't have transmission problems. The 5.4 doesn't make enough power to do anything! It's all in good fun though. I own and have owned several Ford products and have friends with 7.3 Powerstrokes.

I agree with researching before picking a truck. I read the Ford and Dodge forums before buying and knew what I was looking for. I originally wanted a 2004-05 but this 03 was so clean I couldn't say no. Add a trailer brake controller to the Laramie you're looking at and it should do everything you're looking for.

Oh, and if you switch to the Cooper Zenons in the size I have (if it has the stock Goodyears you'll hate them), it results in a slight gearing improvement while also improving the rubber.

 

What kind of tread does that Cooper Zenon have on it?

I'm going over to look at the truck either this evening or tomorrow morning. They've offered me a 5 grand difference out the door(tax, title, license included) as well as an extended warranty plan that supposedly covers bumper to bumper, not just drivetrain out to 100k. The truck currently has 34k on it.

That warranty sounds good but I've got to see the specifics on it. Deductable, who's actually doing the repairs, exceptions or limitations. We'll see.

The trucks got 20's on it and I bet those tires are gonna be pricey.

 

 

Ask and I recieve! Thanks!

Are these a 2 or 3 ply sidewall? Ever use 'em off road? How do they do for you?

 

umm idk about the ply sidewall. never used them offroad but i have heard they work pretty good. i love them!! they are a great tire and handle great in all conditions. would always recommend them

 

They let me have the truck overnight. Funny thing is, this truck has those tires on it. Looks like they've got about a year of life left in them.

 

how do you like the cooper zeon tires? what size? are they P rated of LT FOR TOWING?

 

Do you use the coopers in snow?..

 

The cooper zeons have turned out to be more durable than I thought they would. They got beat up pretty good during my antelope and elk hunts and no puntures only a couple of chipped out pieces of tread.

I haven't had them in snow yet but they in sand and mud they're not very good at all.

The next tire for me is the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac. These tires are getting some killer reviews from people who do the same type of stuff I do with their trucks.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...ngler+DuraTrac