Hey all, this is my first post here, looks like a great site. I have a Ford F-250 right now, and I am in the market for a new (to me) truck. I have been leaning more towards Dodge lately but I want to find out more about them. I tow, on occasion an 8.5X20 FT. trailer that probably doesn't weigh more than 6k lbs with what I load in it, but has the ability to carry 10k lbs. I haven't ruled out the 1500, but I am looking more at the 2500/3500 models just because I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I need some advice on which motor. I would like to stay with a gasser, and the 5.7 seems pretty stout, but what are your opinions on these motors? If I went with a diesel would the 5.9 be better or the 6.7? Also, what did they change on the 5.7 motor to kick the HP up from 345 to 355?
What kind of MPG are both of these motors getting?
Also, please excuse the ignorance, but could someone explain the 4X4 system to me? I am familiar with using 4X4, I am just wondering how dodge does it because it seems you can't lock or unlock the hubs, are they engaged constantly and all you have to do is engage the t-case?
Sorry for the long first post, but I have many questions about these trucks, and I am looking seriously into getting one in the next couple of weeks so I want to do all my research. Thank you for all the help!

 

Yeah you are right about the 4x4 system. Not the way I like it but lazy people love it and its cheaper to build. Is your ford a diesel? If so then yeah you will need a diesel because the Hemi just doesn't have the ***** needed to move a big truck around like a diesel can. If you had a gasser ford truck then the Hemi will be just fine. The 5.9 and 6.7 are good motors but the 6.7 has a ton of emissions stuff and you need to drive her hard to keep them from pluggin up. Mileage I dunno but yeah not gonna be good especially a Hemi truck.

 

I'd say go with a diesel just so if you ever DO need it, it's right there for you. The 5.9's have been around longer, which obviously offers more upgrade options at the moment. And if you get the 6.7 you can always to the deletes to get rid of the emissions crap that they come with.

 

I was under the impression that the newer 4x4 systems have a self locking front end when it recognizes a drive from the front drive line it engages when you swtch off to 2 wheel it automatically disengeges usually by driving in reverse for a few feet/.

self locking hubs are not engaged all the time...

 

My ford is a gasser, the 5.4 v8 which is SEVERELY underpowered. It's a 99 and I think the numbers were about 285 hp and 330 ft lbs of tq. I may be off but those are pretty close. All that for a truck that tips the scales at 6000#. It is so bad that on a flat highway if I am driving in headwinds it will have to downshift to keep a speed of 65-70...don't even get me started on hills.
I guess there is some confusion on how the 4X4 works, so when you shift the transfer case into 4X4 is there a vacuum that locks the hubs, or are they engaged constantly no matter what the transfer case position?
Also I have been researching the MPG for the hemi and it kinda blows me away. Ya, it's not "good" compared to a car, but my truck gets NO MORE than 13. Even on highway trips I am lucky if I see 13, so to hear that I could possibly see upwards of 18-20 on the highway blows me away, I would be more than happy with that.
I am looking at the 07 and up 2500 just because i want a low mileage, and I like the interiors a lot better.