DONE truck shopping...
 

I've been debating hard over the past year or so as to what I want for my next truck. I sold my custom painted 7.3L PSD Dually in October, and am trying to drop down to one truck that covers all of my bases, now and later. I also have a 2500HD with the 8.1L/Allison. which will be for sale in April when after my new truck comes in.

I ordered a 2018 Ram 3500 SRW Cummins/Aisin Crew Cab Long Bed Laramie Longhorn Southfork; in Bright Silver Metallic.
The Southfork is an option package with some additional luxury color changes and options over the Longhorn.
http://www.motortrend.com/news/visit...hfork-edition/
(That article isn't 100% correct, but it has good pictures. You can get the Southfork anywhere. The LONESTAR edition is only for Texas.)
For those not familiar, this is Ram's rough equivalent to the GMC Denali HD, Chevrolet High Country, and Ford King Ranch/Limited.

I owe some BIG thanks to a few members:
-AJ Powerplay aka Adam for TONS of input on the Duramax options.
-OffshoreExcursion aka Kevin for several long SMS string convos with his knowledge and experience of the Cummins/Ram setups.
-Jassman aka Jeff for some really good insight on his experience with the 6.7L PSD trucks he's had, and specifically why he didn't bump up to a 2017.
-RollWithIt aka Jason for looking at a used truck near him recently that I was interested in, that was the straw that broke the camel's back convincing me to buy new; AND shared a bunch of Cummins knowledge/experience.
-Plus a host of others over the past year or so for a long of info shared.

***I was trying to buy a used 2015/2016 Ford Platinum to hold me over for a couple years until big 3 all have there new platforms out, but I just couldn't find a quality used truck. I found 1, but it was priced over what I could buy a new one for. Pristine 2015/2016 Ford 6.7L used trucks are just not out there, especially with the Texas floods that drastically cut the used market.

Big 3 info I've been able to discern for the future:
---2019 Ford facelifted SuperDuty is rumored to be out this Summer, but will definitely be visually updated for 2019
---2019 GM 1/2 tons have been updated, pics on web, and the 2020 MY is supposed to be the update for their 2500/3500 HD lineup
---2019 Ram 1/2 tons have been updated, pics on web, and the 2010 MY is supposed to be the update for their 2500/3500 lineup

I am buying from a dealer local to me in Richmond, VA which includes (for "free") a unique double-powertrain warranty underwritten by a major warranty company which takes it up to 10 years/200,000 miles. Here are a couple pics of roughly what my truck will look like when delivered, but I'll be doing some immediate upgrades with JW Davis of www.davisoffroad.com (jwstoys here on OSO; who has also given me a TON of advice on new and used trucks); namely lift, wheels, tires, fender flares, bumpers, and lighting. It turns out the Sales Manager is the former neighbor of OSO member ActiveShack, so we made fast friends; and they are going to work with me on my lift/tires/other mods (have confirmed all of this) as they really want to use the truck to showcase as well.

I'm pretty excited, can't wait for it to get here sometime in March 2018!

https://scontent.fslc2-1.fna.fbcdn.n...44&oe=5ABC7070

Attachment 573911

thank god they got rid of those nasty, ugly mirrors..........congrats looks pretty cool........

Good looking truck, congrats

Been looking just a tad my self to replace my 08 and never noticed the Southfork name, will have a look

Whats the wheels base ??....think my Super duty LB is 178"

This is the only Silver Southfork I've seen; just found it yesterday after I ordered mine. I can't stop looking at it!
I did not order DRW, and this one has the optional "Filigree" etching into the leather which I did not want. But the pictures really show how unique and awesome the interior is. It blows away the other options on the market.

My 2nd gripe with Ford was you can't get the King Ranch or Limited in Silver. The 1st is the turning radius/diameter. Else I would have probably gone with the Ford.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F22 2728178701

Bought from Ashland???? That's where my SRT came from and Shack's old neighbor helped me out too (can't remember his name at the moment)

The wheelbase on the Ram and the GM is roughly 10 inches shorter than the Ford in these crew cab long bed configurations. Accordingly, the turning diameter on the Ford is about a foot larger. The 2017 Ford turning diameter is also about a foot bigger than the 2016 Ford. I did a ton of my own research on this, including test driving several trucks and taking my own tape measure with me. My 2000 Ford had a terrible turning diameter too, and I just couldn't get over that attribute on the 2017/2018 Ford in a CC/LB configuration.

Yep, his name is Bill Harrison. I was happy with pricing. I meant to ask you if you know him too.

I went from a Denali HD gas to a RAM 2500 6.4 Hemi Laramie and LOVE it! My only complaint is that rear window defroster is an OPTION. WTF

You should be able to add that.
perhaps look into an aftermarket sliding rear window.
buck183 may be able to help you with that.

Thanks a lot Brian......just when I had talked myself into being content with my 2010.https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...cons/icon8.gif

Nice looking ride. Looking forward to seeing it when you get finished with it.

For those of you that are waiting, and also the type that likes to modify the performance of your truck…

As you're probably aware the 2017 and up GM's have encrypted operating systems. This means there is no tuning and no DPF deletes, etc. etc.

Ford and FCA/Ram WILL do the same at some point in the near future. I can tell you for a fact that Cummins is deeply invested in this effort.

Just keep this in mind as you are debating your future truck purchases and long-term ownership. As soon as FoMoCo and FCA do the same, all of the leftover trucks will get snatched up quick since the market found out what this means with the 2017 GMs.

I'd expect the 2020 FCA/Ram trucks to be encrypted. And perhaps the same with the 2019 Fords come out; maybe a bit later.

Did you drive both transmissions? I have service cab chassis of each. The standard trans gear ratios are much better. My Aisin make a lot of noise (like a manhole cover being hit with a sledge hammer when it shifts in lower gears. Kick down when towing not as good as standard trans. It shudders bad before it kicks down. I have had all the updates done and have gone back to the 2nd update. Other than that. Great trucks. I love my 6" lifted 2500 HD Crew cab.

that's the 1500 interior though, is it not? the HD's would have a different front console set-up to allow for the transfer case shifter?

I had met him at Shack's years ago but didn't really know him. When I was shopping and saw him I re-introduced myself. I too was happy with the deal.

Congrats on your new truck so excited for you!

Drocks is sweet also! I just love Rams!

I did drive the two Automatics, the 68RFE and the AISIN. (I think the G56 manual is only available at Laramie levels and below, because it requires the 3-abreast front seat.)

I was very tempted to get a 2500 with the 68RFE; as I like the ride of the 2500 with it's 4-corner coil springs better. But here is what you give up if you get the 68RFE: Ram detunes the Cummins by 100 lb/ft. of Torque and 50HP if you get the 68RFE. They do that to "preserve" the transmission. YES, you can remove that torque/power management with a tuner, but there goes your warranty. I just couldn't handle leaving HP & Torque on the table, knowing my shlt is detuned.

I also drove this truck for a 30-minute test drive:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-Ram-25...YAAOSwBRFaPVcT
...which is a brand new 2017 2500 Cummins/68RFE with 37" tires. The number one complaint I had with the truck is the transmission always seemed confused.
That dealer is the #2 in the nation, and has a FULL custom shop where they will build you whatever you want, (not tuned/deleted though), AND they will extend the FCA/Ram factory warranty over whatever they build. However, anything questionable would have to be serviced by them, which is 4 hours from home for me.

In the end, I went with the 3500 with the Aisin, because I did like the way the Aisin shifted and drove. I like that it is a stronger package. And even though the ride of the 3500 is rougher than the 2500, I have been in directly in contact with Carli Suspension's engineering team, and I will be installing one of their full bolt on suspension upgrades/lifts, (3"), which is actually 15% softer than the coil springs on the 2500. Yes, I will be installing airbags in the rear for towing, but I planned to anyhow, as the truck is getting onboard air/compressor & train horns anyhow.

All of the interiors of the 1500 through 3500 are the same now, pending the trim levels.
The 1500 has that ridiculous rotating electronic gear selector on the dash.
The 2500/3500 Automatics have a column shifter, and in that same spot they have the rotating 4WD selector switch.

Pics:
https://images.auction123.com/f0119b....jpg?wtrmk10nw

https://images.auction123.com/f0119b....jpg?wtrmk10nw

Congrats on the new truck. I'm sure you can't wait for it to get delivered. I'm glad to help you out in your quest. I would have been disappointed had I driven or flown a distance for that used one local to me. Going Ram with the Aisin tranny along with Carli upgrades will be a baddass hauler. About the only better suspension option for smoothness would be a full on Kelderman air setup. Eventually I want to go with Carli's leveling kit and Air Ride supplemental bags in the rear for hauling. Biggest tire I can go would be 35. 37s will keep me out of parking garages..lol Also, I'm willing to bet the 37s on the one you drove are what affected the transmission's behavior. Changing the height of the tires without any changes to the gears in the axle would confuse the computer. The speeds and RPMs would not match up. Might be why it was constantly searching for the right gear.

Sydwayz- Congrats on the new truck. I like that interior package, being a GM family guy I will only get to look at them.

Wannabe

S,
Congrats on the new Ram, love my 2016, and our other Mopar product...

Only thing that kills me about every diesel Ram made in the last 10+ years........The MADE IN MEXICO sticker on the drivers door......

Sweet truck. Carli makes a great product, which would be the icing on the cake! Congrats.

I'm also looking for a new truck the only problem with Ram is the lack of horse power. The 3500 is only 385 where the Ford has 440 that's a huge difference. Currently I have a Ram 2500 megCab that has a tuner which is about as fast as a stock Ford.

I drove them all, and the "seat of the pants" dyno ranks them all within 10% of each other in performance. Yes, the Cummins is the lowest on the HP/TQ figures currently, but the truck still has plenty of power. Also, if you look at the head to head comparisons on the 2017 model trucks, even though the GMs have less power than the Fords, the GMs out perform them in the towing tests.

While I may feel that I need more grunt, I have a dealer that is willing to work with me to change the axle gear ratios if I want, retain my warranty, and not have to tune/mod the engine/drivetrain which could hurt reliability.

Also, the Ram 3500 has more power than a Ram 2500 WHEN YOU HAVE THE AISIN transmission.
With the 68RFE transmission (which is all that's available in the 2500, speaking automatics), Ram detunes the Cummins 50HP and 100 lb/ft of Torque, because they know the 68RFE is 'softer' than an Aisin. The 3500 (which you can get with the Aisin or 68RFE) allows you the full power of the Cummins, without being detuned; ONLY if you pay for the AISIN upgrade.

They also have a closed page on FB for their members, where they answer questions for their customers, quickly. I kind of like that support; as well as I've had their President and Chief Engineer on the phone 'splaining things to me.

I had a full Carli Commuter package on my 03 3500 Ram along with their steering stabilizer and free floating anti sway bar. Absolutely loved the setup. That was less a lift setup vs a leveling kit but still made the truck ride much smoother. Eventually I plan on doing their leveling kit for my 17 2500. As much as I like the look of a lifted truck, It would not be practical for me. I'm sure you will love the setup on your truck.

Going to be solved in 2020 reportedly. Production of the Ram Heavy Duty to Move From Mexico to Michigan » AutoGuide.com News

Clearly Trumps fault.......:flag:

"Imported, from Detroit"

FINALLY, my truck was delivered to the dealer last night. It was FILTHY, as expected.
Detail and delivery (to me) today. I. CAN'T. WAIT!!

Nice Congrats

Let us see it.............

I'm taking it in for window tint in a few minutes. I'll get some good interior pics since all of the plastic is off now.
I ordered base wheels/tires, and base step bars, because all that crap is coming off.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...74&oe=5B380608

Sharp truck, cant wait to see the finished product!

My 15 2500 cc single wheel is way stiffer than my 07 mega cab dually , I deleted @ 4k could not handle the dead pedal deal plus the trans tune with the HPP tuning is a world of difference . I have to say the truck is solid as a rock not a squeak or rattle compared to some of my customers late model superdutys @ late HD chevs , chirp , squeak , cab shift , doors moving around .

I see they are still making those ugly mirrors .....:party-smiley-004:

Two tone interior is sharp! Can't wait to see the end product (wheels, lift, etc)

And I see they are turned out.:lolhit: