rjstractor wrote: If they do it right it may become the first really practical and economical small truck on the market in some time, save for the base Ford Ranger. In the last 10 years "small" trucks have become bigger, more powerful and thirstier. Their towing ability has gone up, but with that utility has gone down.
Like that's a bad thing? Like it's totally true? The second-gen Dakota wasn't actually so big as the first, but wisely added the 5.9L, since the 5.2 was the right idea but not as good as was possible.
Chevrolet really couldn't get any V8 in the second-gen S-10 ( round styling ) even though hot-rodders like me manage, because we aren't under the same constraints as the OEMs. But the Colorado finally got the 5.3L, just before GM did the thing they're infamous / notorious for: killing a vehicle just when they finally get it good.
The Ranger never did get a V8, except as the Explorer XLT Eddie Bauer rebadged Mercury thing.
Right now I'm working on a friend's '92 Isuzu, and it's truly insane how non-existent the rear frame design is, how micro-sized that rear axle is. I swear it's the ford 6.75" used under my old '81 Mustang 2.3L. This is not the stuff of success for a vehicle that will see more overloading / abuse in its home markets ( third-world countries ) than here. In fact, I bet this is why the replacement was a rebadged S-10.
And none of those mini-trucks had frames equivalent to a full-size half-ton, either. Why the heck not?!!?! Allergic to providing value and safety?
The one time I truly accidentally hurt a mini-truck, it was an old Plymouth ( Mitsubishi )and all I did was gently load a complete Olds 403 bolted to a 200-4R. What happened? The right axleshaft bent!
This is nothing but a Subaru Brat or a VW Rabbit. Make a modern El Camino / Ranchero, ( Not the Australian Utes, like the Holden, that's subframed and independent-rear-suspended and CAN'T carry a bed full of gravel! ) Then you can call it a lifestyle pickup.
'06 GMC C2500HD RCLB gasser 4.10:1, 4L80E, custom camshaft
'84 Trans Am 6.2 diesel, 700R-4, custom Class-3 receiver
'69 F350 dually. GM 6.2 diesel, turbo, 700R-4, NP208 all pending.
whisperide wrote: Make a modern El Camino / Ranchero, ( Not the Australian Utes, like the Holden, that's subframed and independent-rear-suspended and CAN'T carry a bed full of gravel! )
Actually like the current Ford Falcon Ute, the Cab Chassis version could carry 2,700lb in the tray. The current Holden Ute IRS carries 2000lb, more than a general F150 and more than the Fiat Strada.
Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote: Don't bet on that Dodge guy, they are working to get the diesel to pass the tree huger specs. I'm thinking it might go over well given the small pick up market is wide open again.
I could never understand anyone buying a Dakota that was basically a mini Ram. Somewhere along the line mini pick ups got put on steroids and lost there way. All except the Ranger that is and for some bonehead reason Ford killed it > Good for use but I think it will be bad for Ford in the long run.
I say build them Sergio lets get them going. Did anyone hear that Sergio basically told the Italian's if they didn't start getting with the program he would close some plants and bring the work to the USA?!?!?
I'm liking this guy more and every day!
Don
I`de like to think so, but they did the same with the diesel in the Liberty and we know how well that motor went over. the emissions killed it!
Wife Kim
Son Brandon 11yrs
Daughter Marissa 10yrs
Dog Shadow
07 Cherokee 32B
02 Excursion 4X4 V-10 4.30 gear 5Star tuner Y-pipe mod Hellwig sway bar
Reese HP dualcam Prodigy brake controller
A bad day of camping is
better than a good day at work!
Nice, but I think for it to be successful here it will have to be able to carry four adults. Thinking along the lines of the Subaru Baja. I read that Subaru made a error shutting down the Baja production line. Sales of the little pickup were increasing but they had contracted with Toyota to build Camrys at that factory.
Capt Skup
AD-1(AW)USNRet.
Wonderful Wife,3 Daughters,2Goldens Gus&Riley
"Never get in a battle of wits with an unarmed man"
I`de like to think so, but they did the same with the diesel in the Liberty and we know how well that motor went over. the emissions killed it!
Well if we could get everybody on these forums to write the elected officials instead of only complaining here maybe it would change.
Don
Perrysburg Dodgeboy 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab SLT Cummins HO
2005 Keystone Cougar 304 BHS
Chrysler the only one to pay back 100% of their loans from the Government. *The Old Car Company" still owes 1.6 billion. Is that better Chuckles
I`de like to think so, but they did the same with the diesel in the Liberty and we know how well that motor went over. the emissions killed it!
Well if we could get everybody on these forums to write the elected officials instead of only complaining here maybe it would change.
Don
Don't write letters. Mark your ballots for people that will again represent the America people, not just the people/corps that put money in their re-election kitty.
Somewhere in a Fifth Wheel - Where it does not Snow
Don't write letters. Mark your ballots for people that will again represent the America people, not just the people/corps that put money in their re-election kitty.
Who would that be? I think you're more likely to find sasquatch mounting a unicorn than a politician that isn't more concerned with money than the country.
Don't write letters. Mark your ballots for people that will again represent the America people, not just the people/corps that put money in their re-election kitty.
Who would that be? I think you're more likely to find sasquatch mounting a unicorn than a politician that isn't more concerned with money than the country.
OK, lets not go here with this thread! All I`m saying is we will never see the diesel motor they offer overseas!
Offline
> Good for use but I think it will be bad for Ford in the long run.
