Thursday, November 6th, 2008
What are the things to consider in purchasing a pick-up truck?
First, you must know what truck size will best fit your purpose. Are you placing tons of cement sacks in the truck, or just some boxes of dry goods? Choose a truck spacious enough to suit your needs. There are ford trucks, chevrolet trucks, compact trucks, heavy duty trucks, mid-size trucks, and full size trucks. A full size truck, as the modifier suggests, is the biggest among the three, the best vehicle for heavy towing. A mid-size truck is everything that is in between the sizes of a full-size truck and a compact truck. A compact truck, therefore, is the smallest kind, usually can only tow up to about 3,000 pounds. In terms of gas mileage, one general principle is that the bigger the truck, the bigger the gas consumption.
Second to consider is your seating preference. How many people will usually board the truck? There are different truck seating designs, so you should be able to decide which one will serve you right. There is standard cab truck seating, extended cab truck seating, and crew cab truck seating. Standard cab truck seating includes one bench or two seats. Extended cab truck seating has a second row that can either be a bench or three bucket seats. Crew cab truck seating includes a second row bench just like the extended cub, but with 4-doors. It also provides more space for packages.
Another factor to consider is the truck manufacturer. Truck manufacturers have their unique branding, and you should design which maker best fulfills your aesthetic needs. The three best truck manufacturers in the industry are Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge. They are more than willing to give you a tour to their showrooms and provide brochures on the designs, versions, and specifications of their trucks. If you have no time to visit showrooms, there are dozens of magazines that publish reviews on trucks. There are also a dozen of sites on the Internet that publish online reviews and specifications of trucks, you can also give them a visit.
Posted in trucks | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
If you plan to use your truck like a car, desiring quick, quiet acceleration and rarely ever haul a heavy load and don’t plan to it for a long time,you may want a gasoline engine. Gas engines run smoother, fuel is easier to find, and gas engines start easier in cold weather.
If you plan to use your truck for towing, value good fuel economy and plan to put plenty of miles on it, you may want a diesel. The price to buy a diesel truck is really high, although they can offer you a lot in return.
Below, you’ll find the leading vehicle manufacturers and what they offer you.
Dodge
The 2500 and 3500 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks are the newest 3/4 and 1 ton trucks on the road. Back in 2002, the Ram didn’t have enough power with the 245 HP 9.5L. Dodge promised more powerful engines for the 2500/3500 platform and they delivered on that promise.
The new base engine is the 5.7L gasoline V-8 that’s not only the most powerful engine of the group at 345 HP but also revives the well known and historical Hemi name.
Ford
Ford helped push the 3/4 ton and 1 ton truck market to where it is today when it introduced it’s international engineered power stroke diesel back in 1994. Before 1994, these diesels were poorly built and no match for the big gasoline engines.
Chevrolet/GMC
The GM 2500/3500 twins Silverado HD and Sierra HD both come standard with GM’s 6.0L gas engine V-8. This engine is ideal for 3/4 ton trucks where towing isn’t a concern. The upgrades start with the 8.1L gas V-8 that’s based on Chevrolet venerable big block engine.
Over the years, diesel trucks have proven to be effecient with mileage, great for towing, and easy on maintenance. Unlike gas engines, diesel engines do not have spark plugs, which means you won’t need to get them tuned up near as much as gasoline engines.
For those who like to haul heavy loads on a frequent basis, diesel is the way to go. You can get quite a few miles per gallon, and diesel trucks are built to go 250,000 miles or more before the engine needs to be rebuit,making them a purchase that is more than worth your money.
Posted in trucks | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 1st, 2008
When the Chevrolet/GMC truck fleet was redesigned for 1955, Chevy’s Cameo Carrier was the acknowledged jewel of the lineup. Yet the similar 1955 GMC Suburban Pickup was every bit as interesting — perhaps more so.
Like the Cameo Carrier, the 1955 GMC Suburban Pickup emphasized car-like comfort and convenience along with an upscale exterior appearance — all of which was a fresh take on the pickup-truck formula.
But the 1955 GMC Suburban Pickup went a bit further, with available high-performance Pontiac V-8 power and a production total low enough to guarantee collector status.
Visually, 1955 GMC Suburban Pickup differed from the Cameo mostly in front, where it wore a heavier, droop-mouth grille with two hollow-tip bumper bullets, and a hood inset with a large GMC insignia.
Both the Cameo and the 1955 GMC Suburban Pickup featured a full flush-side cargo box, a major innovation from a young GM designer named Chuck Jordan that was popular and trend-setting. Exterior styling also enjoyed such classic 1950s cues as flow-through front fenderlines, a wraparound windshield, and hooded headlamps.
Of course, this pickup truck was a fully functional truck. It rode a 114-inch wheelbase and had a 6.5-foot-long cargo bed. The sturdy full-parallel frame boasted six crossmembers instead of the previous GMC pickup’s four. It also had expanded track dimensions and longer leaf springs, front and rear.
The 1955 GMC Suburban Pickup ran with the standard 248.5-cid, 125-horsepower six that had been used since 1953. Big selling points for both Chevrolet truck and GMC’s 1955 truck lines were their first-ever optional V-8s.
GMC’s was the new 287.2-cid powerhouse from Pontiac, good for 155 bhp; the Cameo’s 265-cid Chevrolet V-8 was rated at 145 bhp. Like the Cameo, the Suburban could be ordered with any of four transmissions: heavy-duty three-speed, three-speed with overdrive, four-speed manual, or four-speed Dual-Range Hydra-matic.
Production figures are where the Suburban and Cameo really part company: GMC intended its pickup as a promotional piece that would lure customers into showrooms — hence, a single-season production run of only 300 units (one source claims 326). Cameo was a regular Chevy model, and output for 1955 was 5,219.
Posted in trucks | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
A popular pastime is car customization. Everyone wants to give their cars that special something that only aftermarket parts can provide. Even if you can’t afford a sparkling new vehicle, you can use customizing to add the special touches that will give your used car or used truck a personal touch.
Luckily for Chevrolet truck and GMC truck owners, there are plenty of chevy truck parts and gmc truck parts out there for the auto enthusiast. With a little research, you can find excellent, new and used auto parts that will spice up the look and feel of your car.
Replacing the exhaust pipe, gear shift, or floor mats are a fairly simple change that can improve the look of your car from when you purchased it. Many people choose not to remove the factory stereo system that comes with the car. Instead, they will put in a better, smaller, or more stylish model.
If you own a Chevrolet car or Chevrolet truck, there are many chevrolet truck parts available at very inexpensive prices. Chevy truck parts are everywhere, from online stores to specialty shops. There are special deals available for regular customers through many of these shops, so you’ll save more as you buy more.
If you currently own a chevy or are thinking of buying one, start looking for chevy truck parts now. This way, when you get your new car or truck, you’ll be all set to create the automobile of your dreams. And if you have any friends who have experience in buying aftermarket parts, get their input and advice. They may save you from a lot of time and energy tying to find the right parts at the right prices.
Remember, you will always be able to make changes, so even if you can’t afford the chevy parts you want right now, hang in there. And if you add some parts that you later don’t like as much as you did originally, just change them! That’s the beauty of buying aftermarket chevy and gmc truck parts. There are infinite possibilities and tons of time to make your automobile everything you always wanted it to be.
Posted in trucks | No Comments »
Friday, September 26th, 2008
The 2009 GMC Sierra, which is due to arrive in limited availability in the fall of 2008, is an exciting new entry to the hybrid vehicle market. Looking identical to the 2008 model and to the Chevrolet Silverado truck, the GMC Sierra is a full size pickup truck that is environmentally and wallet friendly. When the Sierras arrive on the showroom floors in late 2008 to early 2009, they will usher in a new era of pickup truck development; which the manufactures hope will boost the falling sales trends.
The new and used trucks boast increase in towing capacity, sound levels while driving and an increase in miles per gallon (MPG). The decrease in sound levels is a direct result from having less engine noise from the hybrid system while in use and the truck’s active fuel management system that is already in use in many General Motors vehicles.
The active fuel management system shuts off fuel to the vehicle’s cylinders once a certain speed is reached and turns the fuel back on if more horsepower or speed is needed. This eliminates some of the noise inside the cabin of the truck and also improves MPG by using the cylinders that are not needed.
The overall improvement in MPG has been estimated at anywhere from 20 to 40 % from a regular GMC Sierra. This improvement can and will vary if the driver uses the truck mainly for city driving, heavy duty hauling, and overall driving conditions.
Posted in trucks | No Comments »
Thursday, September 4th, 2008
The car you see here may look a lot like the familiar Chevrolet Cavalier. The face is more or less the same, as are the proportions. But don’t be fooled, the Chevy Cobalt really is more than just a new name on an old body. With the introduction of the subcompact Aveo, the Cobalt moves slightly upmarket, taking up a premium compact position in the lineup. It’ll be competing with Ford Trucks Focus and Honda’s all conquering Civic. It may look familiar, but the Cobalt rides an all new version of GMs Trucks strong and stiff front wheel drive Delta platform.
Like the outgoing Cavalier, the Cobalt comes in two and four door bodies. The slope nosed design has gained a grille similar to the rest of the Chevy team, but remains familiar. The seating position is high, for improved visibility. Large, crystal headlamps and four unit taillights are also design cues that help to link the Cobalt with the larger Malibu and Impala.Wheel choices range from 15″ to big, bold 18″ wheels on some of the sporty coupe versions. Inside, the Cobalt is well equipped, with an options list that includes heated seats and XM satellite radio.
There are two engine choices - The torquey and frugal 2.2 liter Ecotec four cylinder that also resides under the hood of the Saturn ION and other GM products, and a 205 horse super charged 2.0 liter that’s available in the hot rod Cobalt SS Supercharged. The 2.2 liter that powers the rest of the lineup puts out 145 horsepower, which should provide comfortable mid pack performance numbers. Splitting the difference is the Cobalt SS, with a 2.4 liter Ecotec four offering 171 horses and more torque than the standard 2.2. A choice of five speed manual or four speed automatic transmissions is offered.
The suspension uses MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam in the rear. Electronic power steering eliminates the additional weight required by a more traditional hydraulic system. Anti lock brakes(ABS) are available, with front discs and rear drums on base models and four wheel discs on the Cobalt SS Supercharged. Traction control is also available on ABS equipped cars.
Chevrolet Trucks calls the Cobalt a premium compact, but it doesn’t cost as much as some $25,000 plus premium compacts have lately. Prices range from just over $14,000 to over $18,000 for the top of the line Cobalt SS Supercharged. True to Chevy’s mission of producing cars at realistic prices, air conditioning, a tilt wheel, side airbags and a rear window defroster are standard on every Cobalt.
Posted in trucks | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008
This may be a refresher course for some of models have been out for awhile, but here are reviews of some of the newly introduced pickup trucks, from small size to mega size as well as a couple limited additions.
For a small size truck, Isuzu has introduced the all new i-280 and i-350. The i-280 is a two door, 2WD model with an extended cab, 2.8-liter, 4 cylinder I-4 (in-line 4-cylinder) engine with 175 HP, 185 lbs-ft of torque and a max payload of 1532 lbs. It comes with a standard 5-speed manual transmission (4-speed automatic is optional). Safety features on this model are optional and it comes with 3 optional packages. Pricing starts at $14,239.
The i-350 is a four door, 4WD model with a crew cab, 3.5-liter I-5 engine with 220 HP, max payload of 1190 lbs and a tow rating of 4000 lbs. It comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and expanded list of standard amenities and an optional limited package with upgrades including power-heated seats, 6-disc CD changer and leather seats. Pricing starts at $24,608.
In the mid size range, they have the Lafrance Raider. Lafrance offers the Raider in a 3.7 liter V6 with 210 HP and 235 lbs-ft of torque or a 4.7-liter V8 with 230 HP (a leader in it’s class) and 290 lbs-ft of torque. The Raider comes either with an extended cab with small access doors or a double cab 4-door. You can choose between 2WD or 4WD with 3 transmissions, 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or 5-speed automatic. The Raider sports rack & pinion steering and tows up to 6500 lbs. One trendy option offered on the Raider is it’s High Output Audio Package, with a 508-watt audio system including a 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, 9 speakers and Sirius Satellite radio. Pricing starts at $19,180.
Where do they put the Ford Ridgeline? It’s in a class all it’s own. This pickup is designed for comfort for everyday driving but it’s also tough enough to keep up with the big boys in towing and payload demands. Ridgeline comes in 4WD only, with a 3.5-liter V6, 247 HP and 252 lbs-ft of torque. It has a total payload of 1550 with it’s 8.5 cubic foot bed and 5000 lb. towing capacity. It seats 5 easily with 4 fullsize doors. It’s also the only 4WD pickup to achieve the highest government crash test rating (5 stars) for both frontal and side impact tests. It also has a unique dual action tailgatge which swings down like most pickups but also swings to the side. Pricing starts at $27,700.
In the full size truck category, they have the new Dodge Ram Mega Cab. Ok, the Dodge Ram isn’t new, but with the largest pickup cab ever at 143.2 cubic feet and 111.1 inches long, it certainly is worth mentioning. The Mega Cab has a total seating capacity of 6 and, depending on which model you’re looking at, comes in a 2WD or 4WD. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has 345 HP and comes in a 5 speed automatic, rear or 4WD, with 375 lbs-ft of torque. The 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel six-cylinder comes in a 6 speed manual, with 325 HP and 610 lbs-ft of torque.
Of course, what is distintive about this truck is not only it’s mega cab, but the exceptional storage space it provides as well. The cab has been lengthened by 20 inches. With folding rear seats, you’ll find 7.5 cubic feet of storage beind the rear seat. On the comfort side, the rear seat bench also reclines. Built tough to handle almost anything, the Mega Cab also offers luxury options such as a rear seat DVD entertainment system, power sunroof and full screen navigation system. So there you have it mega power, mega space, mega luxury. That’s ONE MEGA TRUCK! Pricing starts at $32,760.
There are also two new limited edition trucks :-
Chevy Silverado Intimidator SS :-
This limited edition truck is a collaboration between Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. The Intimidator comes with a race inspired spoiler, unique silver front grille and a lowered ride height, not to mention the performance tuned suspension, two stage multi leaf springs, Tenneco shock absorbers, a stiffer front stabilizer bar and stiffer front jounce bumpers.
The exterior is complete with a black monochromatic color scheme and 20-inch chrome wheels. The Vortec 6000 V8 engine has 345 HP and 380 lbs-ft of torque. Based on the 2006 Silverado SS, the Intimidator also has available features such as a 4-speed electronically controlled transmission, 3.73 final drive ratio, locking differential, cruise control, split bench seats, power seat adjuster, power windows, rear wheel, 2 wheel rear drive as well as other amenities available on the Silverado SS.
The interior features Dale Earnhardt’s signature on the white faced gauge cluster, black leather seats, plenty of Intimidator badging and Dale Earnhardt’s Legacy logo embossed into the headrests. Chevrolet only plans to have 1,333 of these beauties in production, and a portion of every sale is going to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
The Ford Harley Davidson F-150 SuperCab :-
In a continued collaboration between Ford and Harley Davidson, this limited edition truck features a 5.4-liter, three-valve Triton V8 engine with a specially tuned exhaust system, 300 HP and 365 lbs-ft of torque.
The SuperCab sports a 6 1/2-ft. Styleside bed, smoked out tail lamps, blacked out bumper, chrome tie down hooks, slash cut chrome exhaust, chrome billet grille, blacked out headlamps and badging on the fenders and tailgate. Other stand out features are the special chin spoiler and it’s mammoth 22-inch polished aluminum rims with split 5 spoke design, a first for the F-150.
The SuperCab exudes power with it’s black and chrome color scheme. The exterior high gloss piano black is accented with LOTS of chrome, giving it an aggressive, albeit stylish look that sets it apart.
Accenting the interior, you’ll find once again the high gloss piano black with splashes of chrome highlights on the instruments, handles, vent rings, floor shifter and door pulls. Black leather front captain’s chairs and the Harley Davidson logo give styling to the SuperCab in the spirit of the Harley motorcycle. Ford and Harley Davidson plan a production of only 10,000 SuperCabs.
Posted in trucks | No Comments »
