At least I think its interesting. I was at the local car wash today getting the salt washed off my truck. The guy in the car behind me was in the waiting room and started up a conversation. Turned out we kinda knew each other from a local sporting good shop. Anyhow, he asks me about my truck. Commented on how big it was, etc. Then he asked if I got 12 miles per gallon on the highway. Of course I said, "No, its a diesel". I explained I get close to 20mpg on the highway. Then he says he thought it sounded a little different but it didn't sound like the old Cummins he was used too... He explained that he's been retired from ComEd (our electric supplier) for some time, but back in the mid 80's his shop was given 6 new trucks with Cummins engines in them as a test of some sorts. They were told to not tell any of the workers about what engine was in the truck and that it was just a diesel. And the trucks had locks on the hood so you couldn't open them. All preventative maintainace was done by this group of mechanics or engineers (he couldn't remember). They wanted these trucks to be beaten on... and they were... and for three years they didn't have one problem or breakdown. Only things that were done were fuel filter changes and oil changes. Pretty interesting story. Wonder if any of the big three still does things like this with new products?
And on the way home, I see a new Ford Powerstroke (looked like an 07') broken down halfway blocking a lane of traffic on a busy main artery. Hood up.... Poor guy running around the truck in panic. Sharp burgundy crew cab too. It's a shame...

 

thats an interesting story. kinda fun to listen to some people that have graced this earth awhile because there is no telling what they are gonna say

brett

 

I've seen quite a few models of trucks up north for cold weather testing months before they are released. Two that come to mind are the FJ Cruiser and the Ford SD when they first came out with the new body style for the Fords.

 

That is typical for the Big 3 to do while testing a new design of sort!!

 

When the Hummer (civilian model) came out the gold mine I work for got 6 of them to "use and abuse" They were very underpowered, rattled, had no room in them and took a very long time to change a tire with the onboard inflation system they had, but WHEN they weren't broke they were pretty good rigs. When Hummer got them back there wasn't much left.