Am I the only one here that plans to keep his truck stock and drive it to the moon? I for one,think the engineers are smarter than I am. I don't need to be "the first dog to the top of the hill". I just need my truck to last, but 30 years ago it was a different story.

Squire,
http://1948model.blogspot.com/

 

Sorry, after rereading my post it sounds like I was putting down those that modify their trucks. I did not intent to sound that way. Just wondering how many run unmodified trucks.

Squire,
http://1948model.blogspot.com/

 

Other than gauges mine is 100% stock. The truck does what it was built to do just fine. It is a "tool". I wouldn't buy a hammer and then change the handle and the head to make it better.
Bob H

 

Yes, I think the engineers were smart that built our trucks but they had to design for all circumstances including towing, unloaded, loaded, and various types of city, highway, and mountain driving. They also had a budget to meet which I am sure kept them from doing everything they wanted to do the the truck.

My truck spent the first three years of it's life stock with gauges then I found a really good deal on the Edge and added it.

Most of the time I run it on the mileage setting and sometimes when I want to have a little fun I can turn it up.

 

I certainly understand your point but with a good operator there is no reason why a bombed truck can't last a very long time. Cummins rates the ISB engine at up to 480hp in marine applications and I know the 12v 5.9 was rated at at least 275hp in some self propelled sprayers which is a pretty demanding job. I think the key to making upgrades without hurting longivity too much is to look at it as as system and make the whole package work together. There are alot of 500-600hp daily driver's out there with alot of miles on them, they might not make it to half a million miles like a stock engine but in alot of the country the body will be rusted off the frame long before the engine is worn out anyway.

 

There is nothing wrong with keeping your truck stock if that is your choice. But there are many many areas of the truck, that imo, the engineering fell way short.............probably due to costs.

The aftermarket improves on many systems on our trucks, even without adding power. Front end replacements can allow us ditch our flimsy stock tin foil bumpers. Walbro or FASS pumps are much better than our stock lift pumps which leave plenty of us stranded when they died. Transmission upgrades. Aftermarket gauges to monitor what is going on. Deeper trans pans and larger diff covers.

My point is you can "improve" on the truck without shortening it's life span...and perhaps even add to it.