My brother is trying to get a deal on a 2003 1/2 ton. He is pretty open to all of the 1/2 tons but has decided on the Chevy 5.3, Ford 5.4, and the Dodge 4.?(he doesnt want to spend the extra $ on the Hemi). What experiences do yall have with these? I tried to talk him into a CTD, but he wants something smaller.

 

Might get me flamed ;D, but if I was going to buy another half-ton, and I didn't care about getting an auto, you'd find me down at the Toyota dealer signing papers on a Tundra.

 

scratch that... 4 door tacoma 4X4

 

Friend of mine has the 5.3 in his '01 1/2 ton reg. cab 2wd Chevy --it is a rocket. Don't know about its towing capability.
Another friend had an 01' Ford with the Triton 5.4 in it. Was strong, but felt a little lacking, especially when towing a trailer with 2 quads on it. I believe for '04, Ford has upped the HP/TQ numbers for it.
The 4.7L in the Dodge I have no experience with (had a 360 in my old 1/2 ton). Believe it was brought over from the Jeep Grand Cherokee line up to replace the 318 (5.2L). From the reviews I have read, the truck labors with this engine if you opt for the 4-door cab, it labors worse if you get the 4-door and 4wd.

 

We had a 5.4L supercrew. It had almost every bolt on...TB spacer, K&N Cold Intake, MAF Sensor, Bigger throttle body, SuperChip, Dynomax Mufflers Tru Dual...couple other things. That truck would HAUL!!! The next step was a supercharger and headers. But then I changed my dad's mind and he bought a PSD.

 

If I was going for a half ton it would be the Chevy. In my opinion Chevy has a better gas engine than either Ford or Dodge...in both power and reliability...not to mention they tend to get better fuel mileage. I'd also be open to considering the Toyota Tundra or Tacoma idea though....

 

Don't forget the Nissan Frontier. Although physically smaller it is still considered a half ton. It has a proven engine that is considered one of the best engines in the world. It also comes in a supercharged version. I have a similar engine in my Infiniti I30 and love it. Very smooth, powerful and mechanically quiet.

 

I just sold my '97 F-150 with 5.4L Triton (so i could get my new rig!) It was a great engine, but as someone said before, a little bit lacking when towing my boat up mountainous roads. I did have some major rear diff. problems with that truck, but it's probably just a fluke. My buddy has a 2001 Ram 1500 4x4 with the 4.7, and another buddy has a 2002 Ram 1500 4x2 with the 4.7. They are able to tow fine in flat areas, but they struggle even more than I did with my 5.4L towing up hills. I stayed away from the GM trucks due to a lot of reviews that said things like "poor build quality" or "spotty build quality." I think their powertrains are great, but I'm not sure that their fit and finish is on par with Ford and Dodge right now. If he's looking for a half ton, I'd send him to look at an new '04 F-150...those things look hot. But it sounds like he's looking to strike a deal on an '03. Good luck to him.

 

He is definately looking to strike a deal with the 03's. I have always viewed the Dodge gas engines (except the Hemi) as weaker than the ford and chevy. I think chevy has done well with gas engines in the past (cant beat the old 350). I will certainly mention to him to consider the Toyotas...Great Idea

 

Mom's got a 5.3 in her Suburban and that thing flies. It pulls a 4 wheeler without any trouble at all. Its got 80K miles on it in 3 years and there is not a thing wrong with it. Not a squeak or rattle. Engine runs just as good now as it did when we got it. To be honest, I wouldn't buy a gas Dodge unless it was a Hemi. The 04 Ford's have the new 3 valve per cylinder design and the power is up to ~300/350.

 

Ditto on th "Burb".

Parents have one too. Love it. Pulls the boat great and runs like a champ. 16mpg in town!

John

 

Isn't another name for the "Burb" a Texas Cadillac?

 

Don't know bout Texas Cadillac, but a Cowboy Cadillac is a pickup truck. ;D

 

Texas Caddy is a Burban and a Cowboy Caddy is a pick up truck.

 

So is it correct to say that all you wannbe cowboys out there driving Ram's are actually driving a Cowboy Caddy? From now on perhaps we should refer to our Ram's as CC's. : Jack, we need CC added to the list of abb reviations.