Three things and I will be happy.

1. Better HVAC with no broken door issues or blowing hot on passenger side.

2. Longer lasting front end components (BJ's Ujoints tierods etc).

3. A more robust trailer electrical circuit with replaceable fuses and relays.

Thanks

 

What type connecting rods are in the 5.9 dodge CTD?I hear powdered metal,sintered metal and forged steel?Can someone clear this up once and for all.

 

I will be in the "New Truck" market very soon.

My question is:
Have you made any improvements to the EGR system for 2011 to increase fuel mileage?

I understand the weight issue with the Cummins and the front end issues. I know you guys can improve it in order to make it last like a real truck should. You have a good product and you have improved in a lot of areas but emissions issues are killing your market share.

 

I second this response also:
When will there be a automatic transmission put behind the Cummins that can actually handle the power. I'm not talking aftermarket power either, the factory trans cannot handle the stock output of the motor.
+1 on manual locking hubs

+1 on a better A/C

+1 on a re-designed interior

+1 on greasable front ends & U-Joints

My last request is this, the thickness of the sheet metal seems to be a bit weak, I lightly backed into a plastic barrel and wrinkled up the quarter panel like it was tin foil, any possibility of making the body panels to match the heavy duty concept?

 

Well after reading this thread, I don't want to upgrade from my 1st Gen nearly as bad now. So, my only comment area as follows:

1- Like was said earlier, build me a new 1st Gen CC 4x4 (even if that means I have to deal with an electronically controlled engine though I'd really prefer my VE) and I'll be first in line to buy one as will pretty much everyone who rodeo's around here, works construction, or otherwise uses a truck and needs rugged dependability.

2- Continue to make or start making parts for the older trucks again. Those of us stuck in the early 90's have enough trouble finding parts for our rigs as it is.

3- Build a truck, not a car with a bed on it. The emphasis on flashy gadgets and a high horsepower engine that spins up to 4k RPMs is not appealing to me when it falls apart at 100k and can't even approach 20mpg. Stop skimping on the little stuff just to save a buck because you spent too much money on some trinket that really does not make the truck work any better. Practical options and packages (such as what someone suggested with a rubber floor option with the SLT or Laramie package ) for those of us who still need a truck and not a Cadillac with a bed and dual wheels.

 

Is the dual mass fly wheel/clutch the reason for the lower tow rating on the manual transmission trucks? If it is why not put a improved clutch in.

 

HVAC - what can we do to help the performance of our existing system in the 3rd gen vehicles?
Death Wobble - this forum could author a book on possible causes and possible remedies to the problem, since you designed the front end how do you actually fix the problem?
Seat Cushions - I am 6'4" and 240-250+/- (depending on the season), the seat has not been to comfortable. Most people that drive these vehicles tend to be on the larger side. No offense to any little ones I just want a comfortable seat to hold my you know what up.
Steering - seems to be weak for vehicle size - what can be done to improve the steering without major cost.
Tire Sizes - you make a vehicle that fits larger tires, some of us need some meat under the truck to do everday task (chase scrapers, get to your dozer, work on the farm or ranch, etc.) Why not design a vehicle that can handle the larger tire sizes. Anytime anything goes wrong suspension or tranny wise it is the fault of the tires.
Suspension - front end suspension could be designed to handle the engine weight better, obviously or a huge aftermarket for these front ends would not exist. Consider asking people who use these trucks for what they are made for on what they would like to see in a reliable front suspension. I am not talking about jumping sand dunes or rock crawling just everyday activities (dirt roads, construction entrances, curbs occasionally, degrading infrastructure, etc. you get the picture.

 

1. greasable ball joints
2. better quality u-joints
3. front wheel bearings that are serviceable, lockout hubs
4. no more dual mass flywheel
5. better fit and finish, slow down think about buidling a truck to last 500k, if you have doubts fix them before we buy them and get dissapointed. you guys know what it takes to build a truck.
6. i like the powerwagon with a diesel and a plow prep with 4.10 or 3.73 gears
7. better fuel filtration
8. triple disc torque converter

 

I've went thru three front beauty rings on my dodge and it's only got 187000 miles! The plastic tabs break off. EVERY one breaks and then if you have font end work done the shop argues that they were broke when they removed them, you fight with the shop saying they were fine before they got it in and you loose, and end up buing another set of 150$ plastic junk... or just run steel wheels.
The small lug cap seems fine but the rings always break no matter how easy you put them on or how straight you line everything up before gently tapping or pressing them on even without a hammer or anything except the side of your hand.
Super glue works temp. to get them back on but next time you have a flat or need to do brake service, get out the super glue or two benji's ($100).

 

Whats the possibility of Offering a "Glider KIT"???

I would buy a new rig in a heartbeat

 

First off I would like to thank them for taking the time to talk to us, and give us some insight on these great trucks. Thank You

I have talked to alot of Ford and Chevy owners asking them what they think about their trucks and what they like. So far I have come to the conclusion that people (in general) want creature comforts in their trucks and they all say that the dodge does not have enough of them. I agree to look at ford and what they have done, and run with some of their ideas. Ford and Chevy owners all say that the Cummins is the best motor, but dodge chassis are not umong the favorite. I would never buy a truck due to creature comforts and sacifice reliability and a proven power plant.

I cannot give any advice on what needs to be changed as I drive a first gen, and thats all I have ever driven. Only thing and this is for Dodge, could you please start making first gen parts again, please...

I personally beleive in the brand and will continue to support Cummins and Dodge and you wont find me in a ford or chevy, EVER!

 

We don't need a tripple disc converter but if all I need to get my tranny to hold is a drill bit in the valve body... WHY NOT DO IT FROM THE FACTORY! You don't have to go crazy with line pressure and stuff but turn it up just a little so we can actually tow something. It is not hard or expensive to build a better tranny.

 

Just thought of a few other things.

Rear brake caliper guards - should be stock. Where I am it is mostly gravel roads and the rocks destroy the calipers if you don't have them. Would really like to see drum brakes come back because working in the oil patch i need to change rear brakes every 25-30,000 kms as the sand and mud eats them real quick. Using my '98 for work I can get 3 or 4 times the milage on rear brakes and not have replace rotors all the time.

Rear wheel liners - should come on the vehicle from new, I hate hearing the rocks hit the back of the cab. Or at the very least the ones you sell should be of the same quality as the liners in the front wheelwells. I have to change them once a year because there made out of a plastic that soon as the temperature drops below freezing they turn brittle then the rocks go right through them!! Doesn't anybody test these things before they are put on the market??

Anyway, looking forward to hear your responses to my questions as I really like the dodge trucks, but there is room for improvement. Heck, when you come out with a new model if you want it tested in a working enviroment that ranges from +35c to -50c in less than ideal conditions, send one up, I'll be happy to put it through it's paces.

 

Us 1st geners have been cast adrift a long time ago so any comment I could make would go ignored.
That comment would be parts support.

 

? why dont they have built in brake boxs like the fords
? they need a better clutch
? lock in/out hubs
? better ball joints