Tag Archives | Diesel Trucks

Fire Trucks and Tow Trucks

?Fire Trucks and Tow Trucks

The fire engines were initially used in the mid-nineteenth century and were compliance before the introduction of fire trucks. By the end of century, they changed from automobile version or horse-drawn to hand water pumps mounted at the rear. The first engine was used in the year 1850 by Cincinnati Fire Department. They actually represented large shift methods of fire fighting including bucket lines. Most of these engine models are found in urban cities and as they are in limited demands, the trucks manufactured from 1900 to 1960 were very limited to distinctive designs from local producers. There were not only fire trucks, but also some competitive departments in local areas. Because of expensive paint color, most of the manufacturer began painting their trucks red and black.

Fire trucks became more popular in the market by the turn of century as lots of towns switched from volunteer to professional departments. The cities filled with crowd needed advanced technology with excellent water pumps. Till late 1920s, fire departments decided to use fire powered engines and the Cincinnati, Ahrens-Fox Manufacturing Company became very popular for replacing fire horse-drawn engines with these trucks. The main manufacturer of these fire trucks is Mack Trucks who started in the year 1911 and has gained a good reputation in the market till today. In 1960s, there was some fire diesels trucks manufactured which were the modernized trucks with enclosed cabs for crew.

Tow trucks are basically a vehicle which is used for transporting motor vehicles from one place to another. These services are mostly offered by emergency road service operator. The first tow truck was invented by Ernest Holmes in the year 1916 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was initially a garage worker; an improved design which resulted him to produce wreckers. There are lots of different kinds of tow equipments such as boom that are fitted with most of the trucks. These trucks are most of the times operated by private firms except for toll roads and major highways. Those organizations who are involved in operating huge fleet of vehicles often own one of these trucks and school bus companies.

There are lots of government departments who use two trucks such as departments of public works, fire departments, transportation authorities and police departments. There is a tow truck act in one of the Australian states called New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Tow trucks have been in the market for a very long time and most of the times they are used for hauling cars and automobiles. These trucks are designed as long iron bar with hitch on one end and dual wheels on other end. Gottlieb Daimler was the first automobile manufacturer who produced and launched this tow truck in 1890s. There are other manufacturers in the market who are involved in producing these trucks such as Ford, International, White, Chevrolet, Dodge, Jeep, Federal, Diamond T, GMC, Nash and Studebaker. These trucks are quite ubiquitous on highways which are often not noticed while passing. Overall they are quite beneficial in towing vehicles.

2010 Chevy Kodiak – Should You Buy the Monstrous Truck For $70K+ Or the New Traverse

?2010 Chevy Kodiak – Should You Buy the Monstrous Truck For $70K+ Or the New Traverse?

The 2010 Kodiak is a medium duty truck from the house of Chevrolet, which will be offered in both C5500 and C4500 regular cab models. Power to the model comes from the 35 gallon diesel fuel tank placed under the hood, but the new Traverse presents a more efficient option to the bulky Kodiak; here’s more.

The improvements to the 2010 Kodiak will include extra space for 2 passengers, air suspension seats for front passenger and driver and LED roof marker lights and these features will be made available in all the models of Kodiak. So as to utilize the fuel properly, the engine will be equipped with green fuel caps for diesel engines and revised rear cab mounts.

The 2010 Chevy Kodiak C4500 model will be offered as a 4�4 crew cab and regular cab, which can accommodate up to 6 passengers. The new Kodiak will be offered in V-8 turbo diesel and gasoline engines.

The 2010 Chevrolet Kodiak, Isuzu H-series and the GMC Topkick will look similar in terms of size and shape; all these models fall under the large truck class. The model will suit well as dump trucks, cargo haulers and work trucks. The next generation model is expected to be included with the features like powerful audio system and DVD navigation system.

Apart from the sound system, it will also be featured with all the safety amenities that include traction control, antilock braking system, seat belt pretensioners, rear view mirrors, antiskid brakes, four wheel disc brakes and electronic stability program. The starting price of the 2010 Kodiak will be $70,000.

On the other hand, the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse is available under the $60k mark, and presents a far efficient alternative to the bulky Kodiak; so what’s your take on these two trucks?

Finding Good Deals For Used Diesel Generators Isn’t Hard But it Does Require Research

?Finding Good Deals For Used Diesel Generators Isn’t Hard But it Does Require Research

Everyone knows that used diesel generators can be an expensive purchase. However, there are ways to ensure that you get a good deal. It’s important to know what you’re looking for and because you will need to do research, you should quite easily be able to get yourself a good deal. Spending any more than £8000 is a no no when it comes to these items so do your research properly.

Take your time to find out about what you need and whether or not it’s available on today’s market. Most of the time, you should find a company who stocks what you need whether it’s brand new or used. Used equipment is a much easier way of doing things because a reseller won’t sell bad equipment because they’re unable to – you can be sure that it’ll be in working order.

The other good thing with used equipment such as used diesel generators is that it’s probably be tested and recently put through a service to ensure it’s of good enough quality to resell. Sometimes you can buy from places that offer a guarantee as well which is good – it’s all about taking your time and finding the best dealers.

Used diesel generators are usually sold for about £5000 so make sure that you have set a budget that’s realistic and reasonable. You don’t want to over spend and you don’t want to end up in a situation where you might as well have bought the item from a brand new retailer.

Make sure that you know your stuff before you go shopping. Do a lot of research to find out what sort of thing you need and find out about all the different options available. This shouldn’t take long but don’t be afraid to set aside a few hours each day to find yourself a bargain.

Most used diesel generators are easy to find but if you don’t do your research, you can end up with a deal that’s simply not good enough. Take your time and make sure that you know exactly what you need – think about alternatives if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for.

Soaring Demand for Forklift Truck Parts

?Soaring Demand for Forklift Truck Parts

The forklift truck is extremely important machinery which is of paramount importance in material handling operations. It is called so because the machine has forks which can be called as steel fingers are inserted under the load to lift in a very organized and a proper manner. The forklift parts are subjected to a great degree of wear and tear because of its extensive use and therefore they are always in demand.

Following are the forklift truck parts which are an absolute necessity to make it fully functional.

The Counterweight is sort of a heavy iron mass which is attached to the rear part of the machine. Next is the carriage which has four sizes of hook type carriage. They are rated according to the capacity of load lifting which is further determined by the fork size and the carriage pin size. The Overhead guard is of great importance as it acts as protective shield for the forklift operator. It is a metal roof which is supported by posts and prevents any falling objects from hurting the operator. The Cab is the area of the forklift truck in which consist of the seat for the forklift operator along with other components such as the levers, switches, control pedals etc.

The power source of the forklift truck consists of internal combustion engine which can be powered by CNG Gas, diesel fuel etc. On the other hand, the electric forklift trucks are run with the help of a battery. Talking about the mast it is a vertical assembly which raises and lowers the load and is driven hydraulically. One or more hydraulic cylinders may be used directly or chains from the cylinders can be used. The forklift cylinder head is connected to the barrel in several ways. The most common way of attaching them with the barrel is with the help of a simple lock or screwing them up. The other way is the flange connections which works best for the cylinder head as it is bolted and is welded to the pipe.

One can easily get forklift parts such as Cylinder Heads, 4y Engine, and Toyota 4y Engine at great prices from online suppliers. There are renowned international suppliers of forklift parts and accessories which sell these parts among various other forklift accessories at incredible prices. All you need to do is to locate them online and get in touch with them. You will get a better deal from them than that provided by the traditional suppliers

Finding A Truck To Tow A Toy Hauler1

?Finding A Truck To Tow A Toy Hauler

So you got yourself a new ATV or fun runner, but you are wondering how in the world you are going to find a truck that can stand the weight of your toy hauler. This is a common dilemma for new owners of these big toys. This article shows which trucks are able to tow a toy hauler; including features, weight capacity, and other pertinent information.

Ford F550 4X4 Hauler

The Ford F550 4X4 Hauler is a good choice for transporting a toy hauler over long distances. The F550 has been in a class of pickup trucks that have been the best in America for 24 years and running. Some features of this powerful and durable truck are the fact that it is not only tough, but has an attractive body frame. The truck has a 6.4 liter Powerstroke Turbo diesel engine. The GVWR is 17,950. It includes dual fuel tanks, so you can travel long distances without having to stop for a fill-up. It also features a Tow Command System with a high capacity trailer tow package. Other interesting features about this truck include heated captain chairs, all weather floor mats, plus many other appealing features.

Chevy Silervado 3500HD L2

The Chevy Silverado 3500HD L2 model is perfect for hauling a toy hauler. It costs considerably less than the Ford F550 mentioned above, and can do just about the same job. Some highlights of the 3500HD include a 6.0 V8 engine, automatic transmission with a tow haul mode, and can pull up to a maximum of 18,500 pounds. Other nice features about this truck include your choice of extended or crew cab options, as well as an integrated trailer breaker control. This vehicle has won its share of awards for its outstanding performance.

GMC Sierra 2500HD

The GMC Sierra 2500HD costs about the same as a Chevy Silverado 3500HD. It was voted the Best Pickup Truck in 2007 by Motor Week. The truck comes in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and can pull a load of about 13,000 to 16,000 pounds, which is usually sufficient for hauling an ATV or fun runner. Other pertinent features of this truck include 6.0L SFI V8 engine, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, as well as fog lamps and 17-inch wheels. Safety features include the On-Star system, air bags, and a theft-deterrent system.

Dodge Ram 3500

The Dodge Ram 3500 is an excellent choice for pulling a toy hauler. It can haul up to 16,350 pounds easily. The truck packs a 6.7L turbo diesel engine, along with an option for four-wheel drive. The Dodge Ram also has other interesting features, such air bags with side-impact protection, options for a four-door or two-door model, and many other features to meet the needs of the individual purchasing the vehicle.

As you can see, there are quite a few options when it comes to finding a truck to pull your toy hauler. A lot of what you choose to buy will depend on price, whether you want to buy new or used, and what other features besides pulling capacity are important to you. Folks have been happy with each of the models of trucks listed above, so now it is time for you to start researching what truck is best for your needs.

2009 Dodge Trucks – The Best and the Worst

?2009 Dodge Trucks – The Best and the Worst

Dodge is a division of the Chrysler Corporation and most people know this, but some may not be aware of it.

Dodge is known for their powerful Hemi engines and the ruggedness of their truck, and they seemed to be the first US truck maker to realize we needed so much storage in our cabs, even for our laptops, that these trucks are pretty tricked out.

Still, we hope the Dodge division of Chrysler also jumps on the environmental trail and comes out with something beyond what they call their hybrid-the diesel. We checked out two base pick-up trucks from the Dodge Division.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab- The Best

Even the experts love this truck!

While the fuel efficiency isn’t great at only 16 miles to the gallon, it boasts basically two models with all sorts of options. The ST and the SLT and each comes with either a 3.7 liter, 6 cylinder engine or the 4.7 liter, 8 cylinder engine and even the 5.7 liter, 8 cylinder engine.

They range in price from $21,000 to $29,000, and with different packages you’ll get tons of interior options, well designed controls and a truck that performs. Their towing capacity is called the “”best in its class,”” and it feels like a truck is supposed to feel when you’re driving it.

We really liked this truck and so do consumers, especially if you choose the higher priced Hemi engine that will run you in the low to mid-$30’s. When they say “”It’s better in a Dodge,”” it is.

2009 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab – The Worst

While some consumers may like the Dodge Dakota, the experts say this truck is only “”adequate.””

They came out with 18 models on the Dakota in the last few years and we guess Dodge thinks by giving this truck fancy names, maybe it will attract more buyers. The models range from the ST to the BigHorn to the LoneStar to the Laramie and come with everything from the 3.7 liter, 6 cylinder engine to their 4.7 liter, 8 cylinder engine.

Depending on the model you can get these trucks in rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive and they range in price of $21,000 to $29,000.

It has no real unique features and this reviewer (a woman) hates to say this but Dodge promotes this vehicle as a “”ladies”” truck-whatever that means?

Summing Up Dodge

We were happy to find out that Dodge released a hybrid for 2009, the Dodge Durango and they call this a truck and it isn’t a truck. It’s an SUV, but they say no, it’s a truck-whatever!

Dodge Ram Trucks will always be in the forefront when it comes to the fight over which truck is better, a Dodge or a Chevy?

The Dodge Truck line-up is hard to beat , and when you pick the model that suits your needs, don’t forget to buy that Dodge extended warranty, because like we said, unless you have a Hemi engine, this American car maker only gives you 3 years, 36,000 miles on their warranty and an extended warranty can be gold for these trucks.

Features to Look For in a Pick Up Truck

?Features to Look For in a Pick Up Truck

A Chevy pickup has been specially designed to tow heavy cargo. When looking for a suitable truck, firstly, decide beforehand that would you prefer a wide cargo or a passenger space. Both options are available so if you feel like it you could also change the prowess for a spacious passenger cabin. You should always consider the cargo and the comfort factor and remember that a truck with a large back space will tend to have smaller passenger accommodation. If the truck is for 5 or 6 passengers then the cargo bed is at least 5 feet long whereas 2 or 3 seater trucks have up to 8 foot cargo area. You can find various cabs and bed configurations in most of the trucks.

Select the engine which matches the hauling requirements. The full sized trucks can pull 9000 pounds of weight while the smaller trucks pull 3,000 pounds of weight. If you require excess weight pulling than this, you can also upgrade the truck engine to V-8 or a diesel engine. Some pickups are not aerodynamic and have powerful engines. They are mainly used as commuter vehicles. Full sized trucks are not as efficient as compact pickups.

If you are just looking for a Chevy pickup for transporting load from one place to another, a small truck with a good gas mileage will be perfect for your requirements. The fuel efficient smaller trucks get 23 mpg in mixed driving. You will find them at much cheaper rates and hence are more economical in the long run. You should always give the advance safety features of a truck the top priority. Pickup trucks can easily be a part of roll over accidents as compared to cars and vans. A number of models fail to protect the passengers in crashes. The advanced safety features of a Chevy pickup can help prevent the mishap to a great extent. The electronic stability control in it helps to avoid accidents.

Some pickups also have air bags on the side for the passenger sitting at the front and curtain air bags for the rest of the passengers. You can also get a backup camera installed which might seem expensive but it can greatly reduce the chances of backing over any object. These are the some of the significant features which you should always look for and will make your truck shopping simple.

Saving Fuel For Car and Truck

?Saving Fuel For Car and Truck

There is a nineteenth century technology that has been dusted off and brought up into our present time. This technology improves the gasoline engine which only uses twenty-five percent of the gasoline supply to the engine. The rest is thrown out the tailpipe as waste. This simple, efficient and economical system uses your existing motor to make HHO from a water bottle, improving your gas mileage. As we all know, water is FREE! The engine of your automobile as it drives sends electrical current into the water by electrolysizing it. The HHO gas developed by electrolysis goes into the same chamber as the gas, breaking the gas molecules into smalller particles, thus you get a more complete burning of the gas which improves your gas mileage. Examples of car performances:

*Tom Lang of California got 41% improvement on his gas mileage for his existing car.

*Bill Lang, his brother, averaged 35% improvement on twelve different cars in Clearwater, FL.

*A 1999 diesel 18-wheeler truck had a 25% increased fuel efficiency.

*Ozzie Freedom’s 1999 Toyota Corolla gained a doubling fuel effect by getting 61 MPG!

Besides a great fuel-saving device, this system will eliminate a great deal of pollution coming from your vehicles’ tailpipe. Mechanics will tell you this fuel-kit system will clean your motor. Do not be surprised in seeing WATER coming out of your tailpipe! We sometimes call HHO, the ‘green’ gas. We have turned a nineteenth century technology into a modern step towards ‘green power’.

So help solve the energy crisis in America and help America become more energy independent by looking into this water-on-demand technology and kit. If your a backyard mechanic, professional mechanic or know one, you can install an inexpensive system with very little time on your existing truck or car. To learn more, look below for your link to gain additional information.

Extreme Chevy Truck Accessories – Not for the Weak at Heart

?Extreme Chevy Truck Accessories – Not for the Weak at Heart

So here we go guys today I will be covering some of the Extreme Chevy truck accessories. The accessories mentioned below generally go beyond the normal every day truck owner and enter a realm of power and torque. You will find I have chosen what I believe to be the top 5 performance upgrades for Chevy trucks. I hope you find this information valuable when building your next Extreme Chevy truck.

Extreme accessory #1 – Power Programmers. Okay guys there are two different power programmers I recommend. The first being for Diesel owners and that is the Bully Dog Triple Dog Outlook combo. This programmer is top of the line and gives you the ability to adjust horsepower on the fly. Bully Dog is the best choice for Diesel trucks. Now if you own a gas truck I recommend the Hypertech HyperPAC. This tuner is versatile and will do everything you need including diagnostics. This is considered the world’s first performance automotive computer.

Extreme accessory #2 – AEM Brute force air intakes. I know every one is always talking K&N when it comes to filters and intakes, however the AEM Brute force intake is what I recommend hands down. The AEM Brute force is top of the line allowing the most airflow you will find. Throw on a throttle body spacer and you have really made some improvements to your stock system.

Extreme accessory #3 – Borla exhaust system. When you make the other mods it is essential to do the exhaust to get the best performance out of your truck. For the Chevy I recommend the Borla system. Borla is a stainless steel mandrel bent exhaust system that increases horsepower by increasing air flow. Remember what comes in must come out. The concept of tuning your truck should start with airflow and your exhaust system is a vital part of this. Borla will perform the task well and will also give your truck a nice deep sound.

Extreme accessory #4 – Procomp lift kits- Now not everyone is looking at lifting their trucks however if you are we recommend the Procomp lift kit for your Chevy. This kit is complete with shocks, springs and hardware and is one of the most popular kits for the Chevy trucks.

Extreme accessory #5 – Flex-a-lite fans. Not everyone thinks about cooling however when you are tuning your truck for more horsepower cooling plays a vital role. We want to protect our investment so it is common sense to do something fairly simple to keep our motor cool. The Flex-a-lite Syclone fan moves up to 2500 cfm’s of air and only drawing 17 amps. Not bad at all for protection in my book.

Okay so there you have it. Listing only 5 I missed a few accessories such as upgrading your braking systems. I tried to stay with the most basic and not go overboard so I hope this information was helpful on your journey to building your Extreme Chevy truck. By doing your homework ahead of time you will find the right accessories. Remember when talking about tuning that Airflow is vital and the fact that what goes in must come out.

2006 Toyota Tundra Review

?2006 Toyota Tundra Review

Well, I’ve been shopping again. I have been looking at a couple of trucks and I like the Nissan Titan. It’s nice and has a lot of features. I am a Toyota fan and I do like the Tundra. It’s based upon the Sequoia frame – rather – they share the same frame, so it rides nice. The 271hp V8 helps tote things around, too. With a 6800-pound towing capacity, even if you have the double cab, you still have room for the family and the camper and the boat and the gear . . .whew.

One of the neat things about the new trucks is style. When I opened the door, I was surrounded in leather. The DVD navigation system may be a bit much for my use, but the double cab had a rear seat DVD player that would be perfect for the kids. It also had a vertical sliding rear glass, just like my 4runner and Sequoia.

I can’t decide if I’d rather have the Access cab, or just go ahead and get the double cab. The access cab has almost a full size door opening up into the back seats, and I probably won’t be hauling around any big adults in the back. Unless they wanted to watch the DVD player.

It may sound odd, but you can get a limited slip rear end on the 2 wheel drive models. It keeps the rear tire from spinning. . .well, one tire from spinning. I’m sure with that monster engine, it wouldn’t take much to get the tires smoking. The mechanical limited slip is an option all unto itself. As I discovered further, I think I’d rather have the entire package of safety features. They are stability control, traction control, brake assist, fog lamps, running lights, and AUTOMATIC limited-slip rear differential. Sounds daunting, but I’m sure this package would be worth it in the long run.

So, double cab? SR5 or Limited. Hmm. Step side? Not for me, but it is stylish looking. I’d have to option mine up a bit to get the homelink, DVD’s, Leather, and side curtain air bags if I do get the double cab.

It’s a nice truck. Manly enough for me, but still soft enough the wife could drive it if I let her. If you get a chance, check them out, because Toyota did it right with the Tundra this year.

Enough Hybrids – Lets Go Diesel2

?Enough Hybrids – Lets Go Diesel

Last summer’s gas crisis made people wake up and realize that economic cars that get good gas millage and are less harmful to the environment are going to become more of a necessity in decades to come. Hybrids are all the rage, but they have plenty of downsides such as relative high costs, expensive to maintain, and well most of them are pretty lame. So what can we do to get good fuel economy and have cars that don’t suck? Get more diesel cars and make them affordable.

Do a search on cheap diesel cars and you will pretty much find a couple rabbits and Mercedes 300D’s and not much else in the US. New cars are coming out and some of them are actually pretty cool. Volkswagen is leading the trend with cars like the TDI Jetta and the Audi R8, while American car companies of course don’t have much of anything but large and quite expensive trucks.

While I still think electric cars can be the future for the time being Diesel engines provide us the ability to have crazy good fuel economy, solid reliability, and most of them utilize turbos which can make the potential to have more power and more fun easy to achieve.

The rest of the world has had a large selection of diesel cars for years and some even produced by none other than American car companies. So question is why can’t we get these? Maintenance and operating costs of diesels are relatively low and they tend to have the uncanny ability to rack up thousands of miles and take lots of abuse. If you do not agree just take a quick look at the average milage of the still running examples of the first two cars I mentioned before from VW and Mercedes. Chances are you can easily find several clean and perfectly good running examples with 300K plus miles.

So my call to the big three is take advantage of some of the cars that we have given to the rest of world and bring them here. If we don’t then I’m sure companies like Toyota and VW will lead the trend and leave us behind once again.

Pre-Owned Trucks

?Pre-Owned Trucks

Buying a pre-owned truck is a very good idea, if you can not really afford a new one. However, the only problem is that you may not be able to judge whether the truck being offered for sale is good or not. Therefore, the best option in such a situation is to buy certified pre-owned trucks.

There are certain companies in United States that deal in pre-owned trucks. They make it a point to inspect all the used pickup trucks for any faults before selling them. The pre owned trucks that clear these tests and are put on sale thereafter are called certified pre-owned trucks.

Usually, the company that sells pre-owned trucks devices a rigorous test to inspect these trucks before they are presented before the customer. The test involves a thorough check of crucial and normal parts of the truck.

They make sure that nothing may escape the check. The check also involves timely replacement of water, oil, oil filters, air filter and the engine belts.

In certified pre-owned trucks, the engine is thoroughly checked, including the radiator. The check also involves a pressure test on the system that cools the engine. The engine hoses are also checked and if there is a leakage or breakage, the hose is replaced.

The engine is also checked for a proper freeze protection. Also, the engine’s exhaust is checked for any clamp, mount or leakages. The housing of the engine’s air cleaner is also checked along with the air-to-air piping. The steering shaft and its U-joints are also checked.

The certified trucks also undergo a complete body check in which the doors are inspected along with the cargo latches and the lift gates. The truck’s cab’s appearance is also checked for any significant damage. The air ride system installed in the truck is also checked.

Apart from the usual checks of the body and the engine parts, the certified preowned trucks also undergo a fluid analysis. Under this analysis some fluid samples are taken from the truck’s engine and its radiator. The fluid samples are then analyzed under a laboratory setting. The fluid analysis is helpful in detecting the presence any risk of component failure.

After these numerous checks the trucks are then offered to the customers for sale. The certified pre-owned trucks are a safe bet, because after so many tests and analysis, every problem with the vehicle is likely to get identified and sorted. As a result, the truck delivered to you has more chances to offer you a much utility and service.

Enough Hybrids – Lets Go Diesel

?Enough Hybrids – Lets Go Diesel

Last summer’s gas crisis made people wake up and realize that economic cars that get good gas millage and are less harmful to the environment are going to become more of a necessity in decades to come. Hybrids are all the rage, but they have plenty of downsides such as relative high costs, expensive to maintain, and well most of them are pretty lame. So what can we do to get good fuel economy and have cars that don’t suck? Get more diesel cars and make them affordable.

Do a search on cheap diesel cars and you will pretty much find a couple rabbits and Mercedes 300D’s and not much else in the US. New cars are coming out and some of them are actually pretty cool. Volkswagen is leading the trend with cars like the TDI Jetta and the Audi R8, while American car companies of course don’t have much of anything but large and quite expensive trucks.

While I still think electric cars can be the future for the time being Diesel engines provide us the ability to have crazy good fuel economy, solid reliability, and most of them utilize turbos which can make the potential to have more power and more fun easy to achieve.

The rest of the world has had a large selection of diesel cars for years and some even produced by none other than American car companies. So question is why can’t we get these? Maintenance and operating costs of diesels are relatively low and they tend to have the uncanny ability to rack up thousands of miles and take lots of abuse. If you do not agree just take a quick look at the average milage of the still running examples of the first two cars I mentioned before from VW and Mercedes. Chances are you can easily find several clean and perfectly good running examples with 300K plus miles.

So my call to the big three is take advantage of some of the cars that we have given to the rest of world and bring them here. If we don’t then I’m sure companies like Toyota and VW will lead the trend and leave us behind once again.

2004 Dodge Ram

?2004 Dodge Ram

The 2004 Dodge Ram is a continuation of the revamped model introduced a few years earlier, and remains one of the toughest trucks in the half-ton class. It is offered in 1500, 2500, 3500 and other sizes along with gasoline and diesel engines. A few features were added for the ’04 season, mostly being technological upgrades for drivers inside the cabin. Dodge is still betting on the idea that only 2 different cab styles will offer enough customization and appeal to it’s customers. Possible the most alluring aspect of these trucks is the fact that they can be bought with the infamous Hemi engine which is renowned for it’s power and smoothness.

Engines available on these models include a 3.7 liter V-6, a 4.7 liter V-8, along with a 5.7 liter V-8. Drivers who only need a basic work truck for highway driving and won’t be hauling extremely large loads will probably suffice with the smaller V-6, but certainly won’t be getting able to use the truck to it’s full capabilities. The 4.7 liter engine is a great middle of the road choice and works very well with even the 4 wheel drive models both on and off road. Of course those who really want to get the best all around experience will have to indulge and get themselves a Hemi equipped 5.7 liter engine 2004 Dodge Ram. The benefits of the larger engine are endless and the ride quality is drastically improved.

Noticeable areas that this truck excels in comparison with the Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150 include towing capabilities, optional all-wheel drive, and a very user friendly set of interior instrument controls and panel layouts. Dodge is able to offer some of the best hauling and towing capabilities because of its strengthened frame from a new forging technique that has made it up to 3 times as strong. That means that the truck is more reliable than ever for heavy duty work.

There are three trim packages available for the 2004 Dodge Ram including the ST, SLT, and the SRT. Both the basic level ST and mid-level SLT packages are available in 2 door cabs and quad cabs. Basic ST models have power windows and a decent stereo system along with the choice of 6.3 ft or 8 ft cargo bed. SLT models are a nice step up in comfort, offering full power accessories, CD players, AC, a great selection of fabrics, and optional 20 inch wheels. It should be noted however that the larger wheels have been known to cause a stiffer ride quality. The sportier SRT-10 models come with the viper V10 engine and 22 inch wheels. The high-end package also has different trim accents.

Most trucks will be found to have the mid-level SLT package and one of the V-8 engines. Depending upon preferences and needs, there are a great selection of both 2 wheel rear drive and 4 wheel drive trucks available for the 2004 Dodge Ram. One of the few downsides that Dodge still struggles with is fuel economy. Coming in significantly lower for nearly all packages and engines than the Silverado and F-150.

In summation, the Ram is a great truck for those who really want to do some seriously work. Lower end packages are where the Ram probably isn’t the best of competitors, but they are very fund trucks to drive nonetheless.

Engine of the Year Awards 2008

?Engine of the Year Awards 2008

Every year since 1999 there has been a gathering of views over 65 motoring journalist to select the best engines made available today in various aspects such as technology used, drivability, economy, performance, and refinement.

Awards are given to a few categories of engines such as International Engine of the Year, Best Performance Engine, Best New Engine, Green Engine, and according to Capacity Classes. Among them are the engine awards most anticipated by motoring companies as it will make a difference in either pushing sales or pushing them away from the business.

This year we see the emergence of BMW engines being the winner for multiple categories including the International Engine of the Year 2008. With the BMW 3 liter Twin Turbo used in the 135, 335, and the X6, it sets it’s points just barely over Volkswagen’s TSI. With BMW’s new high-precision direct injection system, it helps the engine to drink less fuel while producing a good amount of power to the wheels. Rather using a single large turbocharger, the design of two smaller turbocharger is the key to balance out the boosts throughout the rev range, eliminating lag while acceleration.

Another engine being awarded the Best New Engine of the year is the BMW 2 liter Diesel Twin Turbo used in the 123D. This 4 cylinder engine is claimed by BMW by far the most powerful of all, thanks to the balancing act of power increase, weight reduction, and lower emissions. The 2 liter diesel twin turbo kept its fellow 4 liter V8 used in M3 off the Best New Engine category. It simply is because of the innovative technology used to create a lightweight engine block, while maintaining the build of a solid and rigid block, making it a more powerful engine than petrol of the same capacity.

Another award appeared to be new this year is the Green Engine of the Year award. Replacing previous Best Fuel Economy award, this year’s Green Engine Award is again the Toyota 1.5 liter Hybrid Synergy Drive used in the Toyota Prius. Judges still fond over the concept of the Hybrid Synergy Drive that combines petrol and electric used to propel a car. With a low power output of just 76bhp the Prius uses another 67bhp produced by another electric motor, thus conserving fuel and keeping the CO2 emission level low.

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