Detroit Auto Show is underway. 2009 Dodge Ram announcement, rear coil suspension, finally a normal crew cab (Ram Crew) not too small like a Quad or too big like a Mega-Cab, cool bed and floor storage  http://mrtruck.net/09ram1500.htm

 Ford announces new 2009 F150 with 6-speed auto, factory brake control, trailer sway control and more... http://mrtruck.net/09f150b.htm 

I suppose I should call it by the new name, North American International Auto Show, it's just been the Detroit Auto Show for a few decades.

Both 1/2 tons sure look "pretty". I'm kinda surprised that Ford hasn't stepped up to bat with their engines though. Considering what the competition is offering, keeping the 5.4 V8 as the top engine choice seems questionable. But hey, it continues to be a best seller, so who am I to question that decision?

Thanks for the information.

Steve

  Looks like this would have been a good time to introduce a "diesel" to the F-150.

   I read somewhere the GM Surburban and 1/2 ton pickups will get a 4.5 liter (275 cid), in house built Duramax sometime in 2009. 310 hp and 520 ft. lbs. torque. Wonder what kind of milage and what kind of a "PRICE" these 09 GM trucks will demand??

  I see that Ford will keep their prices pretty much the same and they may even lower the prices on some trucks!!!

With the increased capabilities of the new 150 sized trucks,( load and towing capacities) and promises of diesel engines, it would seem that they will be more capable than the 250 sized trucks of a few years ago. I wouldn't count on them being too inexpensive with the inclusion of  "Platinum" interiors. A large selection of plush interior, trim and wheel options, means that the manufacturers are going to try to make their profits by selling as much sizzle as possible.

Have you tried to find a 20" truck tire? If you find your wallet light now after a 16" tire purchase, an empty credit card or home equity line of credit will be necessary to purchase a whole set of those.

I'm afraid that the manufacturers are trying to entice the glitz crowd instead of the working group. With the economy going into the doldrums, it would seem that their sales are wrongly targeted. I hope I'm wrong.

Gard

Ford did announce the 4.4L diesel in the F150 would be 2010 they are also saying they'd have a turbo gas engine that year. That's probably when we'll see the 6-speed auto and new diesel in the Super Duty.

I was hoping we'd see a 6-speed auto in the Ram 1500 for 2010, but they same tranny with a little better torque converter in the RT regular cab. The Hemi will have more power. Seems like no one wants to be first to market with the 1/2 ton diesel. Though we'll probably see the 4.5L GM diesel in the 2500 Suburban and H2 next winter.

 Wonder what they are afraid of...Dodge offered a Mitsubishi inline 6 diesel in the D-100's in 1980? GM has been off and on with half ton diesels, Chevy Luv, (Isuzu Pup), the V8 olds diesel, 6.2 and 6.5's. Ford offered a 4 cylinder diesel in the Ranger in 1983? Even IH offered a D301 International Diesel back in 1963!!

 I'm guessing they are afraid that if they start back offering diesel engines in 1/2 ton pickups, the price of diesel fuel will jump to $5.00 a gallon and gasoline will drop to .27 cent!!

I'm driving a 2006 CC Duramax/Allison with crank-up windows, no power locks, real nice cloth seat, rubber floor mats, it had painted wheels, I bought some new take-off aluminums from e-bay for $85 ea. Anyway I gave $24,700 for it with 14k miles. You can find the real trucks out there you just have to look. I had a 2004 Dodge CC dually before that had the same options. I like em' that way.

But.............my last two LQ's had copper sinks and soft walls, but hey I do them myself so still very economical.