Forum Discussion

schlep1967's avatar
schlep1967
Nomad
Apr 08, 2022

Finding a 3500 series truck to test drive....

Here is my dilema. I currently have a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel. I'm looking to get a new truck and I like the SRW GMC 3500's. My only issue is...nobody has any on the lot to test drive. And any that are in transit are already sold so no test driving when they get one in. How can we be expected to pay $75,000 for a vehicle we can not even take a test drive in?

So does anybody here have any experience going from an older Dodge to a newer GM? Is the ride better?
I'm sure it will be a better experience than praying the Dodge doesn't go into another death wobble when I hit the next pothole.
Tow Vehicles
  • Retired_JSO's avatar
    Retired_JSO
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    I own a F-350/4wd drw 2018. It has 30,000 miles on it give or take almost all towing and have never had a front end wobble.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    IdaD wrote:
    Fisherman wrote:
    Seriously, I would make the effort and have the death wobble fixed. On my old 2004, it was ball joints, replaced them, no more wobble. As for reliability, I would take any 5.9 Cummins before any GM or Ford. Ford feels like driving a brick, GM's seats are like milk crates.


    I haven't driven a GM but I've driven two recent model year Super Duty diesels, an F-250 and an F-350 and honestly I didn't like the way either one drove very well. They felt very isolated from the road, the steering had no feel to it and the turning radius sucked. They're nice trucks and are certainly faster than my Cummins, and they shifted better. Roomier back seat too which matters to me with 3 kids. I'd definitely buy a new Ram CTD over the Super Duty again if I had a do-over, though - even not considering that CP4 issue. GM, I don't know - the current models look pretty nice on paper.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    Fisherman wrote:
    Seriously, I would make the effort and have the death wobble fixed. On my old 2004, it was ball joints, replaced them, no more wobble. As for reliability, I would take any 5.9 Cummins before any GM or Ford. Ford feels like driving a brick, GM's seats are like milk crates.


    I haven't driven a GM but I've driven two recent model year Super Duty diesels, an F-250 and an F-350 and honestly I didn't like the way either one drove very well. They felt very isolated from the road, the steering had no feel to it and the turning radius sucked. They're nice trucks and are certainly faster than my Cummins, and they shifted better. Roomier back seat too which matters to me with 3 kids. I'd definitely buy a new Ram CTD over the Super Duty again if I had a do-over, though. GM, I don't know - the current models look pretty nice on paper.
  • Fisherman's avatar
    Fisherman
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    Seriously, I would make the effort and have the death wobble fixed. On my old 2004, it was ball joints, replaced them, no more wobble. As for reliability, I would take any 5.9 Cummins before any GM or Ford. Ford feels like driving a brick, GM's seats are like milk crates.
  • Wade44's avatar
    Wade44
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    ford truck guy wrote:
    schlep1967 wrote:
    Here is my dilema. I currently have a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel. I'm looking to get a new truck and I like the SRW GMC 3500's. My only issue is...nobody has any on the lot to test drive. And any that are in transit are already sold so no test driving when they get one in. How can we be expected to pay $75,000 for a vehicle we can not even take a test drive in?

    So does anybody here have any experience going from an older Dodge to a newer GM? Is the ride better?
    I'm sure it will be a better experience than praying the Dodge doesn't go into another death wobble when I hit the next pothole.


    Try this -GMC Finder


    Good luck with that. Using that within a 2000 mile radius of here in OH 97% of what it finds are "In Transit" or regular cab bottom of the line Sierra trim level, essentially work trucks with the plastic interiors and seats.

    Around here all HD trucks are spoken for before they ever hit the transporter, and usually paid for at a good amount above MSRP. I guess the OP could always hang out at the dealer and when someone who special ordered or purchased an allocated truck is there taking delivery, ask if they would let him take it for a spin LOL.
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Apr 08, 2022
    schlep1967 wrote:
    Here is my dilema. I currently have a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel. I'm looking to get a new truck and I like the SRW GMC 3500's. My only issue is...nobody has any on the lot to test drive. And any that are in transit are already sold so no test driving when they get one in. How can we be expected to pay $75,000 for a vehicle we can not even take a test drive in?

    So does anybody here have any experience going from an older Dodge to a newer GM? Is the ride better?
    I'm sure it will be a better experience than praying the Dodge doesn't go into another death wobble when I hit the next pothole.


    Try this -GMC Finder
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    The newer Rams basically copied the Super Duty's front suspension setup and it's far better than the older Dodge front ends. I haven't experienced any suspension issues or death wobble with my truck in the 7 years I've owned it. It is possible that you'll experience it I suppose since it is a SFA, but it isn't likely imo.

    The new Duramax trucks look like great trucks but I understand not wanting to buy before you can check one out in person.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Apr 08, 2022
    Death wobble can be fixed. GM's independent front should not get the wobble.

    Call around to other dealers there will be something available to test.

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