2008 Light Trucks

Light & Medium Truck, Dec 2007/Jan 2008 by Skipper, G C

LIGHT & MEDIUM TRUCK'S annual review of light commercial vehicles.

The lucrative full-size pickup truck market continues to be one of the biggest competitive battlegrounds for vehicle manufacturers as they push for dominance or, in some cases, survival. It seems that every new model year brings with it one or two stronger, more powerful models, and 2008 maintains the pattern. Success in this sector is all the more important because sales of full-size pickups are expected to continue to fall in 2008 as the economy, especially the housing construction sector, continues to soften (see "Nothing to Celebrate," page 20, and "Construction Analysts Predict Moderate Growth," page 22).

A new wrinkle is the growing number of small cargo van offerings. Truck makers are trying to get the attention of the small business owner and/or small fleet operation with these crossover units.

These minivans already are coming down the assembly line for consumers. By switching out a few elements, such as the seats, and adding some others, manufacturers can offer a simple commercial van or, if desired, one that can go back and forth between a private passenger van and a commercial cargo van.

The following article is an update on the 2008 full-size pickup trucks and cargo vans.

Full-Size Pickups

Chrysler LLC

The Dodge Ram 1500 for 2008 comes with a new standard 3.7 liter V-6 engine on the short box Quad Cab and two-wheel-drive regular cab models. The V-6 is rated at 215 horsepower and 235 foot-pounds of torque. The 4.7L V-8, rated at 310 hp (31 % more than last year) and 330 foot-pounds of torque (10% increase) is standard on all four-wheel-drive vehicles and on the Quad Cab long body. The 5.7L HEMI gasoline engine is optional, but it is ordered in 55 % of the 1500 models, the company said.

Cummins' Turbo Diesel engines are only available on the 2500 and 3500, but Dodge announced it will unveil a light-duty diesel pickup for 2009.

Other powertrain and chassis updates for 2008 include a recommended oil change interval of 6,000 miles for the gas engines under normal driving conditions. Dodge Ram also has a "Schedule B" interval of 3,000 miles, if the vehicle is driven in frequent stop-and-go traffic, dusty conditions, rapid acceleration or is used to haul heavy loads. Another 2008 change is improved steering linkage on 4x4 models. Also new is a trailer sway control, which has been added to the available electronic stability program. A tire pressure monitoring system is available.

Ford Motor Co.

Ford's F-150 pickup has a towing rating of 11,000 pounds (when properly equipped) and a maximum payload capacity of 3,050. Among the new features for 2008 are a standard tachometer for the XL and STX models spec'd with a manual transmission and remote start system available and a tire pressure monitoring system in all heavy-duty packages.

The F-150 XL also is available in a Super Crew configuration with four full-size doors and more cargo capacity. Ford's Super Cab is an extended cab with four seats facing the rear door. It comes standard with power-side exterior mirrors, AM/FM stereo clock with compact disc, overhead console and a 40/20/40 split cloth front seat.

Standard power for the F-150 is still the 4.2L V-6 gas engine rated at 202 hp and 260 foot-pounds of torque, with the optional 4.8L Triton V-8 (248 hp/294 foot-pounds) with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The last power option is the 5.4 L (300 hp/365 foot-pounds).

General Motors (Chevrolet/GMC)

The Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 only has minor changes for 2008.

Some of the upgrades include standard XM Satellite Radio on all models, the availability of a power adjustable driver's seat on regular cab models with a bench seat and brighter instrument pointers in the gauge cluster.

Also new is an integrated trailer brake controller on extended cab and crew cab models. Previously, this feature only was available on heavy-duty models. The engine line ranges from the 367 hp 6.0L V-8 with 375 foot-pounds of torque, available on LT and LTZ extended and crew cab models to the 4.3L V-6 (195 hp/260-foot-pounds).

Nissan North America

New longer wheelbase Nissan Titan models highlight the 2008 lineup, along with a new cab configuration and an all-new offroad model that joins the XE, SE and LE.

The longer wheelbase models feature beds VA feet longer than standard models ranging, depending on cab configuration, from 5-foot, 7-inches to 8-feet, 2-inches.

Titan has flexible fuel vehicle capability and can run on E-85 ethanol.

The PRO 4X off-road grade models are equipped with Rancho shock absorbers, a lower final gear ratio, two additional skid plates, electronic-locking rear differentials, special aluminum-alloy wheels and off-road tires. Interior trim and gauge appearance also are new.

The Titan is powered by a 5.6-L dual overhead cam V-8 rated at 317 hp and 385 foot-pounds of torque. Titan features a standard 5-speed automatic transmission and the capacity to tow up to 9,500 pounds with the King Cab and, when properly equipped, 9,400 pounds for the crew cab.