2005 Updated Impressions

[KCJackson]

6 weeks and 2400 miles on the 05... thought I'd update my impressions.

* Still a nice controlled ride. The stiffer frame has definitely made a difference over the 96 - the body is far more stable on all but the worst roads.

* Brakes are phenomenal. I've had a couple of occasions to really stomp on the whoa pedal, and it is ALWAYS a dead-straight, vibration-free stop.

* The faster steering ratio makes corners a breeze. Even though the truck is slightly larger than the 96, it actually steers "smaller".

* My best tank with the 96 was 24.3 mph over 275 miles. I didn't expect to get that with the 05 because the new rig is physically larger, weighs 1000 pounds more, and has poorer aerodynamics. But already, I can nail 20 mpg highway if I keep it around 57-62 mph.

* I know this is subjective to the individual ear, but the RAZ system (CD/cassette) with the high-end Infinity speakers sounds terrific if you are listening to a decent FM station, CD, or metal cassette with lots of frequency separation. A band with lots of bass AND treble differences comes through beautifully - and the fact that the speakers aren't competing with the engine any more also helps.

* The power and boost are remarkably smooth. A light foot and the heavy low-end torque bring you off the line with the flow, and a good hard stab of the go pedal will beat the pack with no problem. No more worry about on-ramps; this morning, I was entering I-80 behind a dump truck, and was easily able to gun it to the center lane and blow by. The 96 would have been stuck behind the dump until momentum dictated otherwise.

* I like these mirrors more every day. That huge arm doesn't come into play from the driver's seat, and the mirrors themselves are steady as anything I've experienced.

* I like the intermediate positions on the HVAC controls. Instead of the specific flow selections, the new trucks allow an intermediate position between the positions. For example, I like the halfway point between Floor/Defrost and Floor when it's cold - it basically puts 75% of the airflow to the floor but still puts some defrosting heat up top.

* I miss the simple pull knob for the lights.

* The General AmeriTracs are doing very well. No strange wear or early cupping, with stable handling in dry, wet, or snow conditions.

Sent in payment number one last week. At the rate I'm driving, my warranty (7/100 extended, to match the engine warranty) will run out right about the same time as the last payment (#60) is sent in. So far4 this truck has met all my expectations, raised significantly after how well the 96 held up.