Roger,

Sorry, I've been on a mini vacation and away from the 'Puter-

Yes, it was perplexing, as I loved those old body style, 4 speed, 5.3 Pickups (I went through 4 of them, and the quality only got better as time went on)-GM's are known for electrical problems (mostly), and I had two with Trans problems, however, the last two Pickups I've bought (post 4 speed) haven't had a single problem with anything (they say the 6 speed is overbuilt)-

Me Wife teased me that I must be getting old, as I have one set of Options that I really like (read:Cowboy Cadillac), and, when I ordered the 2011 Pickup, I used the exact same Options (rear axle ratio, engine, trim level, interior/exterior color, etc),as with the previous 4-speed Pickups-I expected the same everything (including Gas mileage)-what a shock it was when it wasn't-

I work for a Company that also has a GM franchise (Chevy, GMC, Buick, etc) as well as a Dodge/Jeep/Ram franchise-I sure like the looks of the Rams-(and, they are pretty quick with the Hemi), and had considered buying one-

Now, looking back, I'm glad I didn't buy a Ram (some of the stories I now hear from the guys in Service down at our Dodge store would amaze you)-we just got in a new Hellcat, and I wished sometimes that I didn't live in Snow Country-could you imagine a Challenger with Tire Chains? -

I guess it's a trade off-while the gas mileage kinda sucks on these newer trucks, they are pretty quick for a Pickup (especially when you consider the only difference is the Trans)-

I do have an older Ford Pickup in my Garage that I bought new (I just can't seem to part with it), although it only gets about 1k a Year put on it (if that)-it's just not as comfortable (and it gets just as bad of Gas mileage)-I am definitely spoiled-