[Ironhorse]

Some very good observations which mimic my thoughts also. Have always wondered why the seemingly total disregard for the fuel mileage concerns of the past years. The trucks of today have the aerodynamic frontal area of a brick. And also, why did the suspension systems have to be raised for a 2 wheel drive truck to the point that one needs a step ladder to access the bed. Or at the vey least, step pockets in the rear bumper corners. A new 2 wheel drive sits higher at stock position than my stock position '71 4 wheel drive does. The constant offerings of 17, 18, 20 and 22 wheels over the years has added to the height. And don't get me started on the huge ugly squared off wheel wells with 12'' or more of space between the rubber tire surface and the lip of the wheel well. Guess I'm showing my age but I long for the days a truck was a rather simple utilitarian sensible vehicle used mostly for hauling items of various nature. New trucks are just plain butt ugly. End of my rant and my $0.02