TetonGlenn

I just test drove a 2003 Dodge 2500 with the 48RE. I currently drive a 98 with a 47RE. This transmission on the new truck did not feel like it will be "Bullet Proof". It is a new truck and shifted tight but still had kind of a delayed hookup when it engaged into overdrive. I am going to be towing a large 5th wheel that weights about 15K. I told the salesman that I am leaning toward the 6 speed because of the question of the transmission reliability. He agreed that I would probably be happier with the overall dependability because of the load I would be pulling. I am looking to buy mid 2004. He told me that there will be a completely redesigned 6 speed manual transmission starting early 2004 and he also told me he had heard there is rumor that Dodge is working on a new 6 speed Auto- Anyone heard anyhing like this??

westcoaster

Welcome to the site!!! there are lots of good people here with plenty of knowledge.
I'm no expert by any means, but I have been following things fairly closely. I think the only time someone had mentioned a new 6 speed auto was as a joke, it sort of grew legs and ran around for a short time. It would be hard to say if your salesman was still hanging on to this or not. I also haven't heard anything about a redesigned 6 sp stick either.

Berak

I mentioned it one time from a some info posted at the TDR, and I didn't intend it to be a joke. According to some there are some big changes coming in the '05 model year, including a true crew cab. Now this ticks me off since I just bought an '03 and really wanted a full size crew cab, but it is a good thing for Dodge.

I don't have any more info on what else is new in '05 and those that do know so far are not talking.

A new 6 speed auto would be sweet. 8)

TetonGlenn

I just test drove the 2003 and was actually satisfied with the rear seating area- I had a big guy sitting in the back and it seemed adequate. The problem that I see with the true crew cab it that it takes 2 blocks to turn around. The one ton Dodge 4wd dually turning radius is just over 50' and it is 55' for the Chevy and I have no idea what it is for the Ford. I would like to see them get shorter turning radius like a Freightliner which is about 40'

BoldtsWagon

Not on the Dodge, but here are some links on DC trannys from Germany.

http://forums.pickuptruck.com/showfl...o=&fpart=1

http://wwwsg.daimlerchrysler.com/SD7...-0-0-0,00.html

XcumminsX

[quote author=Berak link=board=8;threadid=19615;start=0#msg184826 date=1063637855]
I mentioned it one time from a some info posted at the TDR, and I didn't intend it to be a joke. According to some there are some big changes coming in the '05 model year, including a true crew cab. Now this ticks me off since I just bought an '03 and really wanted a full size crew cab, but it is a good thing for Dodge.

I don't have any more info on what else is new in '05 and those that do know so far are not talking.

A new 6 speed auto would be sweet. 8)
[/quote]

if you have any information on the possible 2005 dodge ram models can you please send it to me or post it here? i just bought a 03 and if they are going to change everything in 05' i will not do any aftermarket accesories to this truck and i will wait for the newer bigger heavy duty trucks. i knew they had to change it sometime to a different body from the 1500 trucks.. :'(

westcoaster

Berak,
My bad, no disrespect was/is intended. I don't recall the specifics of the post but I guess my overall impression was that it was not serious...

Berak

No problem westcoaster, if I remember correctly it was taken as a joke by everyone that responded to me so you are correct, but I didn't post it as such.

XcumminsX, I am in the same boat as you. I will defer any serious upgrades to my recently purchased '03 till I see what's coming in '05. This won't be a complete redesing like the '03s were or back in '94. This sounds like at least one new cab configuration and some other changes, but I like you don't have any information other than what others have hinted at. I would expect the bodies, frames, and suspensions all to remain pretty much the same as far as styling and options (other than the crew cab) but we will have to wait and see.

XcumminsX

i can imagine a truck that is higher/bigger. i scratch my head when i park next to a f-250 and it is like 5 inches higher than me...... i know my truck is just as solid maybe even more solid but why are these truck so small compared to it?

y-knot

Turning radius for a crew cab long wheel base ford is 62', dodge is 48', chevy 49'. Fords have always been tall, I think it's probally a very good marketing tool. I'd say it suits the ego of alot of ford owners, they may or may not have the best truck, but by god they have the biggest one! I myself think a dodge the size of a ford would be assome. might as well throw in there nice 5-speed auto, or maybe that fictional 6-speed auto by dodge, give me a couple of those comfortable ford captains chairs, and let me keep the loud clatter of my 97' 12V. There it is boys, my perfect truck. ;D

TetonGlenn

Hello Y-Knot- I see that you have the air suspension with onboard compressor-- Is that set up with a dump valve for lowering the bed?
Also you have the balancers- How do you like them? Is your a dually? What trans and rear end do you have?

I know you said that you would prefer bigger and taller but that could become an issue with some 5th wheels. The bed would interfer with the trailer or the angle would be extremely off so the trailer would not run parallel.