caffecapri

Just checking who has made the switch from the first 24v model to the "newer" 03+ models. Wanted to see what the pros/cons were - mainly, power, comfort, driveability, etc.

Have a 98.5 dually now - happy, but sometimes lust over the newer ones I see out there. BUT, for the $$, I can make a good amount of repairs and still be ahead. Just curious on what other people have experienced.

Thanks..

bigblock2stroke

I went from a 99 to a 2005.

I call my 99 a tractor and my 05 a pickup truck.

The 99 had more low end, but less top end (but 99 had mod, 2005 is almost stock). 99 wins hands down on fuel economy. the 05 wins on room in the cab (crew verses extended cab), ride quality (tractor comment), handling, and noise.

Well worth the update.

barracuda

I just went from a 98.5 to an 06' DRW. Nicer ride, better shifting trans (auto), steers tighter...these are the good points. I miss: sound, fuel mileage, no car payment. Go drive one and see what you think, my old girl ran real good w/ some mods and I definitely passed the diesel pump more often. Coin Toss I guess. ( oh, and I have a catalytic converter now, well for at least the next 2 weeks )

Danderson

I've driven an '05 3500 4wd lwb/5600/Kore Race. The new ones have major improvements such as steering,braking,quieter etc. I'd love to drop a 12-valve into one. It would be a perfect combo. Incidentally I'd love to drop a 12-valve in mine!

i6DZUL

I had a 99 that I traded for the 03. The 99 went thru 3 lift pumps in 70K. The 03 was plagued with the "vibe". Otherwise, both were/have been trouble free. The 03 seems to pull easier, turn better and is faster. The 99 was one tough truck and the guy that got it got a good one. I'm happy with the 03, but I wish I would have kept the 99 and traded the wifes car.

Jon_M

I had a 01 regular cab and went to a 04.5 crew cab. Love the extra room of the crew. The ride of the 04.5 is much better than the 01. The milage was a little better on the 01, but I can not complain a lot about the 04.5, it is getting 17 mpg on the interstate running 75 mph. I had the miss firing and fuel economy reflash done and it really helped the mileage. The handling and the braking is better on the 04.5. Personally I think the seats were more comfortable in the 01. I am really happy with my 04.5. Just wish the new one was as easy to turn up as the 01 was.

J&L

I traded a '01 auto 235/460 engine for my present '03 305/555 HO engine NV5600 tranny . Wow , what a difference in power and mpg. I drove both on the same work commute, 110+ mile a day, and this truck will "average" 22+ mpg. The '01 average was 19+ on the same commute. The '03 drives much better, no wondering, and is super quiet. I tow a 11200 lb 5er and average 12.5+ mpg in the mountains or on the plains. The '01 seats fit me better but have no probs with the '03 on long trips, 550 a day towing, or short trips. The 7500/15000 oil change schedule is a great plus for cheaper maintence. I don't miss the old noisey '01 at all. Dang thing was loud enough to kill brain cells.
JIM

Duallydog

My dad has the 2000 and I have an 04. I have driven both trucks regularly empty. Mine is the only one to really pull a load very much, but I have towed the same weight short distances with the 2000. Same transmission (6spd) different rears (04 3.73, 00 3.53-5) the 2000 has better power in the low gears, but the 04 shines in 5 and 6. The 2000 gets better empty mileage and roughly the same towing as the 04. But that has not been tested on any real distance towing wise. It shows on the over head a little under what the 04 does but the 00 is off on the speed and odo by 10%. I like the interior better on the 04 and an unmodified one is very quiet. Right now the 00 is quieter than mine.

deezulsmoke

I love the comfort and ride of the newer trucks, but I can tell you this, the 96 12valve I drove would flat out eat my 04.5' up and all it had was a fueling plate. If you want power get a 12 valve to build, but if you want a nice smooth everyday driver that you can use I would get a newer third generation but boy do I miss the 12 valve.

caffecapri

Thanks everyone for the replies and advice. As I previously thought, I will be hanging on to my 98.5 for a while - payments would eat through any costs of repairs I can incur in the next few years. Only 130k miles now...so I "should" be ok for a while. Plus, I do like the truck and I see that is most important.

DTR forum members make this truck ownership worthwhile. Thanks.