I'm picking up a stock 2005 3500 Laramie SRW auto w/52K miles on Friday.
Any specific area I should pay close attention to?
Buying from a dealer, one owner, no recalls outstanding.
Were there any software upgrades that should be done?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

make sure you transfer the 7/70 warranty for $150..

 

Will do, thanks!

 

look for a tapped exh manifold or empty screw holes in the dash area.
(removed aftermarket electronics IE-tuners, brake controllers) to give you a better idea how the truck was used. (abused?)

 

Check the front end (steering gear box, frame, etc.) for welds. Turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for a clicking or popping sound. If you hear a clicking or popping sound you should follow up.

My '05 has been a good truck. My only complaint is the front end. Steering gear box replaced twice, frame welded, and PS pump replaced by 30,000 miles. And I have never driven it hard. Never even been off-roaded. I would put a steering gear/frame brace on it after you buy it to prevent the problems I had. I think I could have prevented them had I known about the brace.

IMO the '05 trucks are terrific. Love the engine, love the power, and love the lack of smog garbage (compared to the '07, '08, etc.)

 

If you get a belt chirp at shut down do a search on a overrunning alternator pulley.. there is a tsb on it at Geno's garage as well..

 

check to see if the intercooler is plastic. they were used only for a short time in 2005 and are known to come apart at high boost levels. if you have the software updated to the most current you will get the dreaded horn honking in reverse without seatbelt on.

 

If its a Dodge dealer have the turn on the high idle control if its not already on,for FREE.

 

Great tips. Making a list. Keep them coming!

Was there a build date cutoff for the plastic intercooler?
Received the recall/ warranty sheet, It does have the horn honking "feature"
Dealer also sent me over the build sheet.

 

Well I didn't buy the truck after a long drive to see it.
Could have over looked some of the defects, but couldn't get past what seemed like a two pack a day smoker interior after being told it wasn't smoked it. even had a few interior burns!
Hate car dealers.

Search continues.

 

I just got a 2006 3500 mege cab 4x2 with 34000 miles on it for 24,777$ i think i got a pretty good deal. I know it was towed with bc it had a goose neck hitch in the bed they pulled out and i can tell it had a trailer brake thing screwed under the dash but it runs good and got me out of my 08 wrangler i couldnt stand.