Hello to all. I'm a new member and trying to find out some information for my Dad regarding the new model Dodge truck that is going to come out. He owned a 97 or 98 CTD and currently owns a 02 CTD. Both trucks so far have been 2500 Quad Cabs with the manual tranny's and both have been pretty goods vehicles for him.

He is going to need another tax write-off next year and is probably going to get another CTD. He is Internet illiterate and asked me to do some research for him and I came across this site.

Current Use - He will only put about 10k to 12k on the truck a year as he is retired. However, he does live on a ranch and does pull 15,000# of cattle up into the Colorado mountains a couple of times a year. He also tandems a 28' fifth-wheel and his bass boat to Lake Powell about 5 times a year. It doesn't get a lot of use, but when he is on the road, he is pulling some weight. It is also a daily driver and he would love to get an automatic tranny.

From the posts that I have read so far, you all know more about these trucks than any dealer out there, so I will post my questions to you:

1. He has heard that the automatic for the 07 model year is going to be a 6-spd. Is this true? How will it hold up to heavy loads? He has heard some horror stories regarding the current auto and is hesitant to go in that direction. He has even had thoughts of going to the DuraMax because of the good things he has heard about the Allison Transmission.

2. He has previously bought the 2500 trucks. What is the difference between the 2500 and the 3500 models. He is under the impression that the 2500 will have a smoother ride. Is there any merit to this arguement? I've heard that the 3500 has an extra leaf spring and a stronger axel. Can anybody give the facts on the differences between the two?

Thank you all in advance for you advise and suggestions. Also, if you all know of any other great sites out there to get information, send them along and I will do some more research.

 

So far it's looking like it will be a 6spd auto at least on the cab/chassis. The new 6spd and 6.7 probably won't hit until January. The leaf springs are the only difference between the 2500 and the 3500 with the exception of the duallys are a different rear end.

 

I would imagine the asin 6 speed auto will be across the line, but who knows. "How will it hold up to heavy loads?" remains to be seen.

Currently, anyway, the 3500 SRW's just have a set of overload springs, that don't come into play when the truck isn't loaded. I don't think there is any difference in ride, but there is a difference in GVWR which I think is worth the small price.

For 07 all the major brands will have additional emission controls (particulate filter, exhaust recirculation, run on ultra low sulfur). They might be great, more powerful and more fuel efficient, or they might have some bugs. If I were looking for an 07 I think I would wait until they have been out for a while and people have some real world experience.

Just my .02.

 

Couldnt have said it better myself!!!

 

I am not sure if it is only the dually's. But I read somewhere that the 3500 has a heavier duty frame. More Hydrofomed frame and cross members. So I believe the 3500 is a stiffer ride and tougher frame. I will see if I can find it on online again

 

I found the website. Both the 2500 and 3500 have the same frame. But this site is helpfull
http://www.allpar.com/model/ram/ram-heavy-duty.html

 

Thanks so much for the information. I really appreciate the help. Keep the websites coming!!!! The more I know the better chance I have of making the right decision. I would be willing to bet he ends up buying the same 2500 crew cab long bed 4x4 with the 6 spd manual and the CTD of course, but that might just be the best decision for him. I am going to try and get him to go with the 3500. He handles enough weight that he really does need it.

Thanks again.

 

I would be careful about buying an 07 CTD or any diesel right now, simply because every pump I go to has a big sticker on it stating that this fuel cannot be used in 07 and newer diesel vehicles, due to the sulfer content. I am positive that this is being addressed and will be repaired, but in the mean time I would be a little cautious.