Well, the wife just graduated, and guess what she wants?????

SHe wants a new dodge 4-door 2wd, manual, dually. So that leads me here to ask you guys what year model to get. I have not been paying attention to the 3rd gens at all. All i have is 12v & early 24 valve knowledge. So please point me in the right direction.

She knows what she wants, but I want to steer clear of any bugs that havent been worked out.

where is reverse in the new 6 speeds? SHe says if its straight up, then she wants a 5 speed. DOnt ask me why.

can you get a 5 speed with a 600?

definately 2wd, 3.73, 4-door, manual.

any suggestions on things to look out for?

 

See if you can't find a 555 engine. They are becoming rare but are still findable (I'll keep an eye out up here since there are a lot up here). They seem to get the best milage and they've gotten alot of the problems worked out. I don't know if you can get a 5 spd anymore. Only reason I'm not suggesting the 600 is because it's still to new for my taste and only a few guys are getting good mileage.

 

can you get a 5 speed with a 600?

No.

You live in Texas so you might find an old 555HO or a newer 600HO. The general feel of the forum is that the 600's mileage isn't as good as the 555's. But OTOH, there are some 555 owners who's mileage isn't stellar either.

 

Reverse is up. Personally, I'd feel comfortable with any of the 3rd Gen trucks. After all, it IS a Cummins.

By the way....that's one heck of a little lady you got there. Purty AND wants a big diesel dually. You can't beat that with a stick!!

My wife thinks duallies are ugly. Good thing she's got her car and I've gone mine.

 

Reverse is up and all the way to the right. Next to 5 gear. I wasnt sure if thats what you meant, or straight up next to first. I love my 6 speed. Very smooth and fun to drive.

 

135r
246

She may be able to live with that. She just doesnt want reverse in the place of first.

Could I find a 555 new on a lot somewhere?

 

You say she just graduated and wants a truck? Is this to mean she wants it as a grduation gift? If you are purchasing this for her graduation and footing the bill I'd go ahead and get it for her. Then I would get in it and drive in the other direction never to return. She wants a $30K truck for graduation? People in Hell want ice water but I doubt they will get it. .
Really I am just kidding around. My wife of 20 years would love my truck as a daily driver but has a full size PS passenger Van made by Phord. If Chrysler made a passenger van (or better yet a Durango like in Mexico)-w-the CTD I'd own one. With the kids it is nice to have a vehicle that allows them to sit far apart and still get 18mpg (no DVD or otherLooney Tunes package for the crumb crunchers). I know it's 2004 but it still rings true kids should be seen and not heard-especially on a long trip. Full size vans are awesome for families IMO.

 

not a graduation gift.

she just wants out of her civic. I call it a "caufin on wheels". I hate that car.

 

I thought you spelled caufin "c-o-f-f-i-n"? Palm, there's quite a few 555's up here in College Station. I'll swing by and there number for ya.