Well, this is my 3rd 24v Dodge. Had a 98 3500 that I put 80k on, a 2000 3500 I put 130k on, then got a 2002 Ford F350 which I put 96k on. I now own a 2004 Dodge and the jury's still out. The engine, as always, is superior in the Dodge, it's just the rest of the truck I'm having trouble coming to grips with. Rides rougher, not as plush, not as many little bells and whistles, rear of crew cab is much smaller (than the ford), the front drive shaft is out of balance (it's now removed), and seems to have more little rattles here and there than all of them.

And the driver power seat absolutely kills my back. This may be attributable to the stiffer ride though.

In my opinion though, the engine makes the truck, so I like it.

 

This is an interesting thread to read. I sold my '01 2500 4x4 QC, SO Cummins with the 47re for '03. I tow a trailer that comes in just under 10k. For me, there is no comparison. This 3500 rides better. The HO engine is tons better than the SO in the 2500. No comparison, it is quieter, my MPG is better but the important thing is the power. This engine is much smoother when I am not towing. The drive is very very nice. When towing, that is where the smile comes on. I tow into the mountains a lot and the 47re with the SO was really struggling and toward the end making a lot of wierd howling noises to get up over the hills. Slowed down to 35 a lot on the hills. With the '03, I don't even look back. Doesn't slow me down, doesn't seem to have any trouble with the weight. For me, Dodge really got it right this time.

 

Oh my gosh, NIGHT and Day difference!!>
I had a 1500 Short bed gasser, and upgraded to the 03, QC Long bed, Diesel (of course) and 5 speed manual. Everything was the exact opposite, and I never regret it. Tons more power pulling our trailer, longer bed for all our stuff, 4 doors for the kids, longevity from the engine, fuel mileage/capacity. Geez, I could go on. You guys know the benefits already!! I could sell these darn things. In fact, I raved so much about the Dodge/Cummins package, three friends bought them before i finally did. Now, just gotta get the old man to buy one.
Great site and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

 

Previous 01.5 Ram 2500 4x4 QC HO Six-speed=

Current 03 Ram 3500 4x4 QC SRW HO Six-speed=

Above rating based on a scale of one to five smiles. The site would not allow me to use a one to ten smile rating scale. It said the too many smile rule in your post was broken.

 

I have 93,96,99 and 03. Each one was an improvement over the last. Only dislike with 03 is drivers seat-butt can't take 12 hour drives as well as the seat in the 99. Seat is 3 inchs shorter and back of base is fixed in relation to seat back so lumbar support is not in right place.

 

I,ve owned 2 2nd gen and now I got my 3rd gen ,I think the 3rd gen is 100% better ride ,fuel economy,power and , looks. But I think I should have waited with all the talk about the new "600"

 

Welcome to the site cummins24v. This is the greatest site for any information in regards to our CTDs.

The jury is still out on the new 600 but I personally don't think you have done the wrong thing by not waiting. Regardless you will love your truck.

Go Bucks!

 

Hello
We traded our 99 3500 in for a 04 3500.
We had a Edge EZ on our 99 and the 04 felt like it had more power stock.
The seats felt better, but more important it seems like they changed the A Pillar and the "blind spot" has been reduced.
We really like our new truck, not as much pulling power as our BOMBed 01 at least not yet .
Happy new year
See Ya
Chris