BEST YEAR? Hi all. We are shopping for another Dodge pickup tow vehicle. Because of all the new emission stuff coming out that will rob power and performance we are looking for good-used.

I too, would like to know what year and model to look for and what to avoid for pulling a Fiver.

First, maybe I can help 'a little' in WHAT TO AVOID. A few years ago, I made the mistake of not checking out our new 1999 Dodge 2500 Ram QuadCab, Cummins 24-valve, 4X4, '53' block, 3:54 rear end ratio, long box, automatic tranny. (Actually, I made the mistake of just telling the salesperson I needed a new diesel pickup to pull a Fiver.. and didn't do my research before-hand on what I really needed...my fault.)

I now have 255,000 miles on the '99 Dodge Cummins and it will probably make it to 500,000 with no problems..IF..I never pull anything too heavy with it again. I caused my problems because I asked it to do TOO MUCH pulling and braking with a heavily loaded Fiver (3280RL Montana)over mountains and deserts. I replaced the tranny, rear end (in Whitehorse, Yukon which meant high $$$$!!), brakes and drums, clutch fan, etc. All-in-all, lots of 'too-heavy pulling' repairs.

I think the weak points in my first choice were:

- a 2500 rather than 3500
- the '53' block
- the '3:54' rear end
- 'singles'(SWR) instead of duallys(DRW)
- automatic instead of manual trannsmission

Well, I know some things to AVOID, but now I am asking WHAT should I look for? I could buy new, I suppose, but don't like what I may end up with because of the new changes..so that's why I am thinking good-used with low mileage.

My choice so far:

2003-2006 3500 diesel...3:73 ratio or thereabouts...dually wheels....manual tranny...engine brake...long box...4X4...QuadCab..best mpg.

MY QUESTIONS: Are some years and changes better than others from 2003 - 2006 for our towing purposes? What do you guys say? Thanks.

 

As far as mileage goes, the 03's to 04.5 produce higher mpg. I don't like the 4x4 idea, unless you live in an area where it is needed. It increases the price of the truck, it lowers the mpg, and it creates more to service. Servicing an extra diff every 15k miles can get pricey. All of the extra options you mentioned sound right on. Good luck with your search.

 

I would not get one without 4x4.this truck will sit and spin on wet grass the front is too heavy.I doubt you would lose a mpg with the 4x4 over the 2wd.the cost factor you will make that back when you sell it.I doubt there are too many people on here that would tell you not to get the 4x4.

 

Best year would probably be 2004 HO. Most of the 03 bugs were worked out and it was before the 04.5 emissions stuff. Best of both worlds if you ask me. Good luck.

 

If you want a dually then the 3500 is the only choice, but remember there is no difference between the 2500 and the 3500 except the overload rear springs, it's not a stronger vehicle in other areas. The '04 HO is a great choice. It gets better mileage than the later ones, it is still an HO with all of the improvements over the SO, it has no cat, and it has the bomb proof NV cast iron six speed that can also handle the engine brake. And they have big time torque that makes towing seem simple. If you want more power just chip it or change injectors, easy. The 3:73 gears are fine for all but the heaviest of constant towing. You might spend a lot of time in 5th or even 4th in the mountains, but in less severe conditions you'll love the relaxed RPM of the 3:73s. The third gens also have amazing brakes! The best brakes I've ever had on any vehicle.

Wetspirit

 

Pulling a big 5ver get 4.10s.

 

I agree with Wetspirit about 3.73 gears unless this is going to be a 100% tow vehicle. So what if you start in first all the time and only go to 5th when towing. When you are not towing you'll enjoy the longer legs the HO CTD give you in 6th with the lower ratio gears. I guess if you start on a 20% grade the 4.10 would be better. Definitely get a high output not a standard output engine. Good luck.

L8r,...........dogger