The body on my '93 Dodge is getting tired. It is time for it to go down the road. I would like to get into a 3rd gen. with a 5.9 auto.

I can't decide which year I like best.

The thing that I have to have is the ability to set the idle speed with the cruise buttons.

The things I would really like are:
O/D off button
4X4 lever on the floor
aluminum intercooler
exhaust brake compatible transmission

I don't care what turbo it has, or how many injection events.

What year(s) would you recomend that I look at?

 

The '03s and early '04s seem to get a lot of respect on here. I had great luck with mine (steering parts aside). No cat or extra injection events, best mileage, O/D button, 4x4 lever on the floor, idle speed adjustable (might require a dealer flash though....not 100% sure). Most important is to find one that's been well maintained though. Fluids and filters changed by the book.

That said, the '06 ST I picked up last week has the 4x4 lever on the floor, haven't needed to check the idle speed feature yet (90° here). So far it appears I got a good one.

 

I have an '03 2wd auto that has 365k and change that I'm awfully proud of. Couldn't be happier

JIm

 

Wasn't it just a short time in '05 that that had plastic capped intercoolers?

Can I run an exhaust brake on any of the years?

 

Yes and no ('04.5-07 5.9 unless somebody else has figured it out).

See
http://store.dieseltruckresource.com/prdimoexbrki.html

 

2003 HO Late year has the 48RE tranny. Mine was built January of 2003. I have had minimal problems. Keep the fuel filter changed with a 2 micron filter. Keep the oil changed at about 5000 mile and maintain tranny.

 

I think you want 06-07.5 (check to be sure) to get tow/haul and ebrake ready. Craig

 

I have the 06 and dont have any problems as of yet. Did have to change out the multi function switch under warrenty. ( turn signal sw.)

 

What does THIS do? Does it allow for an exhaust brake to be used?

 

I have been very happy wih my early 2004 2wd dually.

 

Only needed for some trucks...the later-model 3rd Gen's don't need it.
IMHO you're better off with a PacBrake regardless.

 

So you can put a brake on the 04.5 & 05's?

 

Only the ones with manual transmissions (unless somebody else has figured it out) http://store.dieseltruckresource.com/prdimoexbrki.html

 

Absolutely, even the earlier trucks.

With a manual trans, no transmission controls are required.

With an auto trans, an aftermarket transmission controller is required of which many are available.

The Banks controller in the link above, plus BD plus Pacbrake.

If you tow regularily, an exhaust brake is an excellent upgrade and will pay for itself.