Today is my first day as a registered user. I have enjoyed all the info on this site.

I am planning to buy a 2005 3500 SRW QuadCab long bed, with Cummins and 6 speed manual. I am going to tow an ancient 1956 Airstream from time to time and also mount a lightweight camper.

The more expensive Laramie package has electronic 4WD. I am suspect of electronic buttons. Is there a benefit to the dash switch over the sturdier (?) manual engagement?

With the manual transmission, I am already giving up the center foot room in the front seat so that is not an issue for me. I am not going to the Rubicon River with this vehicle(!) but plan to use 4WD to go camping, etc. I would appreciate your advice regarding the electronic 4WD.

I'm selling my house to buy a new Dodge. Help me get the best one. Thanks for your help.

 

I ordered mine with the manual lever. I know by feel that I am in 4 wheel drive, I dont like to rely on a light that may think it is engaged. congratulations, you'll love the truck

 

I got the manual 4X4 for the same reason I got the manual transmission, I get to tell it where it should be and not have it pre-determined by some electronic wizard.

 

I agree as well. I hate to rely on a Vaccum, or whatever it takes to get me in and out of 4wd. I like the fact that if i want 4wd i can crawl under the truck if need be. if that electronic gizmo fails at the wrong time, you WILL be stranded.

 

I have the Laramie with electric shift 4x4 case and have had no problems so far.It has always shifted first time and you can feel it go in, it is a electric motor on case not vaccum shift.I was also afraid of it when I bought it but have growin to like it. I wanted the Laramie package so I got stuck with it and I had some douts but it looks like a first class instalation.I do not feel as much testosterone rush puting it in to four wheel drive but have growin to live with that part.I guess we had to get use to power windows ,seats and we will get use to this.

 

I also have the electric switch and have had no problem. I like the fact that the floor space is now free. I've had 2 other Dodge Cummins 4WD trucks in past both with the manual shifter. I find the electric has worked great every time.

 

I actually got the manual transfer case due to my experience with GM's Auto-Trac system. It only rarely failed to go TU on me when I actually needed it. I figured a simple lever was considerably more reliable, and cheaper too. I'm planning on putting 250k+ miles on this, and was figuring on possibly being on the hook for maintaining the electronic controller.

 

100 years ago..........................

Question:
Joe: I am ready to build a new house. Should I use kerosene lanterns or should I go w/ those new electric light thingy wingys?

Answers:
Sam: Well personally, I don't turst those electricity switches because you can't see em or feel the heat like when you strick the match for the lantern. I'd go w/ what we have always used. Kerosene works great!


John: I agree w Sam, I don't trust that electricity because you can not see it in the wire they use! I like to feel the lamp in my hands and SEE how much fuel is still in the jar. Go w/ kerosene.

Adam: Well I don't know guys? I just put those new electric switches in my home and I gotta say, It is very convenient. You just flip the switch and it ALWAYS works. They take up way less space too! I have been told that they have been putting this electricity in hundreds of thousands of homes back east and I have NEVER heard of a problem Maybe we have been making a problem where there is not one?? I gotta tell ya Joe, I give the new electricity a try.

Just funnin ya guys.

Go modern - go electric shift - I personally have never heard of one going bad and they are sooooo nice and convenient.

 

I like manual everything except cranking to start. Way too many failures on everything electronic. Manual will always work when free floating neutrons kill electronics.

 

ive got an electronic shifter. had a floor shifter in my old 04 1500. the electronic is family friendly and engages at the flip of a switch. pretty nifty

 

Thanks for the laugh, GreenZ. That was great.

I've got the stick thingie coming up outa the floor on my truck.

Don't know if it's any better or worse than the electronic thingie, but it's worked every time.

 

I prefer the manual shift. Have had too many problems with other trucks and their electric shift system. Plus, they cost an arm & leg to fix. Never had the Dodge e-shift, maybe it's rock solid? The Laramie "J" package comes with the manual shifter and w/o the way overpriced Infinity 7 speaker stereo. Just make sure to add: heated seats, limitied slip diff, protection group, tow pkg, tow mirrors, & engine block heater with your "J" pkg. You can deduct the adjustable petels from the "J" pkg too. The Laramie "H" pkg includes everything plus the kitchen sink.

Sorry to hear you had to sell your house

 

Drove 40 miles in 4 low to a Ford dealership to get a switch fixed. Don't forge deep water with push buttons. END OF STORY!!!

John

 

With my last truck, I had to get out and turn the hubs. Those in the cab shifters have way too many mechanical linkages to break.

Actually I love the in the cab manual shift. My first week w/ the new truck I slid going down an icy canyon. I reached down and slid the shifter in 4WD. It was great. I have to say w/ the hub turner though, I got to be a great snow ice driver because I rarely got out to put it in 4WD.

Something to find out though ... what happens when the fuse blows on the electric shifter?

 

Let me think about that.. OK i'm done - put in a new fuse