Hey guys,
I am a 2nd gen guy and don't know that much about the third gen. I am possibly looking at an '04 3500 auto. Can you guys maybe give me some info on the early 3rd gens? What are the pro's and con's are the '05 - '06 better and for what reasons. Just what are your thoughts.
This truck will be used to pull a 30' GN from time to time, but mostly as a DD. Thanks in advance.

swordfish

 

Early third gens (03-early 04, build date before Jan 04) were the lower hp motors, but had great fuel mileage.

The 04.5's and early 05's had a canister mounted fuel pump that would fail, but they should have all been replaced by now. The 05's had the plastic intercooler ends that were prone to failures, and the 06's had issues with the instrument clusters.

Most all third gens get hit with blend/recirc door issues in the AC, and had ball joint issues.

What is the build date on the 04 you are looking at? Look inside the driver door for the info sticker.

 

Madhat,
Thanks for the info. The build date is 11-03. The clock has 153K on it and 3.73 gears...
Anything else I need to consider or any other info I can give you?
swordfish

 

My 04.5 is still running on the original fuel pump (knock on wood) at 7+yrs/58k miles. I was hoping it would fail while still under the powertrain warranty, but no such luck. When it goes, it will be on me. I should probably buy the replacement version from Geno's and have it standing by or do a preemptive replacement.

Same for blend door and BJs. Still in pretty good shape, but its miles are pretty low for its age and it's been mostly a commuter.

 

The fuel pump is covered under the engine warranty.

 

I thought the engine warranty was 5 years or 100K miles, whichever comes first.....