Last week while on a hunting trip my '98 Dodge caught fire and basically burned to the ground. Assuming I get a reasonable payment from insurance I will probably replace with newer Dodge. Want to stay with the 5.9 but wife and kids want four doors as it is our tow rig for camping trips.

Hope to be looking for 2003 to 2006 models, are there any specific years, options, ect. that I should really try to get or try to avoid? Oh, I definately want manual transmission though.

Thanks for any help.
pacmule

 

I am biased, but the Megacab is AWESOME for the room inside. If you don't need the long bed I would go that route.

 

The 06 and 07 have the better 48RE Tranny, if you can say that. If your towing a 6 speed auto is the way to go. That means an 08 or later. Crew cabs started in 2010. Everything else is a quad cab, bigger than the 2000, 2001, 2002.

Engine wise I think the common rail engine 03-04 and up are the way to go. I had a 2000 with the VP44 injection pump that is not a good thing. I never had a problem at 204,000 when I sold it but many other people had massive
problems with it and the lift pump that feeds it.

My 06 is about ready to turn 100k and the only engine related issue, which was not the engine, but a water pump was at 93,000 miles.

I tow right at max Gross Combined+ using an Edge Juice w/Attitude set on tow allows me to do the hills without it down shifting untill 7% grades come along. If the load stays at 95% on 6% I will down shift it into third. 7% grade in third at 48mph.

Dave

 

the 2003/4 models get the best mileage, but I would stick with 05/6. The main reasons:
In tank lift pump is better than the canister mounted model.
A larger/better turbo
Better oil cooling system
better valves (sodium filled) and valve seats
can bus ecm (can use EFI live)

Good luck!

 

I would go with 06. EFI live tuning.

 

They're all great trucks, but proper maintenance is key to saving yourself from buying a big headache. Given the choice, get one with maintenance records and no power mods. Also check the steering and for death wobble. Ball joints, steering boxes and rod ends will nickle and dime you to death. Tires are expensive for these trucks too, a set of 17s will run you easily $1k so keep that in mind.

Also, some of the early '05s had plastic radiator caps. Avoid those if you can. I'm kind of partial to the '06-'07 headlights for some reason.

Manual trans is a good call, but will definitely limit your selection. I doubt they are even 20% of the market, and those who have them tend to hang on to them (until they can't push in the clutch anymore).

 

My 07 other than eating hydro boost pumps has been great. 115k on it now.
Only unexpected repairs have been the ps pumps which I just dropped the coin on the updated pump. 1 bad steering box shuttle valve, new box req freak thing I think and #4 inj line.
If you can't find a 6sp manual then I'd consider the extra $ for a 6.7 68rfe trans preferably deleted.
3rd Gen ones They don't seem to fetch much if any more than a nice late model 5.9 similar condition.

 

I have an early '04. These do not use a CAT and don't have the post injector event (pre and main event only). So, the mileage is better than the later models. I have the 6sp manual and the truck has been bullet proof except for "U" joints both driveshaft and front axle. I dropped the center driveshaft mount 1.5" and went to greasable joints and the problem went away. I di upgrade the fuel supply pump to the in tank variety under warranty.
Steve

 

thanks for all your replies. several have noted better mileage with the '04, how much of a difference are we talking about here? I was getting basically 20 mpg tank to tank with the '98 12 valve, 285/75/17 AT tires, 1 mpg less if I mashed my foot to the floor a lot on that tank, 1 mpg better if I behaved my self the whole tank.

pacmule

 

Truck in my sig with 33" mudders gets about 17 mpg avg.

 

My 2003 averaged 17-18 (285s cut that down from 20), the 2011 & 2006 average 15-16.

 

I joined the 700 mile club at one point. Had some 24-25mpg runs. That was on stock tires and before I started bombing.

A nice freeway average in those halcyon days was 22mpg. About 18-19 average. All stock except for a smarty then.

 

Why are you not including the early '07 models with the 5.9? If I had to replace my 04.5 2500 or my 05 3500 dually I would look for one of those & nothing else.

 

again thanks to all responders. Oldsmobiledave, I have nothing against the '07, just did not realize when I first posted that the early ones were still 5.9's.

Do the megacabs differ in any way besides the larger cab? My boy is already as tall as me and he is 14. Right now I think I would like an '06, megacab if I could find one. manual, shortbed, not to many bells and whistles, want to keep the price down. Used car dealer around here had one with low miles, loaded for 40K!!

pacmule

 

Without getting into tiny details the Megacabs are the same as the quad cabs. I'm 6'2" and fit in the back of my Mega just fine. I have taken several people including tall adults and the first comment is ALWAYS "WOW, there is a lot of room back here!!!"