<br> posted May 07, 2003 07:37 AM <br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>I am new to your site. Thanks for going easy on me. Appreciate all the information posted on the 03s. I am considering an 04' one Ton (3500) Dodge Ram Cummins, SRW, 4 x 4, HO auto to replace my 02' Powerstroke 4 x 4. Questions I have are first, I use the truck in some very rugged mountaneous 4 x 4 back country applications. The Powerstroke's live front axle and suspension takes the punishment very well with no failures and wonder if the Ram has comparable reliability?<br>I know the Cummins motor and tranny are very durable. Second, Is the HO motor available with the auto transmission? Third, how is the highway ride on the Ram one ton? The Powerstroke one ton rides pretty much the like 3/4 ton. Thanks for all the help<br>

 

You wont find it any less durable off road. The HO is available with an auto as of a couple of months ago. The ride is IMO is the same between the 3/4 and 1 ton. They share the same rear leafs, the one ton having overloads being the only difference. You will find a lot of people like me who didnt need the one ton but got it anyways since there is little penalty over stepping up from the 3/4. Oh, welcome to dodge country.

 

Crabman, thanks for the reply. I only buy one Ton's since the cost differntial is very small. I went down today and looked at the 3500 SRW and probably will order an 04'. My main concern is will it stand up to off road and very mountaneous rock road ranch use. I haven't driven an HO yet to compare to my 02 powerstroke's towing, ride and off road durability but I've heard the Dodge is pretty Bronco too. Reliability and durability are major for me as the nearest town is 90 miles away. We don't like dealer visits.

 

I take mine off road quite a bit (with rock chips as proof :'()...have also taken it mudding. No problems to report here. Seems to creak a little when twisting the frame a bit though. Not as bad as my '01 Chebby though.

 

Well, I spent the day again testing trucks and for a number of reasons, I am going to switch to the 2004 3500 4 x 4 Quad Cab, HO Cummins. My first one. My only trepidation is the reworked 48 R auto, transfer case and suspension are up to tough off road, rock mountain road ranch work and stock towing. Since the nearest town is 90 miles away dealer visits don't cut it. I hope the 3500 will be as durable as my 02' trusty Powerstroke 4 x 4. Apart from the EGR anyone know if there any other changes in 04? Woulkd like to see better cloth seats or maybe even an Allison? [undecided]