rconkin

I am at a point where I can either install mods on my 04 or trade for a 13 and would appreciate some input. My 04 dually has the HO engine and I have an Edge EZ and AirDog II installed on it and I replaced the ball joints, hubs and rotors on the front end this past summer. It has 118k miles on it. I am thinking about changing the exhaust, probably without muffler, and get a Smarty Jr. for it. It is my daily driver, 12 miles to work, and I use it to pull my 5er often from March to November. My 5er weighs about 14k pounds and it pulls it fine. I'll be due for tires shortly and I just think about the amount of dollars on tires and mods could be applied towards a new truck. However, I do like not having a truck payment. Any advice about the Smarty Jr., exhaust, or tires will be appreciated. I am currently running Firestone TransForce HT but I'm considering changing to Yokohoma Geolandar A/T-S that have been recommended by my friend at the tire shop.

Spooler

That's not many miles on it at all. I only have 102,000 on mine. I would keep it for at least 50,000 more miles.

commtrd

You would be completely nuts to trade off for a new truck. period. The new trucks are covered up with emissions crap that is horrible on so many levels. From DEF-SCR to EGR to DPF regeneration to poor mileage to huge monthly payments with interest a new truck is just not worth it. I have a 2006 QCSB auto and have been doing improvements as I can afford them and my truck is paid for now and is a good solid truck with no emissions stuff getting near 20 mpg on highway with no monthly payments. These trucks with Cummins diesels are meant to go the miles. Why people trade them in for a new one with all the emissions controls on them is a complete mystery to me.

krusty 2

I had a 2011 2500 CTD, then a 2012 3500 CTD, then a 2013 1500 Hemi. What do I drive now?? 2006 3500 Mega. I can afford the new trucks, but, 12 MPG is unacceptable for a diesel. The Hemi got way better mileage than either Diesel. Sad really....

commtrd

There ya go. I bought a 2011 ford f250 and when I sold it I was lucky to get 13 mpg on the highway light truck on cruise at 65. The truck was eating me alive. $852/month payment on top of that. Good bye good riddance...

cLAYH

With a short commute like that you'll either be regening a 2013 every week or doing a dpf delete real quick.

For the price of a new truck you could put $10K worth of mods in your 2004 and take $25K and buy a nice commuter vehicle and still come out ahead.

justen920

I love the look of the the new ones but would not trade mine in for one. You own yours, know it is a reliable truck, know what it takes to service and keep it running strong. I would sit on it and drive it until you really are set on a new ride. I felt the same way about my truck once the new 6.7's came out, there is truly nothing better than a 5.9 running strong on a smarty jr. without a payment. Best of luck.

commtrd

I don't like the new body style either. They completely screwed up the front end on the new trucks. They do not look right and it's because it's not proportional with the stern. Compare to 2003-2007 and see how much cleaner the 3rd gen trucks look.

RyeThomas

Let's just clear up the 13 is a newer design with SCR system/ DEF fluid, less regen's and a new 3.42 rear (in most applications) and is reportedly getting very promising numbers mileage wise vs the fuel drinking 07.5-12 trucks. Most are reporting 16-17 city and some are hitting 20s on the highway.

Just playing devils advocate but be sure not to confuse the other model years with the 13, the 13 has some major upgrades.
If you do shop 13s make sure to note the 3500 got frame and suspension upgrades, while the 2500 did not get the frame and suspension till 14 and now has coils in the rear no leafs.

commtrd

Someone has to buy the new trucks I guess. Keeping my 2006 as I have put too much into it now. And to me the new trucks just look hideous. Actually ALL the manufacturer's new trucks look horrible. I saw a new chebby the other day and nearly threw up that thing was so ugly. For something that looks grotesque look at a new Tundra. The fords look like a rolling brick. I guess dodge tried to copy that crappy huge vertical front end look. What a relief to be able to look at my '06!

railroaderone

My dad has a 2012 gmc duracrap regens twice a week some weeks with the short trips. Also has to use DEF along with diesel fuel so you have to use two different fluids to drive makes no sence plus a payment makes no monetary sence.

RyeThomas

The DEF reports thus far have been over 1000 miles per gallon, and in some places you can get it at the pump for very cheap. What I'm getting at is its less than people think.
I love my 06, but I have come close to getting a new one a few times this year. Rebates are getting pretty nice this time of year. The capability, refinements, interior, smooth ride, all make them really nice trucks. The sticker price is really high, even for a base model ST/Tradesman.
What ever you do don't go drive one, I have made that mistake and I can tell you its hard to walk away from. Don't even go look at one, the 3500 beside my Mega made my Mega look small. they sit so high, and the frame and front end are super beefy compared to the old girl. If mine wasn't modded it would be gone and a 13/3500 would be in my driveway.

Good luck whatever you decide.

soulezoo

I am with Rye above in that opinion. But $65k for the truck I want isn't worth it to me. Plus all the work I have into mine.

I would invest in what you have. You'll be way money ahead. That truck can go 300k or more miles.

jeephauler

76,000 on my '07 5.9 here. The wife just told me the other day to go check out a new one and trade mine in because of a flyer that came to the house. I said no way this truck is going anywhere, too much time, effort, money into getting it close to where I want it, not to mention I dont want all the emissions junk. If the need ever arises, I will be dropping a 6.7 without emissions in mine.

justen920

Commtdr, I like the stance of your truck. What size tires are those? And great looking rig.
Here is mine, I will be adding a leveling kit this Winter.
[IMG][/IMG]