mudwisr2

I THINK I am going to start shopping for a 3rd Gen. I am happy with my 2nd gen, but I need a back seat. I am fairly comfortable with all the 2nd gen pros and cons but am lost on the 3rd gen stuff. Lets hear some feedback on picking out a truck.

Thanks

Jeff in TD

I don't think there are many problems like the 53 block or KDP...

In 03 they had a stamped alternator bracket that could crack. There was also a change in the pressure hose from the power steering pump to the hydro boost. The newer hose has a crimped constriction and a weight mid-run, to cure a vibration/buzz that occurs right at 2000 RPM.

Other than that, the normal stuff... Make sure it runs well, sounds healthy, starts in a revolution or two, no excessive smoke. Of course check out the rest of the chassis, like ball joints.

BlueOx1

I think if I were to go looking again I would try to find a 05, I like the interior better than my dad's 06 ,you get the 325 motor.

annabelle

See if it has the retro lift pump in the tank if it is an 04 or earlier.

Jeff in TD

I think the 05's had the plastic tanked intercooler, which has been known to come apart.

At first I also liked the interior of my 03 better than the new style of the 06 I have now, but after getting used to it I think it's fine.

03-04.5 would either have the SO (CA emissions) or the HO (555 tq, 305 hp if I recall correctly). 04.5 up to 07 would have the 50 state 600.

There was a slight MPG drop between the HO and the 600, which apparently has a late injection event for the cat.

Some folks did have the filter mounted lift pump fail, and they switched to an in-tank pump (I forgot when), and if replaced by the dealer a failed filter mounted pump would be converted to tank mount.

With the CP3 and this lift pump, if the lift pump dies the truck stops, so it doesn't run w/o head pressure and damage the injection pump like the VP44... I think I read somewhere that the CP3 was designed not to require a lift pump, and that was how GMs are set up?

Anyway, happy shopping. Truck prices are still really low, dispite fuel prices coming back down.

pvdh286

I just bought a 2005, I 've had 20 some dodge since 1974, all the different generations, my best a 2001 quad cab, after fixing dodge scew ups on the lift pump., that is. Heres the story on my 2005--- less noise, barely more room then my 01 quad, cheap metal, thinner frame, u joint problems, blend door problems, like sitting on wood chair, less fuel mileage . I was dodge lover but I may be going to chev.

mudwisr2

I think my truck search will be narrowed down to either a 2003 or 2004 (preferably 04.5) according to the feedback so far.

03qclb5spd

I have had two SO 03's, one a 5 speed and the other automatic. Both had the conversion to in-tank pumps done at some point.

Don't be fooled by the HO guys, yeah....better to start off with, but they even out. I did 526 hp in my 03 on a stock fuel system no LP or Cp3 upgrade with PPE, TST, and a Silver Bullet 66. Seems like the 03/04 SO's sound a bit better too, not that it matters, lol.

BTW I sold the last one because I want and need a Megacab.

mudwisr2

what kind of life can you expect out of the 48re. How much power over stock do they hold up to?

03qclb5spd

Life kind of depends on how you drive. I believe you're pushing your luck over 70 or so horsepower beyond stock.

4x4Freak

I love my 05. I bought it a year ago with about 47k miles, it now has 68k. Only major problem I've had was the turbo went out a week after I got it. I think that probably wasnt the turbo's fault though. The mechanic said it looked like something hit it, and there was also a daubers nest in the intake tube that I discovered when I removed it.

Not all 05s had the plastic intercooler. They switched back to the metal one midway through the year. They also switched from the nv5600 to the G56 midway through. Mine has the g56 and I love it. Cant comment on the 5600 though since I've never used one. The OD is kinda low for highway cruising, but it's awesome for towing.

mudwisr2

Any other tips?

Dodgezilla

Check to make sure the blend door for the A/C functions properly when you switch from floor to vent or defrost. That is a huge problem with these trucks and pretty expensive to repair properly. I have had at least one of every gen Dodge Ram diesel. I had to sell my 08 and now I am looking for an 03 or 04. I prefer an HO but the SO is OK. Just a bit under-powered to start with. I had an 03 SO before and the mileage was great even after beefing it up a bit. (Injectors,Turbo, Trans, etc...) I had an 07 5.9 and it ran great but the mileage sucked and that truck hated mods. It would give me problems with everything I put on it like a bigger turbo and/or performance boxes or downloaders...
I also like the interiors of the 03-05 trucks much much better. I don't want to offend anyone but I think the cloth in the 06+ trucks looks very cheesy. I have also read that even water will stain the seats......

jwb600

well I would find one that isnt beat and destroyed. if you buy one from someone that was **** and maintained the truck it should be a good one. I dont like buying anything from carlots because I dont buy their 100 point inspections bla bla bla. why would they put money into a truck they dont have to? becuase they didnt. so anyway ive owned an 05 and 06 and they have been good trucks even modded they are still have been really dependable. to answer your other question about the 48re ive got one in my truck and its done really well so far but its fully built. I think they are alot better than the older automatics. look for wetness in the valley around the cp3 and if the manifold has been drillled and tapped if it is a supposed "stock" truck never been modded. lots of nice trucks out there for sale just have to find what you like

xtoyz17

I'd buy the newest truck with the lowest miles you can afford. If you like power, and cool features I'd go with the newest you can. One of my favorite things about my truck is the how/haul AND the O/D feature. The ease of installing an exhaust brake on my truck is something I also really like.

Check to make sure the heat/air works properly, check the suspension for play, make sure the transmission doesn't hunt between 1st and 2nd gear. That's all I can think of right now, besides the basics like fluids and checking for leaks.

Shawn