I am very happy with the new truck. Here are some of the things pro/con I have noticed so far between the two if anyone cares:

'03 took a very long time to warm up, the '06 warms up much faster.
'03 clattered horribly when cold, the '06 starts and runs without clatter.
'03 engine noise much more pronounced, '06 runs tremendously quieter.
'03 had the infamous "70 mph vibe" that was never fixed, '06 runs smooth.
'03 had more comfortable seats, the '06's seem hard and stiff.
'03 was stock and routinely gave 21mpg, '06 current best is 16.6 mpg stock.
'03 positively never heard any turbo noise, '06 I can hear it .... YEAH ! !
'03 ride was rough and stiff, '06 is a smoother more balanced feel in the ride.
'03 had a much better warranty with drivetrain coverage, '06 only has the extended cummins warranty past 3/36.
'03 when taking the tongue weight of my travel trailer, only squated the truck about 3", the '06 will squat about 5", unsure of why this is though. ??

 

Thanks for the info..

How does the Cummings motor noise compare to a D-Max ??

 

What gear ratio's were/are in the two trucks?

 

Both geared with 3.73

 

Guys, From what I've heard the 06 has softer springs so it will sag more and ride better. The shocks are suppose to be valved better but they aren't as good as the power wagons. The photos of the interior look better in the 03 what do you notice about that? The 06 has a better set up with the tow haul + od lock out. Headlights are suppose to be better also. ks

 

You forgot that the '06 has that bug eyed somebody is squeezing its edit look when viewed from the front.

 

abc4yew-

Yes, I forgot that. The headlights are definately brighter at night than on the '03. As mentioned, the seats in the '03 were more comfortable than this new one. The material in the new one is stiff, reminds me of heavily starched canvas...LOL

As for the suspension, I like the ride alot more but the sag of almost 6" really bothers me when towing the trailer.

 

Edited by Admin

 

My '03 has up to 7 years on the power train. I was under the impression that the '06 has up to 5 years?

 

TurboTed-

3/36 bumper to bumper, including powertrain to this point. After that, 5/100 on Cummins only.

 

Grrrr!!(Ouch!)

 

Oh, and one of the most important features I failed to mention ........

'03 had the wonderful smell of diesel aroma in the air that you caught a whiff of every now and then. This '06 has the most god-awful, putrid smell of rank propane or something that you can smell. I really miss that diesel smell.

 

Better hope Hank Hill doesn't read this post! LOL

 

You forgot that New back up alarm when the door is open and your not wearing your seat belt..

 

The 06 Cummins in louder than the 06 D-Max(thank god). When i was debating between the two(test driving them), the 06 D-Max sounded like a **** gasser. If you had the windows up you could not hear the engine at all besides the faint sound of the turbo every now and then. Outside is about the same too...unless you are standing by the engine of the D-Max you cant hear it...after 10 feet sounds about like a gasser. Im so glad my Cummins makes a lil bit of noise even tho it is kindof faint. I miss the 7.3L Power Stroke and early 24V Dodge sounds. Jason