So, as a cummins truck lover, I am not fond of second gen dodges. Cracked dashes, trackbar problems, steering issues, vp44 issues, lift pump issues, weak tranny. Am I getting a better truck with a 3rd. I understand the ride is better. How is the truck holding up over 100k.

Thanks

 

Well, I wish I could give you information on a truck with high miles but I can't because mine is under 10k still. Either way, I had a 99 ram auto and I had some hard miles on it. The only issues I had were the VP44 and the transmission. What sucked is the transmission seemed to break right at 37k, which was 1k out of warranty. Cost me a lot of money and I ended up trading on an 04. I loved that truck but sold it after 2 years. I have an 07 now and I love it. I have had no issues with it at all but again, it's low miles right now. Only time will tell but I don't think I could go back to a second gen truck.

 

I had an 01 and liked it but had a couple lift pumps go out, trackbar, oil pressure sending unit and vaccuum pump seals. Nothing to major. Sold it at 65k miles.

I like the 03 a lot better. Rides better, looks better, seems to be better quality, like the interior and full 4 doors better. Only had it for about 2k so far, but I really like it.

The 3rd gens still have the lift pump issues but that can be remedied with an aftermarket pump.

I seem to get about the same mileage with my 3rd gen.

48RE is beefier. IMO, all the autos could use a little work. At least a valvebody and converter. I've done the valve body and I'm doing the converter as soon as my bank account allows.

I will say the 01 sounded a hell of a lot beter. Thats the only thing I like better about the 2nd gens.

 

i agree, they sounds amazing compared to a 3rd gen.

 

I had an 03 QC LB 4x4. I loved it. I got rid of it when I got married and we bought a house after 2 years and 55k miles. A year later I got a 94. I like the 94 alright, wish it was a 5 speed extended cab. But I would take the 3rd gen in a heartbeat.

 

Thanks for the input. I would hope someone with a 100k will chime in. I quess with deals abounding due to the oil crunch, I am just considering a 3rd. I would hope to see a improvement in some of the issues. I know all vehicles have issues. However, if there is not alot of improvement over the 2nd gens then I will keep it. Anyone else with some good mileage want to be honest about your experinece?

Thanks

 

I like my 2nd gen better than my 3rd gen. Mine is a 12 valve over 290k and no real issues except for the transmission and transfer case wore out.

The 3rd gen has more power and rides better and quieter. I still would rather drive my 2nd gen. My wife likes the 2nd gen better too, so I'm stuck with this truck.

 

I'm almost at 95k and my truck hasn't caused me a single problem mechanically, even the stock pump held to 80k and was still fine. I just wanted more power. I will say they accept mods a little better, especially electronics.

 

I have an O6 and have had no issues other than I think the front axle U-joints may need replacing. This truck is by far the best truck I have drive. Brakes are awesome, fuel mileage in or about the 20 range and pulls my 40ft toy hauler like it was meant to. It would be hard to replace it if I lost it. Scotty

 

An '04 recently sold on ebay. 646,000 miles, always towing a trailer, original engine and auto trans....never rebuilt. seller claimed it still ran fine. Even the seats still looked ok in the pictures.

Drive it hard and it will last.

 

181,000 on my 06. Replaced AC compressor, both batteries, u-joints, 1 sensor, flywheel (now have SBC), 3 fan clutchs....thats about it. I run hot shot so I push her pretty hard. Twice the truck my 01 was. Better brakes, easier to mod, and just a better truck. I did however put 423,000 miles on my 01, but I think I replaced everything but the motor.

 

Im right at 50k and am pretty happy with my 06. Just yanked the recirc door out and threw it away. Everything on the truck looks great for now and doesn't need replacing. Tires are still original even.

I still miss the 01 from time to time, but the 06 is much nicer of a truck than the 01 was. Drives and rides nicer, quieter, bigger cab, and just as easy to maintain. Plus the wife likes it since we found an SLT with the adjustable pedals so she doesn't have to sit on the steering wheel like the 01.

Its going to be nicer also once we have kids with the bigger back seat. Ive hauled my nieces from time to time in my 01 and that back seat is tiny compared to the new truck. That fold flat floor is great for the dog too.

Well, have a good one.

 

I get tickled at the comments of like 160k except u/joints.fan clutches/flywheels etc.just using that as a example when I got buds that have done NOTHING but tires and 100k a set from them and wiper blades in that same mileage.Two of those trucks never had a trans or diff fliud change until 100k.Oil and filters every 7500 and fuel filters every 15k if that.One bud at 145k is upset that he had to have front hub/bearings and front u/joints and his previous truck had 20k more and they were fine when traded in.No fuel additives of any sort used in them and dealership oil and filters.No brake pads.Just towing moderate size trailers up and down the hiway.

 

The 3rd gen does everthing you listed better then the 2nd gens.

I had two 2nd gen s and they were good at the time but there things I just have to have like the awsome brakes and steering that are found in the 3rd gens.

You cant put a price on saftey.

 

my 04.5 has 160K on it and gets overload, abused by employees and generally thrashed....its completely stock....we have replaced 2 exg manifolds (cracked), the chutch, brakes,shocks, lift pump and rear ujoints and carrier bearings. The truck has been worth its weight in gold!!!! I'm keeping a close eye on the wheel bearings and balljoints but they just keep hangin in there...she drives as nice as my 06!!!