Well I made the decision to go third gen this time, I will be making the move from a 2nd gen(01 24v, see sig). I will be looking at an (03-05) truck maybe 06 if I get lucky. I want a regular cab, or 4 door short bed, manual transmission, 4wd. and it has to be black or charcoal grey. Anyways, what should I look for when looking at these trucks as far as mechanical issues that may exist and commonly know problems to the 3rd gens. I lack knowledge on the 3 rd gens, but I am on hear learning everyday.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

hey, buddy. i recommend an 05 but late build date if u can get it (dodge went back to a metal intercooler on the late 05s) mine is a 06/05 build date and its been the best truck ive ever owned. my previous truck was an 02 4x4 with a 6 speed, and it was a great truck, but this 05 exceeds the 02 in everyway. good luck.

 

Turn the HVAC fan on and make sure it circulates air properly and isn't noisy at hi speed settings.

 

put together a list, not sure of budget...... I stopped at 25 grand, let me know if your budget is higher, or lower, couple real nice trucks to pick from, all around/ in Ohio.

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/1022456648.html

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/1009050488.html

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/1017255683.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/994645747.html

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/1020710685.html

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/1017900638.html

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/1002249966.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1017346012.html

 

based on what i have had problems with on my truck, i would take a close look at the front end. get under there while someone turns the wheel and look for play in gear box sector shaft, tie rod ends, and track bar bushings. then jack up the front and pry on the ball joints. pay attention to steering on the test drive. trust me rebuilding the front end is a pain, either lots of $$ or beer sweat and parts.

if if has over 100k and is still running just the factory fuel filter, be prepared for possibility of some injector issues. these things need 2mic fuel filtration, and pre 06 i think they came with 10mic filters...

if you are looking at a manual with g56, i personally would bring a 14mm allen and pull the fill plug on the tranny (pass side) and check its filled all the way up the hole or more, and that fluid looks/smells ok. i've seen a few that came low and were run low for a long ways and didn't make out so well.
otherwise i also think late 05's are awesome, i love mine!!

 

Nice, thanks for the input guys, as far as price i dont wanna go over 20k really, i have found a few reg cab 05's not to far from for about 17k, but they were either not the color i wanted or auto's. all had under 75k miles. Also regarding the 48re, are they more reliable with power add ons that the older model dodge ram autos?

 

once you go past 75 rwhp0 added, you can be in hurting the tranny territor, all depends on how hard you push it once there. key is taking care of it as soon as you get it, making sure the bands are to spec is a big help, and a service, fluid/ filter.