After a weekend and a little over 200 miles, here is my opinion on my new 2004.5 3500 DRW compared to my 2002.

1. Brakes are awesome, better than my 2002's.
2. Steering is more precise and seems to track better.
3. MUCH quieter....almost think the engine isn't running.
4. Ride is about the same....probably due to 2002 2500 and 2004 3500 DRW.
5. WHEELS SUCK!!!! What the hell, chrome hub caps???? Didn't I just pay 40 Large?
6. Interior is better, here's why.....rear cup holders, split rear seat, fold flat floor, hidden compt under center armrest, better looking trim than the fake wood, Visor Vanity Mirrors, 6 disk CD changer, movable pedals.
7. Exterior is better thought out, here's why......more rounded edges (less chance geting something caught on sharp edge, like fingers when washing), thicker paint (at least the red), power tow mirrors, more agressive stance....truck looks meaner.
8. Cummins 600......WOW, much more power than the 235/460. I can't wait to tow with it.
9. Transmission......48RE vs. 47RE. The transmission seems to shift firmer and doesn't seem to hunt as much.


Things I don't like - switch for transfer case.....is it really locked in 4WD? Wheels/Tires....Chrome Hub caps wrapped in General Tires?? Who is General Tire? Valve Cover....what happened to the cool Cummins valve cover? Get rid of the plastic! 10 Weeks to get here.

Overall......I REALLY like my new truck. Can't wait to haul with it. Too early to tell about the fuel mileage.

 

Glad you like the truck.
General Tires are the same ones GM uses on most of their stuff.

 

I'm pretty sure I have Michelin. Too bad....since I'm swapping them out for BFG's 315 within a month or so. They'll probably have less then 2k miles on 'em.

Mileage is pretty good for me. I get around 17 running highway between 70-75. If I stay under 2k rpms which is just under 70, mileage gets close to 20. I hear it gets better when she breaks in.

I agree with the looks and really love the shape and its lines. I remember when Dodge first came out with this aggresive 'in your face' look back around '94 or so. I REALLY HATED it. First thing that came to mind was 'Oh ****...I've got to see these trucks on the road now. They look really nasty'. But over time, it grew on me and now I own one! Funny how things turn out sometimes.

Good Luck with your new truck!

 

I would have prefered the lever also. However, I have had mine in 4WD with the flip of a switch, and it is in, let me tell you.

 

I thought the same thing at first...but then I looked at what Ford and Chevy put on their duallys and realized the Dodge chrome hub caps aren't not so bad. In fact, I think I am kinda attached to them now. I figure a hub cap is going to be cheaper to replace than polished alum rim when the wife "curbs it".