Need some advice. The bug is starting to bite to upgrade to a 3rd gen. But, I don't know anything about them. Can someone help as to what to look for? Pro's & Con's for different years, etc.

My 99 is an auto but I'm considering going to a manual. Any drawbacks to the manual? Or, auto?

4x4? Current 99 is a 4x4 and I've had to use it a time or two.

I pull a 30ft. 5th wheel and a racecar trailer...both under 10K lbs.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

Have an 03 and I love the common rail engine! That said I've had to completely rebuild the front end due to the dreaded death wobble. Don't know if you've heard of it but its really scary and the earlier third gens are especially are notorious for it. If your buying a used one thoroughly examine all front end parts. I had to replace ball joints, u-joints, main bearing/hub assembly,tie rod ends, trac bar bushings, and stearing dampener to cure mine. Don't know if the newer ones are any better or not? I've heard of front end parts needing to be replaced with less than 30k!
Other than front end I really don't have much to complain about

 

You'll have NO regrets. I know I don't, not even a second.

Plus, 0% financing just came out,whaaaaaaaat............

You can save some serious loot in interest.

I absolutely LOVE the 6 speed too.

 

I'm very happy after going from a 97 5spd 3.54 but I miss the 5spd for town driving. Each and every improvement is like night and day... Q-cab, 6 spd, brakes, handling, ride and noise level. Any one of them made it worth it for me. I went from 97 2wd to 03 2wd and the 3rd gen 2wds have rack and pinion - WOW, does it handle good! I tow about 9k and the 6sp 4.10 does it so much easier - there's no comparison. Craig