SOOTER

Newbie looking to become the next 4x4 CTD 'Sooter' and I was wondering what you think of the different years? Is there anything different from a 03 to a 05 model year? Should I go 2500 or 3500? The only factors I want is a 4 door, 4x4 CTD.

I don't particularly care for the astetic (sp?) changes to the '06's so I am considering a 03-05. What would be the best recommendation in *YOUR* book?

Addtitionally, Auto vs. Stick. I do like rowing gears so 1st look would be for a stick. This would be used as a DD and then maybe a toy hauler down the road. Off-roading WILL something that would be taking place at least twice a month (family wheelin trips!) I would consider a 4" and perhaps some performance upgrades if I can swing the $$.

What is a good milage to consider (meaning what milage would be a cut off? Say 80k miles? 50k miles? 100k miles?)

Thanks!

T-Breese

The '03 and '04 have identical engines. The '04.5 on up have been changed. The '04.5 on up have catalytic converters and a 3rd injection event. By reading what other people have posted here, the '04.5 on up tend to get a little less fuel mileage. Based on what you are saying it would be used for, a 2500 should be fine. I also do not think that mileage would be a huge concern of mine as long as it looks like the truck was well taken care of and also depending on the price they are asking. I personally have an '04 model with the 6 spd transmission and I am very happy with it.

Mike B

Both of my work trucks which are Dodges, are 6 speeds. I do not like automatic transmissions period. I feel like I have less control over the vehicle's acceleration, handling, and braking performance. The 06 in our fleet gets a tad less fuel mileage. The 06 is also LESS COMFORTABLE. The 04 has more of a cushiony type seat.

The suspension a brakes are all similiar.

Robman

What exactly is the 3rd injection event.. What does it do? What would happen if the cat wasn't on the truck with the 3rd injection event?

Thanks Rob

Mark Hodowanec

The 3rd injection event is the fuel that gets injected to keep the kitty warm. if you lose the kitty, the 3rd injection place still takes place, so nothing happens except you have some unburnt fuel goeing out your exhaust.

XLR8R

The third injection event only happens within certain load/rpm parameters, and is insignificant, quantity-wise.

wcjp

Originally I was looking for a 03'-05'. My 06' Mega was only 2-3k more than a used Quadcab. Interest rates are better on new vehicles. At the end of the car loan cost is about the same.

SOOTER

There's just something about the new look that just doesn't do it for me! I think I may try and find something suited to me that 'I just couldn't do without!'

I know for a fact I want to definately stay away from the electronic shift transfer cases. I prefer a floor shifter.

I wonder why the milage is so noticably different in the 03 to 05's. The thrid injection cycle?

Beavermike

It sounds like you want the 6 speed manual. But in case you look at the auto, the early 03s had the 47re tranny. Mid year 03 and after have the 48re--so I would think you would want to get the heavier duty 48re.

As mentioned, 04.5 had the engine mods that increased HP and torque. In addition to the comment above, the exhaust increased from 3.5 inch to 4 inch with the 04.5. Again, probably not a big deal unless you plan on towing the big loads.

SOOTER

Yeah, I might be faced with an auto depending if that is the only thing about one I found then I might still buy it. I don't know how the market will be when I have cash in hand so I will have to see and be patient.

If the auto is the only factor and everything else was perfect I would consider it. Yet.....having that ore to row.....*sigh*.....

TurboTed

Sooter- why do you want to stay away from the electronic shifter??

SOOTER

Somethin' in me that says if I buy a 3/4 ton truck, I want to feel that transfer case when I shift it (meaning through the palm of my hand and not by the seat of my pants!)

It's just a preferencial choice really. I feel the eletronic shift is better suited to a Subaru.

J

Duallydog

I'm starting to think the 600 series can get as good a milage as the original Common Rail but I think it gets that with an open cat. If your going to leave the exhuast stock (or think you don't want to mess with enhancing a cat) I would get the old Common Rail.

SOOTER

I would more than likely find something, drive it to get to know it for a month or so and then add ons would come. First mods that would be immediate are leveler kit and a bit more meat in the shoe department.

J.

XLR8R

Did you notice increased mileage attributable to that?

I know it helps - just not sure how much.