other than the obvious front end and interior changes, what changed for the 06 models? i've heard there were changes to the frame and 48re tranny but don't know what they were.

 

Get the 06' Dodge Ram brochure at the dealer and read through it. It has a lot of the changes in it.

 

Frame Changes were only to the 1500 series line. 2500 and 3500 frames were unchanged.
I believe the power sliding rear window is new for '06. One of the major changes was that they redid the trim packages available. They changed a lot of options that are included in the packages. Some changes good, some bad. for example, you cant get the Laramie with the body colored trim. It now only comes with the plastic chrome look.

as shep1 said, the brochure would be your best starting point.

Nav

 

Largest noticible change I see (and hate) in my '06 from the '03 I had is that the '06 drinks fuel faster than an alcoholic drinks cheap beer.

The '06 avg's mid 13's on the hwy and mid 9's with my travel trailer. The '03 was 21-22 on the road and 15-16 with the same trailer. Both were geared with 3.73's.