I'm getting ready to trade trucks, and was wondering if I might get your opinion on what (year) to buy. I'm looking for a Dodge 3500 dually, but, I know dodge changed the engine and also did something to the auto tranny. What year did the changes happen? Are there any special things I should look out for? I think I'll be looking for a manual tranny this time. Any and all of your suggestions will sure be appreciated.

Thank you
Grampaw

 

ill go from beginning 94-early 98 the trucks were 12-valves, 98.5-now they are 24-valves. starting in 03 they had the new common rail cummins. starting with the build date of jan. 1, 2003 they started putting in the new 48RE automatic. in 04.5 models they started with the new cummins 600 engine (325 hp, 600 tq) and in 05 they now raised there tq to 610 just to **** off them dura people with the newer 04-up maybe some 03s, im not sure, there have been complaints of a hard vibration at 70 mph and things like that. theres some other smaller things (nothing like the new 6.0) someone else can chime in on this too. do some research on the 3rd gen forum if your interested in the 3rd gens. they have A LOT of great info there for the new trucks. happy shopping
eric