I finally found a 6 speed truck to test drive, unfortunately it was a 2500, but was a 4x4, so should be close to the same as the 3500, I hope! The clutch caught almost at the top and took some getting used to. I have driven extended cab and four door duallys for a while now, but this thing does not feel as big and cumbersome as you would think it would be. Steering is so quick, I think it could have reached around and kissed it's own tailgate! Didn't take it into a parking lot and see how fast it would turn around, wish I had in hindsite. It's hard to judge how well a truck will tow until you just try it, so I will have to take everyone here's word that it does. The 6 speed was Ok, I liked the feel of the one in my 99 f350 better initially. but I am used to it. It is geared a little close and a little too low. Felt like you could use an extra gear after 6th, but this puts you right in the low end torque power band for towing at 55. My ford you had to wind up to 65-70 to climb a hill, and the HP doesn't understand 15 mph over the speed limit. Overall, felt like a good truck, the one I drove was a base model and the seats were very comfortable in it! Have to have the options thought, I about couldn't reach over to unlock the passenger door for the sales man to go with me! Must have power locks if nothing else ! Well, now all I have to do, is sell the car that I am driving, drive my old dually for a while to save up down payment money, and i think I am going to have to try this new dodge. Anybody know some one interrested in an 03 Acura Cl?
BTW, ya'll mind a current Ford owner hanging out here till I get my truck? I actually snapped at some one pretty good yesterday on the Ford forum for bad mouthing the Dodge, so I have probably been banned from there...

 

There's lots of ex-Ford folks here........ (at least this guy is). Some of those guys on that other board are real defensive.

Unless you want a work truck, I'd get an SLT - nicer amenities at a decent price. I've got 4.10's and often find myself looking for 7th when running light on the slab, but like them with the boat behind me. My clutch releases pretty good; don't forget that you don't need any throttle when letting go - let the govenor do the work for you.

Start saving those penny's .....

 

I am at laest going to get the SLT, may opt for the Laramie, but really don't want the electric transfer case and the dual zone climate control. I can get dealer employee pricing, and my mother can get Dodge employee pricing, but they are real funny about any one but her using it, just have to see how much of a discount that gives, and go from there

 

When you're not towing you can skip gears w/ the 6 sp. When I test drove one I started out in 2nd w/ NO throttle input and the computer automatically tells the engine how many RPM's to put out to keep from stalling, yet give you a nice smooth start. I'd shift to 4th and it felt just like a 5 sp when going from 2nd to 3rd because the gears were so close together. Then shifted to 6th and felt the same way. This engine has so much low-end torque and grunt power that I don't think you'll have any complaints about it when hauling!

Hey, I'm a soon-to-be-ex Ford guy. I still have the beast, but I'm definitely not keeping it! I'm in the same boat as you...picked the wrong truck for the wrong reasons. And now I'm stuck trying to get enough money just to sell it and then get a truck w/ a real engine!

 

Your Ford ZF 6spd is a comprimise to allow drivers to use their truck as a car, you state the Dodge NV5600 is geared too low. The NV5600 is a truck designed gearbox to utilize the power and torque of a high output diesel and pull heavy loads, hence the low 1st gear. The Ford transmission is set up so you can drive your Powerstroke like a Toyota Corolla and start in 1st gear. This makes it extremely shallow for "picking up" a load without increasing the throttle and sliding the clutch. Truck transmissions are designed to "lift" the load without the increased throttle off the idle to decrease chatter and increase disc life. The close pattern of the NV5600 is a welcome experience once you get used to it when playing truck driver all day using your truck like a truck not a car. The powerstroke develops all its power above 2000rpm while the Dodge Cummins produces torque as low as 1400rpm. Drive a Dodge CTD for a while and you will wonder how you ever got anywhere with the Ford loaded. PK

 

I am sure that I will love the NV5600 once I get used to it. I wasn't complaining about it, it is just hard to tell if the set up is right driving one empty. And you guys are right, some of those guys on the Ford board are waaaay too defensive. Every make has it's ups and downs and anyone that think any one brand is the best all the way around is blind. I did find a story however, about a new dodge that the clutch lasted only 15,000 miles. I know this could be the driver, but has any one heard any similar stories?

 

"...a new dodge that the clutch lasted only 15,000 miles. I know this could be the driver, but has any one heard any similar stories?"

I haven't heard about the clutch going out that soon...I have heard about the auto tranny's torque converter going out that soon on a CTD though.

 

My clutch went at 28k but the bomb bug bit before the clutch was swapped out and I knew it was not going to last long. New clutch now and works like a champ.

 

I have an 03 3500 srw, Bought it new in Oct 2003, I Have 97655 miles on it as of today, I just put new tires on (first set since new) so I am very happy with the tire milage, I have changed the rearend oil 3 times, Motoroil every 7500 miles. I change fuel filter every 14000 miles.
I get 23 mpg empty and loaded with 13000 lbs trailer i get 12.5 to 14.0 mpg.
Everything else is still stock untouched, I have nothing bad to say about this truck, i will buy another one just like this one.

 

Only thing I would add is to get the ENGINE break installed. Once you have it and you tow, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

First pulled my trailer (14,000) with the 2500, first hill had to hit the breaks 75 % down the hill in low gear.

After the Engine break, I now put it into 4th, it goes down at a comfortable 45 mph, and never have to touch the brakes.

They should make these mandatory on the diesels, and offer them as part of the towing packages at the dealer !!!

 

I was told that the 05's will be available with the exhaust brake from the factory.

 

*DROOLING*

 

Hi Horselady,

Did a dealer tell you this about the factory installed Exhaust Brake?

He didn't happen to give you an estimated cost did he?

Very interesting...

Thanks,

DT.

 

You can get the exhaust brake from the dealer at this time for about $ 600 installed. It is worth every penny !!! Saves on the cost of getting those brakes redone (including the trailers), and gives you a real peace of mind while hauling that big load.

I have even seen that there is an aftermarket exhaust brake for the automatic's now, cost a bit more but it should be worth it.

I haven't seen any differrence in mileage with or with the exhaust brake on or off.

I just leave mine ON all the time, it makes just a little bit more noise when you are sitting and idling, but you just drive like normal, and when you want to stop or coast, just let off the pedal, and with a 2 second delay on it, it automatically kicks in. Depending on what gear , and the load you have behind you, you will suddenly feel the braking.

It is a big difference going down that big hill just enjoying the ride, coasting at 45 mph, (4th gear=12,000 lbs), or 55 mph (5th gear), in complete control, not having to worry about hanging on those brakes and burning them out, or tapping them to control the speed of the decent. And knowing that if you do have to come to a complete stop, that your brakes are intact, capable and ready !!!!

Only thing that is important, if YOU are hauling and get the engine brake, is that it depends on the engine as the breaking device, which connects to the rest of the drive train through the CLUTCH. No clutch , no breaking !!!!

Make sure your clutch is in good shape !! As soon as my factory one goes, I am getting a heavy duty after market one put in. After hearing that the clutch plate is plastic, does not make me feel real secure !!!!

I hope D/C re-evaluates this part, and understands that a lot depends on it to not fail.

 

Does Dodge have factory installed E-Brakes for automatics now?

Thanks,

DT.