Who sold a modded 3rd gen 5.9 6-speed for a 13+ 6.7 Aisin....

[AH64ID]

Talk me into, or out of doing the same.

I'm not too deep to turn back, but I am very seriously looking at selling my '05 and getting an '18. I was planning on a '20 or '21, but don't like where Ram is going with the interior and where Cummins is going with the CP4.

If I buy an '18 it will be a 3500 CC LWB Aisin with auto-level air suspension. The rest of the options are not as mandatory. I actually have found a couple I'm close to offering on. Wife and I drove a '18 Laramie Longhorn Southfork edition today and while she thinks it's great I think it's too much truck, interior wise. We do have 3 medium sized kids and will have kids at home for at least 10 more years.

My '05 does suit us well, but the back seat is shrinking fast and even the front seat seems roomier on the 4th gens.

My biggest fear is that a bone stock '18 will leave me disappointed over my modded '05. I'm sure it has the power for what I do, but there are times where I am using all of my power (415/850 at last dyno). I know the 6.7 and VGT will do better in the 1500-2200 rpm range thou.

As a family we did 1300 miles this last week, which is what sparked the thoughts (I should say re-sparked, it's been a slow burning log for some time). Throughout the drive I would find myself thinking, I'll miss the responsiveness of my tuning (nice thing about being my own tuner, it's exactly how I want it), or I'll really like the variable exhaust brake (as I'm descending a 7% grade without a trailer and the EB cycles every 3-4 seconds). Other things like, I enjoy watching gauges... but won't have to on a stock truck, or I sure can't make out the words on the book on CD with a 30 mph headwind at 70 mph, but I bet I could on a 4th gen. My oldest is only 12 but can't sit behind me without digging her knees into my back, thou my tall ass grew up riding around in the back of a '92 extended cab chevy.

So... what are your thoughts?

I'd had to spend a bunch of money and be disappointed.

 

[Shiner]

Talk me into, or out of doing the same.

I'm not too deep to turn back, but I am very seriously looking at selling my '05 and getting an '18. I was planning on a '20 or '21, but don't like where Ram is going with the interior and where Cummins is going with the CP4.

If I buy an '18 it will be a 3500 CC LWB Aisin with auto-level air suspension. The rest of the options are not as mandatory. I actually have found a couple I'm close to offering on. Wife and I drove a '18 Laramie Longhorn Southfork edition today and while she thinks it's great I think it's too much truck, interior wise. We do have 3 medium sized kids and will have kids at home for at least 10 more years.

My '05 does suit us well, but the back seat is shrinking fast and even the front seat seems roomier on the 4th gens.

My biggest fear is that a bone stock '18 will leave me disappointed over my modded '05. I'm sure it has the power for what I do, but there are times where I am using all of my power (415/850 at last dyno). I know the 6.7 and VGT will do better in the 1500-2200 rpm range thou.

As a family we did 1300 miles this last week, which is what sparked the thoughts (I should say re-sparked, it's been a slow burning log for some time). Throughout the drive I would find myself thinking, I'll miss the responsiveness of my tuning (nice thing about being my own tuner, it's exactly how I want it), or I'll really like the variable exhaust brake (as I'm descending a 7% grade without a trailer and the EB cycles every 3-4 seconds). Other things like, I enjoy watching gauges... but won't have to on a stock truck, or I sure can't make out the words on the book on CD with a 30 mph headwind at 70 mph, but I bet I could on a 4th gen. My oldest is only 12 but can't sit behind me without digging her knees into my back, thou my tall ass grew up riding around in the back of a '92 extended cab chevy.

So... what are your thoughts?

I'd had to spend a bunch of money and be disappointed.

I don't think you would be disappointed at all. You might even get spoiled. If wife is in agreement, you can't go wrong. Better to have too much...than not enough.

 

[RVTRKN]

Knowing you all these years I've been on TDR, the first thing you'll complain about will be the dead pedal phenomenon. The electronics are leaps and bounds beyond your 05, however you'll mis the simplicity of the 05. Your 05 has arguably the best engine and transmission combination of any Dodge Ram CTD to date. I miss my 04.5, but being a 3/4 ton truck it was not enough truck for what I originally had planed for my business. The newer trucks have more capability than your 05, as the frames and suspensions are designed for the higher GCWR. I hated the 2014 68rfe with 3:42 and dead pedal. If you can afford the truck, i'd keep both.

 

[TCDiesel]

We will have CP4 to CP3 kits shortly after the 2019 hits the Pavement, I was holding out to NON-external EGR , But now the EGR is so little used its not even concerning anymore on the 6.7 Cummins.

Go for it......

 

[TCDiesel]

You don't know if the 2019 will have dead Pedal.... My guess it won't they change the Rail back to a cast piece... The Current 6.7 schedule piece has fuel restrictions....You ask owner that has a 6.7 modded rail will tell Ya 80% the lag and dead Pedal is gone.

I ( one of many ) develop the Cat system back in 2009-10 at least the bean counters did not kill the lines and the rail for all their Blue-tech engines to be cast, But the bean"ners certainly kill other areas of development that costs $millions in warranty claims.

 

[SnoKing]

We have 51K on our 2015 3500 SB 4x4 Laramie in 3.5 years and love it(it took us 14 years to put a little over twice that on the 2001.5. Towed at 24,500 combined and never lacked anything. The long legs of the Aisin / 3.42 gears is great, as you can still get a load moving with the lower 1st and 2nd gears and 80 MPH is out for a Sunday drive at 1750 RPMs. Get the Aisin!!! Did I say, get the Aisin! Get the 8.4 display.

Yes our bombed 2001.5 was fun to drive, but we never looked back.

When we drove it back from Greeley, Co to NW Washington DW took the wheel and cruised at 80 for a couple hours at a time also.

Things I wanted and got, full center console, NO sun roof(we leave the shade closed on the Rainier SUV all the time), 18" wheels and tires( the Laramie 18" are the best looking of the lot, tires are cheaper and ride a bit better), keyless entry, park sense, rear view camera and more transmission gears(the 2001.5 with 47RE and 4:10 was gear bound).

Things I wanted and did not get, the 5th wheel pucks and in bed wiring (put them in myself).

Things I got that I did not want, Nav , however we now like it.

Regard the dead pedal. It is a driving style issue. I can create it, however I do not. Rolling into the throttle and you to not experience it. Flop the go pedal to the floor and you get dead pedal. I get lots of practice with it. We pull out of the RV park and have to head East and try to make a pass thru to go West just a short distance down the road - three lane changes. Entry lane to right lane, right lane to left lane, left lane to left turn lane.

SnoKing

 

[AH64ID]

Unless the dead pedal is hit and miss I’m not too worried.

I’ve got a few miles on dad’s 17 Aisin and it’s never been “dead”, and the 18 I drove today was even more responsive than his 17.

 

[AH64ID]

Your 05 has arguably the best engine and transmission combination of any Dodge Ram CTD to date.

This is one of my main concerns. I took the 05 motor, which was pretty good, and made it better. The 04.5-07's had crappy pistons, and they're gone. I went with 03-04 style pistons, but the HO marine versions that are much stronger. I've also ditched the 3rd gen emissions cam for a torque happy cam, among other things. I still make more power than the '18's do, but I am not sure I'll notice the difference with the double OD's vs the gearing in the NV-5600.

My NV5600 is a joy to drive, and I'd miss rowing gears but IMHO nothing on the new trucks is worth any money but the Aisin.

I miss my 04.5, but being a 3/4 ton truck it was not enough truck for what I originally had planed for my business. The newer trucks have more capability than your 05, as the frames and suspensions are designed for the higher GCWR.

I have never felt my 05 wasn't up to any task I put it against. GVW's of 12K+, or GCW's of 26K+... it has handled them all with ease. I've been able to tow with a GCW of over 18K at 70, up a grade, with a 30 mph crosswind and stay in OD with 1 finger on the wheel. It really has never let me down capacity wise. I know the new trucks are better, but are they enough better to warrant the cost?

I guess I am just shocked at how much the price of a pickup has gone up in 12 years. I am quite certain the same difference didn't exist between 1993 and 2005, and I don't feel the technology difference of 93-05 is that much different than 05-18. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Ozymandias]

I know both, go for it.

The rear leg room wont grow for any money on your 05, but the kids do.

 

[NIsaacs]

Have you read about all the upgrades on the '19? I would not buy an '18, they are way too yesterday

 

[AH64ID]

Have you read about all the upgrades on the '19? I would not buy an '18, they are way too yesterday

Haha. Yep, that’s why I want an ‘18

 

[jgillott]

You didn't mention what you use your truck for. Do you tow often and heavy with your family with you? Is this going to be a daily driver, family travel vehicle, etc?

Have you considered a modern 1/2 ton crew cab for your growing family needs and still keep your 3rd gen? Remember, that 12 year old will be driving sooner than you think and you may be then searching for a spare vehicle for them.

 

[JR]

I went from a lightly modded gen 2 to a 14 3500 SRW so the differences were more Substantial for me, but I'd not go back at this point. Its been a great truck all in all. At just over 100k and the front end is still like new. OEM brakes. Tires wear even with normal rotations. 4wheel drive engagement is better than either gen 2 I owned ever was. They have really improved the chassis and drivetrain in leaps and bounds IMO. The only thing I don't like is not having an option on gear ratios. I do a good bit of low speed towing/hauling, fields, poor access roads, etc. and I think a 3.73 or 3.90 would make a difference. That and the marginal HVAC are really the only complaint I have. I can't comment on all the other options - I wanted a Tradesman so never even looked at the upper end models. I do have the 5.0 radio which is adequate for me. The only things I didn't get that I would have liked was the vinyl seats and rubber floors over the carpet. And the back up camera, which I had intended to add, but have gone my whole life hooking up "the old fashion way", and continue to do so...for now

Do they do emissions testing where you are? I have to admit the emissions equipment was my biggest concern but there is no testing here. I had planned on doing the deletes by now but with the exception of a DEF injector its been flawless. Good UOA's also which has been probably the biggest factor for leaving it alone to this point.

 

[TCDiesel]

2019 Has 3.73 only option for SRW. AD I agree with the others you will miss the fun you had with the 3gen, but think of it this way... You will be in 4gen and I will fill the void with lively conversations like we had in 3gen forum.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I have zero regrets about shedding myself of my 3rd gen. Backup cam, USB ports, touch screen, heated seats/ steering wheel, hands free calling/texting, rear seat HVAC ports,......need I say more?

Pull the trigger already

edit: My only gripe is the OE laggy go pedal. It doesn't instantly react like I want. It's not a 3-5 second delay like some suggest. A split second is a better description. I have a BD throttle booster that makes the pedal much more user friendly.

 

[AH64ID]

You didn't mention what you use your truck for. Do you tow often and heavy with your family with you? Is this going to be a daily driver, family travel vehicle, etc?

Have you considered a modern 1/2 ton crew cab for your growing family needs and still keep your 3rd gen? Remember, that 12 year old will be driving sooner than you think and you may be then searching for a spare vehicle for them.

It's used as a hunting/camping/road trip rig. It's daily driven very little, and only gets 8-10K a year on it or less some years.

So really the growing needs aren't for daily things, we have a 4Runner that works well for around town and short road trips.

Kids driving has been a thought for some time. I have a Jetta that they will probably drive, and I'll switch back to driving the truck more. I also have an older wrangler that is in the vehicle pool for people to drive.

The only thing I don't like is not having an option on gear ratios. I do a good bit of low speed towing/hauling, fields, poor access roads, etc. and I think a 3.73 or 3.90 would make a difference.

2019 Has 3.73 only option for SRW. AD I agree with the others you will miss the fun you had with the 3gen, but think of it this way... You will be in 4gen and I will fill the void with lively conversations like we had in 3gen forum.

The gears have always been a potential issue for me as well. I spend lots of time under 20 mph towing up steep grades and such, where getting into 2nd gear and locking the TC with an auto might not be possible with 3.42s, but should be with 4.10's.

That's why I have always said if I buy one with 3.42's I'd have it swapped out to 4.10's right away. Now that I am staring down the bbl of one I am considering giving it a camping/hunting season to see how it does.

Do they do emissions testing where you are? I have to admit the emissions equipment was my biggest concern but there is no testing here. I had planned on doing the deletes by now but with the exception of a DEF injector its been flawless. Good UOA's also which has been probably the biggest factor for leaving it alone to this point.

Yes, but I am not overly concerned about it. I'm telling myself I wouldn't touch it until the warranty is up... Thou I have checked and I have both required dongles for UDC Pro or Warp tuning on the '18's.... Ugh, I don't even have a truck yet.

 

[RVTRKN]

My NV5600 is a joy to drive, and I'd miss rowing gears but IMHO nothing on the new trucks is worth any money but the Aisin.






I guess I am just shocked at how much the price of a pickup has gone up in 12 years. I am quite certain the same difference didn't exist between 1993 and 2005, and I don't feel the technology difference of 93-05 is that much different than 05-18. Maybe I'm wrong.

You will miss the NV5600, even though there is (sort of) some torque management, you get the full power of your engine, unlike the new auto's. I was at 15K GCW climbing a 7-8% onramp from a dead stop (hwy 58 east onto the I-15 south before the new construction) with my daughter in the passenger side, when she looked over at me and commented about the awesome power that the truck had. Of coarse that was in the 04.5 5.9 CTD W/NV5600, see sig.There is a big difference in the electronics, my 07 with the REC NAV unit compared to the 5.0 radio, which is the mid option, is better than the REC without NAV. Using smart phones connected into the 5.0 radio was better than my REC NAV. I no longer have the REC radio, I went to a Clarion NX605 NAV unit, which is thre times better than the REC. The early U-connect would not allow blue tooth capability using your music on your smart phone, and it cost me a chuck of money to get that ability going with a Lock Pick module connection.

 

[Ozymandias]

Doesn't the new trannys lock up faster and in any gear?

 

[AH64ID]

Doesn't the new trannys lock up faster and in any gear?

Yes, but still not in 1st gear.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I never thought I'd like my Aisin as much as I do. Especially after driving hand shakers since 94. Lemme tell ya that the "remote start", "auto butt warmer on" is really nice.