3rd Gen worth upgrading from a 2nd gen?

[Three Bravo]

Just curious for those that have owned both. I have a 99 QCLB DRW 4x4 w/ the NV4500. It is a good truck, but does have some small nagging issues. 2 kids, outgrowing the cab for certain. Love the truck but do think I as well as family would appreciate a small upgrade.

Just wanted to put feelers out and keep this fairly general and broad until I decide further. I like the looks of the 3rd gen and would appreciate some of the critter comforts. The prices these days are really very absurd, though. That is my big contention point. Is it worth the price to upgrade in today's market. Undecided on the 5.9 vs 6.7 but I suspect I'd prefer the 5.9.

Just drove MIL's 18 today, 6 speed. really nice truck, very responsive, and fast as all get out compared to my 24V and old Jeep. but looked at the used market today, definitely outside my reach.

Before it is asked, truck really not used for anything beyond daily driving and typical homeowner stuff. I could absolutely get by with a gas truck. But this is my 4th diesel, and have always had them because I have gotten them cheap. I've just grown to prefer diesel, for a number of reasons. Had an old VW TDI as well. I am no fan of ford (had 2) nor chevy. I am also clinging to the manual trans which does limit my options almost exclusively to the dodges. I understand I am paying extra for preference at this point, and am fine with that, provided it is within my budget.

 

[seafish]

My 2005 5.9 HO with G56 trans has been a reliable, powerful and comfortable truck.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

I can talk to you all day about early third gens, but I didn't get mine for the interior design. When I get the time and money I want to swap 4th gen leather seats into it.

The plastics are easy to clean.

 

[Three Bravo]

My 2005 5.9 HO with G56 trans has been a reliable, powerful and comfortable truck.

thanks for sharing. I could sure use a bit more power. this 99 can't get out of it's own way especially from a stop.

I can talk to you all day about early third gens, but I didn't get mine for the interior design. When I get the time and money I want to swap 4th gen leather seats into it.

The plastics are easy to clean.

I have read the 3G interior leaves something to be desired. care to elaborate? All I know is to this day I am impressed by the 2G interior compared to that damn 1st gen of mine. to say improvement would be an understatement. airbags, seatbelts that locked, adjustable seats, I can go on! when you drive old junk it is the little stuff that matters.

P.S. how can I change my username? it would seem this was automatically generated for me. can't find a way to change or contact a mod.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

care to elaborate?

I'lll throw up some pics tomorrow when I get the chance, but my 03 CCSB is an SLT. For features I've got an auto diming rear view, heated mirrors, fog lights, sliding back glass, A/C port in the center console arm rest, driver seat with electronic adjustment for height, distance, lumbar, etc. , All cloth interior, plastic door cards with handles that get a "tackiness" with age, rear seats fold up for some nice storage space in a sink basin like shape.

 

[Three Bravo]

I'lll throw up some pics tomorrow when I get the chance, but my 03 CCSB is an SLT. For features I've got an auto diming rear view, heated mirrors, fog lights, sliding back glass, A/C port in the center console arm rest, driver seat with electronic adjustment for height, distance, lumbar, etc. , All cloth interior, plastic door cards with handles that get a "tackiness" with age, rear seats fold up for some nice storage space in a sink basin like shape.

I'd appreciate that, thank you.

 

[Ozymandias]

3G interior is much better then the 2ng Gen.
Only the seats need some help, they sag fast. A new cushion from Geno's does the job.

 

[Three Bravo]

I am also curious on the transmission opinions offered in the 3G be it the NV or the autos.
They only came with the NV4500 or 5600 correct? and of course the auto (don't know it off top of my head).

If I am going to get one I have somewhat settled into the fact that it may be an auto. they just don't have as many sticks as previous gens. and as much as I like my manual, for the truck, I may warm to an auto. my current truck has an awful chatter and hops around and squeals a lot on a dead stop. I suspect the flywheel is bad. but have not diagnosed. but it makes town driving a nightmare.

 

[NIsaacs]

I am also curious on the transmission opinions offered in the 3G be it the NV or the autos.
They only came with the NV4500 or 5600 correct? and of course the auto (don't know it off top of my head).

If I am going to get one I have somewhat settled into the fact that it may be an auto. they just don't have as many sticks as previous gens. and as much as I like my manual, for the truck, I may warm to an auto. my current truck has an awful chatter and hops around and squeals a lot on a dead stop. I suspect the flywheel is bad. but have not diagnosed. but it makes town driving a nightmare.

Used truck prices are insane. I recommend upgrading to a 4th gen. 3rd gens are still kinda old. At a minimum, you should go at least an '08 to get the factory exhaust brake. With a '10 or newer you get the big cab, so 4th gen. The G56 6spd manual is a good manual transmission and lasted up until the '18. Unless you do a lot of off highway towing, I would opt for the 6 spd auto.

I tried for over a year to buy a good used 4th gen, finally gave up and bought a new one in '21. Still love my '01 6 spd truck But dang! the new trucks are nice!

 

[Topzide]

@Gargiulo, You can use the Get In Touch link at bottom of page for help with user name. I'm with the others, with $ being what they are, you and family would be much happier in a 4th Gen! Bigger cab and more creature comforts for all involved! Can agree why you want to stay diesel! Good luck on the hunt for a replacement.

 

[bcbender]

X2 on the 4th GEN.... Glad I did, my 11y old son is now 5'9 and would be cramped in the back of the 3rd gen on long trips. No Regrets.

 

[Regcabguy]

I much prefer my '07 5.9 over my '98.5. Brakes WAAY better,handles better and is much quieter. The interior comfort is better but the seats leave much to be desired as did the '98.5.
The 4th's are a quantum leap over the 3rd's but with added emission equipment.

 

[Three Bravo]

Well, thank you all for the replies. Good point brought up, a 3G is still going to be 20, or near 20 years old.
I will look at the 4G more. price will be my big hang up, though.

 

[Ozymandias]

Early 4th Gen had some problems with the emissions Systems.
Keep us updated for what you look before you buy.

 

[Topzide]

@Gargiulo, You might want to post in the classified section of what your looking for. Someone might want to part with one and as many on TDR really keep up on our trucks. Sure doesn't hurt to put it out there. Will try to keep a look out in my area for one to send info to you. I got my '14 from FIL and am 3rd owner. I've wanted a diesel 3500 DRW forever and this one dropped in my lap! Was the best XMAS present, Birthday and all others wrapped together! Now hooked on these trucks and looking to get another with bit more options and a bit newer. One will come along at the right time.

 

[lionrampant]

I have an '06 QCLB Laramie 3500 DRW, the last of the 5.9's. I would agree on the seats being an issue, everything else is fine. I replaced the front seats with 4th gen and haven't looked back.

 

[Three Bravo]

@Topzide I appreciate the offer, but just putting my feelers out for now to see what folks think that drive them daily. It will not be anytime in the coming months. I am planning on using some money from sale of house (when / if those dang prices ever go down either), combined with selling the 2G, to try to upgrade when we go for a bigger home. The classifieds is a great idea, though.

I have only ever driven the older stuff. Old 7.3 IDI turbo, a N/A 7.3IDI, an 89 12V before this and now my 99. Going to 3 or 4G would be much different experience, much more expensive upkeep on maintenance (injectors alone are terrifying on the common rails) plus emissions garbage. Been pouring over the TDR buyer's guides, but nothing beats specific first hand knowledge hence the post.

Every truck in my town is either a trashed 2G driven by kids, or high end new ones. Not many 3G or lower trim 4G trucks rolling around. Hard to get a local opinion.

 

[Topzide]

@Gargiulo, The emissions aren't something to be that worried about on a well maintained truck. My FIL brought the truck with 53K and ran it to 130K when I was able to get from him. Have done the CCV and even the EGR clean with kit from Geno's. Main thing with these trucks is to get them up to highway speed and temps, avoid the short trips! When I take mine out, I'll take the longer way to get up to temp and have a chance to blow the cobwebs out! Mine is a Tradesman with vinyl floor and basic radio. Added a Bluetooth to center console media input that makes things nicer. Have the AUX switches which allow lights and other things to be wired in with great ease! The back up camera in rear view mirror helps with parking but it's greatest help is hooking trailer on rear hitch! Are you looking for a 2500 CC or a 3500 CC SW or DRW? Let us know so that we can keep a look out. Yes, injectors are scary, I have a transfer tank that fuel goes into first then into truck. That way it's filter from tank than through both filters on truck. Easy way to help with that issue, not a guarantee, but helps. Glad that TDR is helping you with choices. Just ask us, we'll give you both the good and bad!

 

[SnoKing]

I had a 93 for 7 years, a 2001.5 for 14 years, and a 2015 for 5 1/2 years. Loved all three, however each newer one was miles ahead of the one it replaced. I drove several 3rd gens, however skipped over them. I did not want another 4 speed that was going to cost a lot to put and exhaust brake on it, and the manuals seemed really slow. My 2001
.5 was lightly bombed and fun to drive, think 7K sport truck. If I was in the the market for a used RAM it would be a 2016-2018 with Aisin. At least a Laramie with 8.4 u-connect. 2016 got front park sensors that my 2015 did not have.

 

[Regcabguy]

I had a 93 for 7 years, a 2001.5 for 14 years, and a 2015 for 5 1/2 years. Loved all three, however each newer one was miles ahead of the one it replaced. I drove several 3rd gens, however skipped over them. I did not want another 4 speed that was going to cost a lot to put and exhaust brake on it, and the manuals seemed really slow. My 2001
.5 was lightly bombed and fun to drive, think 7K sport truck. If I was in the the market for a used RAM it would be a 2016-2018 with Aisin. At least a Laramie with 8.4 u-connect. 2016 got front park sensors that my 2015 did not have.

I special ordered my '07 G-56 because of the slushbox auto. Coming from a built auto i didn't want to dump $4500 into one. I can shift as fast as I like with zero grind. However,I just poke along.