05 vs 06

[wcjp]

Finally decided to buy a 3rd Gen. The employee pricing on the 05's is coming to an end. Is it worth it to buy an 06? I'd like to get a MegaCab but can't justify the extra expense. Is there that big of difference beyond the grill? What's the warranty difference between the two? I have lots of searching to do. However, the employee pricing is ending soon and need to make up my mind.



Also, 3. 73 or 4. 10's? I currently tow my Jeep & trailer at 5500pds plus camping gear, wife, baby and dogs. Truck will be 3/4t, Quad cab, long box, 4x4, 6spd. As far as I know Dave Smith in Idaho probably has the best price. Any comments?

 

[Giachino]

06 has both tow/haul and overdrive lockout vs just tow/haul for the 05



06 has different front end / interior, new options such as power rear window, new and bigger nav system, Megacab, sunroof



I believe the 06 does nothave the 100k powertrain warranty (but I could be wrong on this one)



06's are compatible with the Jacobs Exhaust Brake (will not invalidate warranty)



I'm not going to touch the 3. 73 vs. 4. 10... . no flame suit tonight... . I have 3. 73's and wish I would have gotten 4. 10's but only to support 35" tires... . I would have no concern towing with 3. 73's (except perhaps at max rated capacity) esp with only 5500lbs...



I would say get the 05 unless your going to go full tilt and get all the options, or if you're a serious tower and want an exhaust brake with the automatic... go for the one you get the best deal on..... dont think you can go wrong eithre way! Enjoy the new truck

 

[DPKetchum]

Powertrain was 7/70! And YES it has been reduced to 3/36. The ENGINE was 7/100

 

[johncameron]

Powertrain was 7/70! And YES it has been reduced to 3/36. The ENGINE was 7/100

The engine is now 3/36!!!!??? What's up with that! :{

 

[DPKetchum]

Engine still 7/100. Could have been changed to 5/100. Its WAS 5/100 a few years back. Drivetrain and basic warranty is 3/36 for 06.

 

[Graphic man]

the wife just got an 06, its a nice truck!!!!!!!!!!

loaded, leather, sunroof, 3. 73 etc.

 

[PWitteveen]

I believe the 06 does nothave the 100k powertrain warranty (but I could be wrong on this one)



Correct, the 06 does not have the 100k powertrain warranty standard. You would have to purchase one.

 

[klenger]

Most of the 05's with the 6 speed will be the G56 trans. The NV5600 was dropped early in 2005. Because of the high 5th gear ratios, it is only available with the 3. 73 axles, so no decision to make there.

 

[wcjp]

Thanks for the help. I never really paid too much attention too the 3rd Gen Forum because it didn't apply. I'm not trying too flame with any of my questions. Just looking for honest opinions/facts. Thanks so far for the help.

 

[HOBrian]

Do you have a growing family that might need the Megacab??

 

[6 2 Carl]

Get the 05 they look better and still have the good cupholders.



Dodge seems to be going downhill since the 04 models. I really don't know why they feel the need to mess up a good thing. New models are supposed to be an improvement, not a step backwards.



Carl

 

[DPKetchum]

Chezz I thought it was downhill after 03!

 

[dpatt67]

You are going through what i did. I finally decided on an 05 since i got pretty much what i wanted on it and the employee pricing. I couldn't justify the price of the 06 in my case because all i really wanted on my new truck compared to my old truck was an automatic. I will say, however, that i like the everything new about the 06's, the front end, the interior, etc. It kinda makes the 05 look dated. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Bob V]

Here is some info comparing 04,05,06. Tow raitings, whats new, brakes, etc.

http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/

One thing that I found interesting, for 05 to get 23,000 max GCWR on the 3500 SRW you had to have 410 gears with the with the manual trans, now it is 23,000 with the 373s, the only ratio with the manual. And, if you mount a bed mounted tool box you need support brackets ( part # 82205240) or you can damage the bed.

 

[XJSuperman]

My '04 paperwork says 5 years 100K on the engine... directly from cummins. I also got the 7 year 70K mile warranty from DCX bumper to bumper.



AND I just read an article in '4wd and Sport Utility' mag where DCX will have a 5 year 100K warranty on all '06 engine parts (engines themselves) and componants. This is for all DIESEL equipped vehicles in the DCX lineup. But the bumper to bumper will only be offered 3/36.

 

[wcjp]

Do you have a growing family that might need the Megacab??

My daughter is 5months old. I just found out the Megacab is only $1000 premium. I'm going to check them out this weekend.

 

[6 2 Carl]

Chezz I thought it was downhill after 03!

The 04's have a nicer steering wheel.



However that was the last improvement before the downhill spiral started on Jan 1 2004