2003 vs 2005, pros & cons

[tsi_2baad4u]

I'm a regular on NWBombers (SMOKN03) and asked there but thought I'd get opinions from here too. I've got a 2003 2500 H. O. 6-speed, Laramie 4x2 and I wish I would have ordered it 4x4. Other than that it's been a great truck and I love it. I'm thinking of selling it to get a 2005 so I can get what I should have the first time. If I do this I will get a 3500 6-sp Laramie DRW 4x4 this time.



My question is this; would the negative aspects of the '05 vs the '03 (catalytic converter, plastic intercooler end tanks, worse fuel mileage, tougher emissions standards) be enough to make the '03 more desirable than an '05? I thought about trading for a used '03 3500 DRW 4x4 etc but most dealers will want $35-$37K for a fully loaded '03 3500 DRW Laramie 4x4 and I can get a brand new '05 for almost the same price.



So I'm looking at 3 options;



1) keep my '03 2500 4x2



2) trade for a used '03 3500 DRW 4x4



3) buy a new '05 3500 DRW 4x4



Thanks.

 

[klenger]

I've had zero porblems with my 04. 5 in the year that I have had it and it gets 20 mpg empty. I think it's a great truck. I wish I had gotten a different color and a 2WD instead of 4WD. The irony of it all.



Most all the negative comments about the 600's are from members who do not actually own one.

 

[Udaloy]

The '05 has an aluminum transmission doesn't it? Given my druthers, I'd take cast iron. I'm thinking you have a fourth option, or an addendum to your second option: trade for an '04 or '04. 5. If you were getting the auto, then I'd say get the '05.

 

[TSpecht]

If you order one with the 6 speed now you'll end up with the G56 transmission. If you can find a 2005 on the lot you like, and if you want the NV5600, check for DEE code instead of G56, and perhaps crawl under it for verification. It's too early to tell whether the G56 will be decent or not, unfortunately, and I know I'd sure hate to end up as a guinea pig if it were me.

 

[JTryles]

If you order one with the 6 speed now you'll end up with the G56 transmission. If you can find a 2005 on the lot you like, and if you want the NV5600, check for DEE code instead of G56, and perhaps crawl under it for verification. It's too early to tell whether the G56 will be decent or not, unfortunately, and I know I'd sure hate to end up as a guinea pig if it were me.

G56 is coded "DEG" I believe... .

 

[dgarcia]

I just bought a '05 3500, 4X4. with the nv5600 trans, and I love the truck. If you wait to get a truck that has been built in '05 you will more than likely get the aluminum cased transmission. There are still cast iron trans out there, but you have to look.



2005, 3500, 4x4 Quad, NV5600, 3. 73

 

[gonzo2]

I love my "03, but if I was to switch configurations, I would get an new one. You are absolutely right about the cost/ availability of used units.



The only question mark on an '05 is the new 6-sp if you order one. If you can find the right truck that's existing stock it will be the NV5600. Of course it (the new 6-sp) may end up being a super slick unit, but I know I would wait and see (especially since the ratios are changing). Of course you may be able to get the moon roof again soon if you order. Decisions, decisions... . :-laf

 

[DPelletier]

It seems most issues have been covered. I agree with Ken that the '04. 5's and '05's are good trucks too. Have had zero issues with my '04. 5 (or the '03 for that matter).

I also agree that although we have no reason to believe the G56 will be a bad transmission, we have no proof that it'll be a good one either. The NV-5600 has been out long enough to prove that it is a great transmission so if I were in your shoes, I'd be looking for a truck already on a lot with the NV-5600. The only problem with a used truck is you have no idea how it has been treated. I've been burned by buying someone elses "problem child" before so now I usually buy new, especially when the pricing is relatively close.



Cheers and happy shopping,

Dave



ps. Upon further reflection, I thought I'd add: I wouldn't hesitate to buy a pre or post 600 truck, but they each have slight advantages and to simplify, the '03 would be a slightly better choice (usually) if mileage is your main concern whereas if power is your primary concern the '04. 5 and up have a slight advantage (usually). This is if your going to stay stock. If you plan on bombing, the advantage tips back to the 555 IMO.

 

[JTryles]

The only question mark on an '05 is the new 6-sp if you order one. Of course you may be able to get the moon roof again soon if you order. Decisions, decisions... . :-laf

I think Tommygun said the sun(moon)roof will be available for order again sometime in March... .

The other concern in '05 is going to be that crap plastic intercooler. I think that may be a real problem for the "BOMB"-ers.

 

[abdiver]

The other concern in '05 is going to be that crap plastic intercooler. I think that may be a real problem for the "BOMB"-ers.



What is the intercooler used for ?

 

[EBottema]

I would find a good used 03 4x4 or just keep your 2x4.

I personally would own and 03 but not an 04. 5 or newer truck for these reasons---

-More computer controls on 600 engine

-In tank fuel pump

-No throttle cable but BS drive by wire

-plastic intercooler tanks

-More emissions devices

-Less fuel mileage with the dual fuel injection.



The new manual trans might not be as good as the NV5600 we will see







An intercooler takes the air and cools it thru the intake making more ponies

good luck with your decision

Erik

 

[Ron Civita]

Do you want a 4 x 4 for weather (snow) or off-roading?

I had been thinking 4 x 4 for weather reasons as I will be driving up north in winter time. I decided to keep the 4 x 2 (open differential !!) and am considering going with AAM lockers. They have a number of different lockers available.

 

[RJOL]

... If you order one with the 6 speed now you'll end up with the G56 transmission...

I just ordered a new 2005 3500 and you can still order it with the DEG G56 or the DEE 5600. Did some research on this...



(Here's one link... http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/auto_technology/1266936.html)



... and the new G56 is a proven transmission, used extensively in trucks in Europe. It's not a new design. I'll cross my fingers and hope the Germans can still built good stuff...

 

[DPelletier]

I just ordered a new 2005 3500 and you can still order it with the DEG G56 or the DEE 5600. Did some research on this...



(Here's one link... http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/auto_technology/1266936.html)



... and the new G56 is a proven transmission, used extensively in trucks in Europe. It's not a new design. I'll cross my fingers and hope the Germans can still built good stuff...

In my opinion it won't be "proven" to me until it has been behind the cummins for a couple of years in our trucks, but I do hope it is a good one as I was planning on another truck in a year or two.



Dave

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Of course, unlike the other posters, I'm biased toward a 04 4x4 3500 DRW 305/555. Remember this is the "98 12v" of the Gen 3s.



Find a slightly used 04 and save some bucks.

 

[RJOL]

In my opinion it won't be "proven" to me until it has been behind the cummins for a couple of years in our trucks, but I do hope it is a good one as I was planning on another truck in a year or two.



Dave

Dave, you might be right, but what do you do... Things always change, for whatever reason, and I guess Dodge wants to change it's transmission selection. If It turns out to be a turkey... I hope it does it in the first 3 years...

 

[DPelletier]

Yep, I agree. Here's hopin' for no-turkeys!





Dave

 

[klenger]

Plastic intercooler?

Plastic intercooler? I was looking at mine tonight and it seemed to me metal. There is a plastic cover over one end of it. This seems to yet another "I hate the 600" by someone who does not actually own one. Maybe I'm full of it.

 

[tsi_2baad4u]

klenger-



The '04. 5s still have the metal intercooler end tanks, the '05s have plastic end tanks. Plastic end tanks are common on OEM automobile applications, Toyota Supras come that way. The difference is when they start adding power they switch to bigger/better intercoolers. With diesels running fairly high boost (compared to gas turbcharged engines) from the factory that doesn't leave much room for "improvement" without buying a new intercooler.



Personally I'm not "too" worried about the new 6-sp transmission. Those Germans have been out-building us for almost a century. Since I will BOMB my truck, those pesky plastic end tanks are the major pitfall for my desicion.



I may just live with what I've got since after all, I'm VERY happy with my current '03 other than the 2wd issue.

 

[macdaddy]

Hey 2 Badd!!!!!

Go for the 05 these 325/610's got some serious power this thing is pulling short 6 percenters in 6th you wont be sorry. I'm glad to see that your going all the way this time, always if possible buy more truck than you need.

Mac