2006 to 2019+?

[olznut]

Has anyone traded their 06 2500 2wd for a 19+ 2500 2wd? Any pros/cons? I spotted a new one in the same color of my 06 (Patriot Blue) a few days ago and it got me thinking about it. I've had my 06 since new and I'll be towing no more than 8k lbs.

 

[lpennock]

Cons. Payments, at least for my move from a 06 3500 SRW g56 to a 18 3500 Aisin DRW, 1-3 less MPG.
Pros. Nicer interior and ride if you get factory air suspsuspension.

 

[TFucili]

If it's still working well I'd keep the '06, and see what the future brings on the transmission front, and new cab. Who knows, maybe they'll go non-EGR, or, better yet, see the light and dump the CP4?

 

[R.Taylor]

Exactly what TF says... I'd keep it and see what's coming. 2022 is when supposedly they restyle the HD trucks... Like the remake the 2019 1500's got.

 

[Rob S]

That Blue 19 is a good looking truck for sure.

 

[nukegm]

comrade - i went from a 2002 to a 2018. 2500s both manuals. i like the 2018. it drives sooooo nice compared to 2002. but i like the more mechanical feel of my 02 shifting gears compared to my 18. the old one feels like a muscle car in some respect. the new one is like driving a computer somehow... cheers, and happy friday!

 

[Tuesdak]

With the Proven CP4 grenade waiting to randomly go off one has to really ask themselves if a gas engine will do. Further will a 1/2 ton do? There is not a lot of savings to own a diesel anymore with the up front cost, higher fuel prices combined with more filters, DEF, lube additive for fuel, and more oil. On the 1/2 ton I wouldn't touch the Ecodiesel due to GM's "Mark of Mediocrity" bean counters having a hand in it's design and it's zero or hero status just like the other diesel reputation trashers GM still puts out on their own. (Including the 2.8 baby Duramax that's breaking wrist pins. Seriously how do you screw up wrist pins in a 4 banger?) Just saying.

If you do make the jump consider a 4x4 because the resale value is sometimes 2x higher and it's only like a $3000 additional cost on a $60,000+ truck.

More power, period.

More room in the back seat for "Adults".

Back up camera.

I suggest the HO engine and Aisin transmission because IMO it has the least "delay" after you stomp the go pedal to get the memo and get moving. The downside is the Aisin isn't as refined for shifting as it could be. Drive both choices before making a decision. The HO may be harder on fuel, but, with a 2500 or 3500 there are other choices for MPG that are not a 3/4 ton on up... My 2018 gets just over 16 MPG combined with lots of high idle time. My 2003 would get 15 - 21 MPG depending on if the AC was on.

Make the dealer replace the "Caution This Vehicle Equipped With Firestone Tires!" before delivery. They don't wear long (Less than 17K miles) and have radial pull problems. After making us get TPMS systems I don't know why Firestone is still around. One Ton's let you run whatever pressure in the rear without the low tire pressure nag system. (Or having to somehow change the values on a 2500 that takes a battle axe.)

Even in a Tradesman (well equipped regardless from the start.) the seats are better after you turn around the head restraint aka pain in neck device. As in there isn't a bar under your butt in a painful position no mater how many seat cushions you replace.

SXM Radio standard.

The bed floor is 12" taller IMO for no good dammed reason. As is the entire truck being taller making running boards of some sort mandatory. Esp. older 2WD "El Camino" height low to the new all tall trucks.

No useful gauges - you got to monkey with the display for ECT and it's really a digital speedometer due to the useless placement of the analog speedometer. Oil pressure was always a decoration for amusement purposes.

The window switches have a cheap feel over your 2006 where you can't feel the auto up/down positions.

 

[olznut]

Maybe I'll just keep the 06 for truck stuff (It's my daily now and has 165k) and keep it looking nice and throw the occasional mod on it and refurbish it to keep it looking good. It already has a Banks intercooler, air intake, Goerend trans, ATS manifold, Sulastic rear shackles and flow thru muffler. Had no idea about the pump, I looked it up after you mentioned it, yikes. I also saw something about the transmission puking oil and catching fire! I think I'll just look into getting a car, but something with a bit of personality like a Scat Pack Challenger, hehe. Lots of good insight, thanks a bunch!

 

[TFucili]

I think I'll just look into getting a car, but something with a bit of personality like a Scat Pack Challenger, hehe.

Or a TRX Hellcat 1/2 ton... almost forgot the Scat Pack JLU, too

 

[olznut]

Or a TRX Hellcat 1/2 ton... almost forgot the Scat Pack JLU, too

Oh ya, Hellcat Durango!!

 

[Elsbury]

That puking oil and catching fire is on the 68 RFE. At least thats what the dealer told me. A guy was in for the recall when I had my TSB done on my truck. I went from an 06 2500 4 x 4 to our 1 ton M/C dually. So far we are lovin the truck. Ride is soooo much better even though its a 1 ton. The wife wants to take the truck now when we go out. Was never like that with the 06. The Aisin 6 speed was shifting rough so I put a few miles on it then went and got the TSB done. You know its a trans made for towing but much improved. I know everyone is hot for more gears but seriously our trailer weighs 13000 loaded up and the truck wants to get into high gear ASAP. Tons of torque and I can pull away from a lite towing the rig and not have people honking for me to get moving unless I just get absent minded which seems to happen a lot these days. I know there are some issues with the CP4 but there are a number of trucks running them and I like the fact RAM put a lift pump behind theirs. I too was going to wait but glad I didn't. I'm not gettin any younger. I do miss my 06 ...just for that raw diesel truck feel.

 

[AH64ID]

The direct answer to your question in no, but I did go from a '05 to an '18. Both are SRW 3500 4x4's. The 05 was a manual and the '18 is an Aisin. I too was picky about color and both are white.

I made the swap last March and have since put 18K miles on the '18, much more than average. We love the '18 and haven't looked back. It's quieter, smoother, has similar power (more on that in a minute), and most importantly more back seat room.

My '05 was heavily modded with suspension and engine improvements (injectors, pistons, cam, turbo, tuning, etc). The bone stock '18 is better. In terms of power the '18 has more power below 2000 rpms, similar from 2000-2500, and less from 2500-3000. It's rare for me to need more than 2500 so it's overall an improvement and the 6.7 really does do much better at lower rpms.

The 05's suspension had a hellwig rear anti-sway bar and airbags, while the '18 is the stock auto-level. Same load, same roads, same same and the '18 handles it better.

As far as mileage it's really a wash. The '18 is generally ±5% from the '05, and the '05 got lots better than stock mileage...lots. I do mean ±. Where the '18 really sucks is low speed forest service roads which net 50-80% the mileage of the '05, but I blame that on the auto trans and not the emissions. The mileage dives when the torque converter can't lock.

The only real cons to the '18 have been the payment and the fuel tank size. The first is remedied by a bigger payment to get rid of the payment and the second with a Titan 55 gallon tank. The stock 32 gallon tank was far more concerning than 3 gallons should have been, but I HATED it... really HATED it. I just did a 2100 mile 14 day trip with the family and the stock tank would have been more stress inducing that needed, just today I did 318 miles towing without an issue. The stock tank would have needed fuel, but fuel was sparse. The added fuel will also be very important for me when hunting as that's when I take the biggest mileage hit and was getting in the 4-6 range for many miles last fall.

This last 2100 mile trip wouldn't have been much fun in the 05. We took our niece so there were 6 of us in the cab. The '18's seats, noise, stereo, etc all made a huge difference and didn't add any strain.

So I guess you just need to think about what you want out of your truck and money. Don't get me wrong, my 05 was a terrific truck and the guy who bought it just sent me a recent pic and loves it... I just don't miss it.


I will add that there were a few things I had to have in order to justify the upgrade thou. I wouldn't have bought a truck without being a 3500, Aisin, and with the auto-level. All the cab improvements weren't worth a 68RFE or standard spring suspension for me. I wasn't sold on a trim package but now am a believer in the Laramie over the SLT. At the time I didn't have a 5th wheel but the truck had the 5th wheel prep package. I have a 5th wheel now and that's the only way to go. It's ridiculous how stable it is.

So best of luck in your decision, I know the feeling and don't envy you... but if you jump you probably won't look back.

 

[Wiredawg]

I would do it without hesitation. I like refined and even a Ram 5500 can be a refined truck. It is smooth and quiet. I like the Laramie level, even more than the Laramie Longhorn, which we have both. The premium level 1 audio system a awesome, doesn't have a subwoofer under the rear seat, but gets all the bass I need. Feels like there is a sub in the dash. I've always loved the rear fold flat floor and so do my dogs.

Anyhoo, I'm one of the ones on the TDR who is lifelong Mopar, love all the gens of Ram trucks, and never hesitates to buy the first year of a new Gen. Just me.

Finally, I'm glad my Ram dealer sold all the '19 Ram Tradesman 2500s that were nicely equipped could be had for around $41K, and I was starting to get an itch. I know I didn't need it, but when you're retired, want = need.

Good luck deciding.

Cheers, Ron

 

[elephantrider]

I went from an 04.5 to a '19. it's literally night and day difference. in all categories.

 

[JR]

That puking oil and catching fire is on the 68 RFE. .

You are correct, although I don't know how many if any actually caught fire. More like pushing the dipstick up out of the hole from lack of ventilation.

Don't be fooled by the not so perfect Aisin. There is also a TSB on torque converter replacement for 13-16. And LOTS of 19+ owners not happy with the (lack of shifting) performance. Do your homework before you buy.

FWIW, my 14 3500 68RFE has been flawless @120k miles. It's an adaptive transmission, drive like a gma shift like a gma. Use the truck for what it's meant for it shifts and drives like you would expect.
Here's my towing mileage, which is reset every oil change and very typical. As you can see, it gets used.

Pictures hard to see but it equates to a hair under 45% towing miles. That's pretty consistent through the life of the truck.

Other benefits of the 68rfe over the Aisin. Transmission fluid for the 68 is readily available EVERYWHERE society exists vs dealer only or wherever you can source Mobil conventional transmission fluid online for the Aisin. Synthetic ATF+4 is cheaper than conventional Aisin fluid. 68rfe service intervals are twice as long as the Aisin factory recommended service intervals.

Sometimes hard to believe this is really a topic

 

[AH64ID]

You are correct, although I don't know how many if any actually caught fire. More like pushing the dipstick up out of the hole from lack of ventilation.

Don't be fooled by the not so perfect Aisin. There is also a TSB on torque converter replacement for 13-16. And LOTS of 19+ owners not happy with the (lack of shifting) performance. Do your homework before you buy.

FWIW, my 14 3500 68RFE has been flawless @120k miles. It's an adaptive transmission, drive like a gma shift like a gma. Use the truck for what it's meant for it shifts and drives like you would expect.
Here's my towing mileage, which is reset every oil change and very typical. As you can see, it gets used.

View attachment 122979


View attachment 122980

Pictures hard to see but it equates to a hair under 45% towing miles. That's pretty consistent through the life of the truck.

Other benefits of the 68rfe over the Aisin. Transmission fluid for the 68 is readily available EVERYWHERE society exists vs dealer only or wherever you can source Mobil conventional transmission fluid online for the Aisin. Synthetic ATF+4 is cheaper than conventional Aisin fluid. 68rfe service intervals are twice as long as the Aisin factory recommended service intervals.

Sometimes hard to believe this is really a topic

While it’s true the 68RFE is a much better trans than the previous Chrysler trans it’s still a Chrysler auto trans. To me it’s like the modern powerstroke. Best powerstoke in several generations but I’m not running one.

There are certainly pros and cons to either. 1st in the AISIN is a lot better, but I think 5th in the 68RFE is better.

Even the model numbers indicate the AISIN is stronger.

I’ll take my “excessive” service interval to get a true medium duty trans behind the medium duty engine.

That being said if you’re planning on adding any power the 68RFE is cheaper to build and can be tuned, but at stock power I’ll pass.

 

[JR]

And that's your preference. My real world experience proves opposite. Not intended as a ******* match, just facts and real world usage. Most people that put the 68 down have either never owned one, never worked one, or a combination of both.

 

[JR]

I really get a kick out of the first gear comment. Lots of people on this forum repeat the same, and in fact owned a 47/48re prior to their Aisin ownership. How did they ever get by with their 2.45:1 first gear ratio in their 48re?
That's a heck of a difference compared to the 3.23:1 in the 68 and the 3.75:1 in the Aisin. It's honestly not as big a deal as some make it out to be. The transmissions work and they work well.

 

[AH64ID]

I never owned a 48 for the same reasons I won’t own a 68, but I did love my NV5600 for slow mountain road towing.

I agree, not trying for a ******* contest and am super happy it works for you, as it does for many. It’s just like my brothers ‘17 6.7 Powerstroke. It works well for him but I’ve driven it a little and love my Ram. I’ve never owned a powerstoke either, and never plan to. It the same pre-purchase research and preference.

Unlike most people I spend a lot of time in 1st gear, so for me it does make a big difference. Real world can be very different depending on use. For some people it’s all interstate miles, for others it’s all dirt, and for others it’s a mix.

Aside from my dad I don’t personally know anyone with an AISIN in their pickup. and I can’t recall any complaints, so I agree it works.

Another big reason I didn’t want a 68 is the torque difference. 130 lb/ft is noticeable. I watch load on my CTS2 and know that less torque simply wouldn’t maintain speed. When I upgraded from my ‘05 I wanted to maintain the same speeds and a warranty, less torque just wouldn’t do it and equal torque would cost the warranty.

I’m sitting at 41% towing miles this year, thou more high speed towing that normal. My slow speed towing is coming up soon thou. Only 33% towing since I bought the truck but the wife likes it better on road trips than her 4Runner so it has more of her highway miles to reduce that percentage.

 

[Tuesdak]

Sometimes hard to believe this is really a topic

It's simply because there is enough of a difference that it's worth mentioning. Sure there is the hope that it's tougher than the Chrysler transmissions... Transmissions behind a diesel don't exactly have a time honored reputation for going the distance. I am encouraged that both appear to be able to do so now.

For me it was the test drive. I was encouraged to try the AISIN after I had written off buying a new 2018 or 2019 RAM because I could not stand the delay in "getting with it" over my 2003. The HO AISIN package was a lot more tolerable taking less time to think about "the throttle has moved" before doing something about it like GET MOVING.

Point of fact the last service loaner Jeep I drove I accidentally did a burnout thinking it would have the same throttle delay pulling into traffic out my 2018 does.