My 3rd gen is worlds better than 2nd gen. The ride is SUBSTANTIALLY better. Now I dont feel like I'm riding on railroad tracks constantly and my kidneys have stopped bleeding (little 2nd gen joke). The brakes are no comparison. It used to be I would wonder if I could get stopped, now I know I can. I did have 2500 2nd gen compared to 3500 3rd, but the training wheels don't make that much difference to me except towing. The interior is far superior, much better quality. The power is far better. 0-60 unloaded is about 6 seconds faster, loaded is 12 seconds faster. I did get about 1mpg better with 2nd than 3rd but I attribute that to the 5spd vs auto in 3rd gen. Did I mention how good the ride is..... wife refused to ride in 2nd gen but will ride in 3rd without complaint.
AND QUIET!!! I used to be barely able to talk on cell phone while riding down the road before (with windows up), but now I can stand next to the truck parked and running and still carry on a conversation.
I would highly recommend 3rd gen. I liked my 2nd and would have kept it money permitting, but I would still buy the 3rd gen again, with no regrets.
Shawn
Oh yeah, I would go back to 6 speed given a choice. Auto is NICE, but I feel like transmission is slipping all the time, even though its not. Nothing wrong with it, just a personal quirk.
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