3 gen pros and cons

[JamesSimpson]

OK Im looking at moving up to a 3gen CTD 4x4 QC. I have a 02 4x4 ext cab long bed auto.



I was wanting to get out of the weak auto and into a stick. And Im also concerned about the injector pump. But before I go buying a newer tow rig/ daily driver I want to know is it worth it?



I have ?'s like



Should I get the 5 or 6 spd?

Is there anything I should look out for. . ie. certain years with heavy problems. Seems like everyone here has a complaint about the 05's if you scan the thread titles.

Is there an advantage to SWB QC or LWB QC?

Am I going to face the same injection systems woes.

What about wierd noises like body rattles?

This might be the last new truck I buy for a long time and I want it to last. Thats one reason I want to go standard shift.

 

[nickleinonen]

Should I get the 5 or 6 spd?

the 5 speed was only avalable with the SO engines. . all the ho's had 6 speeds. after 04. 5, no 5 speed was avalable

 

[Tomeygun]

Is there anything I should look out for. . ie. certain years with heavy problems. Seems like everyone here has a complaint about the 05's if you scan the thread titles.

Is there an advantage to SWB QC or LWB QC?

Am I going to face the same injection systems woes.

What about wierd noises like body rattles?

This might be the last new truck I buy for a long time and I want it to last. Thats one reason I want to go standard shift.

couple thoughts:

- Look out for a used truck with offset wheels, Can tear up ball joints quick

- LWB rides better, SWB easier to manuver

- Quiet 3rd gen = hear more rattle, but they are normal



Pros:

interior size, ride quality, HP is very easy to add and the stock HP is 300+



cons:

Cost, tire size(cost) - limited on the wheels you can run due to offset



Thats about all i can think of after a long day, cya!!

 

[fkovalski]

... But before I go buying a newer tow rig/ daily driver I want to know is it worth it?...

I asked similar questions in this thread:3rd generation owners who previously owned a 2nd generation…looking for opinions… and got good feedback. Within the thread, member KCJackson linked to a very good thread thread with even more info. Here's that link:First impressions of the 05



Hope this helps.

 

[rbattelle]

If speed is your primary concern please carefully observe the difference in curb weights between your 2002 and a new truck. The 3rd gen trucks may be significantly heavier than your 02.



-Ryan

 

[JamesSimpson]

Im not looking for speed but I dont want a slow power smoke or dura slack either. Im lloking for some thing that will last for a good while. This may be the last truck I purchase for a while... . Wife wants kids bad $$$$$$$$ For longevity I was thinking I needed to go with a new 5 or 6 spd diesel. I have the 02 and I do love it but its got almost 100k on it and I keep waiting for something to break... transmission... . vp44! I have a trail rig Jeep that hasnt seen much action this summer BC Im concerned about breaking my daily driver.

 

[tschwab]

Seems like everyone here has a complaint about the 05's if you scan the thread titles.

No complaints here. If you want to see complaints, go visit the dieselstop.com a ford site. As an FYI, the 48RE in the 3G's is a tough transmission, so don't avoid the auto if you think the 48RE is weak, its not.

 

[jwduke]

Don't let the 48RE scare you! I use the hell out of mine, no problems yet! Just watch the temp, and change the fluid & filter every 25,000 miles.



Another pro is, much better brakes.



Another con, seems to be the mpg on 2004. 5 & later models. But I'm getting 18. 8 on highway miles & 12. 5 towing my 5er. And I only have 7,000 miles & no reflashes yet.....

 

[RJOL]

Owned a 2001 2500 4X4 Quad Long bed for almost five years. It was very dependable and I had very minor problems with it.



Got just over 5K on my 2005 3500 Quad Long Bed with the G56 transmission. I like this truck even better then my 01. It runs great, has no vibration problems, better brakes, and tows my 31' 5th with ease with more power.



The one thing I have noticed is that I get a little less mpg from my 2005 empty, but a little better mpg while towing. I had the NV4500 in my 01 with the 4:10 gears.



All in all, I'd make the trade again, in a heart beat... .

 

[redfuelrules]

My last truck was a 01. 5 3500 w/ nv5600. only mods were a flatbed, guages & EZ. I used it to pull a 12,000 lbs. mini excavator on a 5k+ trailer. I felt like I was slowly killing the truck. Hooked up to the same load w/ a stock 04. 5 3500 nv5600 pulled the same load effortlessly. Better power & much better braking. I just purchased an 05 3500 1 ton dump w/ 48re, haven't gotten to pull the excavator yet, as I need to trade my gooseneck for a tag trailer. So far, I'm thrilled with the trade. Comfort, noise, and stock power are vastly improved. While I'm planning on upgrading the torque converter and VB before towing regularly, my initial impressions of the 48re are all positive. Much more friendly than the prev. 47 and 12v automatics IMHO. I think the new 3rd gen's are great. Goodluck, regardless of the decision you make. Ben

 

[geusterman]

James... I switched from an 02 6spd to 04. 5 auto. Miss the "real truck" shifter feel but the auto is one tough auto. Dishman Dodge in Spokane makes a kiler deal on new (I paid $1K under dealer plus all incentives. If the numbers add up look for an 04 6spd. Little better mileage, less computer and good 6spd. George