3rd Gen vs 2nd Gen

[DixonL]

I am considering getting a new 2006 truck. Anyone who has owned both generations I would like your thoughts on the differences between the two trucks.



Current truck-2002 4x4 QC LB HO 6 speed Larime/SLT. 32000 miles with a 4. 10 average 18 mpg empty. I do have a FASS system so the lift pump is no longer a negitive on keeping this one.



Truck I am looking at is a 2006 4x4 QC SB Big Horn Auto with 3. 73.



I usually use my truck for long distance hauls to tractor shows pulling a 18foot Big Tex gooseneck trailer. The weight I usually tow is between 5-8K. I ususally drive my truck from April-Novemeber (When most tractor shows are) and I have a company truck that I drive for my job, that is why the miles are so low. What are some of the things you like better about the new truck what might be some of the things you liked better about the older version. One of the big questions I have is how do you like the auto trany? I have always prefered a manual on a heavy duty truck because of duribilty, but the dealer doesn't have any left. I am thinking I can get to $10-11K off of sticker.



Any thoughts would be appreciated. Just trying to make a good decision on trading up or just keeping what I got.



Thanks,

Thad (Ohio)

 

[JHardwick]

click here, start from impressions 4 years ago, to reliable these days ... ... ... . lots of reading!



I should also say, I have had both and there is no camparison for me, but that link will give you a HUGE cumlative of opinions.

 

[Jason Hughes]

Had a 97 and loved the 12-valve motor. But I love my '03 6-speed 4x4. Too many things to say. I really like the 2nd gen but love the 3rd gen.

 

[jmorse]

I have a '99 and an '05 . The '99 has 214000 mi. on it and has been trouble free. The truck is bone stock and has never had the inj. pump or 5th gear failures that many have experienced . The '05 has 35000 mi. on it and has been great thus far. The 48re is a much improved trans. over the 47 . The interior noise is much lower on the 3rd gen trucks. The quad cab is much better than the old extended cab. You will be very satisfied with a 3rd gen truck . I have a '07 C&C on order and hope it serves me as well as the '99. Jim

 

[klenger]

I had a very late model 2001. 5 equipped the same as your 2002. I'm getting better milage with my 04. 5, have more power, love the 4 real doors, quiet, yada, yada, yada...

 

[mgoncalves]

I went from an 02 six speed to the 06 auto. Overall, I am very happy with the auto, I do plan to add an exhaust brake before spring to help out in the mountains.



No regrets with the upgrade to an 06.

 

[DwayneKelch]

I'm on my third Dodge/Cummins... a 98. 5, 01. 5, and now a 04. 5. Each truck seem to be somewhat better than the previous.



I really liked my 01. 5 with the NV5600... it was modified slightly and pulled great. Unfortunately I have arthritis in both knees and was, at times, painful when driving in town traffic.



Therefore I was motivated (wife had huuuuge input too) to get a newer truck with an automatic, heated power seats, etc. The steering in the 3rd gen trucks is greatly improved over the 2nd gen trucks. Having rear doors that open from the outside is nice, to include more leg room. The 48re seems to work well for towing (much better than the 47re I had in the 98. 5) my travel trailer.



As with all things, there are down sides. The sheet metal used on the trucks is thin... be very careful when leaning against a 3rd gen truck (befriend a paintless dent removal person, you'll need them). Stock air intake system appears to inadequate from the factory. In-tank fuel transfer pump would be a pain to change and provides low fuel pressure to the injection pump (this could be an issue if enhancing fuel delivery, or better fuel filtration). The ball joints, u-joints, axle joints are still garbage as was the case with my 01. 5.



Overall, I'm happy with the purchase and welcome the day I'm out of warranty. Happy hunting.



Dwayne

 

[bighornram]

I went from an 02' quad 4x4 to (see sig. ). I am very satisfied with the 05'. It has noticeable power improvement when pulling really steep long grades. I pull a 11,500 lb. fifth wheel with it. I find myself missing the 02' especially when I hear one coming, or starting up. I can't elaborate on the trany since I got the 6 speed. I dunno what gears are like with the auto but there are issues with gear ratio's in the 05'. I travel highway speeds 60-65 mph and run about 2100 rpms to do it. The 02' ran bout 1800 at the same speed. One issue, got ecm reflashed yesterday, hard long start times sometimes. Arrrrrrg! When starting the 02' I could just bump the starter and bamm it fired right off. Not with the 3rd gen, sometimes >5 seconds cranking. So far the flash fixed it. That would be my only dislike and maybe, just maybe they fixed it.

 

[LEPage]

Way to much electronic crap on the new ones... When an injector fails & causes $7000 + damage with no warning, I'm looking to go back in time. Liked it till this little Christmas bonus showed up, but always missed the rattle. There is no comparison in the trucks, Dodge has made major improvements in the 3G.

 

[Tmartin000]

Had the coveted 98 Auto since 69,000 miles, and a 97 manual. I now have an 06 Auto. There is no comparison as to the comfort level, ride, tightness and power. I wish I had made the change earlier. Oo.

 

[abranz]

Had a 93, 98, 02, and now 06. Go for it, you will love the 3rd gen. Anyone can pick apart any of the gens but overall the 3rd gens are improved in every department.

Anthony

 

[TowPro]

I am considering getting a new 2006 truck. Anyone who has owned both generations I would like your thoughts on the differences between the two trucks.



Current truck-2002 4x4 QC LB HO 6 speed Larime/SLT. 32000 miles with a 4. 10 average 18 mpg empty. .



Truck I am looking at is a 2006 4x4 QC SB Big Horn Auto with 3. 73.





Thanks,

Thad (Ohio)

It don't say if the new truck you are looking at is a Auto or Manual.

I switched form a 2002 Dually 2wd Auto with 410's to the 06 in my Sig.

I find the RPM's are the same with my 06 as the 410's were in the 02, But there is so many "better" things about the 06. The biggest (besides the power) is the fact I can now hear the radio. My 02 was louder then my 98 24V

 

[Grizzly]

I had a 95 and thought it it was the best truck ever until I purchased my 05. The new 3rd gen truck is roomier, quieter, far more powerful and more stable when hauling the 11' 3" Lance camper, which I sold last month. It much improved over the 2nd gen.