3rd generation owners who previously owned a 2nd generation…looking for opinions…

[fkovalski]

I am considering trading in my 2001. 5 for a 2005. I originally had reservations about the looks when the new style came out, but am getting over it. I am soliciting opinions as to what you like/ dislike about the newer version as compared to the second generation. My current truck is as listed below in the signature. It has the trailer tow package, camper set- up and the snow plow prep option. I really like the 2 former options and the last was always good to have as I anticipated putting on a heavy duty bumper (but never did. )



The new one that I am considering is actually a 3500 SRW. It was cheaper to get this setup rather than adding the options I wanted to a 2500. It has the tow package, but a camper set- up and plow package are no longer available so I am told. I do not plan on using it for plowing. The new one will have a 6 speed as well as some other niceties that I presently do not have- locking diff, CD player, tow mirrors, OH console etc…. I can get into the new one for very close to the terms that I have now (as a lease)



My question to the above stated group- any comments or regrets about stepping up to the newer model? I would like to hear what your more profound differences that you like or dislike about the 3G’s.



I am sure this topic has been covered, but I did not enter the correct keywords in my search. Any links to the discussions are appreciated.



Thanks.

-frank.

 

[Scooby]

I went from an 01 (2500) to an 04. 5 3500 DRW. I needed more interior room and more weight carrying capability for my slide-in camper. I also wanted to go back to a 6 speed (the 01 was an auto). I love the ride of the new truck... I was going deaf in the 01 (ok, maybe my 1500W stereo had something to do with that). The steering and braking improvement on the 3rd gens over the 2nd is worth the switch in and of itself. I do miss my 2nd gen... sometimes I miss the sound and other times the interior. Overall I am pleased with the new truck and would make the same purchase again.

 

[thejeepdude]

I had a '99 which I sold and replaced with this '05. I still miss my old truck from time to time, but I think it's more of a sentimental thing. The only thing I REALLY liked better about it was the color and the noise. I really like not having to worry about my 53 block, VP44, or various other issues the truck had or was destined to have. The new truck has 22k on it and so far no problems major enough to require a dealer visit. I plan to take it in for new door seals before the 36k is up but that's about it. It gets the same or better mileage than my '99 did, and I love the fold out floors and split rear bench. I like the 48RE over the 47RE and the warranty that goes along with it (my '99 transmission was toast when I sold it). I also think the CR motors are capable of more power with better longevity, tolerating higher EGT's. All in all, I love this truck and look forward to the next 10+ years with her.

 

[boonsur]

You've gotta move fairly quick. The '06's are coming out soon and I'm not sure I'll EVER get used to that look (way ugly, IMHO).



I was glad to switch from my '99 (all the upgrades Dodge has made are awesome), but my big reasons were I wanted a dually and a 6-speed. It was right around the time the new ones were coming out, and I liked the looks of the newer ones better (in the DRW configuration), so I waited.



I'm still not convinced the new fuel system will prove to be as reliable as the older ones, but the block/component upgrades are good. Mileage of the newer ones (04. 5 & up) is a bit worse because of the third pulse in the injection event. They have also gone-up quite a bit in price.



You have to decide why you don't like your old one. Is it not the right configuration, or getting high in miles (maintenence costs)? The new ride is much nicer, but I'm not sure I would have jumped so quick, to get the "same" truck.

 

[fkovalski]

... Is it not the right configuration, or getting high in miles (maintenence costs)?

I do like the truck and it works well for my needs. I will be running into a few maintainance items that will require $ costs. Normal stuff like a clutch at some point, the ongoing lift pump that will be on my dime, steering stuff etc. I only have 65,000 miles and am getting a decent trade in number. I also like the fact that with the new one it will be the dealer doing the work as needed and not me. I like working on it, but time is a factor. I am using a leased vehicle as it is intended: re- upping for new at the end of the term and just paying for only the use of it. I do not want to go into the pro/ cons of leasing. It works for me.

 

[Cryppie]

I'll second some of the comments above, in that I do still occasionally miss my '99. Namely, color (intense blue, but I have grown into Patriot), and the Webasto moonroof I had put in. I love the 6-speed over the auto, needed the dually for a 5'r (2500 worked but was overworked IMHO), and my wife definitely likes the quiet. I still miss the clatter of old blue, as do my dogs, but I'm about over it. If I had the chance to do it again? In a heartbeat (just not Chevy ) )

 

[klenger]

Buy it, you'll like it. The 3500 SRW is a nice package IMHO. Which 6 speed does it have? The older NV5600 was replaced with the G56 in January 2005. What color and is it 4WD or 2WD?

 

[Udaloy]

Frank,



Get the '05!! You will not be dissapointed. I had an '02, and like some of the above, sometimes I miss the rattle. It sure is nice to be able to hear the stereo at a low level though. Brakes, frame stiffness, and ride are undescribably better. Like you, I didn't care for the looks, but I like it now. Hurry before the '05 is gone.

 

[RMH]

IF YOU are have a truck camper or a large tow behind i would consider a drw set up for stability. I have a truck camper (lance 10330) that weights 3k lbs and with every thing loaded around 4k lbs. that being said i just put on the helwig anti sway kit and bumper stops as per the tdr article.

 

[jwilliams3]

You'll like it.

Better truck overall than the 2nd gens.

I have a 99 and an 04. 5.

 

[Scrappy]

I bought my '03 ETH/DEE for more room mainly though I did upgrade to a Laramie and 3500 just for good measure. I had an '01 ETH/DEE and I went thru 5 trackbars in 28000 mi. I do miss the rattle but I have fallen in love with the power and room I gained by trading.

 

[fkovalski]

... Which 6 speed does it have? The older NV5600 was replaced with the G56 in January 2005. What color and is it 4WD or 2WD?

The Dodge website shoes 2 different 6 spd options. The list of options call out for the 6sp NOT having the upgrade. I am not sure of the difference?

It is definitely 4WD and is white to match the existing topper.

IF YOU are have a truck camper or a large tow behind i would consider a drw set up for stability.

I have a topper. I do not want a dually because it would not fit some of the places that I off- road into. I used the one I have now as a truck and am not afraid to drive it in the back woods. One dis advantage of the new one I am considering is that it is probably longer. I do on occasion tow an enclosed trailer and car hauler trailer, but not enough to warrant the dually setup.



I would really be going for the 2500, but dealer said my options already on the SRW 3500 would be cheaper! I am still looking around at all my options.

(Anyone want to buy an ’01 2500 )

 

[gonzo2]

The 3500 SRW sounds perfect for you.

If you are ordering the truck you will get the New G56. If you are buying off the lot then check the shift pattern, R up and to the right is the NV5600. The major difference is the lower final ratio of the G56.

Either way you will not regret moving UP (yes Up ) to the third gen.



My 4 year old cried and blocked the salesman from getting the licence plate off my '98, but he got over it!



Yes the equivalent truck in the new style is slightly longer, but it pays off in interior room.

 

[fkovalski]

... The '06's are coming out soon and I'm not sure I'll EVER get used to that look (way ugly, IMHO)...

SOooo... , are these going to be refered to as "4th Generation?" :-laf

 

[crobertson1]

Frank,



DO IT. Do it now. I had an '01. 5 before as you know. I really liked that truck, but have never missed it since I got this one. 3500 SRW, 6 speed in white sounds real nice .



Craig

 

[PBerry]

I had a 2001. 5 and now a 2003. Here is what i like and dislike; The new seat suck compared to the old ones they do not support your legs and don't wrap around your back like the old ones. I miss the noise and sound of the 2nd gen and how the cab would rock upon startup. The new 4door cab is extremely tight compared to old ones, ride is much better steering too. they ride softer but have more sway and roll because of it. transmission and gears are tighter and with less slack. the 3rd's are easier to see out of also. One thing that worries me is the fuel system, i don't think it will last as long as the previous gen's without repairs. I still think the 2nd's are meaner looking and sounding, but if I had the money could make the 3rd just a mean. There are many improvement's in the new trucks and most all of the bad things have to do with the seats and emissions.

 

[robert4570]

I thought i would regret trading my 99 dually. One test drive in an 05 'w/ a 6spd , and i was sold . I still believe that the 2nd gens are by far the best sounding diesels i have ever heard , especially at idle. But i got over it and the performance " in stock "form is far better than my 99 ,which ran great mind you .



I also wanted more power " in stock form" , i dont want to get into any warranty disputes with the service mannager.



Go for it you wont be dissapointed.

Best of luck to ya'

 

[KCJackson]

Opinions on my 05, compared to my 96, conveniently provided here



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125567

 

[JHardwick]

I went from a '99 4X2 dually with an auto, to an '03 4X4 dually with a 6 speed, so there are a few basic differences.



I still get to drive my old ride every once in awhile, because I sold it to a friend. The only things I can say that I really miss are the classic Cummins sound and the seats. Both had the Laramie package, but I just felt more comfortable in the '99.

 

[robert4570]

KC, you covered it all .

Agree with you 100% except for the transmission , i got a 6spd.

Excellent.