Almost bought a 3rd gen, but..

[Chris N5CWM]

I found a 2004 ETH/DEE 305/555 (no cat, I don't want emissions controls on a diesel). Test drove it and came to the conclusion that I love the Dodge 3rd gen trucks!



Only one thing in particular that would be a problem is the seat.

The lumbar, or lower back was adjustable. Even with it set all the way in, I felt like there was too much padding on my lower back.

This particular truck has the premium cloth interior with the adjustable power driver's seat. Probably an easy fix but I'll have to drive one with the leather interior to see how that seat feels.



If it weren't for the Off-Road package I probably would have bought this truck. This option automatically specs the 4. 10 gears. At 70 MPH my truck is at 2,000 RPMs with 3. 54 gears. But 4. 10s put it at 2,000 at 60 MPH or so. I do 95% of my driving back and forth to work, 100 miles a day. The 3. 73s are a much more logical choice. My commute is almost all interstate and generally runs 70-80 MPH with the traffic flow. 410s would be great for someone towing at or near GCVWR but not for me.



Here are some pics of the truck. It's a sweetie that's for sure. If it had cab lights, and a manual shifter for the transfer case, and 3. 73s, it would have been 100% perfect for my tastes!



http://n5cwm.dynip.com/dodge/



I like the new 600 Cummins but the exhaust sure does smell funky! I have no problem owning a 600, which I will end up doing since that is all that is coming off the line now. At least our trucks aren't hindered by EGR yet. I can deal with a cat but the smell just isn't right.



Well I'll keep looking. I'm not hurting for a truck since my current ride only has about 55K miles and is in excellent condition.



If anyone is interested in the 2004 ETH/DEE above it's at Allen Samuels Dodge right near the Houston Astrodome off 610 south.

 

[Chris N5CWM]

256 views and no replies...

 

[DGFoster]

Very nice truck,I know I felt a warm feeling when I found a 305/555,but not with a stick,and mine has 4:10s,but bigger tires will take care of that



Remember you only live once

 

[Chris N5CWM]

The dealership was expecting me to trade my 01 in. Not this time. I've done that a few times in the past and always lose. My brother said he'd buy my truck since he needs a 3/4 ton to pull an enclosed car trailer for his restored 442. But now that I need him to buy it, he's not ready. If I sell it outright, I'll get my 10% cash downpayment since I have equity in the truck. I may end up ordering one but I'll be a nervous wreck waiting for it! That would be exciting though. Yet I've heard a few reports here about ordered trucks not showing up with the right options.

If I do order one it'll be a 3500 SRW shortbed QC ETH/DEE. Plus a long list of specific options.

When I bought my current 01. 5, it was exactly what I was looking for and I found it at the closest dealership to me, on the lot. I had at the time sold my 01 3500 and was going thru diesel withdrawals so the timing was just right.

 

[PHX ATC]

Go buy it and have 2. That was my excuse!

 

[Chris N5CWM]

I would if I could but I can't so I won't.

 

[DGFoster]

Originally posted by Chris N5CWM

I would if I could but I can't so I won't.

You have a good truck now?



Hey who am I to talk

 

[Chris N5CWM]

As I was leaving the lot on my test drive, my wife called my cell and asked what I was doing. I told her I was in the white Ram. She knew I was thinking about looking at that truck. (My 01 is white too, I was messing with her mind). Later I called her to tell her that I was on the way home in the white Ram. She asked how much so I said $36,770 invoice, gave me 21K for trade, and at 5. 9%, $588/mo for 60 months. She thought I was serious as expected but on the way home I caught up with her about 5 miles from the house and passed her in my 01. She was not amused.

Oh well. Every time I get a new truck she expects a new SUV. And if I get a bigger boat she expects a bigger ring. It's not in my wedding vows though!

 

[DGFoster]

I had to really wrestle with the idea of a new truck,the only thing pushing me towards a new truck was that my 2000 had the #53 block and it bothered me so bad I could not sleep,and when I found a 305/555 I just did it.

Still miss the ole girl though:{

 

[Sledneck]

I went threw Diesel withdraw to when I sold my 02 2500 QC 4X4 H. O

My next truck I was saying yea... It has a Hemi. . LOL I said CYA to that gas sucking HEMI... ...



I found a 04 3500 QC DRW 4X4 305/555 6spd. . and I am loving life again ,16. 6 MPG and rising

 

[PHX ATC]

Originally posted by Chris N5CWM

And if I get a bigger boat she expects a bigger ring. It's not in my wedding vows though!

Are we married to the same woman? :-laf