Best 3rd Gen model year?

[flathead6]

I realize that this is very subjective (or can be) and has the potential to create some arguments and hurt feelings :-{} but I'm curious. When searching threads I found comments on '04 vs '04. 5s but not much else - unless I'm looking in the wrong place.



I'm happy with a 1st gen but the family is getting bigger and 4 doors and a newer ride may be necessary some day.



Assuming one was interested in a used, 4 door, 4x4, auto, single axle AND didn't want anything newer than the '07s - which year is "better" in terms of performance, recalls, maintenance, repairs, bugs, mileage, etc? This would be for a family of four, doing some occasional hauling/heavy pulling.



Like I said, this is a highly loaded question , but I was wondering if there is a general consensus on what the perceived "preferred" model is to date.



Thanks,

KRB

 

[jjdiesel]

'03's & early 04's

You're right, this has the potential to get ugly. Just an interesting note... . I forget the issue # but recall the TDR article that talked about the great success of the 3rd Gen trucks... starting of course with the 03's. Usually, there is some concern/hesitation with a new vehicle launch, but the article pointed out how much more successful this vehicle launch was compared to any other before it. The first of the 3rd Gens fared exceptionally well... no real issues to deal with. There is little doubt that the fuel mileage of the early trucks (in general) is better than the 04. 5 and up models.

 

[DPKetchum]

03s or early 04 would be my opinion. Reasons why:The 03s I knew(two traded in with around 150k each) and mine had NO issues with ANYTHING other than the alt. bracket and powersteering hose TSB. (mine does have a AC issue now which LOTS do) No nothing else. No funny worn door rubbers,no fit and finish issues,no ball joints,u/joints/brake/alignment no nothing else. Mine has green magic marker lines in areas where it look like "they"were being REAL conscious of how it was being assembled etc. I think the early production runs "they"had a LOT of quality control checks and AFTER a while got more complacent.

 

[Eric_77]

03. 5 HO be aware there was SO auto that had 47re still. Look for post Jan 03 production date.

 

[jwilliams3]

I would say an early 2005 with NV5600.



++++++++++++++++++++++



On further thought... . I'll go with late 2004. 5 W/NV5600 still have the lift pump outside of tank.

 

[GWBourne]

i like the 04. 5 and early 05's because you get the HO engine and a KNOWN 6 speed.



BUT i like the 06 lights the best. so... i just might be swaping everything out to look like an 06 since i need a new pass fender anywa... lol



i also like the mega cab dually fenders best... so, i guess ill just have to frankenstien it like my blazer... . lol

Grant

 

[jjdiesel]

04 and HO

The early '04's can be HO's also... just not 600's, and minus the cat and unpopular 3rd injection event

 

[daytripper63]

2003 model yr

 

[JCleary]

Seems like everyone is voting for what they have.



I like my '03 a lot. It has served me well. The only issue I have is with an a/c system that blows warm on the passenger side and freezes up from time to time. I also blew some U-joints, but I can't blame that on the truck. It wasn't designed for 500+ rwhp. When my truck was stock I could easily hit 20mpg+ when doing long trips, keeping the cruise at 70. Now I average 17. 5-18 or so at the same speed, but that's with 35's.



I think I like the 325/600-610 trucks a bit better. Yes, they have a cat and a 3rd injection event, but they seem to gain more hp more easily than the early third gens. Also, I believe the later 48RE transmissions can take an exhaust brake. I seem to remember something about a re-design on the '05 48RE, something about a washer or thrust bearing, clutches, etc. that would allow it to be run with an exhaust brake w/o having issues. Maybe someone else recalls what it was?



Bottom line, IMO, is that you win with any year third gen, as long as you stay away from the 47RE-equipped trucks. So, that means '03 SO's and CA SO's. Any HO truck is OK, as DC did not put an auto behind the HO until the 48RE came out. Later in the model year DC did decide to put the 48RE behind the SO. I'm not sure how common they are, as I've never looked for one.



Also, the SO trucks sure are dogs. I got to drive a pretty much stock CA SO with a 5-speed, and man it was sluggish with the TST set to 0/0. It feels like my truck with the Smarty on "half power" I don't think I could handle it for long...



Good luck with your search. I think you'll be happy with any of them. I'm looking for a nice stock '05 auto to put my goodies on. I hope you're looking for a 2500, as used 3500 single wheels are *hard* to find!

 

[DPKetchum]

I said 03 or 04 because of the lack of convertor and lack of third injection event as well as the quality of the trucks seemed better in the early stages.

 

[BHolm]

I've had a couple of '03 HO auto trucks, still have the dually. I've also had the '05 and have an '06 Mega. All have been 48re's and 3. 73 gears, all three srw trucks had 285 BFG's as the only mod. The best of the four was the '03 QC SB, the one I let get away. That truck ran like a scalded cat and regularly knocked down 23 mpg empty. It would get 15-16 mpg pulling my car to the dragstrip. I haven't had any quality problems on any of them, though the recent couple of recalls on the '06 bug me. The early trucks get better milage, especially at speed. I could get 18-19 with the '03 QC running 80-90 mph. I can't do that well in the '06 running 60. The power difference isn't that great between the versions, they all have enough. I do like the exhaust brake on the '06 but I live IN the mountains and use it a lot. I'd go late '03 early '04.

 

[rjohnson916]

I drive an '05 *see sig, and sell CTD's for a living. I'm in & out of Dodge diesels day in, day out new & old. I've had really good luck with my truck aside from a blown plastic factory IC (My fault) :-laf too much boost + programmer. In my opinion the '03 trucks were great in terms of reliability, but the rounded corner at the base of the rear door glass on quad cabs looks silly compared to the straight molding replaced model year 2004. Also '03 trucks lacked rear head restraints for rear seat passengers (important to me) and the steering wheel looks more appropriate mounted in an Aries K. I see more 2004 & 2004. 5 truck in for service at the dealer I work for than any other year of CTD. Namely lift pump issues, ball joints, weather stripping & trim to A/C issues. I've yet to see an '06 come back for repair work or any issues, IMO the model year 2006 strikes me as the most thoroughly built 3rd gen to date. The interior materials make the 2003-05 seem primitive and inferior by comparison. Notably the cabin noise, engine and drivetrain are quieter and the ride is a bit smoother. I would wait another year or two and pick up well maintained 2006.



-Ryan

 

[SBashaw]

Rjohnson, I just bought an 06 and sold my 03. My 03 seemed alot quieter than the 06 especially over 70mph. can't complain about the power difference! (SO to HO). So far I am getting about the same miliage but haven't towed yet. Looks like I live just around the corner from your shop. Loved the 03 really love the 06!

 

[J&LRam]

for me it was all about good mpgs on my 110+ mile a day commute and towing my 11200 lb 5er. This '03 305/555HO engine with the NV5600 3. 73 gears gets some great mpg, averages 22+ on that long commute and averages 12. 5+ pullin' my 11200 lb 5er. My neighbor has the old 12 valve '98 truck. He can pull some 21-22 mpgs on the same commute but towing his smaller TT [24'] he only gets 10-11 mpgs. For me it was a truck that is economical to drive, I won't drive a car, and this 305 engine has been great on the fuel bill... ... . JIM

 

[gsbrockman]

2003 or 2004 305/555.



Greg

 

[flathead6]

OK.

HO = High Output.

What's SO?

[The best of the four was the '03 QC ] And what's a QC?

I'm gonna need a dictionary if I ever go shopping for a 3rd gen!

 

[JCleary]

OK.

HO = High Output.

What's SO?

[The best of the four was the '03 QC ] And what's a QC?

I'm gonna need a dictionary if I ever go shopping for a 3rd gen!

SO is the Federal Standard Output truck, with 250hp.

CA SO is the California Standard Output truck with 235hp.

QC is Quad Cab

 

[MR.K]

04.5-06 Bombing May Cost You

One major issue on 04. 5 to current... removing the cat will get you into big trouble especially in the days to come. With all the new roadside diesel inspection set-ups checking for red diesel, they look for kitty too... . the fine may cost you the cost of the truck. . 03's & 04 have a long term advantage . . Oo. Oo.

 

[OHale]

I have an 04. 5, but I would vote for an '04 with the 48RE if you want an auto. No cat or third injection event, canister mounted LP, and the better transmission. JMNSHO.

 

[WhiteSheep]

I own a 04. 5 I really like it. It has the steel intercooler and the easily owner serviceable engine mounted lift pump. I prefer it over the 05 for this reason and the because of the overdrive lock out on the shift column. The 04. 5 is better than the earlier models because of the higher power. I have never had the vibration, door molding problems of others. The cat doesn't bother me. A 4" straight cat on the Dodge is not going to be a problem on my un-bombed truck.



If I was starting out, I would purchase an 06. All of the problems with the 05 have been fixed AND the 48RE will take an exhaust brake. The longer they build them, the better they get. My 98 Jeep GC is a case in point. It is the most perfect vehicle I have ever owned.