Best year 2004-07, looking for newer truck?

[Red_Rattler]

03 because I own one :-laf

 

[macdaddy]

I appreciate the comments. Probably will stick with a six speed NV 5600. Sounds like an 05 0r 06. The old 95 is just awesome but the seat is worn, paint peeling, headliner drooping etc. Engine is crazy awesome. If the next truck is even part as good as the 95 I'll be thrilled.



Still original ball joints!!

If you can live with a G56 Id go with the 06/07 due to the motor 5. 9 and it wont have the plastic intercooler.



If you want a HV 5600 get a 05 and go to a aftermarket intercooler. The 05's also have the in tank fuel pump. I plan on replacing my plastic intercooler with a after market one soon.



Mac

 

[macdaddy]

We have the same truck, except mine has the 3. 73 gears. My truck is also bone stock.



I too intend on getting the PacBrake, hopefully from Jim Jelag in Spokane. I haven't seen a post from him in months. I hope all is well.

Hey Griz.....



m

Man youll love the Pac Brake. It holds the truck and trailer 20K at 55 mph in 6th gear on the backside of the I5 (Grapevine) South to north. The freakin thing is the S***.



Mac

 

[RVTRKN]

I appreciate the comments. Probably will stick with a six speed NV 5600. Sounds like an 05 0r 06. The old 95 is just awesome but the seat is worn, paint peeling, headliner drooping etc. Engine is crazy awesome. If the next truck is even part as good as the 95 I'll be thrilled.



Still original ball joints!!

Then you will have to find an early 05 with a NV5600, they are rare though, later 05's have the G56, and that will be at a lower gear ratio than the later G56's. A 04. 5 will be just as good and only have a little less torque at 600 rather than 610. If you look at my signature you will see that I speak from experiance.



To answer your questions

1) yes, and you have picked a good year.

2) No, it just would be older and have less power, besides you will love the ride and feel of the 3rd Gen.

3) 3:73 with the NV5600 is a good combination unless your towing 100% of the time, then a 4:10 would apply.

4) Never had any issues, but as far as the AC goes make sure it has had the HVAC mixing box case and vent door upgrade or plan on a $600. 00 bill for it.

5) You can PM me if you have any questions.

6) What numbers, if its the NV5600 with either the 4:10 or 3:73 your good to go.

 

[budnate]

Hey guys I found this old thread and wanted to check in with you'all again trying to determine what the best year truck to look for used, It looks like I am graduating from a '98 12V to a Newer Crew Cab, the kids dont fit in the back so well anymore... . looks like I need to look for '06/'07 rig from what I gather on this thread?



I am not going to turn the truck up and want a no hassles turn key truck that will poke around town and grab a boat once in awhile and haul azz down the highway at 70 even if I hit a big hill. my 12 valver does it no problem with the air on and tunes bumping.



while this forum is great for solving our issues with our trucks I dont need another project!... . so looking for honest feedback on how these trucks are holding up with a auto and normal driving... ... . I know there is going to be some serious cash difference between my 12V and a used newer truck so I really need to make sure I dont get into a bad deal... ... the wife is very cool but is done with a truck that needs tinkering and to be honest me to.



Thnx B.

 

[pangelechio]

For the type of use you describe, you can not go wrong with a 3rd gen. 06 is a good year for most people.

 

[AWise]

'06 Mega. w/48re

 

[budnate]

thnx guys, going to keep driving my '98, after looking around it looks like about $20K plus my truck to trade into a '06/'07 truck and still may have to do ball joints and bearings on a new truck... . crazy even these newer trucks need F'n with,



absolutely absurd to be doing any of that work with under a 100K miles on them, and guys complaining about how wimpy the metal is and thin paint also. going to sit on my hard earned money for now, I dont know how you guys that bought these new are taking it so calm.



Peace, B.

 

[RVTRKN]

thnx guys, going to keep driving my '98, after looking around it looks like about $20K plus my truck to trade into a '06/'07 truck and still may have to do ball joints and bearings on a new truck... . crazy even these newer trucks need F'n with,



absolutely absurd to be doing any of that work with under a 100K miles on them, and guys complaining about how wimpy the metal is and thin paint also. going to sit on my hard earned money for now, I dont know how you guys that bought these new are taking it so calm.



Peace, B.

Normal wear and tear will get you a 100K without the issues you described. If you beat anything, it will break sooner. That being said I don't think you will have a problem selling your 98 12V, someone will power up the engine and and race it. But with experiance in 2nd gens as well as third gens, you don't know what your missing.

 

[AABEN]

I would still go with a 08 up for the new auto transmission is the best on the market. It is a stump puller. The new 1010 is a good buy with warranty and cheep interest. All 98% of the bugs are worked out. ===GOOD LUCK ===

 

[budnate]

ok, educate me guys... . I did searches and 06,07 rigs came up the ones to go for..... as I have been stuck in the past on a 12V.....



whats all the re-gen about I gets bits and pieces here and there and read about guys complaining about the smog stuff addded to the later diesels and poor milage and bad performance etc. whats the real scoop?



I baby my rigs and are on pavment 99% of the time and off road like a grandma when I have to launch the boat or hunting and am a fanatical mechanic so things are taken care of, but I have had the dis-pleasure of dealing with every dang thing that acts up on the second gen trucks,



and have basically rebuilt this thing bumper to bumper, it screws with a guys head when you have torn into one all the way, you think you feal or hear things and most likely are nothing but non the less you kinda lose faith in your ride, not wanting to drop 20K and do it again if you know what I meen.



B.

 

[paulsmith]

so how do you tell if it is 04 or 04. 5?

I have the VIN number, can you tell from that?

 

[Matt400]

The 48re has proven to be a very solid unit. If you are looking for more gears like the newer 6spd autos, I would go with an after market overdrive unit like Gear Vendors. I plan to get one as soon as I save up the $$$. Oo.

Are you sure double O/D will be useful with 3. 73's, tall tires and the tall ratio on the 48re?



If I did one I think I would like the US Gear under drive for a set of lower gears while towing. You get a lower first to get the weight moving and can tow in 4th more often.

 

[Regcabguy]

I've had great luck with my '07 5. 9 g-56 so far. No dealer issues aside from dw which I fixed myself with the upgraded suspension. I'm trying to find an '03-'07 qclb 4wd,2500-3500,manual or auto for a friend as we speak. Fairly stock with service records. If you hear of one,pm me. Must have stock exhaust for smogging here in Ca. He's got cash.

 

[Turbo_Bob]

Your post says "Best year 2004-07", I would not rule out the 2003-1/2 year model. Get the high output, trailer tow package. The new 48re auto or NV5600 were the trans options.

 

[rbattelle]

I always like to plug 2003-2004 trucks for 3rd gen. Last vehicles offered in North America with absolutely no emissions equipment (except the crank breather).

Ryan

 

[rscurtis]

You're right about that. And they don't turn the oil black like an old Mercedes. What was your reference to the CC breather as an emission control?

 

[rbattelle]

You're right about that. And they don't turn the oil black like an old Mercedes. What was your reference to the CC breather as an emission control?

Well, I just mean that technically the crank vent filter is an emissions device. Technically.



Ryan

 

[RVTRKN]

so how do you tell if it is 04 or 04. 5?



I have the VIN number, can you tell from that?

Build date past 1 Jan 04 and the Hp rating is on the valve cover. 325 HP for after Jan 1 all States, 305 HP for HO versions pre Jan 1, and not sure what the SO was but there are two versions, one version for California and the other for the rest of the States. You could not get a HO in California, until the 04. 5 was introduced. Thats makes four different version for the 04 MY CTD. Be aware of the California version, its a dog. I would not purchase a CTD until the 04. 5 version was available here in California, and was very pleased with the truck and sold it to my brother who is also pleased with it.

 

[rscurtis]

Well, I just mean that technically the crank vent filter is an emissions device. Technically.



Ryan

AFAIK, it's nothing more than an oil separator. My old Mercedes has the same type of device located in the air filter. The breather on the 6. 7 is a type of filter and does have a service interval.