best year for 3rd Gen???

[THenningsen]

What year would you all recommend to someone looking to purchase a 3rd generation? The extra room of the true quad cab is needed, but I don't like the mega cab. I'm familiar with all the 2nd gen quirks but know nothing about '03-'06. Thanks.

 

[jimnance]

I really liked my '03. The NV5600 was available. It also didn't seem to run as hot (EGT) as my '05. Possibly an emissions thing. I'd still have my '03, but my new fifth wheel really needed a dually. :{

 

[Doughboy21kd]

I have had an 05 with the auto 48re and as far as that goes the fuel mileage with that and the 04. 5 seemed to not be all that good... . I now have an 06 with the 6spd G56 and i love it... . My mileage is back up to where i am happy with it but, still not as good as a 2nd gen... . The G56 i really like it shifts so smooth and clicks right into gear... Just my . 02... .

 

[THenningsen]

I definately want the manual trans. Is the nv271 transfer case in all of the 3 gen trucks?

 

[2Gen3Gen]

03 or early 04. The 04. 5 had a cat and a few other things.

 

[Tinman]

I'd say '03 or '04. CR technology without the emissions stuff (cat, 3 injection shot). '04. 5 and up ain't bad though.

 

[blacksheep4x4]

I say the best truck is the '03 HO with NV5600.

 

[bighammer]

I say the best truck is the '03 HO with NV5600.

I'd have to agree with that.

 

[CKimball]

I'd have to agree with that.

NO!!! Silver 03' s with an auto!!!! :-{} ... . actualy I wish i could have bought a stick... . but living in the republic of Kalifornia... auto was the only thing I could get... . and only 235 hp to boot... . anyway... 03's seem to have less issues i have said this in another post... . i know LOTS of people with these trucks and every person that I know that had an 03 then bought a newer one says the 03 was the better truck... . front seats are bigger, cab felt tighter and some other little things... like another post stated. . "CR without all the otherstuff"

oh and silver IS the best!

Cameron

 

[JCrockett]

I have 17K on my 05 and it has not been back to the dealer yet! Even with the Juice and other mods... no issues yet. I love the truck and am happy with milage, upper teens when empty

 

[CKimball]

I have 17K on my 05 and it has not been back to the dealer yet! Even with the Juice and other mods... no issues yet. I love the truck and am happy with milage, upper teens when empty

see... his truck is SILVER. ... told ya its the best... oh wait. . its an 05... oh well cant all be perfect!!



p. s... . nice tire smoke!!!!

 

[CPittman]

2004 - last year without the cat, no third injection event, and without the 04. 5 injector issues... you can get the 'high idle' flash... sweet!

 

[cwbyinjeep]

I say the best truck is the '03 HO with NV5600.

Me twice!!!!! (check out sig)

 

[TowPro]

Ya I have the 3rd event, and I have a Cat, but I am still getting 19-21 on paper every tank! I got 15-17 in my 02

 

[Sled Dog]

05, very few TSB's unlike 03 and 04, Got things worked out.

 

[BTighe]

why not buy new? i love this g56 trans. i didnt get to drive a nv5600 but ive been told that this is a better designed trans(minus the dumass flywheel)

 

[Turbo Kidd]

03 HO for me too! I have 60,000 miles and no problems... just maintenance. I hope I didn't just jinx myself by bragging about having no problems... LOL!

 

[barleysoda]

I have the 04. 5 and who cares about a Cat? It comes off with a hack saw which is alot easier and less expensive then trying to make up for the power the 03 doesnt have compared to the 04. 5... but on the flip side, my 04. 5 is a pig. 15mpg on a good day going down a steep hill with the wind at my back and a trailer mounted to the front bumper pulling me! Without those conditions then its only 13. 8mpg.

 

[MickeyMiller]

'03 HO w NV5600... and Edge on stage 2 makes up the power difference with the later ones. Now, the arrival of the 6. 7 may make me reconsider... .

 

[MoparBob]

I am very happy with my 05. No issues to date and my mileage isn't as bad as some here are reporting. Not as good as some 2nd gens, but still acceptable. (I've only dropped below 15 mpg's once. That was towing a 8000 pound trailer against a headwind with only 1500 miles on the truck. I've seen almost 20 out on the highway empty and I still haven't broken it in yet... only 5500 miles on the truck to date).