Could use some quick answers to a few ???'s please...

[c-hawk]

I'm just starting to look for a 3rd gen and before i've had a chance to fully research things, a potential good deal has come along. If you all could answer these questions it would be a big help to me. If you only know a few of the answers that would help as well. Thanks!



1. What is the factory warranty on an 05 truck? I know the cummins has 100k mile, but does the powertrain have a warranty beyond the bumper to bumper? If so what is the powertrain warranty? Is the bumper to bumper still 3yr/36k?



2. Some of the 05's have the plastic intercooler. I'm assuming this won't work with increased boost pressures. Are these expensive to replace? Anyone have luck getting them swapped out for an all metal one under warranty?



3. The 4x4 dash knob... Does this engage quickly and reliably? I've always had floor shifters and don't want something unreliable or slow to react.



4. In general, any problems/issues to check for on a used 05?



5. Are their different drivetrain options? I know in the 2nd gen trucks there was a heavy duty transfer case option, etc. Are all 4x4 05 drivetrains the same as far as transfer case, axles etc? I'm definitely getting an auto 4x4 srw truck.



6. Are there any sites that list all the factory options on the 05 trucks?



Thanks again.



chris

 

[massdiesel]

Chris, I beleive they still offer the 7 yr extra warranty you can purchase. If you have a good dealer they will swap the intercooler depends on dealer. Intercoolers are more pricey then your old truck depends on what you want. I dont care for the electronic 4wd for the same reason thats why my 06 is manual shift 4wd. They all have minor issues give me a call when you get time and i can tell you of some if you want.

 

[Buffalo]

I have the manual, floor mounted, 4X4 shifter. I wanted that one because, years ago, my friends had the dash mounted knob, on Chevy's, & some of them had problems. However, yesterday, I read a thread on the TDR that addressed that issue.



One guy referred to the dash mounted knob as a "Girlie Knob". A few of the guys took issue with that remark & sited their positive experiences with the "GN". One of the guys mentioned that he lives in a heavy snow & ice area of the country & he switches back & forth between 4X4 & 4X2 all the time using the "GN". Said that it was much more convenient than the floor mounted shifter.



There were enough positive experiences with the "GN" that I don't believe that I would be afraid to have one, myself.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[BHolm]

I'm just starting to look for a 3rd gen and before i've had a chance to fully research things, a potential good deal has come along. If you all could answer these questions it would be a big help to me. If you only know a few of the answers that would help as well. Thanks!



1. What is the factory warranty on an 05 truck? I know the cummins has 100k mile, but does the powertrain have a warranty beyond the bumper to bumper? If so what is the powertrain warranty? Is the bumper to bumper still 3yr/36k?



2. Some of the 05's have the plastic intercooler. I'm assuming this won't work with increased boost pressures. Are these expensive to replace? Anyone have luck getting them swapped out for an all metal one under warranty?



3. The 4x4 dash knob... Does this engage quickly and reliably? I've always had floor shifters and don't want something unreliable or slow to react.



4. In general, any problems/issues to check for on a used 05?



5. Are their different drivetrain options? I know in the 2nd gen trucks there was a heavy duty transfer case option, etc. Are all 4x4 05 drivetrains the same as far as transfer case, axles etc? I'm definitely getting an auto 4x4 srw truck.



6. Are there any sites that list all the factory options on the 05 trucks?



Thanks again.



chris

The '05s are the last year the 7/70 powertrain warranty was offered. The Cummins is 100k and the bumper to bumper is 3/36.



Many of the plastic intercoolers have been replaced already, stock boost levels can pop them. I'm pretty sure the dealer will want to see it fail before submitting a warranty claim. It is a know problem though.



I have had two 3rd gens with the knob and two with the floor lever. I live in the mountains and use 4x4 more often than most. I have never had any problems with the "girly knob" :-laf It engages as quickly as the lever everytime, forward or reverse.



U-joints and ball joints are the only bigger issues. Big tires will wear ball joints up front more quickly. The u-joints do not have grease fittings from the factory and that limits their lifespan. Look for front tire wear and check for vibrations at highway speeds (get it up to 70 mph).



All '05's have the same HP and torque ratings, the same axles and t-case.



You might try edmunds.com for specs. There aren't many "special" options to seek out though. ST's are basic, SLTs are nicely equipped and Laramies add leather.



Good luck!

 

[c-hawk]

Thanks everyone.



I appreciate the info.



Chris

 

[RobertP]

the plastic intercoolers only came in the early 05 trucks. mine was built may of 05 and has a metal intercooler. i have not had a lick of trouble out of my 05.