2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Dare I go to 3Rd Gen?

[Darrenf]

I found this this morning.



04 Dodge 4x4,Cummins 5. 9 HO Turbo, 3500 Quad Cab SLT , 4 wheel ABS, 4 Wheel Disc, AT, SB, Used as liesure/commuter truck, SUPER clean, Never worked as a 3500 should be, Power Everything, Patriot Blue, Black Int. , AFE cold air intake, Chrome nerf bars,Trailer brake, After market molded rubber mud flaps, great mileage 24+MPG Hwy, Fresh Cooper tires, Factory tow package, Clean LINEX bed liner, Dash mat, All windows tinted. 71K highway miles, Dealership maintained its entire life.

$23,500 or make me an offer. Will consider working a trade for an older higher mileage Dodge 2500/3500 diesel or gas.



And from what I see of the pics, it's really pretty!



The fact that's he's looking for an older model would make a pretty simple trade.



As you can see from the my sig, I've spent a lot of time and money on my 2nd Gen and it's running pretty good with all the fixes and upgrades... for now anyway. Power wise, mine likely has more, but that's ok... for the short term.



Would I just be starting over with the same type and/or different problems that will need fixing? ie lift pumps, injection pumps, trac bars, steering boxes, headlights, Transmission, yada yada.



Not sure what I might expect from an 04. 5... Balljoints, lift pumps? Or are things generally pretty good with these trucks? Sounds like the Gauges are a mandatory thing still.



Am I better off keeping my investment? Probably, Huh? It's hard to fight off the "I want a new(er) truck" bug. The 3rd Gen's are probably more comfortable, steer better and I like the look of them better but not sure it's worth, the likely $8K it would take to upgrade... for only 3 years newer and 40k less miles.



Opinions? Whose made the jump and says it's well "worth it"? Or not?



I suppose the old saying goes... "It's all relative. "



Thanks!

 

[scotmartin]

Sounds about 5k too high. Nothing is selling right now. Low ball em.

 

[JKloppe]

24 mpg at 55 mph might happen



The only thing you will miss about your old truck is the payments and the built transmission. I went from a 99 with DTT transmission and lots of fuel to a 04 and have never looked back.

 

[Darrenf]

I won't necessarily miss the transmission, I don't have the "built" transmission , just torque converter and VB.

 

[AABEN]

Sounds like you want a hot rod . Yes that is a good year to by. Price is a little high. ---GOOD LUCK

 

[Forrest Nearing]

price is definately too high...



after having a bunch of 12v's, it was/is kinda difficult to take the leap into a less reliable truck, but they ARE very nice. I'm on my 2nd CR now (and my 5th 12v )



but taking the leap from a VP 24v to a CR is a no brainer IMO!!!

 

[Darrenf]

In a sense, yes I do want somewhat of a hot rod... not that I consider my truck a hot rod but it pulls my 10' slide in pop up, 18' car hauler and full size blazer over colorado passes at speed limit. That's what I'm looking to maintain. I'm thinking it wouldn't take too much to bring the 04. 5 to that level.



ok... CR vs VP = good thing... thanks!



I read about injector issues, is this common? lift pumps still an issue?(in tank?)

 

[steved]

Injectors are an issue...

I'm looking to step backwards into a 12-valve from this CR... mainly because it has proven more expensive to operate than my 99 ever was.

 

[Grizzly]

I loved my 2nd gen (95), however the 3rd gen (05) is so much sweeter and more power. Go for it, but at a lower price.

 

[jgillott]

I went from a modified '01 2500 to this current '07 5. 9L and the only thing I can say that I miss is the long bed I had on the '01. Other than that, this '07 seems to be just more user friendly all around.



My brother-in-law also has a '04. 5 that truly has to be the most abused/neglected work truck I've ever seen, and it just keeps coming back for more.

 

[Vetteguy70]

I found this this morning.



04 Dodge 4x4,Cummins 5. 9 HO Turbo, 3500 Quad Cab SLT , 4 wheel ABS, 4 Wheel Disc, AT, SB, Used as liesure/commuter truck, SUPER clean, Never worked as a 3500 should be, Power Everything, Patriot Blue, Black Int. , AFE cold air intake, Chrome nerf bars,Trailer brake, After market molded rubber mud flaps, great mileage 24+MPG Hwy, Fresh Cooper tires, Factory tow package, Clean LINEX bed liner, Dash mat, All windows tinted. 71K highway miles, Dealership maintained its entire life.

$23,500 or make me an offer. Will consider working a trade for an older higher mileage Dodge 2500/3500 diesel or gas.



And from what I see of the pics, it's really pretty!



The fact that's he's looking for an older model would make a pretty simple trade.



As you can see from the my sig, I've spent a lot of time and money on my 2nd Gen and it's running pretty good with all the fixes and upgrades... for now anyway. Power wise, mine likely has more, but that's ok... for the short term.



Would I just be starting over with the same type and/or different problems that will need fixing? ie lift pumps, injection pumps, trac bars, steering boxes, headlights, Transmission, yada yada.



Not sure what I might expect from an 04. 5... Balljoints, lift pumps? Or are things generally pretty good with these trucks? Sounds like the Gauges are a mandatory thing still.



Am I better off keeping my investment? Probably, Huh? It's hard to fight off the "I want a new(er) truck" bug. The 3rd Gen's are probably more comfortable, steer better and I like the look of them better but not sure it's worth, the likely $8K it would take to upgrade... for only 3 years newer and 40k less miles.



Opinions? Whose made the jump and says it's well "worth it"? Or not?



I suppose the old saying goes... "It's all relative. "



Thanks!

I am "Brand New" to the forum, but am a long term owner of a Patriot Blue over black, 4x4 6 speed 2003 4 door cab Turbo 3500.

I paid $53K plus tax, tags, destination fees. At 81K miles, things are going wrong, but LITTLE things that cost a ton. Make sure the APP Sensor is either NEW or replaced. you are looking at $1500 bucks out of pocket, plus installation fee. If it's still under WARRANTY, make CERTAIN IT"S TRANSFERABLE!

Other than that, normal maint will keep you on the road. I two a 46 ft horse hauler with RV in the front part... Coast to Coast. THis thing is a HAULING PIG! You cannot stop it. I have passed 18 wheelers on the road, and they were on the CB talking trash while I was hauling 24K pounds up a 7 thousand foot pass. STOCK, and passing them on the way up. Granted, they were much more loaded, but STILL GREEN WITH ENVY!

SO: Do some research, find out about the VIN NR. and do a data check at the local dealer on recalls that are done, not done, etc. As long as the fuel filters have been taken care of, it sound like a GREAT deal.

You didn't mention what state... watch out for states that will try and TAX again, because SOME CAN! Especially a transferred title. It's WELL WORTH GOING TO A 3RD GENERATION 3500.

If you do NOT buy this, SEND ME THE INFO: -- email address removed --.

Thanks, and good luck.

((I have been looking for an identical to mine with lower miles, so I can have a matched pair hauling horses together... . fuel is up, but so is the price of food for horses... . !!

Let me know.

Steve

 

[GaryOwen]

Most of the people I know are getting at least 300k out of the injectors. I got 384k out of mine. There are certainly exceptions, and I can't explain why some have more problems. I have a 12V and a 3G and the 3G has been the better truck for me.



Vetteguy70 - Timbo on this site has replacement APPS sensor for your truck for about $150. Bought one for a spare and tested it on my 03 for about 10k miles - no problems at all. Note that you only get the sensor and not the whole assembly like Dodge sells.



Gary

 

[Darrenf]

Thanks all for replying. Welcome to the TDR Vetteguy I think you like'll this forum... it's helped me out out tons! ie Gary Owen's post about the APPS. I've actually got an APPS on it's way from Timbo. And as far as taxes go, I live in Colorado and I believe they do, and yes, all too familiar with horse food. BTW it's a SRW, are you looking for a Dually?



I'm going to look at the truck tomorrow afternoon and check it out.



Based on the different posts, I might continue to see some costs, so it's potentially no differant than with my 24V 2nd Gen. Maybe less. I'll probably get knocked down on the sale of mine too, Guess I've convinced myself that $5-$6K is as much as I'm willing to spend to upgrade. Not sure if I'll make my target in the long run. I might just get sentimental about my 2G and just baby it along and keep having fun with upgrades!

 

[Darrenf]

Turns out the truck was exactly was I was looking for except a short box, which I can't put my 10' Truck camper in. So I'm safe for now. Whew! That was close one!

 

[Vetteguy70]

I'm INTERESTED. I had it replaced under warranty, so I am not in a hurry. BUT, I always carry backups. Nothing like being out in the middle of the high Sierras with 16 horses and down on the side of the road. Weather is constantly an issue to consider, hot or cold extremes when hauling live stock... . Especially Arabs. THey are BABIES!!!! Wig out, whine, kick, throw an "arab moment". So I need one to be sure I can fix it on the fly. Sensor alone is FINE! As I said, this is my second time to the site, so I'm not a virgin, but close. Please hook me up with whoever has the part and tell me how to get in touch. Money will be on the way next day. ((when I am in town. I leave Thurs for a 100 mile Endurance Race over the Pacific Coastals. 100 miles, one day, one horse, quickest time was nine hours. And the horse was ready for more. Not me though... . ))

SO: Thanks for all the info GUYS! This TDR is truly what the INTERNET SHOULD BE! Info Exchange by real world people, in real world situations. Not marketing schemes, twisted figures, deranged durability claims etc.



Ref my 3500, I had NO problems with injectors, lift pumps, nothing. Only problem was kids dumping dirt into the tank playing (now locking cap, kind of like closing the barn when the horses are already gone, but 20/20 hindsight. )) It was expensive tuition in lessons in life, but all it took was dropping, cleaning the tank, and a $1. 95 filter from a Chevy fuel filter on the pickup tube and it's been fine for 30K. Dodge wanted $500 bucks for a "pickup tube" when it clearly was the mesh membrane plugged, and it clips off the bottom. BUT, they only sell the entire replacement part. NOT the mesh only. Little American Ingenuity fixed it. VIOLA! I did a photo journal as I fixed it, and planned on submitting to the mag. Any one think it's worth sending in? ((Newby perspective here. I don't know what's been publised to date in all the previous copies. ))



Good to be hooked up finally. Take care.

Steve

-- email address removed --

 

[GaryOwen]

vetteguy70 - here's a link to a previous post



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ission-1998-5-2002/201456-where-buy-apps.html



contact is -- email address removed --. He takes PayPal for sure, don't recall what else.

 

[VolsFan]

I can vouch for that guy, I got an APPS from him about a month ago, got to me in a few days, detailed installation instructions. very satisfied, hasnt thrown the po121 code since

 

[Ahopper]

i think it would be a deal if you only threw a few grand on top of it. i just saw a 2003 loaded 3500 srw 4x4 6speed for $11k and it was on craigslist for weeks. it didnt have a scratch on the thing, but it did have 140k on it i belive. i paid more for my 98 but i wanted a 12valve real bad! i drove around dads 06 CR for two months and couldnt stand it, but it was stock as well

 

[Vetteguy70]

AWESOME! I appreciate it. Nothing like that sick feeling when you are bouncing the pedal trying to get it to catch, going up a grade over "Flagstaff Az" with a pile of horses, and suddenly you are standing on the brake!