Looking for advice on ordering new 04

[turbod]

OK here we go. I know some of this may have been covered before but I am going to order a new 04 within the week and am trying to decide on a few things. Need some opinions and maybe different views on things. getting a 3500 DRW 600 with every option just about. I had my last CTD for 7 years (96 2500 model) and plan on keeping this one for awhile also. Carry a 3000lb empty slide in camper, probably 4500-5000lbs when all the crap is in it, and tow a 2500lb snowmachine trailer in the winter and a 2000lb PWC trailer in the summer. Live in Alaska and roads are basically two lane mountain that we use. occasionally pull a 11k boat in the summer for the Coast Guard. (see "turbod" in readers rigs)



1. have pretty much decided on the 6speed, had a few issues with the auto on my 96 or is new 48 any better? I like the idea of getting an exhaust brake.



2. Gear ratio. the 354's are terrible with auto in mountains with a load, will 373 be enough with 6sp or should I go with instinct and get 410's. truck will be a daily driver to work also(20 miles round trip)



3. On the snow plow prep option it comes with a 160amp alternator this would be nice running auxiliary lights at night, but I DO NOT want stiffer front springs. does this option have stiffer springs for a snowplow setup? is this alternator as durable as the normal one?



4. Tow group---I Have to have a Reese class 5 titan to match all the gear I already have now(2. 5 inch). if I do not order the tow group is the wiring there for a 7 pin connection? I am still not sure of what the Reese class 5 looks like on a 04 as I heard some say it is piggyback below the factory hitch, is this still true or does it replace the factory class 4 and look normal.



5. What does everyone think would look better. The Patriot Blue with the chrome trim(will be getting Stainless running boards) OR a Silver Sport model. Always wanted to get a Intense Blue sport after they offered the sport on the DRW but they don't offer that color any more and the Wife has a Black sport Hemi--hard to keep clean and scratch free. Can't find a white truck in the snow and am allergic to red.

 

[mklucas]

1. Towing, Mountains, no traffic, go for the six-speed (48RE has been an improvement though).



2. Towing, Mountains, go for the 4. 10 unless your REALLY concerned about MPG (I went with 4. 10 and DRW).



3. ???



4. ???



5. My first choice would be silver sport, but I think Patriot Blue would look better with stainless running boards (if that was my only other choice).



Oh, choices, choices - sounds like fun (and a long slow wait too).

 

[klenger]

1. 6 speed



2. I tow a 10K 5er with 3. 73's and it seems to work fine. Your total weight looks like it would be lower than mine. Do you plan on towing the boat at the same time you have the camper on? If so, then 4. 10's might be better, but 3. 73's may still be OK if you are not towing for long distances with the boat.



3. ?



4. The trucks w/o the tow package come with only the 4 pin trailer connector. No brake wiring, charge wire, or backup lights. You can ordrer wiring harness P/N 82207253 from Dodge to install the 7 pin harness. See it here: http://www.klenger.net/misc/trailer-tow-harness-82207253.gif

You can get the wiring diagrams on-line at http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/



5. No opinion.

 

[PJ]

get the silver. not the blue. The silver will not show the paint chips as bad and should match the primer that is in the door jambs, under the hood and in the bed pockets. If I had it to do over again, I would go silver or white.

 

[DPelletier]

I have basically the same truck, so here goes;



- 1) The 48RE is better than previous autos, but I'd still get the six speed. I believe the NV-5600 is stronger, more reliable and will last longer. 48RE exhaust brake warranty approval is still forthcoming.



- 2) As long as your not going to tow that boat too often, I'd go with the 3. 73's. Mileage on the highway suffers when the rpms go up. Keep in mind, though, that the 4:10's give you 23,000 GCVWR compared to 21,000 GCVWR. If you do get the 48re, get the 4:10's, but with the 6 spd, I'd go 3. 73.



- 3) Sorry, I don't know about the springs



- 4) The tow group is cheap. I'd order it to get the wiring.



- 5) I have the Patriot Blue and chrome and my buddy has a Silver Sport, so I feel qualified to answer this one, even though the question is somewhat based on personal preference.

I like the sport looks, but there is more paint to get chipped up. Mark already has several marks on his painted rear bumper. On the other hand, the patriot blue really shows chips and scratches. I would get the silver sport given the two choices, but I'd also plan on a hood protector, rear dually mudflaps and full length running boards. A person could also look into a paint protective film on high damage areas. I think 3M makes such a thing.



Good luck and happy shopping



Dave