Looking for opinions for new CTD

[TStinson]

Just found out the insurance co. has totaled my '99 CTD due to incident on IH10 a few days ago, which puts me in the position of doing a crash study on what to replace it with.



Have been a TDR member since '99 and knowing from past experience that this board is an almost endless source of valuable information, so here is my request:



Looking for opinions from owners of '05 and '06 model CTD's, along with factual info on pro/con of what '07's may have. What real differnces exist between those models, such as power, mpg, problems encountered, etc.



My usage is primarily - comfortable highway (200 mi/day commute, work construction), no real need for 4WD, SWB/Quadcab for interior storage/hauling space, towing limited to occassional 16' lowboy trailer, no real transmission preference, but wife would like auto over 6spd.

 

[TowPro]

I tow a 5th wheel and have a slidin camper so I feel I need the helper springs.

In your vintage truck the camper package gave you the helper springs on the 2500, on the 3g trucks you can only get the helper springs on the 3500's (both dual rear wheel or single rear wheel)



Most of my miles are empty, and through TDR I hear the 3500's primary spring is actually softer then the primary spring on the 2500, giving a better ride empty.



I don't need 4wd, save yourself 1-2mpg and about $3000 and get a 2wd. I went from a 98 manual to an 02 auto and miss the manual so I ordered a 6 speed. Problem with the 6 speed is in only comes with 3:73 gears:at 2000rpm your doing 64mph. (the 02 auto-4:10's is doing 65@2000). Plus the 6 speed is $1000 cheeper then the auto. that $4 grand saved buying a 6 speed and 2wd can move you into a Laramie over the SLT.



I still believe the 6 speed with 3:73's will get better MPG them the auto with 3:73's with me driving, others may have different results.

 

[TStinson]

Thanks TowPro - exactly the kind of info I need.



Next?

 

[Pawpaw]

Make sure the truck has the "towing package". It sounds dumb, but some CTD's don't come with it. You'll get the receiver, trailer wiring w/electric brake controller harness, & those terriffic towing mirrors.



Also, be sure to get the fold-flat load floor. If you don't know what that is, go to a dealer and have a look. It lives under the back seats and is great for hauling stuff in the cab.



Bob

 

[MWilcox]

I had a '99 truck and just went to an '05 dually and love it. Big difference in the trucks. The new 6 speeds how ever aren't over driven as much as the autos are. The 48re is overdriven approx 30% where the G56 is only approx. 20%. This is why you can't get the 4. 10 gear with a six speed. The fold flat storage under the back seat is a nice feature also. Good luck!

 

[wcjp]

Love my towing mirrors. Would've liked the electric pedals. The G56 is geared low compared to my old 5spd w/3. 54's.

 

[GWBourne]

mileage and comfort in my eyes would put you in a 2500 2wd auto with 3. 73 and some 315's for tires. the towing you will do will be fine for that setup, and if needed soem air bags will do just fine. cost will be down and mileage will be up.



should ride great as well.



Grant

 

[GWBourne]

Make sure the truck has the "towing package". It sounds dumb, but some CTD's don't come with it. You'll get the receiver, trailer wiring w/electric brake controller harness, & those terriffic towing mirrors.



Bob

towing mirrors are a 100 or 140 dollar option that didnt come with my 04. 5, they might now... but are well worth it at the cost. i love mine. fold flat is nice as well, but i find it needs to be rubber coated.

Grant

 

[6 2 Carl]

If my truck ever got totalled off I would replace it with a 03/04. These trucks get better mileage then the 04. 5+ trucks, since they have had less strict emissions to meet. I don't like the overdrive ratio in the new G56 and I don't care for the interior of the 06 trucks since they got rid of the adjustable cupholders that I really like.



Carl

 

[TowPro]

The towing mirrors are an option on the 06 also. they don't come with the trailer tow package. I have seen several trucks on the lot with towing package and standard mirrors.

towing mirrors are a 100 or 140 dollar option that didnt come with my 04. 5, they might now... but are well worth it at the cost. i love mine. fold flat is nice as well, but i find it needs to be rubber coated.

Grant

 

[Pawpaw]

fold flat is nice as well, but i find it needs to be rubber coated.

3M makes a tape for steps to improve traction. You can pick it up at Home Depot. Putting strips of that down on the high ridges will put an end to stuff sliding around when you corner.



Bob

 

[TStinson]

Thanks for the replies - How about Bomb-Ability of the '05 & '06's? - Keep it coming guys!

 

[JEly]

I just got a 06 SLT Mega Cab which is 2wd this time------my 03 was 4x4--- The ride on the M/C is very nice and it has lots of room. I am pretty sure the M/C comes standerd with the tow package but the mirrors are a option. I havent chipped it yet but plan on it after my gauges are installed.



Jim