Moving up to 3500

[CaptainEric]

I have out grown my 2500 and moving up to a 3500 dually. My question is, what are the differences in the 2005 models, good and bad, that I should be aware of (i. e. catalyst, EGR, etc... )? There are a couple of 2004's still on the dealers lots but I am leaning toward ordering a 2005 spec'd out just the way I want it. Also what is the story on the exhaust brake? I can not find it listed anywhere on the options sheets.



I am looking to get a 3500 Quad Cab Long Bed Dually Auto 4. 10 4x2 for towing a 5th wheel RV. FYI, my '98 is obviously for sale too.



Thanks, Eric.

 

[sarj]

If you are looking for an auto, then spend the time and read Carlton Bale's thread on the 48RE/brake under 3G eng & trans... . everything you need to know is there... you may want to wait a little before running out to order your truck.



sarj

 

[Jeremiah]

6-spd v. auto

Trucks and trailers are easier to back up with an auto transmission. But for pulling power, economy, etc. , the 6-speed has it over the auto in spades. Do your research on this before buying and ask a lot of questions in the towing section of this forum. Trailering folks will tell you what to do.

 

[klenger]

The exhaust brake is not a factory option. It is a dealer (or customer) installed accessory.

 

[Detroitiron]

I was at my local dealer just last week. While I was there, at the parts counter-I talked the parts manager into a fleet price on everything I buy from them, sweet deal for OEM parts-I asked the service manager about an exhaust brake for the A/T CTD's. Mine is a 47RE. He told me there is no factory option for an exhaust brake for any A/T equipped CTD, and went on to tell me no one makes one for them, they don't have the RPM to make it work effectively, etc. I had to assume he never heard of BD Power, Banks, Bully Dog, et al. For him, ignorance is bliss.

 

[Jeremiah]

Blissful ignorance?

I wouldn't call it blissful ignorance. The dealer's job is to know his own product from one end to the other. What if he suggested an aftermarket exhaust brake for an auto transmission and there was a problem. He'd be partially responsible and would probably lose his job.



In the final analysis it is the owner's responsibility to learn about aftermarket products, while at the same time repeating over and over, "I am my own warranty station. "



However, if the originator of this thread is serious about towing - especially in the mountains - he almost certainly will want an exhaust brake and a 6-speed transmission.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

On the build & price page a options section will contain the factory spec exhaust brake at about 1300 list !

 

[Jeremiah]

Bit less by shopping around

Originally posted by R. M. THOMPSON

On the build & price page a options section will contain the factory spec exhaust brake at about 1300 list !

They can be had for less than a grand (like the high $900's) at diesel shops and rallys. Plus installation, of course.