Need help choosing a truck

[K_Arts]

Ok everyone, I need some sound advice.



The wife and I have decided to go out saturday and look at trading in my 2000 for either an 03 or 04, so I was hoping you guys could help me in knowing what to look for in the new trucks. I haven't really looked at them yet, cause I am still not in favor of the new look.



Heres what I am wondering... first of all the typical question. 48RE or 6spd? The only thing that prevents me from getting a 6spd, is that I have never drivin a manual transmission in my life. Is a 40k truck a little overboard to learn on? How durable is the 48re?



What kind of fuel mileage are you getting with the new common rail? Hopefully it is not lower then the 18mpg that I am seeing with my 24valve.



Are there any known issues or problems that I should know in advance to look for? I. e. recalls?



Any advice you guys can give me would be awesome... Thanks



Kev

 

[Bertram65]

The '03 and '04 trucks are improved in just about every way over the previous versions. More power, better brakes, stronger frames, larger extended cab, 4 doors, improved automatic, the list goes on. The trim levels and ergonomics are personal choice. As for mileage I have a SRW 3500 with a 48RE and 4. 10 gears, I average around 16 MPG over 5000 miles, my high is 17. 6 my low is 14. 4. Mostly short trips with an ocasional 100 mile highway trip. I have only towed once for about 80 miles. All done by hand, I have an ST which does not have the computer. My truck has the CA SO engine 235HP 460 FT/Lbs torque, with the 4. 10 and the auto it is fine, a little slow from a stop, I would imagine it would be worse with the 3. 73s. So far no problems.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The 48RE is improved, but still more troublesome than the manual. The 6 speed seems to have most of the early issues worked out. Mine is fine in my '04. The rebate is $4500 on '03 vs. $2500 on '04s. However, you may not find a left over '03 equipped the way you want, or in a color you like. An '04 with fewer options may end up costing the same. Also the Kelley blue book when both have been used one year will favor the '04 by about $4000. If someone wrecks it for you, you will be glad of that extra "resale" value.



Try to drive a manual at the dealership. The basics are very simple--push clutch pedal, select gear, smoothly lift foot. you have to be a bit coordinated and get used to it. After a while it beocmes "second nature" and is not bothersome, except possibly in Los Angeles traffic. No way would I try to teach my wife on my truck. She has tried to the detriment of a couple salesmen, in the past. If you find a stress-free situation to try it out, you will most likely find the manual trans do-able. Many of us prefer them. We feel more "connected" to the truck.

 

[abledog]

Preferably one with a Ram on the hood and a straight six under it. Other than that it's whatever your preferences are.



Terry

 

[JohndeereG]

If you are going to be towing, I would recommend the 6spd. As JD mentioned, it will come second nature with the shifting. I would specifically recommend the manual over the auto if you plan on towing. You are able to harness more of the hummin cummins with the manual.



(I pencil/paper my numbers but is within . 2mpg on display)

As for mileage, it really depends on your driving style, road conditions, truck specs, and routine mantaince (fuel/air filter). With my HO 6spd 3. 73, I see no less that 18. 5 around town and nothing less than 20 on the highway. My style is shifting around 2k rpm and 65-70 mph. I gain . 5-1mpg city 1-2mpg on the highway when I installed the aFe kit.



A good buddy of mine who drives like the 21 year old kid that he is with his 4. 10 equipped HO only gets around 14-17 overall. Oo.

 

[K_Arts]

Does anybody know if the 3rd gen has a Cat or a Resonator in the exhaust?



Kev

 

[Rosco]

Originally posted by K_Arts

Does anybody know if the 3rd gen has a Cat or a Resonator in the exhaust?



Kev

I know my 2003 did not have a cat or resonator and I think the early 2004's are the same way. However, I can't speak for the current California trucks or any trucks built after 1-1-04.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Cal '03s have a cat and only 3" head pipe. Federal versions have only the muffler, and after inspecting one carefully, I'd say it has to get lost.