Pro's & Con's for new truck

[skillsaw]

I'm looking to move up to a new 3500. I'm curious what the overall consensus here is on this truck. I have seen both sides of the conversation here already, just want to sum it all up. A statement that I keep hearing about is the difference in power from the 04 to the 04. 5..... for a close to stock 99, I think that either of these new engines will be a signifigant power increase to me.

I am also riding the line of rear gearing... . Can someone convince me that I do not need 4. 10's in the rear anymore. I do tow quite often, & when I do, I'm usually hard on the truck. I've loved the low gearing, but I put a lot of miles on as well. How happy are you guys with the higher gears with say, a loaded trailer w/equip. on it (12,000lbs) or so.

I like the interior of the 3rd gen better too. I have come to make my nest in my cab, I could use as many creature comforts as I can fit in there.

Am I to expect bigger & better in the near future & a year wait will be better for me. . anyone have secret's on new styles?



Well, just trying to brew some input here... . any would be appreciated.



TIA



Erik

 

[JRMora]

Erik,



I made the move from a '97 CC 5 speed (215 hp) to a '04 QC 6 speed (305 hp) and believe me, it was quite a difference. I had 3. 54's in my '97 and went to the 3. 73 LSD in my '04. I am looking at 5th wheels now that are in the 11-14k range. I think I will be OK with the 3. 73's as the engine has much more power and torque across the whole power band (and 6 speeds vs. 5). I use this truck as a daily driver (~100 miles roundtrip) so I wanted the 3. 73.



I love this truck!



I am 6'3 and my wife is 5'10, and we have three boys (2 in car seats) and we get around just fine in the quad cab. Some people complain, but I think it's a good size. Its a good foot shorter than the Ford, but much more maneuverable (IMO). I spend 2 hours a day in this and am plently comfortable. Check the forum for opinions, though.



As for bigger and better, I don't think you'll see many changes in the future for the RAM. Dodge has found a good combination of sizes and features with minimal configurations. Changing cab sizes would require major re-tooling, and for DC, they are watching costs like a hawk. You could see minor engine changes (a la the new 600), but I think you can get that with good aftermarket upgrades today.



Anyway, that's my 2¢ worth.



Juan

 

[klenger]

I had a 01. 5 2500 HO and move up to the one in my sig about a month ago. I've been very pleased with it. I had 4. 10's on my 01. 5, and pull a 10K 5er. I was concerned about towing with the 3. 73's, but went with them after hearing how well other members like them. The 3. 73 gears have worked out very well for me so far. Since you mentioned pulling 12K, your situation might be different, but my instinct tells me that the 3. 73's would work out as long as you realize that you will be into 5th gear more with the 3. 73's vs 4. 10's, especially if you are in any mountains. If you are considering the auto, then I'd go with 4. 10's.



As far as the rest of the truck is concerned, I love it. I love the quiet, the four doors, all the storage, etc. I'm sure you've seen the threads about poor milage with the 600's. I predict, and hope that it will turn out to be a non issue in the long run.

 

[DPelletier]

I think you've gotten some very enlightened responses, so far. I would just like to echo two comments: 1) I also do not think you're going to see any significant changes to the truck in the short-term future other than minor items. My crystal ball says no crew cabs and like the others, that is fine with me.

2) There have been some issues with hesitation and poor mileage on the '04. 5's as Ken has mentioned and I agree, I don't think there is any real problem that won't be fixed with a simple reflash. When the 600's first came out and the hesitation was discovered, there were all kinds of "OMG, the sky is falling" threads comparing the new 600 to the ill-fated ford 6. 0 release and I am pleased to say that my opinion hasn't changed. Any comparison between the 600 and the 6. 0 is a comparison between diamonds and ****.



Dave

 

[skillsaw]

Thanks guys for the replies!! - Good input. That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I've been pondering for quite some time now, & I'm just looking for that extra incentive..... The change will definitely be worth it. Thanks again!!



Now, I have to find someone to love my old beast. :-(

-Erik