questions on 3 gen ctd's. May buy one soon

[Bug Out]

I'm very close to to buying a 3 gen ctd, after owning a 97 and 2000. I periodically peak into the forum and see minor problems, some persistant.



One constant is the vibrating problem. Has there been any cures or is DC gonna wait to fix it with a newer model later?



I recently read a post on lift pump problems??? Say it aint so. I have always rode on egg shell's in my 2000 waiting for fuel pressure to drop. No problems, but just the thought..... My 97 3500 is rock solid, but the GCVW won't do for my new 5th wheel .



I'm thinking of buying a late 04 model to get the $2500 rebate. Should I wait or get the 05? If so, why?



Sorry for the multiple questions, but I don't have much internet access like I used too.



PS: Any dealer recommendations in the San Francisco bay area to buy from? Hoping to get $250 over invoice -$2500 rebate.



Thanks, Ed

 

[barbwire]

I now have 50,000 absolutely trouble free miles on my 04. It makes 14-15 mpg@ 65 mpr while constantly pulling a 24 ft gooseneck. And it will pull the legs out from under my 99, and do it quietly! (you know, "them sneaky diesels")

I guess the moral of my story is, I would'nt go back to the older one unless I had no choice. JMO

 

[PJereb]

I got mine from Rob Randolph at Serramonte Dodge in Colma, CA. I ordered it up, and about 8 weeks later I had my pickup, for $300 under invoice, and got 3,000 in rebates (2500+500 farm bureau). Greg and myself both ordered pickups from Rob, the transactions went smoothly, and there was no BS. As for if you can get the same deal from a pickup off of his lot, I really have no clue, give him a call. When you are ready go for a ride on BART and see Rob!



Peter

 

[PJereb]

Just wanted to make it clear that I got my pickup for 3,300 under invoice.



Also, it seems that the "death wobble" only affects some 4wd pickups. My 2wd has been problem free. About waiting for the 05', I wouldn't, unless you could not get what you want off of the dealer lot, or you had to have the new sunroof which could be handy for hand gestures here in the insane east bay traffic.

 

[DPelletier]

Well,

I typed a big huge response and accidentally deleted it so I'll give you the condensed version;



- vibration; real issue; do a search - lot's of reading; make sure you test drive at 70mph plus. My two trucks are vibration free - as are all I have driven and all my friends.



- lift pumps; still an issue BUT unlike 2nd gen, lift pump failure doesn't take out the expensive VP-44 (or damage it). I have yet to hear of a CP-3 failure due to a lift pump failure.



- '05's are substantially the same. Some differences; available sun roof; alloys are polished now (some late '04's as well); and I've heard that the lift pump has now been relocated to the tank. This should alleviate some of the lift pump problems.



Dave

 

[SAvery]

Yeah I have heard the same thing about the lift pump. It was eliminated and is now pushing fuel from the tank. That eliminates a pretty common failure if you are concerned. I am sort of in waiting and probably am going to get an 05 because of that reason. I am slightly concerned about the NV 5600 going away. Especially as a late model change for 05. I was told that manuals are built in the 1st and 4th quarter. If so, then I really can't wait until 4th quarter because it will be the Getrag. Don't want that.

 

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

Buy the '05. The difference in value on the new model will easily overcome the difference in discount. The best advice I can give you is drive it, drive it and then drive it some more. I had the vibration problem on my '04. 5 and after 5 visits to the dealer of several days and more each time then we did finally fix the problem. It is not just one thing and many people (do search and read 'em) have had either success or partial success with different fixes. Just briefly I had 5 different shafts in mine (2 front) and (3 rear) several tweaks to pinion angles, different shaft hubs and finally a new transfercase. I had degrees of success but no final success until the transfercase was replaced. When I say drive it,. . I mean just that,. . for your own good. You need to drive that thing I'd say at least 50 miles and change it in and out of 4X4 several times as some don't have the problem until they put it in and take it out several times. Be sensitive to both a droan and the vibration coming in usually about 68mph and on up. Mine got worse the faster I went. Also it was worse when you put a load (trailer) on it. Even if you order the vehicle let them know it will have to pass the test b-4 you lay the $ down. The last time I was into my dealer that had received a questionaire on this vibration thing on all they had done and what succeeded in fixing the problem. I also know through this incident an area service manager from DCX and he told me the same thing,... many fixes,. . not just one and that's why no tsb on this thing. That's my 2 cents.

 

[Bug Out]

Thanks

Thanks for the imput. I'm sure I'll be buying one soon. I'll post the info when I get it. Oo.



Ed