thinking of going from a 1995 12v to a 2004

[SFisk]

Im thinking about buying a 2004 4x4 6 speed. I curently have a 1995 4x4 auto.

Are the new trucks holding up good,anything I need to watch out for. Or just stay with the 12 valve.

 

[BHolm]

I am on my sixth third gen truck. Obviously I think they are pretty awesome machines. Ball joints and u-joints are about the only common issues. The common rail engines have been very durable, and the fuel economy once broken in is nearly as good as the old trucks but with much more power. As you probably have noticed from a test drive, the steering, brakes and handling of the new trucks is light years ahead of the old ones. The only thing I do not care for on the one you are looking at is the NV5600 gearbox. It may be durable but it shifts like crap compared to the G56 that came out mid '05.



Do you know if the '04 you are looking at is a 305/555 or a 325/610 from '04. 5? I would say that you can definately feel the power increase with the "600" version but that the 305/555 is an impressive combination of power and economy.

 

[SFisk]

Its an early 04 HO.

 

[04 Diesel Power]

Is it a 305/555? If so you will get great fuel milage.

 

[DZink24]

305 HP 2003-2004 are great motors. No emissions nonsense, boatloads of power, and decent economy. IMO, these are the last of the motors that actually sound like a Cummins. Put mine next to an 06,07 (esp. 07. 5), ya can't even tell the newer one is running. Not as "embarrassingly" loud as a 98. 5-02, but definitely closer to a 12 valve as far as idle noise is concerned.

 

[JAlderman]

I'm thinking pretty hard about dumping my '05 for the '93. I love the classic look and simplicity.

 

[sevans16]

I had a 95 with a manual trans. It was simple to work on. No computer to deal with on the drivetrain. I have since had a 2000, 2003, Ford PS 2005, 2005, and now a 2007. 5(6. 7). Getting a new truck is great for the first month then it is just another truck. I would say the 95 was the best truck I have had so far. Jury still out on the new one though. I put the fuel plate and gov springs in the 95 so power was not an issue. If I could go back I would probably put some sort of performance transmission in it and keep it. Maybe a Suncoast or Allison conversion.

 

[DBentley]

Go for the 3rd gen

I went from a 96 club to the 06 and this 06 is a real nice truck. Near the same mpg,, great steering ,all the power i need etc. Im as fussy as heck and in 6 months i cant find anything wrong with it.

 

[mhlbr]

it depends on what you want.



I just bought an 07, its my "family car", the engine will stay stock, nice and quiet to go on trips with a family.



I am going to get a 12 valve to play with, i had my fill of trying to make power out of these 3rd gens that are a computer nightmare IMO

 

[Dieselnut59]

I love my '96 but I love my '03 even better! It is amazing how much CLEAN power they make and how smooth the power comes on. I have been very happy with both trucks and bought both new. I have 210,000 miles on the '96 and 60,000 on the '03. You will like the improvements, especially in ride and comfort.