Trading 2001 CTD for a 2006 CTD?

[Nickaru]

I'm thinking about trading up to a 2006 4 door 4x4 dually Dodge 3500 from my 2001 Dodge 3500 4x4. It's mainly for more space for the kids in the back seat on long drives.



The 2001 has the 6th speed with 80 HP injectors, Edge Comp, aftermarket intake and exhausts. With this extra power and towing a 15k plus 5th wheel toy hauler, I replaced the clutch with the Luke Cerametalic. She can chatter and buck pretty good trying to get the 5th wheel moving from a stop even with the 4. 10 gears.



I'm thinking of the 2006 because it's the last year before the DPF hit the market and has the latest looks. I haven't been keeping up with the later models, but is there any major faults with the 2006 models? Anything I should look for?



My other dilema is manual or automatic transmission? I love the manual for towing, but the auto is nice in stop and go traffic. I use my 4x4 to get in the dunes at Pismo and Glamis with my trailer attached and it's no trouble with the manual trans. I thought I would keep the 2006 stock except for air intake and exhaust and this would allow me to keep the stock clutch and eliminate the chatter if I stick to the manual.



Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Riverboy]

i just bought a 06 3500 4x4 CTD a few weeks ago and coming into this with little experience. I wanted the 06 for the looks and the newer 6sp. I like how the new 6sp is configured with reverse over by 2nd gear instead of up by 5th. I have three girls and they fit great in the back until one falls asleep and this is where the mega would have been nice for reclining seats. As far as what to look for is to see if the recall on the multifunction switch has been done. Mine was acting weird right after I got it home. A trip to the dealer would find this. Mines a single wheel long bed and running 315's the ride is real nice but the Firestone air bags in the back may have something to do with this. I hope you find what you are looking for. I am real happy with mine now.

 

[Motorhead]

I did the same move but went with an '07, 5. 9, 6spd. With your 15k trailer, I would go with the 6spd stick. In my opinion, the 3rg gen trucks are a much better cab.