Upgrade debate

[Jaybo745]

I have a 99 diesel I bought new. It has 153000miles and is a 5 speed. I keep thinking I would like to trade up. I have been looking at 04 to 06 automatics. Most of these rigs have anywhere from 114,000 to 152000. I guess my question is, is it worth the trade up since I already know what I have. It seems like the new technology would be an advantage, plus the automatic. In the year ranges I indicated, which would be the best and is it really worth it. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

 

[HBarlow]

The '03 through '07 trucks offer many desirable improvements and features but no one but you can decide if the gains exceed the cost.

If you want an automatic, choose only an '06 or '07. The 48RE in those years is fully integrated with the ECM, PCM, and exhaust brake if you want to add one. They were very refined and had few troubles during the two final model years of the HPCR 5. 9 engines. The cabs were quieter, more comfortable, they had superior brakes, and power/performance in stock trim was far superior to earlier trucks.

Choose wisely and you'll have a truck as good as any Dodge has built.

 

[AH64ID]

There are lots of opinions on the 3rd gens, as to which year is best.

If you want an auto the 06-07 is the best, but the 05 is the same without the OEM exhaust brake capability, but aftermarket brakes work on all 03-07 auto's and I have not seen any issues with them. The 06-07's do have a true tow/haul and OD off function, where its one or the other on 05-.

The early 04 will get the best fuel economy of the 04-06 range, and had 3 different power options 235/250/305. The 04. 5+ are all 325.

The seats of the 06+ get a lot of negative comments over the 03-05 seats, and personally I like the 03-05 interior a lot better.

With a higher mileage auto be prepared to sink some cash into it, they are more than likely going to need some upkeep. . not all, but just something to think about.

 

[Jaybo745]

Thanks for the replies. Its been so long since I had a used truck that its hard to know exactly what to look for. I drove 2 06's the other day. With one it was hard just getting it out of park, and then it held the shift too long as I powered through it. Actually, that was an 07. I have heard that you want to stay away from the bluetech. What kind of repairs will I have to anticipate with a rig that has about 120,000 on it? Thanks again.

 

[HBarlow]

Thanks for the replies. Its been so long since I had a used truck that its hard to know exactly what to look for. I drove 2 06's the other day. With one it was hard just getting it out of park, and then it held the shift too long as I powered through it. Actually, that was an 07. I have heard that you want to stay away from the bluetech. What kind of repairs will I have to anticipate with a rig that has about 120,000 on it? Thanks again.

The problem with shifting some of them out of Park can be as simple as disabling or replacing the Park interlock device on the steering column. It could be more serious and require valve body work, though.

Don't believe the bs about avoiding the Blue Tech. That is just a name.

A well maintained and serviced late model Dodge-Cummins with 120k miles should need no repairs but, and that's a very large BUT, be very careful what you buy and who owned it previously. If the truck has had a magic black box performance modifier on it I would steer clear of it. I would not even consider one at any price. If a magic black box is installed and used on a high setting, particularyly for towing, injector failures leading to a catastrophic engine failure is very likely not to mention driveline damage.

A good dealership service department should be able to determine if a magic black box has been installed. But again be cautious, some dealer techs know less about the trucks than an ordinary TDR member.