Wanting a 3rd. generation truck

[KBowar]

I have a 97 CTD with a auto. I want to up grade to a 3rd. generation truck. Iwould like to know if one year is better than another to look for. I talk to some guys with the 305/555 engine, they think it is a better motor with less trouble than the 600/610 engine. I want a auto and long box. Any else to look for in the 3rd. generation truck?

 

[Mhannink]

i know a guy here in nor cal selling a 3rd gen 03 i belive for 30k its a cali truck tho so it might not be the hpcr but a vp44 ill check if your intrested the trcuk has an 8in lift w/ 37 nitto muds has the edge juice w/ cab controller nothing to the transmission yet so will need that but other wise its been pretty good



what about your truck are you selling it if so i might be interested

 

[KBowar]

Mhannink If I find the right truck I will sell mine. I don't want a lift kit on one. Mine is a 97 with auto, 215's, 4" exhaust, 3000gsk, up graded trans,and tc with 130,000 on it.

 

[MFalkinham]

I have a 97 CTD with a auto. I want to up grade to a 3rd. generation truck. Iwould like to know if one year is better than another to look for. I talk to some guys with the 305/555 engine, they think it is a better motor with less trouble than the 600/610 engine. I want a auto and long box. Any else to look for in the 3rd. generation truck?

It's all about what you're looking for, and everyone is different. Some guys want the most HP/Torque without any mods, so the 04. 5 and newer is best. If you want the best power & mileage without the emissions hardware, then a late '03-early '04 HO is the way to go. If you're not planning to tow heavy loads (over 8-10k) through the hills, then you should also consider the late '03 standard output trucks with 250HP/460torque as you can get a sweet deal on them.

For an automatic you should look for the 48re, which generally means trucks built during or after January, 2003.

Just my opinions, but I hope this helps.

 

[nick05]

kbowar,

04. 5 & up trucks have the in tank LP, yes they have kats but people say there is no/little gain in HP with them off. so it's not too restrictive i guess. newer models have the 48re trans. (have no problems with mine with a box at 13k). i here some 03-04 needed reflashes for white/blue smoke at start up or driving for what i've read here. also for poor fuel mileage. otherwise best of luck finding one.



nick

 

[JeremiahSmith]

04 305/555

Hello, I have a 04 (not 04. 5) that I am thinking of selling. I personally like the 03-04 engines because they are minus all the extra stuff the government seems to want now. It has 27k miles for $25. 5k.

 

[rjohnson916]

I've got an '05 325/600 48Re 3:73 I drive my truck like some people drive economy cars as commuters. I've got 30K miles in 1 year of ownership. No complaints at all. Not one problem, no death wobble, no 70 mph vibration, no worn ball-joints. My truck was even made in Mexico, some people think thats an issue I've got an Edge-Juice w/ attitude. I usually ride around on setting #2-#3 and make a burst or two on #5 once a month or so. I get between 14-18 mpg with a lead foot. I get 16-21 If I drive like theres an egg under the go-pedal. Personally I don't think you can go wrong with any year 3rd gen truck. I personally would not want one that doesn't have the fuel tank pump, but to each his own?





-Ryan

 

[Prairiedog]

If MPG is most important to you, stick with the S. O. or 305 HP H. O. in a 03 vintage.

If I were to tell you what I get at 55-60 MPH someone would call me a liar!

 

[100 Proof]

If MPG is most important to you, stick with the S. O. or 305 HP H. O. in a 03 vintage.

If I were to tell you what I get at 55-60 MPH someone would call me a liar!

Mine gets just over 24 MPG with a load of Boy Scouts and all their back packs at that speed. Is yours doing better than that?



(This has been documented on several occasions over 44,000 miles. I have other reputable TDR members as witnesses. )



100 Proof

 

[blacksheep4x4]

I have a 97 CTD with a auto. I want to up grade to a 3rd. generation truck. Iwould like to know if one year is better than another to look for. I talk to some guys with the 305/555 engine, they think it is a better motor with less trouble than the 600/610 engine. I want a auto and long box. Any else to look for in the 3rd. generation truck?

I completely agree with this. I think My '03 H. O. motor is a better motor than either of my '06 610s. It sure gets way better fuel milage.

 

[CHolman]

No problems with mine, 04 305 HO, LOVE IT!!! 107,000 miles Later

 

[CHolman]

Mpg

No problems with mine, 04 305 HO, LOVE IT!!! 107,000 miles Later

Oh I get about 21mpg unloaded and 14/15 loaded with about a 6,000 lb trailer...

 

[Grizzly]

If you are going to buy one that new, you would be well advised to purchase it brand new for very little difference in price and order it exactly as you want it and break it in the way you want. If you are within 1500 of Dave Smith in Kellogg, ID, I'd get it there and break it in on the way home. You can get it way below invoice, which is a little more than you would pay for an 04 with 30K miles on it.

 

[Prairiedog]

Mine gets just over 24 MPG with a load of Boy Scouts and all their back packs at that speed. Is yours doing better than that?



(This has been documented on several occasions over 44,000 miles. I have other reputable TDR members as witnesses. )



100 Proof

Your probably one of the few who would believe it then when I say I hit 25 (that was hand calc/overhead =26. 7) a couple of weeks ago on a 200 mile trip to the local mountain pass and back.

Just had my wife and boy with me so it was a light load. The TST was on 2/2.



Scotty

 

[hasselbach]

kbowar,

04. 5 & up trucks have the in tank LP, yes they have kats but people say there is no/little gain in HP with them off. so it's not too restrictive i guess. newer models have the 48re trans. (have no problems with mine with a box at 13k). i here some 03-04 needed reflashes for white/blue smoke at start up or driving for what i've read here. also for poor fuel mileage. otherwise best of luck finding one.



nick

04. 5 have lift pumps on the motor.



05 they went to in the tank lift pumps.



I have both a 04. 5 and a 05, so I can confirm this. If the 04. 5 lift pump goes sour, DC will install a in tank pump.

 

[hasselbach]

Your probably one of the few who would believe it then when I say I hit 25 (that was hand calc/overhead =26. 7) a couple of weeks ago on a 200 mile trip to the local mountain pass and back.

Just had my wife and boy with me so it was a light load. The TST was on 2/2.



Scotty

200 miles isn't enough to get an accurate estimate for mpg. Too little miles, means very little fuel, and unless you filled the tank exactly to the top, to much for error. My point, when my truck is cold, I can get 35 gallons in it when the yellow low fuel light goes on, yet do the same fill warm, and I have to struggle to get 32 in it. And if the truck is on a slight grade, the amount of fuel it takes varies too.



My take is, your 25 mpg isn't a real number.

 

[roperteacher]

I can vouch for the LP Mounted to the motor in 04. 5's!!! Mine took a dive last Sat and I just got it back today with the IN TANK version!!! Gotta love it!!

 

[KBowar]

3rd. generation truck

Thanks to everyone who give me advise for what to look for in the 3rd. generation trucks. I bought a 2004 2500 yesterday, it is a early 2004 with the 305/555 motor and it has a auto. Sure is quiet from the old 97.

 

[100 Proof]

Thanks to everyone who give me advise for what to look for in the 3rd. generation trucks. I bought a 2004 2500 yesterday, it is a early 2004 with the 305/555 motor and it has a auto. Sure is quiet from the old 97.

Welcome to 3rd Gen-Ville!



100 Proof