What do you like about your 3rd gen as compared to your old 2nd gen?

[klenger]

As we know, there were some very significant improvements in the 3rd gen trucks. There are also a lot of very minor ones that add up to making the 3rd gens very nice. I'll list a few of what I consider to be major and minor improvements. Add your own comments please.



Major Improvements:

- More power

- Less noise

- Four Doors

- Better steering

- Common Rail Injection





Minor Imrpovements:

- Handle for center console moved to front center instead of left side. Easier to open from right side of truck.

- Exhaust brake now shuts off at 0 MPH, and works with cruise control on.

- Power Heated tow mirrors

- Better audio systems

- Folding flat rear storage

- 3. 73 gears



Your turn...

 

[BCarmicle]

Interior design was much improved on. Looks like Dodge put some thought into it, instead of just settling for a basic look like on the 2nd gens. Still was hard to give up my 2nd gen to my dad. At least in stayed in the family.



Brandon

 

[RobbieH]

I went from a '96 to an '03 so my change was fairly drastic.



I liked the steering on my '96 better than my '03, both are 4x2, not 4x4. I think the new truck has a lot of bump steer compared to my old truck.



The interior noise is VASTLY better on the new truck, and not just engine noise, but wind noise, etc. The new truck is a much better truck build wise.



Of course compared to my '96, I have to say one of the major improvements is the cup holder. If you've had one of those older ones that had the stereo coolant cup holders, you know what I mean.



And of course real 4 doors.

 

[gonzo2]

Minor,



Power windows work with key on accessory, I used to hate cycling the heater just because I forgot to close them before turning off the truck.



Cargo light can be turned on with interior light off, this used to bug me for some reason, still wish it were a separate switch.



Kids love having real windows in the back, maybe too much.



I like the extra storage front and back, especially the out-of-sight kind.



Cruise on indicator dims with the dash lights, good for the long hauls.

 

[JRMora]

'97 vs '04



04 Better:

Quieter, rides much better, more power, 4 doors, better mirrors, nicer upholstery, better dash layout, 4 headrests (that move up and down), brakes, more power, build quality, more power.



'97 Better:

It was paid for



Juan



p. s. - did I mention more power?

 

[Yo Hoot]

I didn't previously own a 2nd gen... if you guys think wind noise is a lot better than the second gen than I would hate to have owned a 2nd.



Wind noise (not leaks) on my 04 are pretty loud compared to the 2004 GMC I traded. Kinda surprised me since this is a newer body design than the GM trucks.



Love the truck though so far except for the vibe.

 

[K_Arts]

I definately like the interior better on the 3rd Gen... but as far as fuel mileage, power. . etc. I'd give up my 3rd gen in a heart beat for my 2nd gen.



The power of my 2nd gen would leave my 3rd gen in the gutter!!!



Kev

 

[Glen]

The brakes are great but the major reason I traded my '01 was the noise. The wind noise is still more than I want; maybe I will try bending the doors.



I went from a SLT 5-speed to a Laramie 6-speed so there are a lot of things that are better: his and hers climate control, heated leather seats, rear seat storage, etc.

 

[HOCummins04]

The problems I had on my 2001 were lift pumps (at the end average life was 4 weeks on a completely stock truck) and steering. Both have design changes on the 3rd Gen that I am hopeful will lead to happier ownership.



Major Improvements:

1. Fuel system design (pumps)

2. Steering design

3. Noise level - I thought I would miss the noise, but I am more addicted to "GO" than I am rattle. Don't miss it as much as I thought I would

4. Ride - Noticeably improved ride and handling

5. Lower temperature starting without using block heater, though I have not had mine during a winter so this is based on what is supposed to be.

6. Larger rear seating

7. Independent rear doors that are forward hinged



Minor Improvements:

1. Outside mirrors don't shake/vibrate as they did on my 2nd gen

2. Storage options

3. White face instrumentation



Things I would like to see:

1. Overhead computer read out actual fuel economy

2. Auto Unlock feature work with 6 spd transmission - I can not think of a good reason for redundant child proof locks on the rear doors where the only way to over ride the feature is to turn off auto lock, leaving you vulnerable to someone jumping in the cab at a stop light. Unless I am missing something this is a lawsuit waiting to happen - the way the truck comes from DC you would be stuck in the backseat during a crash unless you know to reach up and manually unlock the door, costing you precious time in exiting the vehicle - IF you know and remember to do it.

3. Dash trim over instrument cluster to be arched more to make instrumentation to be visible for taller people - when I position my seat where I am comfortable, I have to lean back against the headrest to see the top of the tach and speedo.

4. The windshield is leaned back a little too much for my preference (at the top), and it is easy to knock my head getting in and out. I am sure this is due to my height, and once I have had the truck a while I won't be so aware of it like I am now.



Overall, significant improvement in nearly every way. This truck is much more refined - smooth.



The auto Unlock feature not working really worries me, but I am hesitant to turn off the auto lock feature - though I will probably do that in the end.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

C'mon guys - recurring threads like this make it seem like you are frequently trying (or having) to reassure yourselves ya made the right choice!







Driving a '02, and LOVING it!

 

[RobbieH]

Originally posted by HOCummins04

2. Auto Unlock feature work with 6 spd transmission - I can not think of a good reason for redundant child proof locks on the rear doors where the only way to over ride the feature is to turn off auto lock, leaving you vulnerable to someone jumping in the cab at a stop light. Unless I am missing something this is a lawsuit waiting to happen - the way the truck comes from DC you would be stuck in the backseat during a crash unless you know to reach up and manually unlock the door, costing you precious time in exiting the vehicle

It can be fixed with an aftermarket alarm, but I think you are totally overreacting here. If you have manual locks, is that opening up to a lawsuit? If you are in a crash so bad that you need to bail in a hurry are you really going to worry about turning the truck off? I wouldn't, which means the doors remain locked.



Maybe I should sue DC if I hit the auto down feature on my power windows and it doesn't roll down fast enough for me to throw my hot coffee out the window, resulting in a crash which catches my truck on fire, then I forget to pull the keys and my doors don't unlock and I burn myself from the coffee and the fire?



Or you could unprogram the autolock, the procedure is in your owner's manual.

 

[Yo Hoot]

I may unprogram mine. My daughter gets mad cause she always has to unlock the door to get out the back.



Once I get my K3LA horn hooked up, I don't think I'll have to worry about anybody opening the door while I'm in there.

 

[dresslered]

2nd Gen Fever

Whew! I must be one of the lucky ones that still likes the 2nd generation trucks. When the 3G's first came out, I immediately went to look at one, but the only thought that I was left with was "what would I replace my truck with if something ever happened to it???". The heated towing mirrors would really be nice, but it sounds like you guys are plagued with the lift pump issues as well. I'll hold.

 

[DPelletier]

You've hit most of them, but;



Minor: The front seat under the seat storage and other little storage compartments.

The little plastic garbage bag thingie.

Tach reads in 100's not 125's



I went from a 2001. 5 2500 ETC Auto STL, so I noticed ALOT of difference. Love my NV-5600. DRW is way more stable with the camper on. Brakes are superb. I guess I am lucky in that my truck doesn't vibrate, drone or make any noises, clutch doesn't rattle, don't have any wind noise and I'm getting 20. 2 mpg highway, empty.



If I was to complain, the only things I like better about the 2nd gens are: Dana and HX-35's, but that's mostly in my head as my axles and turbos are working fine.



Dave

 

[yogibear]

What lift pump issues?? I've got 138K+ on mine now, and no lift pump problems, and the Quad box has been on it for 118K. My 00 had 2 lift pumps at this many miles. The trk. is running fine!! No vibes or wind noise either. It just couldn't be much better!



Larry

 

[Boondocker]

Repeat after me

I love my 3rd gen truck.

I love my 3rd gen truck.

I love my 3rd gen truck.



Just teasing



I was truck shopping when the 1500 Gen 3 arrived on the dealers' lots. I was shopping for a diesel, but wanted to give the new trucks a fair shake, especially since a crew cab is very appealing. Admittedly, I didn't drive the new truck, but I accept all the reports of improved quietness, ride quality and steering. Setting aside drivetrain, I looked at Interior and Exterior feel and styling. These areas are highly subjective, so the only opinion that matters is your own, no arguments. Frankly, I just don't like the 3rd Gen trucks any better. They're not bad and I've grown accustomed to the styling, I just don't prefer them. And I was real disappointed in size of the "crew" cab. My friend has a Ford crew cab, 'nuf said.



I hope y'all are just happy-happy with your rides and patting each other on the back for being such savy truck buyers, as opposed to Gary's suggestion



Buying my new truck probably rates in my top 10 joyous experiences and reminds me so daily Oo.



Cheers,

Neil

 

[HOCummins04]

Originally posted by RobbieH

It can be fixed with an aftermarket alarm, but I think you are totally overreacting here. If you have manual locks, is that opening up to a lawsuit? If you are in a crash so bad that you need to bail in a hurry are you really going to worry about turning the truck off? I wouldn't, which means the doors remain locked.



Maybe I should sue DC if I hit the auto down feature on my power windows and it doesn't roll down fast enough for me to throw my hot coffee out the window, resulting in a crash which catches my truck on fire, then I forget to pull the keys and my doors don't unlock and I burn myself from the coffee and the fire?



Or you could unprogram the autolock, the procedure is in your owner's manual.

I don't understand why DC would design the rear doors so that when they are locked (however they got locked), pulling on the open the door handle does not open the door. I thought that was what the child safety lock feature is for. If you turn off the auto lock feature, someone can jump in your vehicle uninvited. Ask someone who has been carjacked how much fun that is. If you are in an accident and need to get out of the vehicle, if the doors are locked regardless of how they got locked they will not open just by pulling on the handle. Seems like it could be a safety issue to me. Maybe I am over reacting.



I am not suggesting that anyone sue DC. I have no such plans. My wife gets aggravated at me from time to time asking me why I always tinker with things that are even brand new. The answer has not changed in 20 years - to make it better. Long before BOMBing was a word I knew, I have been practicing it.



I don't mean to get anything stirred up. All this is just my . 02. DC made significant improvements that I am very happy with so far.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Re: 2nd Gen Fever

Originally posted by dresslered

Whew! I must be one of the lucky ones that still likes the 2nd generation trucks. When the 3G's first came out, I immediately went to look at one, but the only thought that I was left with was "what would I replace my truck with if something ever happened to it???". The heated towing mirrors would really be nice, but it sounds like you guys are plagued with the lift pump issues as well. I'll hold.

Well said David - the late model 2001s/2001. 5s have got loads of mileage in them and the CTD noise equals character IMHO.



A couple of 3rd gens are running around Europe now, but with almost 70k miles on my 2nd Gen, I consider myself barely run in... .



Keep the faith ;o)

 

[Scrappy]

'01-vs-'03

'01 got better mileage, little better maneuverability? more readily BOMB'able.



'03 has a bigger cab, nicer interior, quieter, better trackbar, better ride and steering, bombs are starting to get more available.

 

[DPelletier]

I sure wouldn't compare the 3rd gen lift pump to a 2nd gen set up. lift pumps are relatively cheap. VP-44's and CP-3's are not cheap. Haven't heard of anyone toasting a CP-3 with low lift pump pressure yet.



On the door lock issue, I admit I'm not sure what the deal is, but FWIW, my understanding is that the doors automatically unlock in the event of air bag deployment.



For you 2nd Gen guys, hey you have nice trucks too. Fact is DC did address some issues when designing the 3rd gens. Some major and some minor. The 3rd gens just drive alot nicer. Smoother, quieter, better brakes, better steering, etc. etc. To be completely honest, If I had a 3500 6spd HO in the first place, instead of my '01. 5 ETC Auto 2500, I'd still be driving it. And I'd be happy. But you can't argue that the 3rd gens aren't a major improvement in most areas.



Dave



Disclaimer: I'd rather have any year 2nd gen over a brand new brand F or C.