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

[FlyFisha']

The only thing I DON'T like about my 3rd Gen is that it is so quiet... If there was ANY way to turn off the pilot injection, and run it safely, I'd do it in a heart beat.



I love the sound of diesel engines (not just exhaust but the clatter) -- my 3rd gen almost sounds like a gasser. Maybe one of the chip companies will make turing off pilot injection an option some day?



But, I really do love the truck!



Jeff

 

[klenger]

Resistance if futile!!!

 

[FlyFisha']

Maybe you're right.



Jeff

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"But you can't argue that the 3rd gens aren't a major improvement in most areas. "



WELL, yeah, I can...



It's much more accurate to say, when making a realistic comparison between a '02 truck and a 3rd gennie, that there are "decent improvements in a fair number of significant areas".



And it's totaly unrealistic to compare a '03 or later truck against

something from 95-96...



To say "MAJOR improvements in MOST areas" is rather a stretch of reality!



My '02 hs excellent 4-wheel disc brakes, handles exceptionally well loaded or empty, gets 23 MPG on the freeway at 60 MPH, has no 2000 RPM vibration, has a fully carpeted floor front AND rear, has plenty of under seat storage area front and rear, has that fancy auto-dimming rearview mirror mentioned above as a 3rd gennie feature, and also has a nifty full-featured overhead computer that includes instant MPG readout.



Don't get me wrong, and I'm not splitting hairs or knocking the newer trucks - just trying to maintain reality and perspective - and avoid the sort of trap that motivates owners of one model to attempt to elevate the perception of THEIR truck by subtly downgrading what came before...



A quiet engine is of value only to those who appreciate that feature (ask a Harley owner!)



Handling and ride frequently are subjective - a "good ride" or handling to one guy is too soft and wallowing to another.



Hey - you like yours, I like mine - and we can BOTH fully appreciate what we have without the need to throw mud at what we USED to think was "King of the road" - or to make ours look better by downgrading what others are still entirely happy with!



I've been very happy with my '02 - but feel NO compulsion to make uncomplimentry comparisons between it and the '91 I owned previously - sure the newer truck has more and better features, as is expected for the money and newer technology - but the '02 has extremely BIG shoes to fill in terms of durability, reliability and trouble-free miles the '91 delivered - I'll certainly not try to make my '02 look better by unrealistic comparisons to the '91 - in the long run, I might hafta eat my words!

 

[dresslered]

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!

Yeah, the lift pump does seem to be doing better on the 3G's, but we just had a local member loose one at 35483-miles. Additionally, I have heard of at least three other incidents. Only time will tell. Though I've replaced two in 60,000-miles on my 2G, I'm starting to think that the 3G guys should start watching the fuel pressure as well.

 

[DPelletier]

- 1) David: Time will tell. These trucks have been out for 2 years now. I say we don't have lift pump problems to the same degree as the 2nd gen trucks.



- 2) Gary, surprised at your perspective? No, not really! I am the first one to say that I LIKE 2nd gens, *BUT* *I* believe that the 3rd gens have "Major Improvements in Most Areas". My truck handles better, brakes better, gets 24 mpg at 60mph, and has more power (stock) has no vibrations, looks better and has a better interior. If you don't like hearing about how great the 3rd gen trucks are, I suggest you stop reading 3rd gen forums. Your the one with your head in the sand.

Reality and perspective all depend greatly on your own point of view.

Dave

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Reality and perspective all depend greatly on your own point of view. "



MY point exactly!

 

[claymike]

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

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!

Well I for one am glad to finally see a thread like this come out. I am picking up my 04. 5 on Friday and it is good to see that people are happy with the 3 g’s. I get tired of seeing the bad mileage and vibration posts. I love my 2001 and I hope I will feel the same way with the new one.

 

[Steve M]

I'd take my '01. 5 back. I still haven't warmed up to this one. But I've only had it a year and four months. I'll give it some time.

 

[DPelletier]

Gary,

Not to beat this to death, but;

- my previous post was perhaps less amicable than I normally prefer to be. The reason for this is that I found your insinuation that myself or other 3rd gen owners that have responded were somehow exaggerating the merits of their vehicles because of some psychological shortcoming based on the need to provide reassurance on our purchase decision insulting. After all, I could easily take the same point of view regarding your comments and suggest that you are minimizing the aforementioned merits simply to protect your ego from the possibility that your truck isn't the best truck available any longer. Of course, I wouldn't normally accuse you of this because I feel it would be rude and unsubstantiated.



Peace my 2nd gen brother

Dave



ps. I like your truck



pps. I may have over-reacted given the multitude of smilies in your post!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Don't sweat it Dave - most of what I post here is all in fun - the 3rd generation trucks seem to be shaking out pretty well - better than I had feared they would, which is why, like a few others, I scrambled to get my '02 - the last of the REAL Cummins-engined trucks .



I don't regret my choice in the least - coming up from my trusty but older '91, the '02 sure is nice - and I still prefer it in styling to the 3rd genny trucks, but that is purely a subjective issue, much like debating whether a '57 chevy is superior to a '58 - it's largely a matter of personal preference.



Improvements in engine power and other areas are inevitable as newer models arrive on the scene - and many guys here doing the comparison bit between 2nd generation and 3rd generation trucks are basing that comparison on pre-'02 trucks that had considerable improvements themselves across the spectrum as compared to say, a '96 - so naturally, the 3rd generation stuff REALLY shines in their view...



My primary caution and mild concern/protest, is that in the mad scramble to exalt the 3rd generation stuff, their owners not stoop to trashing or downgrading the previous rigs that many of us still happily own and drive with enthusiasm, please don't try to make yourselves feel better about your 3rd generation truck by bashing MY 2nd generation one - they really ARE pretty damn good trucks in their own right - no appologies or excuses needed!



I suppose the owners of the '03 and '04 stuff will understand better and gain sensitivty as the '05 and '06 stuff hits the scene, and they see the same sort of comparison against THEIR "old trucks"!



And of course, all us owners of the prior generation stuff read these 3rd genny threads to see what is going on with the newer stuff - as many of the newer owners probably did before they bought the new stuff...



No harm - no foul!

 

[GNoel]

I think the seats were a huge step back from the 02 that I had. The metal frame is brutal on the rump. My 02 also handled alot better, this one has alot more body roll and is to squishy. The 02 could be shoved into turns alot faster than the 04. Just my . 02

 

[DPelletier]

I definitely believe that the 2001. 5 and 2002 trucks (especially ETH DEE trucks) represent the best of the 2nd gen trucks. You often hear how the '98 12 valve, 5spd, quad cab truck is the best 2nd gen and although they are desireable, I would live with the VP-44/lift pump issues easily to get the rear disc brakes and NV-5600, never mind latest edition steering boxes, etc. etc. I would honestly take a well preserved example of these trucks than a brand new PSD or DM.



Dave



PS. On another note, I was concerned reading the posts about 3rd gen seats, but after driving 22hrs STRAIGHT! from Kelowna B. C. to Las Vegas, I have to say that they are the most comfortable seats I've had. I have the Premium Cloth w. pwr drv. seat and lumbar, etc. so I'm sure that's part of it. Maybe different size people fit better than others. I'm 5'11" and about 190 lbs.

 

[dnitzel]

'03 vs. my '01



The '03 has better seats. I did not like them at first, but after some LONG drives and setting in a new Chevy 3500 with premium seats for 3 hours, the the Dodge premium seats are great. Me? 280#, 6'2".



Mileage - I actually get slightly get better mileage with my '03 auto than my '01 5 spd, calculated, around 15 in town, up to 23 on the road, 12 running 21,000 # including truck and trailers.



Brakes and handling are superior. Tow mirrors are great, the new doors are MUCH better than the suicide doors. The paint is good, holds up well to the parking lot door and cart slobs. I love the short box!



Compared to the '01, acceleration my '03 is like comparing a top fuel dragster to a VW bug. ( I know that's a little extreme). The engine is much better, more powerful and smooth even when towing and QUIET, but does not pass the Wendy's drive through test. The 48RE shifts oh so smooth solo, and with authority when towing. In the snow, in mud or climbing hills off road, I'd take on an H2 any day, this thing does as well as my Jeep with the off-road package. The new AA limited slip is vastly better.



My only complaint are the minor repairs I've had to deal with. It's had 2 recalls, which I guess are not that bad, but it has had a headlight problem since day one that has finally surfaced enough to locate it (burned up bulb plug), and a hole in the drivers seat. My '01 had 60k and never went back to the dealer for anything including a recall except for a oil changes. While it's in the shop MUCH, MUCH less than the new chevy's and fords at work, I don't think any of them should go back for anything other than typical maintenance for at least 100k.

 

[bbsmith]

Had 168K on my 97, 2500 4x4 No major problems, (Batteries / Ball Joints) Run the ----- out of it, (Big 5er) cold starts, no cool down, (Pd,o/c fire/medic) Loved it !!! Cherrished it !!!! Kissed it the day I sold it, But sorry 2nd Gens, It is not even in the same class as my 04 I am totally satisfied... ... ...

 

[Matt42]

Originally posted by 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



-snip-

So THAT'S what that hook is for. It's a garbage bag hanger thingy. We at first thought it was a bottle opener, but then, naah, opening bottles would break the plastic.

 

[claymike]

Well I guess I will find out tomorrow when I pick up mine. I hope there is no vibration and poor mileage thing but I have been pretty lucky on my last four rams.

 

[CStansbury]

Originally posted by claymike

Well I guess I will find out tomorrow when I pick up mine. I hope there is no vibration and poor mileage thing but I have been pretty lucky on my last four rams.

Don't sweat it! You will love your new truck. I have never owned a first or second gen Ram, but I test drove quite a few of them before deciding to go new. I just can't get over how powerfull and refined this truck can be. It looks sharp, pulls like a freight train, and my wife will actually ride in it with pride. My daily driver before this was a 1984 K5 military Blazer with the 6. 2L diesel so I have taken a giant step in the right direction

 

[Mingoglia]

Am I the only one out there that hates the gen 3 interior? I can't stand the fact that it looks like my sister-in-laws Caravan. I still think the gen 2 interior is the best of the big 3. Might not have the fit and finish of the new trucks, but at least it's not a mini-van.



I like white gauges on cars... . hate white gauges on trucks. I also hate electronic shift on the fly in all but the base model. I wish they stuck with the Dana axles... . this is just preference.



My prayers have been answered once I learned about the redesign that's supposed to come next year. Dodge is dumping the Caravan inspired interior of the 3rd gen and going with something based off the newest Dakota/Durango. IMHO this is a vast improvement over the Caravan inspired interior. It also looks like Dodge may go back to it's roots and come up with a real crew cab (after all, they invented the crew cab).



About the only thing I'd prefer is the manual shift on the fly... as it looks now they may even drop this for the base model... oh well, I can live with that as long as I have my crew cab... crap, I might be able to settle for the Caravan interior if I had the crew cab... ok, maybe this is stretching it a bit.



Mike

 

[claymike]

I like the inside of the 3rd gen, it feels like I have a lot more room and dont feel so closed in as my 01 did. I dont like the vibration, need to take it to a drive line shop if DC cant figure it out. I dont get as good of mileage as my past 4 CTD trucks but I still think I like this truck the best so far.