What improvements since 98?

[vinconco]

Been thinking about trading in the old 98 and wondered what I would be trading up to. My major gripes about the 98 were the steering, brakes and power. How had Dodge improved these systems and what other improvements can I look forward to? Oo.

 

[p-Bar]

Four wheel disc brakes one of the largest in their class. Engine more power, quieter, Mine drives like a "caddy". I think you will like the changes. Take one for a test drive.

 

[crobertson1]

You simply won't believe the difference. The steering, handling, braking, power, are all vastly improved. There is no comparison IMO. I had an '01. 5 before, which was the most refined of the 2nd gens, and I'm saying this. It also had 4 wheel disc brakes and the new ones are superior. The noise is so much less it's unbelievable. Some guys really like the noise and I did too. But now, I like the quiet! Do yourself a favor and drive one. Then we'll be expecting you in the 3rd gen forum.



Craig

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Your 98 is stock from what I can see in your sig, I think you will like the new trucks. I kept my 98 for a toy, but drive the 04. 5 all the time for work. It is a nice enough truck, but that is all it is to me. Ride is good, brakes are AWESOME, handles corners like a truck. Never really had a "handling" problem with the 98. Maybe I don't expect to much from it in the handling department but never had any complaints. Power is decent in the 04. 5. I have about 1,000 lbs of tools in the back since new and for what I use it for it has more than enough power.



98 12v = 254,000 km's without one single engine problem. Nothing.....

04. 5 24v = 20,880 km's trouble free miles on whole truck. Very happy with both.

 

[MLimpert]

There is no comparison for brakes and steering. I've had 3 2nd gen trucks, and the 3rd gen simply stops and turns in a much more refined manner. I also like the interior better. The fit, finish and materials seem to be better.



Time will tell how the massive amount of computerized electronics on the 3rd gens will hold up. Everything from the lighting, turn signals, HVAC and other things need the computer to operate.



That said, I kinda miss my 02. It had a more agressive stance and I liked the firmer suspension.

 

[tschwab]

You have a very rare breed - '98 12V, the best of the best (best interior and best motor). Your truck should sell in a heartbeat if you decide to sell it.



Having owned a truck like yours and now an '05, here are my impressions:

Likes - Everything mentioned above, really like the quietness inside the cab.



Dislikes - Can't blow anymore big smoke clouds when being tailgated.



You need to drive one, the 48RE is a big improvement over the 47RE and the power in stock trim is all you will need or want IMHO. If your thinking of BOMBing a new one, I would not, tolerances are so tight that you are asking for disaster IMHO.



Your '98 = 180/420 Stock

An '05 = 325/610 Stock



Much better transmission, smooth driver, steering (exspecially 2WD - rack & pinion) is awesome and the brakes are the best of the big 3.

 

[QWaller]

Also owned 3 2nd gens. Just got an 05 on 2-14. No regrets. Just as stated above. All of the "little" annoyances on previous trucks have been eliminated. I went through the pulls, the steering columns, the leaking Dana 80 outer seals, etc. and still went back to the Cummins after a short stent with a Dmax. Love this new truck.

 

[MFalkinham]

I just made the jump from a '92 1st Gen to an '03. Talk about an improvement! The rack & pinion steering is allowing me to make corners that I never could before, and the ride is so much better.



If you are going to be hauling/towing a lot I'd look for the 305/555 or 325/600 with the 4. 10's. But for occasional lighter towing needs you might consider the standard output engine (250/460) with the 3. 73's. Mine gets excellent mileage, still has enough power for my needs, and you can buy them cheaper since they are considered the "black sheep" of the 3rd gen family. Look for a late '03 to get the 48re transmission.



- Mike

 

[rashwor]

I love mine. I went from a '99 to the '05 I have now. I miss the noise sometimes, but other than that, I love mine. I have the 6 speed manual with 3. 73 rears and this truck is definitely a towing machine. I would not change a thing.



I don't want to rain on your parade, but one thing you need to be aware of is that if you go with a 3rd gen 4X4 (03 - 05) you may have vibrations at certain highway speeds. Not near all of them do it, but some do it really bad. Be sure you test drive the truck thourghly before you sign. DC has yet to come up with a sure fire fix for this problem. Read the forums and you can find out all about it. It does not seem to be a problem for the 2X4 trucks.



Good luck.

 

[CPG]

Never had a 2nd. gener but now have a 04. Had a good "93" 1st gener but no comparision. My Wife & I are very happy with the 3rd. gener truck. Its the difference from night & day. A real pleasure to drive.

 

[BHolm]

A couple fo important changes in my book were the improved fromt suspension on the 4x4. If you look closely the leading arms now are angled instead of straight on the 2nd gen. It should help with parts wearing out, and I have an '03 with 80k miles on it now and no problems except a u-joint.



The frame is now fully hydroformed (essentially boxed) and is much stiffer. This helps handling and load carrying.



POWER is way up, the new trucks are FAST even stock. Brakes as mentioned, very well done.



Great trucks, I have two at work, and one at home.

 

[klenger]

Did anyone mention ... 4 doors and power towing mirrors?

 

[Idaho Native]

Vinconco,



I also went from a '99 QC 5spd with 80K on it (and a bunch of cool mods) to an 05 auto (Laramie). I didn't think I'd ever like a rig as much as my '99, but it happened! All of the comments above are right on. Some words of caution: if you drive one, be prepared to haul out the checkbook and drive it home



Loren

 

[mberry]

In my case, it was the quiet and looks of the new ones that got me. And the brakes. And the steering. And the power. And the ride. And the comfort. And the 4 doors. And the room. And...

 

[rrl989]

I'm stuck with an old 98 12V. I'm afraid to do a test drive as I may go broke $$ . But, with all these improvements, come so many new issues / problems, I can handle the KDP fix, but, certainly not these injector issues.



Ron

 

[vinconco]

Ron;

Hmmm, did a search (injector) and got 112 hits. One poll indicated over 10% of respondents have had trouble. Doesn't seem to be a consensus on exactly what the trouble is however.