which 3rd gen

[jayhawktrailers.com]

I've been looking at 3rd gen trucks. I will be looking for a used one. I prefer the nv5600 to the g56 so that rules out the 06 ( and some 05's ) I've been reading about some problems withe each year such as the 03 radiator problem. some 05's ( like ours got the plastic inter cooler) Can some one give me a check list as to what is right or wrong with the 03 04 and 05 models. lift pump issues? which would you choose and why. I haven't been following the 3rd gen threads much until recent, be reading posts on how to keep the old 97 going with 318,000 hard miles on it. Thanks

 

[kgarciactd]

04.5

i dont have much as what to look out for. but my dad bought an 04. 5 new just over a year ago and it has been a wonderful pickup. its in my sig.

 

[DPKetchum]

03 LOL! No cat,no third injection event!Less injector problems posted. Humm,still thinking. Mine and few friends with 03s that moved UP to 05s noticed that the 03 doors and fit in general seemed better and WE haven't needed the door weatherstrip TSB like the newer ones have. I'd eaither want a clean 03 or a 06 just IMHO

 

[BHolm]

I would look for an '03 or '04 with the 305/555 engine. Plenty of power stock, much better mpg than the "600" engines.

 

[jayhawktrailers.com]

The boss has an 05 we really like, but I like the sound of better mpg, plus I might be able to find an 03 or 04 in green. I was disapointed when they didn't pffer green in 05. What other pros and cons are there?

 

[BHolm]

'05 is also the last year of the 7/70 powertrain warranty. You might have trouble finding an '03-'04 diesel for sale with warranty left but, its nice if you can get it. The '04. 5 models introduced the "600" engine with the third injection event. This makes the newest trucks even quieter than a d-max and the early third gens, if that matters. I think that is where the extra fuel goes The early ones ensure the NV5600 trans that you wanted as well. Things to check are service records if you can get them. Regular fuel filter changes (every 10k), regular oil changes. Front ball joints on 4x4's should be checked and driveshaft u-joints can fail. Really nothing major on the trucks though. I put 80k hard miles on an '03 QC SB HO auto and have almost 100k on my '03 dually. The biggest factor for me would be the milage. My '03 QC would get 20+ all the time(often 22-23) empty. Both my '05 and '06 trucks max out around 18 mpg empty.

 

[JCleary]

I would look for an '03 or '04 with the 305/555 engine. Plenty of power stock, much better mpg than the "600" engines.

I agree with this statement, but I couldn't leave mine stock.



I paid almost as much for my '03 as I could have gotten an '04. 5 for at DSM, but my '03 only had 10k on it when I bought it, and I got it locally. Search for a 305/555, you won't regret it.



About the only thing you can't get to work with it is the Crazy Larry program for the BDDL. Plus the fact that you don't have a cat to worry about is great.

 

[MFalkinham]

03 LOL! No cat,no third injection event!Less injector problems posted. Humm,still thinking

Don't forget about the intercooler having metal ends instead of plastic.

 

[fkovalski]

If you intend to use a slide- in camper at any time, you might be interested in THIS THREAD.



Aparently, there are some 3G's that are approved by DC for this type of use and some that are not.

 

[CHolman]

I have a 04 with the 305/555 6 speed and love it... 106,000 miles on it and no problems, knock on wood. I'm hoping for at least another 400,000.....

 

[DPKetchum]

fuel filter maintance is every 15k

 

[John Robinson]

I`d go with the 04. 5 up. They are easier to get big hp out of. Just be sure & get one with the alum. aftercooler.

 

[BHolm]

fuel filter maintance is every 15k

Fine... if you want to go by the book. I personally have had filter issues at 10k miles and think that is an interval that demonstrates the owner was taking extra good care of the truck

 

[DPKetchum]

Waste of money to me. Over maintance. Have several friends with 3rd gens including mine. Filters come out looking ok at 15k and one of them has run several times past late with nothing unusal. A somewhat dirty filter filters better then new. Hate to tell new owners 10k when thats NOT the recomended interval

 

[JJPage]

I have an "03" with 8200 mi on it! any offers?

 

[DPKetchum]

Mines got 20k and change. Right moneys I'd sell. Not a dent,chip or scratch. seat covers also.

 

[mr.wilson]

I purchased an 03 used from south Texas, an old farm truck. I did get pretty lucky that the guy had all the service for the truck written down in the Owners manual. Oil, filters, tires, and service. The truck had high miles but was in pretty good shape. I have not had any major issues as of yet.