Been reading this site for awhile and this is my first post. Great info here. I currently have a 97 PSD but its time for a new one. I've pretty much decided to get a CTD. Never owned a Dodge before. I was wondering which year models had the 7/70 warranty and the 610 or 600 engine. I know that the 07's will have a 6spd AT, but was a 5spd AT available on earlier ones? I don't think so but didn't know for sure. Any advice on which year model GEN 3 to get? I want to get one that has not had any mods, any way to tell? Anything specific to the CTD with AT and 4x4 to look for that shows hard use or abuse? Every make has its little quirks, first to go on the earlier PSD's was the glow plug relay, what are Dodge's. I'm like a sponge looking for water here so any info or opinions would be great. Thanks.

 

The later 03s and up will have the 48re 4 spd auto. No 5spd auto that I know of. I think the 7/70 stopped in 05. The 03-04.5 have a 305/555 ho and they run great. I don't think the 600 or 610 is worth holding out for and they usually don't get the mpg like the 305. Look for aftermarket air filter, gauges, exhaust changes or anything else that isn't stock. The 3rd gens have very few problems. You'll think you are in heaven after that non intercooled antique! Make sure a 4wd has tight steering and handling - that's all I know about the 4wd's. Dodge CTD don't have glowplugs - they have a bulletproof intake air heater with heavy relays. Good luck! Craig

 

Dodge never had a 5 speed in the 3rd gen trucks. 05' is probably a good year to look for because it's the last year of the 7/70K powertrain warranty. The 05' will also have the in tank fuel pump and the newer thrust washer is the trans if you want to add a brake (You lose the warranty though). The two biggest downfalls of that year I feel are the plastic intercoolers and you can't lock out overdrive, although there is supposed to be a aftermarket fix for this real soon. It does have a tow/haul mode which I feel works well unless your towing heavy in switchback hills but I'm sure others will disagree. Also has downhill grade braking but the earier models may also have this, not sure. This is also the last year before the headlights and interior were changed.

Sticky

 

No, only the '03-'04s are the 305/555. The '04.5 started the 325/600 engine version. Your are right that the 305 usually gets better fuel mileage. My little '04 will pull anything I'll ever put behind it! Pulled my 24' enclosed car trailer with a load of furniture from Amarillo to Nashville and got 15 mpg. Weight of trailer and load was in excess of 13,000 pounds.

 

Get an 04.5 or 05. They are faster and have more mods available to them. Plus still have the long warranty

 

There were 03 5 speeds with the S.O.motor made early on as well as the 47re auto trans.They were the low horse engine.

 

The original question about the five speed tranny was "a 5spd AT". Since I assume that by "AT" the poster meant automatic transmission, NO there was no five speed automatic behind the CTD. The 3ed gen trucks used the 47 or 48 RE/ The hemi has a 5 speed automatic, but you don't want a hemi.

 

Why would and 04.5 or 05 be faster than an '06? Or, are you just comparing to '03 -'04?

 

He means faster than an 03/04. The '06 won't have the long warranty that you asked about. Actually 7/70 is (was) the gasser warranty. The diesel warranty is (was, I think), 7/100.

But, my take on that is "Who cares which is FASTER?" I sure don't. Heck, no diesel truck, other than some radical race only truck, is FAST. A Cobra Mustang with 400+ supercharged hp and 3400 pounds is fast. You don't buy a diesel truck because it's fast! JOIBO!