Is there a "what year is best" thread for 3rd Gen?
05-31-2010, 10:07 PM
#1
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Is there a "what year is best" thread for 3rd Gen?
Im looking a getting a 3rd gen 3/4T 4x4 Quad Cab. But still keep my 97 for heavy hauling. looking for a 03-06
I know there are a ton of differences from one year to next, like split years 04-04.5, and other stuff, like some have LP in tank, some have metal or plastic intercooler tanks, tranny differences etc.
Does any one have a list of differences between years, or a spread sheet?
or any suggestions on why I want one or another.
Im getting this for daily driving and for fun. I guess as for to my preferences, I'd rank them as:
1. Reliablilty
2. better MPG
3. Good Power or easily upgraded
4. the less crap the better, (such as sensor, cats, emissions, etc.)
Id make a spread sheet if there isnt one and I could get enough data.
Thanks
I know there are a ton of differences from one year to next, like split years 04-04.5, and other stuff, like some have LP in tank, some have metal or plastic intercooler tanks, tranny differences etc.
Does any one have a list of differences between years, or a spread sheet?
or any suggestions on why I want one or another.
Im getting this for daily driving and for fun. I guess as for to my preferences, I'd rank them as:
1. Reliablilty
2. better MPG
3. Good Power or easily upgraded
4. the less crap the better, (such as sensor, cats, emissions, etc.)
Id make a spread sheet if there isnt one and I could get enough data.
Thanks
)
06-01-2010, 08:19 AM
#4
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Yeah, the 03 through 04.5 HO (555) has no cat, and generally gets better MPG than the later 600 (with cat).
Earlier 03's had a stamped alternator bracket that was prone to crack, and there were some threads about door mouldings that leaked.
If the Laramie I bought in 03 would have been a dually, I'd still be driving it.
Earlier 03's had a stamped alternator bracket that was prone to crack, and there were some threads about door mouldings that leaked.
If the Laramie I bought in 03 would have been a dually, I'd still be driving it.
06-01-2010, 08:24 AM
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I like my 06 better than the 04 I had, but partly because of the megacab and the 3.73 axle ratio, over the quad cab with 4.10s...
My neighbor has an 03, and I do wish I got his mileage...
Bryan
My neighbor has an 03, and I do wish I got his mileage...
Bryan
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06-02-2010, 05:10 AM
#9
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373 mine has in an auto and 410s i believe the earlier nv5600 for 03 and 04's are supposidly great the g56 for the newer ones are geared a little low so you run higher rpm's
the high output 03's to 07.5's have a 48re , the standard outputs and californias run a 47 re the 48 is better
the high output 03's to 07.5's have a 48re , the standard outputs and californias run a 47 re the 48 is better
06-02-2010, 05:11 AM
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Get an 03-early04, you'll be able to tell from the side of the valve cover it'll say 305/555. Make sure it has the 48RE, it's a better transmission than the 47. Pretty sure it'll be identified inside the glovebox. The ealy motors have a thisker piston and seem to be a lot less common to melt down and still make great power if you're going that route. Gear ratio should be in the glove box also. They were offered standard in the 3.73's I believe but 4.10 was also available as an option in the 3/4 tons. Most 1 ton's will have the 4.10 standard I'm pretty sure
05's have the plastic intercoolers so stay clear of the ones with those
05's have the plastic intercoolers so stay clear of the ones with those
06-02-2010, 06:59 PM
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This thread gives me a good feelin'! I just purchased an 03' QC,SB,4X4 with the HO and 48RE trans. It has 125,000 miles and literally looks like it has 10,000 ! It is a cream puff in perfect shape except for a scuff on the bumper. It has a cold air intake, 4" stainless MBRP dual tip exhaust and a Banks 6 gun with speedloader. 
I was leery about the 03's being the 1st year for the 3rd Gens but am happy with my decision
Guess I'll be spending twice as much time on here reading the 3rd gen section on top of the 2nd gen...
I was leery about the 03's being the 1st year for the 3rd Gens but am happy with my decision
Guess I'll be spending twice as much time on here reading the 3rd gen section on top of the 2nd gen...
06-03-2010, 04:41 AM
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I've had them all including a 6.7l truck. They all have their good and bad points. I am super happy with my current truck but can honestly say that the 08 6.7l Megacab has been my favorite once I pulled all the emissions junk off of it. The factory E-Brake and that sweet 6-speed auto trans are the main reasons. Dodge got it right with that trans IMO.....
...Ben