Is there a "what year is best" thread for 3rd Gen?
06-03-2010, 12:23 PM
#16
Registered User
I'd have to vote for the 6.7 with the 6 speed auto and engine brake once the deletes have been done. The down low torque stock is impressive and the 6 speed auto is amazing. 
06-03-2010, 01:48 PM
#17
DTR's 'Wrench thrower...' And he aims for the gusto...
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Smith Valley, NV (sometimes Redwood City, CA)
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
Seems like the 6.7 is in a whole other category. I'd love to have one except for the mileage and the emisions stuff.
Yeah, you can pull all that stuff off, but then the smog test comes along and you have to put it all back on for the test. I do not want a DPF and I do not want to keep switching parts for the smog police. They have not started smog tests in my county, but who knows.
Best of all worlds would be an '04 with a six speed auto and a turbo from a 6.7 with the brake. Or retro a 6.7 into an '04 and run it with the '04 computer. Dream on.
Yeah, you can pull all that stuff off, but then the smog test comes along and you have to put it all back on for the test. I do not want a DPF and I do not want to keep switching parts for the smog police. They have not started smog tests in my county, but who knows.
Best of all worlds would be an '04 with a six speed auto and a turbo from a 6.7 with the brake. Or retro a 6.7 into an '04 and run it with the '04 computer. Dream on.
06-03-2010, 01:57 PM
#18
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Vancouver Isl./Fort McMurray
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good thread! I'll be following it closely as i need to buy a new truck for work. Looking at '04 through to '07 with a stick and dually. Keep the info comin'!
06-03-2010, 02:37 PM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 8,803
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, the NV5600 6-speed manual seems to be the most popular trans for these trucks but didn't New Venture go out of business and now parts are super hard to find for them? Or did someone else buy their tooling and start making parts again...
06-03-2010, 08:05 PM
#20
Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
[QUOTE=Dodgezilla;2778058]Well, the NV5600 6-speed manual seems to be the most popular trans for these trucks but didn't New Venture go out of business and now parts are super hard to find for them?QUOTE]
I've heard the same thing, but the way I look at it is, don't abuse it, change the fluid regularly and you shouldn't have anything to worry about (I hope!)
I've heard the same thing, but the way I look at it is, don't abuse it, change the fluid regularly and you shouldn't have anything to worry about (I hope!)
06-03-2010, 10:50 PM
#22
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What about the G56? is that the new 6 spd manual?
I just dont like towing with an auto. Even the Girlfriends Duramax with Allison is ok, but I just dont like the Auto.
Are there specific years that have problems? Ive heard problems about valve seats falling out or blends doors in AC/Heat systems not working, and stuff.
I have a 97 and that seemed to be a good year. What about the 3rd Gens?
Seems like 03-04(early) seem ok. What problems do they have, not just engine, the whole truck overall?
I just dont like towing with an auto. Even the Girlfriends Duramax with Allison is ok, but I just dont like the Auto.
Are there specific years that have problems? Ive heard problems about valve seats falling out or blends doors in AC/Heat systems not working, and stuff.
I have a 97 and that seemed to be a good year. What about the 3rd Gens?
Seems like 03-04(early) seem ok. What problems do they have, not just engine, the whole truck overall?
06-03-2010, 10:52 PM
#23
Registered User
[QUOTE=DodgeDiesel61;2778244]
I agree I have 144000 miles on mine and have changed the trans oil 4 times and never found anything scarey on the magnet. I shifts well and sixth gear is better than the first G56s and even a little better that the new G56s
Jim O
Well, the NV5600 6-speed manual seems to be the most popular trans for these trucks but didn't New Venture go out of business and now parts are super hard to find for them?QUOTE]
I've heard the same thing, but the way I look at it is, don't abuse it, change the fluid regularly and you shouldn't have anything to worry about (I hope!)
I've heard the same thing, but the way I look at it is, don't abuse it, change the fluid regularly and you shouldn't have anything to worry about (I hope!)
Jim O
06-21-2010, 06:24 AM
#24
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Are there issues with the 3rd gens, like we had with 2nd gens, like 53 block, KDP, 5th gear nut on NV4500s and those awesome VP44s that failed all the time?
I read some where about a cracked frame at the steeering box?
and something about some engines losing a valve seat and self destructing?
I read some where about a cracked frame at the steeering box?
and something about some engines losing a valve seat and self destructing?
06-21-2010, 08:46 AM
#25
Registered User
Dropped valve seat and cracked frame seem to be pretty rare.
In 03 they had a stamped alternator bracket that was prone to crack. They also had some issues with leaks at the door seals. 05 I think it was had plastic tanks on the intercooler that could blow off. They also changed from a filter mounted lift pump to an in-tank version to improve reliability.
Those are all pretty little things. Mainly you hear about injectors going bad on the 3rd gen common rail engines, and they are expensive. Extra filtration is a good investment IMHO.
In 03 they had a stamped alternator bracket that was prone to crack. They also had some issues with leaks at the door seals. 05 I think it was had plastic tanks on the intercooler that could blow off. They also changed from a filter mounted lift pump to an in-tank version to improve reliability.
Those are all pretty little things. Mainly you hear about injectors going bad on the 3rd gen common rail engines, and they are expensive. Extra filtration is a good investment IMHO.
06-21-2010, 03:26 PM
#26
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello all,
Newbie here...I to am in the market for a 3rd gen just not sure which one. I like the mega cabs but a reg 4 door will do, has to be 4x4 and I'd like a 6spd. Any info/opinions/experiences or votes on which versions are prefered or better would be greatly appreciated! thanks for all the info so far!
I had an 01 2500 with a 6spd which left me walking more times than I want to recall, (I did thrash on it pretty hard though) sold it last summer and went back to my 460 powered F-250, but its getting old and the 6-8mpg's hurt pretty bad.
Newbie here...I to am in the market for a 3rd gen just not sure which one. I like the mega cabs but a reg 4 door will do, has to be 4x4 and I'd like a 6spd. Any info/opinions/experiences or votes on which versions are prefered or better would be greatly appreciated! thanks for all the info so far!
I had an 01 2500 with a 6spd which left me walking more times than I want to recall, (I did thrash on it pretty hard though) sold it last summer and went back to my 460 powered F-250, but its getting old and the 6-8mpg's hurt pretty bad.
06-25-2010, 04:28 PM
#28
Registered User
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Lake Arrowhead, Ca
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am a very happy 04.5 owner.. Haven't had much of an issue with it.. I think the only thing that's been an issue was the lift pump at 22k, and I had a rear carrier bearing take a crap about 2k miles ago.. Both items were replaced under warranty, with no questions asked.
Scott
Scott
