Considering a truck

jeepinmatt

#1 WEBWHEELER
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Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Location
Stanley, NC
Don't know what truck, I just know its time for something nicer than my 1990 XJ, and something with a little more functionality. I drive 35 miles to work everyday, mostly highway, and am getting 18-19mpg on a sluggish vehicle that can't pull a trailer or carry 6people. What I know I want:
Turbodiesel
4 Full doors
Not a Dodge MEGAcab
4wd
Shortbed
Manual transmission or Allison auto if it is really that good

Ive been eyeing 03-newer Dodge quad cabs and 06-newer Chevy's (I heard the older ones have engine issues). I don't really want a Ford, as the 6.0 is a problem child, and the 7.3 isn't as "sporty" as the CTD/Duramax. My price range is around 20k preferably, but it is something that I plan to keep for many years, so I don't want to waste money on something I won't be happy with.

Here's what I THINK I know about Dodge/Cummins, please correct me:
NV4500 5spd thru 2001
NV5600 2000-2005
G56 6spd 2005-present
New body style in 2003 w/Quad cab
98.5-present 24v
Beginning of time to 2007-5.9L
07.5-present 6.7L

Ok, let the thoughts, useful information, and comments roll.
 
The NV5600 6speed can be found in 2000 as well, and I've heard some late year 99s had them sporadically. The switch from NV5600 to G56 happened in mid-year 05.
 
So there were a few years where you could get the 5spd or 6spd?

Is there any function/reliability difference between the NV5600 and the G56?
 
I have an "02 CTD ex. cab, 4wd, long bed and love it. I would prefer a 6spd over my 5spd just for towing but it gets it done. I would also prefer 4 full doors just for the extra space but It really hasn't bothered me much from the drivers seat.

I didn't really want a long bed when I bought my truck 5yrs ago but got talked into it. I put a tool box on it which took away the odd look and now I couldn't live without the longbed. It may not bother you much if you didn't have one but I'm sure you would love yourself for getting one if you did. I can't recall ever hearing anyone say,"sure wish I'd gotten a shortbed".
 
Well, I don't know when I would ever need a longbed. My dad currently has an F150 supercrew, so Im used to a 2ft bed. A standard bed would actually fit the 4wheeler, which is really all I need. The extra wheelbase/length that comes with the longbed is what really pushes me away, as I don't know when I would ever need it (REally long stuff can go on the trailer).
 
24v starts in 98 not 03
 
98.5 specifically. early 98's were still 12v.
 
you cant go wrong with a cummins with a manual behind it. Sounds like you should look for a 3rd gen, the extended cabs like mine have very little room in the back seat.
 
Sounds like you should look for a 3rd gen, the extended cabs like mine have very little room in the back seat.
Yes, those are my thoughts exactly.

for 20K and 4 full doors look like your stuck with a ford.
Well, thats why I said "My price range is around 20k preferably, but it is something that I plan to keep for many years, so I don't want to waste money on something I won't be happy with." I believe I can find a CTD like what im lookin for under 25k.

id go with a 99 4door ford......7.3 is a damn good motor
But as I understand it, the Powerstrokes make less power and get lower mpg, all while making more noise.
 
the 12 valve and 7.3 are very close in noise.. the 7.3 has a louder whine then the stock 12 valve.. but the 12 valave has a louder rattle then the 7.3..

it is = apples to oranges.
 
If I had your needs/wants/price range, I'd look for a 99-00 Ford 7.3, 6 spd. The interior and rear seat is much nicer on the Ford. 7.3 has plenty on power and mods available. If my old truck was a 4 door, I'd still have it. A 6 spd would have made it that much better.

With the manual, the 7.3 should get comparable mileage, maybe slightly less, to a cummins.
 
so I don't want to waste money on something I won't be happy with." I believe I can find a CTD like what im lookin for under 25k.
You should be able to get into a 04 or 05 easy for what you want to put out.
I paid around 32k for my 03 new (feb 03)
 
i'd look for an early 04. a little less power, but much easier on fuel from what i've seeen
 
i'd look for an early 04. a little less power, but much easier on fuel from what i've seeen
Bingo. The 03 HO and early 04 trucks have 305hp/555tq and get better mileage than the newer trucks (04.5+). Sold my early 04/6speed for 27k a few months back, but it had a nice camper shell. You should be able to find an 03 6speed in the low 20s with less than 100k miles.
 
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