So the 05 should ride better than the 03? I am going to go check both of them out really well this weekend and make a decision on one. I know I want a Dakota. As mentioned, not too big or too small and nice features

03-108,000 miles..tow package new tires.
05-118000 miles..needs tires and shocks. Power heated seats.

Other than the mentioned differences everything else is the same not counting 2nd to 3rd gen differences.

 

double check, but doesnt the 2003 have the 6 lug wheel, where our trucks have the 5 lug, and are you sure its a 4.7 and not a 5.2

 

Correct 97-04 Have 6 Lugs well 05+ have 5.

 

According to the website the truck has a 4.7. It does have 6 lug wheels. I asked in the 2003 section if anyone knows what equipment the towing package includes other than the obvious hitch,light and brake connectors and tranny cooler. But no responses. Did it get anything like brake or suspension upgrades?

 

I dont think it got any major changes, They still had front end issues, Same ones to basically. My old 2000 had all 4 Ball-joints go at once (and one was replaced a yr before) That the reason I bought my 05. To get the 2000 to pass inspection what half of what I paid for the 05.
Im not sure if any parts are Swappable tho, Odd feeling none are since no one has mentioned it.

 

Well, thanks for that but I was asking about the towing package

 

get a cummins youll never go back i promis

 

Hmm, diesel is more than regular gas so....towing isn't that important. I was just asking about the tow package because the truck has it.

 

I understand and yes diesel is more but i always got enough trk no matter what and i get 22mpg iv never owned a gas trk was just trying to help u out not stomp ur toes or nothing, Hope u have lots of luck w/ ur new purchas

 

My 05 had the towing package, the build sheet states it has: trailer tow group (don't know what that means exactly), heavy duty cooling, heavy duty suspension (HA!), front and rear heavy duty shocks (HA! again), 3.55 rear axle (why a 3.92 did not come standard with the tow package is beyond me), transmission oil cooler, power steering cooler, class IV receiver hitch, 7 pin wiring harness. I'm sure thsat did not change much between 2nd and 3rd gens. I'm also not sure what a build sheet w/o towing package looks like, it might also state the "heavy duty" suspension stuff as well. But, we all know there is nothing heavy duty about the suspension on these trucks, with or without a tow package.