Hey guys im normally on the 2nd gen forum but im thinkin about getting a new truck probaly a 2500 but not sure thats why i am here. What do you reccomend getting i want to get the hemi and i am going to lift the truck so it is sitting on 35's. I am pretty sure the 2500 is the best bet for that because of the solid front axles. Also i was thinking about an 03 or 04 save a little money going used. So this is where you guys come in should i definitely get the 2500 or should i get a 3500 and also do you guys think a fair price range would be for a regular cab long bed in these years...? thanks for the input.

 

well if your trying to save money go with the 2500, that would still be siick jacked up

but the 3500 duelies are siiick jacked up

i love my hemi, but cummins are awesome too.

 

i dont want the drw because i honestly dont need one i cant affoard a cummins at this point which is why im getiin the hemi plus i know how to work on a gas engine much better then i know the diesel engines also i plan on doing plenty of performance to this hemi i want to make it bad a$$ its gotta be big, loud, and fast enough

 

go for an 05 HEMI. itll look much better than the 04 in my opinion. i see trucks every single day at work. one right after another... i see hundreds and hundreds a day. i can spot an 04 from an 05... and trust me, the 05s are much nicer! get the 05 HEMI and do your thang playa!

 

but it also just tacks on a couple bucks to the price tag.... I dont know if i can find one then yea sure and also would you reccomend looking for an off road package with these trucks whats different?

 

Just did a quick search on autotraders.com ( http://tinyurl.com/224hgb ) .. looks like in your area, there isn't much of a premium for a 3500. So I'd say go for the 1 ton. It will hold it's value better than the 3/4 and IMHO looks better to boot.

As for the year differences, yeah the '05 will be more money, but it still has some factory warranty on it in most cases. Just remember that the warranty is based on in-service date, not build date. Get a carfax report to see when the truck was first registered to figure out when the bumpre-to-bumper warranty will expire.

This next part is not necessarily directed at anyone specifically, but car shopping can be pain or plesure depending on whether or not you can afford the truck in the first place. Make sure you're comfortable with taking out the loan or parting ways with quite a bit of cash. Used cars don't usually qualify for factory financing and at today's rates, a 5 year loan will cost you about 30% of the original price in interest. Having said that, I'm certainly familiar with that gut twisting feeling of wanting something and wanting that something NOW. Don't let that feeling control you. I know I wish I'd have made better money choices in the past.

 

well said. i like that "wanting now" part.

 

thats why im saving and waiting lol

 

I don't think you'd even have to lift it for 35's lotsa guys on the CTD section running stock ride height or just a lvl kit with 35's with out rubbing. If you've got the money go with the CTD but like you said they are harder to work on and they are expensive. Either wya you'll be happy with what you get.

 

Copy what Ben D. said. My little bro has an '03 Ram QC 2500 with the Hemi.....came with stock 17" Rims............he put 315/75r/17 Tires on it (Hummer H2 tires) equivalent of 35x12x17.

He did the above with stock suspension...no rubbing. A little FYI though, in today gas market the hemi's up to and '05 are getting less that 15mpg avg..........whilst 06 & 07's are pullin' 15-23mpg....mine is averaging 19.2.....and I romp pretty hard and fairly often.