I'm looking to replace my '88 Ram with a newer 4dr Ram. I'm currently looking at an '04 1500 with the 5.7. I've done a some research and believe the basics are the same for '04 and '05. Any reason why I'd want to save a little longer and spring for an '06? The one thing I really like about the '04 and '05 os the 7/70,000 power train warrenty... I'll also be pulling a cartrailer around ~ 7500 lbs loaded.

I was also thinking about installing a leveling kit, but it doesn't appear that anyone makes one for '02-'05 1500's. Any ideas? I've found them for '06's already. Any words of wisdom.

Thanks!

 

You can find a leveling kit on ebay.. Go ahead and get an 04 or 05 if you can find one. Should be alot cheaper.

 

Might wanna double check the towing capacity for the truck yer looking at. The '06 1500 has 7500 lbs towing (which is what yer at) or 8500 with the higher (3.92) axle ratio, I don't know what the '04s or '05s would be.

 

With that much weight, I would seriously consider a CTD motor.

 

Diesels do the best at towing, but it depends on how often you tow if its worth it.
The 04 05 gas engines have the five speed auto, it does not allow you to manually shift into 3rd gear, the 06 corrects this. Not too many people seem to find this as a problem, but I do. Especially because the tow haul mode does not seem to downshift into 3rd until almost full throttle.
If you tow over 75% of your tow rating in any hills you will probably agree with me that it is a problem.

FYI 3rd gear is 1:1 ratio "drive"
4th is .75:1 ratio "overdrive"
5th is .67:1 ratio "overdrive"

 

I have an 04 Hemi and love it. The only difference between 04 and 05 are some different badges, the seats are slightly different (the 05's are more comfortable), and more wheel choices, thats it. The 06's will cost you more, but have a coil over suspension. It is supposed to be a better ride than 03-05 torsion bar set up. That is the reason you cannot find a leveling kit for the 04 and 05's - torsion bars. You can have them cranked to level the front end. Because the 06's have a coil over, they make a coil spring spacer that levels it out.

The 04's and 05's with the 3.92 rear end can tow 8500 lbs - just like the 06's. If you are going to tow 7500 lbs, spend the extra money and get a Cummins. It will last longer, tow easier, and has more upgrades available.

 

I did some more math and the 7500 lbs would be the max my trailer weighs. It's a small 14' car trailer and a Jeep Cherokee for 4-wheeling. I only pull probably 10-12 times a year. Based on the infrequent number of time I actully plan to pull a year I don't think I need a 3/4 ton, it would be nice but not worth all the extra $$ and gas. I'm looking at to different trucks. I found an '04 5.7L, 20" rims, 3.92, and the basics. Yesterday I got a call back on an '04 with 5.7L, 17" rims, 3.55 gears, leather...with everything! The latter is about $1500 more. What do you think?

 

Both of those trucks have a drawback. The 20" rims lower tow rating by about 1000 lbs, the 3.55 gears are probably about the same.

How was your old truck equipped, and how well did it tow this trailer?

 

I have an 04 Ram 1500 4x2 Hemi QC with 3.92 gears and 20s. It is rated from the factory at 8850# when last I checked.

Mike

 

When I asked the steelership what the tow rating was with the 20" rims and 3.92's I was told 8,500 lbs. So I'm guessing I should be OK. Looking to do some final negotiations on Monday!

My '88 has a 318, 727 trany and 3.55's. She pulls like a beast! The trucks been GREAT, it's never let me down. I've pulled the trailer and jeep steady at 65 mph with no problem. The issue is its a standard cab and the wife and I are expecting a little one this summer...so I need a Quad cab. I keep thinking maybe I should look at a 3/4 ton but I only pull 12 or so times per year and the rest of the time its a daily driver.