I just sold my 02 F150 and want to upgrade to a 3/4 ton truck. Looking at the ford 250, but the ram 2500 with the HEMI is really pulling me in. My question is if any one has had any trouble with the new Hemi engine/tranny/rear end, or if there is something i should look for when shopping around for one. ALSO, is there any majordifference between the 03' and '04 2500?Im still learning when it comesto Dodge so any advice would be veryhelpful. thanks

 

Go with the 04 as they changed the PCM and several other items. 03 was the first year (if I recall correctly) for the Hemi in the Ram. If you are looking for a 3/4 ton truck and can swing the $s get the CTD instead of the Hemi - best diesel on the market for that size truck.

 

05

 

yah if your gonna be buying a 2500, deffinitly go all out and buy the CTD, the hemi is nice and all but the CTD is much better

 

I'd have to agree, the hemi is great for the 1500, but I think with increased frame and whatnot, the Cummins is much better suited.

 

id go with 04. as far as i know there arent any differences in the reliability of the trucks for those years, but the interior on the 04 is more refined. the steering wheel controls are easier to use, the steering wheel looks alot nicer and has a chrome rams head emblem in the middle of it, on SLT models, the drivers seat is 8 way power adjustable, which really helps to find the perfect driving position. i have an 04 and my dad has an 03 and everyone who drives mine (including my dad) agrees that my truck is more comfortable to drive. id go with the newest truck you could possibly afford. right now they are selling brand new 06s for insanely low prices. id check into one of them, before deciding to go with a used one. you might be able to work out a good deal for a new one.

 

One difference I found out on this board is about the 7/70 powertrain warr. and that it costs 0 to transfer the '03 and $150(?) to transfer the '04.

 

I'm new to Dodge with my 06 2500, built aside from the 17 in rims and the newer body style, and interiorI doubt thiers much differance in the actual truck from 03 to 06.

The hemi is an excellant engine for a 2500, empty I lay a smacking to lot of cummions owners, but if your wanting to tow, or drive arround with 5000 lbs in the back of your truck, the Cummions is the only way to go.

Basicly, thiers no point in paying extra for the cummons if all your doing is driving arround lighly loaded, booth are great engines, but you have to get the best engine to match your needs..