Hello guys. Bear with me on this. I'm from England and for the last two years i have had this.................



Its been one reliable truck and has never let me down. I want to replace it with a 3rd generation Ram probably a 2003-04. In doing so i can also sell my 2003 Range Rover as the new one will be able to carry out all the tasks the Range Rover did and more. What i want to know is,how much more advanced is the 3rd gen over the 2nd gen in terms of refinement and road comfort and extras. Also would it be better going for a 4.7 for economy,or is that a false economy in itself,as its a smaller engine towing the same mass?.

All your comments will be most appreciated and helpful.

P.S. You Yanks know how to make a truck. They **** all over inferior Jap products.

 

When I think about my 2nd gen compared to my current truck there is a world of difference. The interior is much nicer than the previous generation trucks. In terms of power, the 3rd gen hemi blows away both the 5.2 and 5.9 engines. As far as economy goes, it seems like the 4.7 and 5.7 get similar economy.

 

Definitely go with the Hemi! gas mileage isn't that far off from the 4.7 and with a few mods you can get it around 18-20. As for Japanese cars, my fathers Toyota Supra pisses on 95% of domestics

 

Thanks for the info so far fellas. Whats reliability like. Had no problems with the 2nd gen. will that be the same with the 3rd. What do i need to look out for?.

 

If it has a stock LSD........that's the main problem.
You can always put an aftermarket one in if it's a peg leg, such as a Detroit TruTrac or an Aurburn.
Just do the usual on a used car. Test for good brakes, not pulsating on braking and stopping in a straight line. smell the transmission fluid if an auto etc etc.
Al.

 

The 3rd gen has a IFS vs your solid front axle on the 4x4. Better ride, not quite as strong for really rough off-roading. The 5.7L Hemi will out tow and get better mileage than the 5.2 and 5.9l. Look for one with 3.92 gears.

 

I owned a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.9L v8 with 4.10 gearing for about two years; and for a week now, I have owned a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi with 3.93 gearing. There is a world of a difference. They are entirely different trucks. For starters, the 3rd generation has an even roomier interior than its predecessor. The interior is flawless. It's put together very well, and is extremely comfortable on long trips. The dashboard also isn't susceptible to cracking. I've also noticed that the Hemi is a lot quieter of a motor than the magnum was. When it comes to the ride, it's night and day. The 3rd generation rides like a car compared to my 2nd generation, but don't be fooled by it's comfy ride, the power is all there. I can't get over how smooth the transmission shifts, and how quick the motor gets up to speed. It's nice knowing my transmission isn't a ticking time bomb too. It's just a very impressive truck. The only thing I'm a little sad about is its towing capacity, it's not terrible, but it's not best in class by any means. Basically if you loved your 2nd generation ram, you'll have no problem moving onto a 3rd generation. I've had no regrets as of yet, and am loving every bit of driving a newer dodge, they've come along way with the refinement.

 

^^^plus they look cooler^^^ ; )

 

The only critisism i really have with the 2nd gen is certain levels of the ride. I find it great on highways. but back roads and side streets i find it to be a bit bone jarring when it hits pot holes,or hitting speed ramps a bit fast. So from what you are saying this isnt a issue with the 3rd gen?

Also from what people have said does it not have solid beam axles front and rear?. and does the rear suspension still carry leaf springs over from the 2nd,or are they on coils?.

I really need to get out and test some. One other thing. How do diesels stack up against the Hemi regarding economy and performance?.

 

Hi Bluethunder,

Recognise you from Pistonheads, I'm ZZR on there.

I own a 3rd gen UK spec model and love it.

To answer you questions:
The 1500's have independant front suspension the 2500/3500 are a solid front axle, but they are all rear leaf spring, the 4th gen has coil springs.

The ride is fairly supple but with a seperate chassis you always get a bit of shudder over really bad roads, more so when pushing hard, although speed bumps are no problem.

Mines a 5.7 and I usually get 17-19UK mpg but over 20 on a long run.

It's the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned and wouldn't swap it for anything else.