I'd originally posted this in the above section, truckin151 suggested I repost it here......

Hello all! Newbie to the forum looking to purchase a used Ram and hoping you all can give me advice on what to look for or steer away from. Ultimately I'd like to find a 03 - 06 3500 Short Bed Quad cab Diesel 4x4, 6 speed manual, SRW's and short bed. Yea I know I'd also like the Economy debacle to disappear tomorrow and have .99 cent/gallon gasoline.
If I'm able to find one to my liking it won't be long for the lift kit etc, etc.... What I'm curious is within that year range were there any that had a stronger drive train or bigger axles than another? Also with the Diesel option, again within those years, what is the difference if any between the 2500 and 3500? I've done the google thing but haven't been able to find any definitive info on the options or drive-train differences from past years. Look forward to your suggestions...

Thanks in advance!

jeff

 

differance between 2500 and 3500 is a helper spring in the back thats it. Gear options are either 3.75 or 4.10 unless your going to put tires bigger than 35" 3.75 are the way to go unless you tow really heavy alot. I'm fairly sure the only thing in the drivetrain that was an option was either a 10.5" rear end or the 11.5" rear end you could get either in the 2500 I think the 3500 comes with the 11.5"

by the way why do you want .99 cent gas if your buying a diesel?

 

Hey Bass,

Thanks for the tips, if I have a choice I'd like to get the biggest axles that were available. Gear ratios are not really a concern, if I lift it for the tires (I want Mickey Thompson 39.5 Bajas) I will swap gears for the ratio I need. As far as the gas I was being overly sarcastic, although my other "Toy" is a Corvette. Other than the forum do you know a good source for info on these trucks?

Thanks again!

jeff

 

I've always liked going to the manufactures web sites and reading up. Kore and Carli make awesome suspensions. Smarty seems to be a great tuner. I have the edge with attitude and like it. AFe and S&b intakes are real popular. If your going to hop up the motor alittle I would drive it awhile before chaning gears unless you tow heavy you probably wont need to. Geno's garage is also a great place to buy parts.

 

if you are looking for info on trucks that are not brand new, than just google the year, make, model and you will find reviews of the trucks in past years and get a ton of information.