Which One?????

[Loaded545]

Hey guys, new here just looking for some helpful info., opinions, and suggestions. Looking to buy a Ram. Been looking at a few. One of em is a 2003 1500 QC has the 5.9L motor with about 130K on it. Another one is a 2005 QC Hemi 5.7L with about 140K on it. Now the 2005 has the manual transfer case and the 2003 has the electric transfer case. Just curious at what I should be looking for and what these trucks might have problems with and to keep my eyes open for???


Thanks yall!!!

 

[WalterG]

My father-in-law has a 03 that is pretty much the same as the one you describe. His has the manual transfer case though. It has always been a really good truck, plenty of power and reliable. I personally would be leary of the electronic shift transfer case, as that is something that can go wrong at the moment that you need it. I have seen a lot of them that work great though, I just like the stick and knowing that when you move it, it works.

I have a Charger with the Hemi in it and am really pleased with the performance. My nephew had a 04 (I think) truck with the Hemi and it didn't seem that much different than the 5.9 that my father-in-law has. It was a gas HOG, only got about 12 mpg on the highway (could have been his driving 80 and having 35" tires) which isn't that great to me. My father-in-law gets about 16-17 on the highway with his and around 12-13 in town with a stock truck.

I hope that this gives a little help.

 

[korby05]

I have a 2002 SLT Plus (same as the 2003 new body style with 5.9) it has the electronic transfer case on it and I haven't had any issues whatsoever with it. My truck has roughly around 142,000 miles on it. Some things to ask or look for is there any transmissions issues since the 5.9 tranny is known to go bad, the plenum which is common with they came out of the factory (not a big deal, just will eventually need changed, like mine does). Those are some little things but dodge trucks for the most part are pretty strong and reliable. I have no complaints with mine since the day I bought it. As long as you take care of it and do normal maintenance you will be fine. I like my 5.9 because it's different than everybody else with the Hemi or 4.7, The 5.9 is a strong and very reliable motor that has been used for many many years.

Any questions don't hesitate to ask..

 

[quietpeen]

i say get the 05 with the hemi. Gas mileage is going to be better

 

[Loaded545]

Thanks for all the info and suggestions!! Another question, Ive heard dodges have that problem with the death wobble.....now is that just more common in the older rams or is that all of em??

 

[quietpeen]

death wobble only applies to trucks with single front axles. 2002 and up ram 1500's don't have a single front axle

 

[Loaded545]

oh ok good...I was reading about that death wobble and sounds pretty serious! Thanks for all the info and input guys!! I really appreciate it! But between the electric Transfer case and the manual Transfer case??? which would you guys prefer or recommend?? I just want to get this truck knowing what to expect...and knowing what or what not to have.....and also which is preferred the SLT or the Lairmar?? Dont really know the difference.....

Thanks guys!!!

 

[HEMIBjörn]

Don't worry about the transfer case. To be honest I don't even like manual ones- but don't listen to me because I don't have a 4x4. It is just my opinion.
I would go for a hemi, 5.9 is a good strong motor but a bit of a dinosaur. It just depends what you're getting your truck for. Hemi is what you want for performance and mods, 5.9 is in my opinion just a workhorse and yes, worse gas mileage than hemi. There's a reason why they got shot of these motors and replaced them with the hemi.

As far as Laramie and SLT, again depends what you want your truck for. SLT is one step above the base model- for me, personally, it's all I ever need and more. The Laramie has better audio system (slightly) I believe, better trim, power seats, etc.

 

[Loaded545]

You have all been very helpful!!! Thank You!! I will let you know what I decide on!! if theres any other little thing that I should know.....just let me know!!!


Thanks guys!!

 

[Wchnu]

I have an. 03. 1500 slt QC. 4x4. I am one that votes for the Hemi. I get around 15 on the hi way if I don't play too much with the right foot. I am a fan of the manual shift lever. Then again I am a wheel gun guy too. The slt is not over fancy but for me very comfortable.

 

[HemiLonestar]

Get the 05. You start out with a hemi and you'll actually be able to tune it.

 

[Blackram]

Get the 05. While the electric transfer case shifter is nice, it shouldn't be a deal breaker. The 5.9 vs the hemi is a deal breaker.

 

[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

05 gets my vote also

 

[WhiteExpress]

05 Also gets my vote.

Doesn't matter what 'truck' duty you do, a 2500 will do it better.
Death Wobble is an issue of lack of maintenance and improper modification.

 

[4X HEMI]

The 2003's did not have a 5.9 in them. The last year for the 5.9 was the 2002 model year. If it is a 2003 then it would either have the 4.7 small V8 or the 5.7 Hemi.

 

[Redtruck-VA]

The 2003's did not have a 5.9 in them. The last year for the 5.9 was the 2002 model year. If it is a 2003 then it would either have the 4.7 small V8 or the 5.7 Hemi.

The 03 model indeed had a 5.9 gas and a 5.9 diesel.
IMO, get the 05 hemi and don't look back. The 03 was a transitional year and used the first generation NGC PCM which has limited support for tuning.

 

[HEMIBjörn]

Couldn't we say that 05 is also the best year for tuning ?

 

[HemiLonestar]

The 2003's did not have a 5.9 in them. The last year for the 5.9 was the 2002 model year. If it is a 2003 then it would either have the 4.7 small V8 or the 5.7 Hemi.

Wait........what?

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Couldn't we say that 05 is also the best year for tuning ?

Many folks who are doing retro hemi installs and want to use the OEM PCM prefer the 05 Ram PCM over the others. So yes, I believe it has it's advantages.

 

[4X HEMI]

The 03 model indeed had a 5.9 gas and a 5.9 diesel.
IMO, get the 05 hemi and don't look back. The 03 was a transitional year and used the first generation NGC PCM which has limited support for tuning.

The only way an 03 had a 5.9 is if someone did an engine swap! And I don't know why they would swap the Hemi for the 5.9!

The 2003 was the first model year with the Hemi engine and the 5.9 was no longer available!

Mine is an 03 and has the Hemi engine, mine was some of the first 03's arriving at the dealers.