3rd gen vs 2nd gen power

I have a 2nd gen with k and n intake and flow master. When I test drove the 3rd gen, I was shocked how much slower it was. Both were 6 speed manuals compared. Is it all in my head? The dynos dont show any less power in the 3rd gen.

This is the only issue holding me back from an upgrade.

 

The way I drive, I dont like to rev the engine that much. I'd rather feel the torque in the most range.

 

(Looking for an evaluation from a person who has owned both)

 

The 4.0 makes more power down low. The 3.5 makes power up higher. It likes to rev much more, I typically shift around 2500-3500 rpm depending on the day.

The latest TSB makes a significant difference as does OVTUNE

 

So the 2017 i test drove is different than the 2019?

 

The 2nd gen had this stupid feature where it revved when I dropped it in neutral. does the 3rd gen do that?

 

It’s in your head. The torque bands are practically identical.

 

The 2017 probably had 04b12 (what mine came with) the latest TSB is 04b13 which makes it drive quite a bit differently. The 2019 has a different calibration and they all have iterative changes. I’ve driven a 2nd gen MT a few times and I really like the 3rd gen MT

I don’t believe so. If it does, I’ve never noticed it.

 

That's what I thought. Maybe it's because my engine is noisier.

 

What about the 6th gear highway rpms being high like the 2nd gen?

 

I’ve learned to love my powerband. I didn’t like it at first because I babied it too much. Yes. It has no power at all down low. I use this as my gas saving mode. Sometimes I just cruise around and save gas. When I want to play I drop two gears and go. Plenty of pep up high. This truck really responds well to a pedal to the floor and a downshift X2.

 

What did you have before?

 

6th gear cruising in this truck is great. Depending on speed I’m usually 2000-2500 rpm and averaging 20+ mpg at speeds under 70 mph

 

X2.


Owned both. Towed with both. Live in the mtns. Offroaded with both.

 

6th gear in 2nd gen is like 3k and up at 70+ mph.

 

Where were you shifting in the 3rd gen

 

I didn’t have a 2nd gen. I have had three Dakotas. Yes. They all had trans issues and rusted out. But they had plenty of power. I had a 3.9, 5.2, and 4.7. Sometimes I miss the tire roasting power.... then I downshift

 

The louder your vehicle is the faster you are so I don’t know.

 

I think 3rd gen at 75-80mph is about 3500rpm. If I remember correctly. Don't have the truck anymore.

 

I've owned both and they are just different, you will find that you have to downshift more frequently and rev it higher. Once you get up close to 4k RPMs it will get going pretty good and you gotta remember that this one weighs more than a 2nd gen.