Honest opinion on the 3rd gens?

So I may be looking for another truck but from many discussions with folks it seems the 3rd gen trucks are just slapped together and sent out the door. Fluid levels low from the factory, leaking diffs, shudderng engines, poor shift mapping and acceleration are what I hear a lot.

I would like to know what the general consensus is on the 3rd gen 4x4 trucks with both engines.

Again please be honest. Just want as much facts as possible.

 

I like my truck. It drives nice and I've had no problems. I have a 17 dcsb off-road. I've taken it off road and it's done fabulous.

 

Another thing to add to my line of info. How is the braking performance compared to the 2nd gens?

 

Good to hear. Any little quirks or bugs?

 

The brakes are fine on mine.

 

I have a 2017 DCSB Sport MT and love it. I haven't had a single issue and my breaks work perfect as well.

 

Has anyone had the TSB pertaining to the 6 speed auto? If so how does it react now vs before.

My 5 lug had more pep than the V6 2016 I test drove.

 

There is a buzzing under the dash which is annoying, but not annoying enough that I've fixed it yet. The front windows rattle a bit when they are rolled down partially. The transmission shifts a bit more than I like, but I'm used to diesel trucks. It is only getting about 18mpg with sliders, skid plates, a softopper and 265/75/16 ko2s. I took it on imogene pass and it did fucking amazing with stock tires.

 

I have a '17 DCLB Sport with 17K on it. No issues whatsoever, and really enjoy the truck. Never driven a 2nd gen so can't speak to the braking. I've previously owned several GM trucks and driven a few Ford trucks for work and so far my Taco experience exceeds what the other trucks had to offer.

 

I know the shifting part. I have a 2015 Ram 2500 as well. It likes to hunker down and go.

Wow not bad. That pass is brutal. A buzzing like a Kazoo?

 

I loved my truck, but I got the Friday rush job, problematic truck. I wanted to keep it for 10+ years, but I ended up losing all confidence in it after continuing problems so I traded it off after 16 months.

Do not take my experience as scaring you away from considering or bashing the third gen, just realize that sometimes crap happens on car purchases and it was my turn. Most people don’t have any issues and enjoy their trucks immensely. I hope to one day get into another 3rd gen, as I really like these trucks.

 

My other truck is a cclb 4x4 7.3 zf5 f350 which has about twice the torque and I was used to that. I took the taco truck to Colorado loaded with all my shit and my klr650 on an adventure with my wife and we got 21mpg average

 

Personal experience with GM has been bad bar none. I have driven several Ford trucks and never an issue but again those were fleet rigs too.

Good to hear another positive.

 

Wow that's solid MPG. Also hard to beat a 7.3 with the ZF5.

 

It sounds like some wiring or something buzzing under the passenger side dash.

 

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Out of curiosity what all was wrong?

 

I have almost 65,000 miles on mine and honestly I was bored with it and considered trading it in, but decided to go ahead and do some small mods like 5100s and wheels and tires and my interest has been restored. I’ll be installing Mobtown sliders this week and the mod itch is still strong!! There was a time when my transmission constantly shifting in cruise control got on my last nerve.... but I guess I’ve learned to live with it and it doesn’t bother me near as much now. I was getting 18-21mpg constantly but now with the 285s I’m lucky to break 15s, but it comes with the territory. Overall it’s a solid truck and I don’t regret the purchase. It goes anywhere my 4x4 gator goes and has never left me stranded. Just test drive a few different models and if they let you, keep one for a weekend!! Good luck with your decision!!

 

I just traded off my ‘13 TRD Sport DCSB manual for a new ‘17 Pro auto and I love it. I liked my second gen but would not go back for sure. The ‘17 seems much more refined than the ‘13.

 

Owned a 98 3.4l a 13 & 15 4.0l and now a 17 3.5l. The 17 is by far the best truck not even close. This forum said the same thing when the 05 models came out. Between the 4.0l and 3.5l the 4.0l has noticeably more low end torque the 3.5l has noticeably more top end power. The 3.5l is better in every way except low end torque. Way better mpg, sounds and revs way smoother and no clicking. I can’t say anything in regards to the 4cyl but as far as issues from the factory that’s why I never buy the first year of a remodel. My 17 has had no issues.

 

That's odd. I hate rattles like that. Sometimes it's something dumb and an easy fix. Kinda like my 2nd gen that had water entering the cab from the AC cowl sealant failing and the large center body plug blowing out. I just silicone the body plug and ran wet/dry poly flashing sealant on the cowl. So far so good. Fix cost me 13 bucks.