I am looking at buying a '99 to 04 dodge ram with a diesel engine. Any suggestions or known problems? I am not real familar with diesel engines. I am also looking at the fords. I have no interest in chevys. I have a 2004 dodge ram now and love it but I am in need of a 8 foot bed now and I would prefer to just up grade to the diesel. Thanks for all the help.
2007-07-05 05:33:42 · 6 answers · asked by Michael B 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Dodge
First off, if you have no experience with a diesel, I would discourage you from buying one. Also if you are looking "just to upgrade" to one. However, if you intend to haul heavy loads or tow, then it may be a good option.
Diesels are more expensive to buy, and more expensive to maintian. Repairs often cost double what a petrol vehicle do. An oil change on a regular vehicle is around $40. You have 12 quarts of oil, and a large filter, plus fuel filter to change on a diesel, which easily adds up to $100. You also have to consider cold weather.
However, once you buy a diesel, you will not buy another petrol. I have a 2001 Ram 2500, CTD, and love it.
The 99-02 Dodge diesel are the second generation body style. The older style of sorts. They have some minor problems, specifically the lift pump known as the Bosch VP44. If the fuel pump goes, if can take the VP44 with it. This can easily be a $2000 repair.
The 03 and up trucks did not have this problem. However, all years the automatic transmissions need special attention. If not properly maintained and cared for, the automatics often burn up the clutch packs, torque convertor or other problems.
If you are looking for more detailed information, there are numerous websites dedicated to diesel trucks. One I am a member of is: www.dieselram.com
2007-07-05 05:51:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a list of all the problems with the Cummins Diesel:
1. Guys who drive other trucks get jealous
The Cummins is the best diesel, but the old Ford 7.3 is close. The 6.0 Powerstroke had problems in it's early life, but the were corrected, but it still isn't a Cummins. The Duramax is ok, but I don't like the idea of buying an American truck with a Japanese engine. The Cummins is basically a scaled down Semi engine. The overhaul interval for the Cummins is 350,000 miles, where the Powerstroke and Duramax are both 250,000 miles.
2007-07-05 07:12:48 · answer #2 · answered by atvman_400 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 04.5 600 series 3500 4x4 auto swb Laramie Diesel 100 hp chip stock ex 4". ram air induction 2" lift front 315X17 bf Goodrich. I get 20 mph at 65 mph 1650 rpm.Love this truck have had no problems.If you get a diesel the oil change is not 4000 miles like the dealer wants it 10,000
with the new 600 series Eng from DC that's what they say is fine. Best of luck Buy a 04.5 or newer as that's when the 325hp Eng not a 04 big difference.
2007-07-05 10:46:53 · answer #3 · answered by 45 auto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the cummins diesel is a solid reliable, and powerful engine. you will gain fuel economy over the gas engine as well. my recommendation is that since you like your current dodge, stay with dodge, you wont be sorry. by the way, i prefer the ford myself, and if you decide to buy a ford diesel, avoid the early powerstroke 6.0's as they had some problems that were later corrected. for the powerstroke i would look at a 2002-2005 model, or the earlier 7.3 powerstroke.
2007-07-05 05:41:11 · answer #4 · answered by richard b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not to rain on atvman_400 parade..but the 5.9 is not a scaled down haul truck engine. I work in construction equipment. We use this basic engine in up to 70,000 excavators, 41,000 wheel loaders and more. It IS NOT A LIGHT DUTY TRUCK engine, but an industrial engine that was designed to work most of it's life at 80% load factors. I worked with the engineers at Cummins on a few projects. The above load factors came from them..oh, yes,,,load factor in a pickup going down the highway at 60 MPH...18%. Per..no warranty implied or given...if you will do the maintenance 450,000 miles should be no problem. Dodge once had an advertisement for us gear heads that showed the size of the connecting rod for the Ford and Isuzu..( Chevrolet). Find it and you will be amazed how much steel is in this...1000# pound engine.
Good Luck
2007-07-05 07:33:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 95 dodge ram 2500 club-cab diesel and it is the best vehicle iv'e ever had ----------Most importantly it runs on bio-diesel --------- I love not going to the gas stations ---Make your own fuel---
2007-07-05 09:46:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋