So my mule (1994 Chevy 1500 4.3 2wd) is fading away with his age. Done with school and shopping for another pick up. Need a 4x4 with decent gas mileage that can tow a bit. Looking at Dodge ram 2500 4x4 5.9 diesel turbo (from 1997-2008 prefer under 150k miles). Anyone have input on these and years they prefer and why. Been doing research and looks like most years have their own issues and tranny seems to be a weak point for any year. Looking at a 99 with 187k on it. well taken care of and no crazy mods. I do know to stay away from the blocks stamped with 53 as they are proned to crack. I would like to do biodiesel in the future as well. Any input would be appreciated.
I do have an 87 K5 diesel (currently replacing diffs) which gets awesome mpg but I am also in need of a truck for other errands. tnx
I have an 03 5.9 one of the better years in my opinion as it has most of the older mechanical / running gear / engine with an updated body style. 260k and runs like a champ.
Just sold a 1999. The engine is bullet proof except for the injector pump. Mine went out within the 1st year I owned it. Not too unexpected since it had 210k miles. What sucked was there was zero warning that anything was wrong. Shut it off after work and it simply wouldn't start the next morning. Those are the 2nd generation Cummins. The 3rd generation, which they stopped making in 2007 & 1/2 commonly referred to as common rail (how the fuel is injected into the cylinder), has a lot more stock torque. However, both the 2nd & 3rd gen have crappy automatic transmissions. I just bought a 2018 with the 6.7 & 6-speed automatic and cannot believe the difference in the torque. Having driven both of the 5.9s, I can tell you, there is a difference. Then there's the noise. The 2nd gen is loud; you're not sneaking up on anything or anyone. The 3rd gen is quieter but still louder than its competitors. Good luck and I hope this helps.
my mule was a 97 K1500, blew a head gasket so i parted it out and got a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD crew cab with the 6.6 turbo diesel. man do i love that truck! i'm getting close to 200 miles per 1/2 tank! would get more but i love hearing that turbo whine when i step on it! it has the Allison so it should last the rest of my life easy.
I'm praying for a long life for the engine in my jeep... but as soon as she can't go anymore, I'll be throwing a 5.9 diesel with a turbo in it. I hear those engines are crazy reliable and last a long, long time.
Im considering a toy hauler in the near future. I do like to collect old cars and will like something that can also tow dual axle trailer interstate if necessary. Right now i picked up a 94 4runner with a 2.4 4x4. Working good for now but sounds like i should steer for a 6.7 dodge. Been asking people when i see them around and they do agree the 6.7 has some serious power.
When it comes to Cummins trucks that is sort of irrelevant. You pick your:
-budget
-cab and bed configuration
-miles you're willing to live with
..then buy the truck that meets your criteria. If it "needs more power" those issues can be addressed easily and inexpensively with tuning which you should be doing anyway for drive ability and economy at a minimum. Ive got a low budget rock solid 05 5.9 that will put the hurt on any stock 6.7 right now, and look good doing it.
I have a Ram 3500, 2006. Dang I love that truck, have hauled a 38 ft fifth-wheel many, many miles with it. Not a 4x4, but you can not go wrong with the 2006 Ram. While towing, I get roughly 14 mpg, without towing it's up around 25 mpg.
I have a 2006 also. It is a 3500 4 door long bed 4WD with a six speed manual. Bought it new and would not sell it for what I paid for it. It only has 108K miles on it. Pulls my toyhauler with ease. Only complaint is it needs a 7th gear. Not too fuel efficient running 2400 rpm at 75 mph.
I also have a 2018 2500 Ram diesel 4WD short bed with the 6 speed auto for work. Dang if it ain’t a nice truck too.
I have a 2006 also. It is a 3500 4 door long bed 4WD with a six speed manual. Bought it new and would not sell it for what I paid for it. It only has 108K miles on it. Pulls my toyhauler with ease. Only complaint is it needs a 7th gear. Not too fuel efficient running 2400 rpm at 75 mph.
I also have a 2018 2500 Ram diesel 4WD short bed with the 6 speed auto for work. Dang if it ain't a nice truck too.
Larger than stock tires are a great option for a little more high end without sacrificing much down low, especially with the manual. Is the truck all stock?
So was up helping a buddy this past weekend in 7W for his Elk hunt. Sunday am heading downhill and on a left turn hit some ice and slid into a tree in the 4 Runner. Hoping they dont total it but probably will. We left to get a jack and tools and when we came back doors were open and people stole coil wire, oil cap, and radiator cap. WTH? We left the car for maybe 10 minues and came back to see the lights on and the doors open. Had only 1 spare and everything closed in flagstaff we dragged it on 3 tires back to camp. Was bad enough to get into an accident but for people to steal parts really pissed me off. Either way we went into town monday and tracked all the parts down. I drove the 4 runner home tuesday. Needless to say im looking for another small 4x4. SMH
Ask SteveG about thieves and his cooler with a few beers in it, desperate people, I swear.
SKO, ever hear about snow tires ?
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