Seabass

Howdy fellas

I'm shopping around for a pickup truck for hauling a bobcat/ mini hoe around town to different jobs. I live in Canada and need a 4x4 and 4 doors for the dog/family. I've always been a Ford guy but since they've dropped their 7.3L I just don't feel comfortable with them as they just don't seem to know what they are doing or where they are going? , 7.3L, then the 6.0L, 6.4L etc. I don't like that they haven't settled on a good "RELIABLE" Diesel.

I'm turning my way to maybee a Dodge, my old boss and a friend owned a 5.9 cummins in their (2001 and 2002) trucks and I sure liked the way they pulled. The 5.9 has been around a while and I remember my buddy pulling me out with his 1990's cummins pickup. Talk about power.

To me it seems Ford Chevy Dodge all are putting out huge power nowadays (which is good) but their trucks seem to just plain suck in reliability compared to days past. Too much on fancy and huge power but none of them are trucks you'll own in 20 years time. I'd rather have a plain old reliable truck with window cranks then a fancy pants dvd, optitions that will blow up and cost me my shirt. I'd buy an import if one had a big diesel but it seems I will have to wait.


Anyways..
I've always repected the 5.9 Cummins and am thinking of an early model 2000-2006 (3rd generation?) Dodge truck 4x4. 3/4 ton or 1 ton? Are there any major problem years I should avoid in that age group? My X-boss's truck blew its tranny after 5-6 years(?) (240,000km) is this common or any other majors these trucks are prone too?

Thanks

HMX-1

Welcome to the forum! I just bought a new truck last year for almost the same reasons you're looking for a truck now.

Don't look at the short bed. I had one pulling a 6700 pound Keystone RV/toy hauler and it would see-saw over rough roads below posted speed limits. I even bought stabilizer bars and this didn't help. Switching to a long bed fixed this problem.

Try to stay with the manual. I had an '03 3500 and the auto tranny in it could not pull this same trailer over 52 MPH / 84 KPH. My new truck just glides down the road with it now.

Firestone air bags/springs. I had this kit added knowing that the 1 ton truck was a rough ride. My 1 ton QC long bed rides better than my wife's '06 2500 QCSB, and I have to hear about that every time she drives my truck.

If you do get an automatic tranny make sure you do the valve body mod/fix on it, especially on the '04.5 through early '07.

I know a dealer in northern Idaho that does deal with Canadian customers. PM me and I'll send you their info.



Kris

megacabdad

Welcome to the DTR!

2003-2007 are 3rd generation with the 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel.

I suggest that you do lots of reading on this website, as it is a library of knowledge about all generations of these trucks.

Don't be afraid to ask questions as you form them, and good luck in your decision.

Seabass

Yeah a truck is a truck to me and ment for working. I don't care about ride and luxury or looks at all, I want the tool to work and do its job. I'd definatly go with a 8ft box as I heat my house with firewood so no point with a wee little 6ft box. I also hunt so 8ft is nicer for packing gear and moose out of the bush with.. I love hunting...

Would you guys recomend a 2500 or 3500? The machines weigh in at 6000 and 7500lbs plus the trailier and I only haul one at a time. Either should be good? What does the 3500 have over the 2500? Heavier brakes and or driveline?

Thanks

megacabdad

I found this thread for 'ya.

click here

megacabdad

HERE'S ANOTHER ONE!

j0shth3j3w

Post removed for advertising. Please keep it out of the forums.

madhat

Folks, please don't turn this thread into a flea market. Please heed the rules and keep the 'stuff for sale' off the open forums.

Thanks.

mad