tcr1016

I am getting ready to move into the Diesel world. I will be purchasing a 1997-2001 2500 or 3500 diesel. I have always owned sports cars but I am switching to diesel trucks. Now my concern is alot of Japanese truck owners are telling me that older model Dodge trucks will nicle and dime me (power locks breaking, steering colums coming apart, power windows not working, need new trannys when mileage is over 100K and the truck falls apart). But I still see older model Dodges driving around. Now the other folks say I should buy a Ford but going to thier forums I see nothing but problems with the Powerstroke. I have always bought new cars and only kept them for a few years, so is it reasonable to think an older model Diesel will be as reliable?? I drive alot between Texas and California and reliability is the most Important. The truck I will be buying will have around 125K miles on it. Is it true Cummins Diesels have been rated to last 500K miles without any work? I apologize if I am asking stupid questions, but this forum seemed the most helpful and knowledgable when others had questions.

Thank you for any help you can offer a newbie to the Diesel world.

Rauschbo

Make note of the fact that the Cummins went from the 12V set-up to 24V in 1998.5, the motors are notably different - it would seem that the 24V requires a bit more care and attention, but both will run for more miles than the Powerstroke (as I've gathered from posts across several sites) BMOH.....

Ph4tty

Cummins is rated at 350k. 12 valves are better for reliability than the 24v which have IP issues. There are lots of million mile dodge cummins still on the road though =P I haven't owned a dodge long enough to answer the nickle/dime question.

withalligators

I have 94 with 215k on it. The engine is solid but everything else is falling apart. its so frustrating that I cant seem to stay ahead of teh problems. while im working on one, another one appeared, etc. plus I added a grease system last year and thats just added to the load of problems.

Ironstone

I just bought a 95 with 229000 on it. Had it about 3 weeks and no problems so far. Runs great and everything else seems pretty tight. I have been babying it. Drivin using the egg between the foot and pedal method. Managed to get 510 miles out of 25 gallons of fuel.

Pirate

I have gas and diesel versions. Gas I bought at 26,000 miles and now has 164,000 miles. Very few issues other than general service. Had to replace light switch and multifuntion turn signal switch. Truck still runs and drives much better than you would expect with this mileage. The CTD I have not owned for a year yet but expect similar experience. I bought it with 120,000 miles and now has 145,000 miles. I do have issues with the FP at this time and it is getting what I believe to be better than stock corrections thanks to the information from this forum. I have had tranny issues with both trucks, seems to be the weak point of Dodge trucks in general.

Maine69charger

Mine has 347,500 miles on it and only had a few fuel related problems. Shows no sign of getting tired and I have no fear of driving it back up to Maine in a few months. I expect at least 500,000 miles.

garybg1

In my 35 years of owning trucks, I guess I have owned a few of them all, from 1/2 tons to 1 ton duallys, and I will say that the 2002 dodge cummins that I own now is by far the best truck I have owned as far as reliability goes and as far as pulling power. I will admit the the 1999 ford powerstroke dually had a more comfortable interior but not that much more. I traded from a powerjoke and I am glad I did. Most of what you see on forums is everyone looking for remedies to the problems all of us have now and then, so do not be to discouraged. I never owned a truck that at one time or another did not have a little problem. The Cummins diesel is by far the best in any truck on the market today. Good luck with your shopping.

Gary

ellerman

You might want to post how much money you are planning on spending so we can help point you in the right direction. As far as interior items falling apart I would go with the newest truck you can afford. Eric

waldersha

I can honestly say that in the 7 years that I have had my truck, I have done absolutely next to nothing other than the routine maintenance to it. Everytime that I do have to replace something, I just think about how much cheaper it is to replace a part once in a while than to make that huge payment EVERY MONTH!!! Has been enough to keep me happy with my '96.

redramnc

Like waldersha, I have had my 96 for 7 years (bought it used with 68K on it) and now have 206K on it. Other than a freak trans issue at 103K miles when the torque converter fins broke apart internally necessitating a rebuild (stock, that was before I knew what I know now) and the AC clutch breaking at 170K miles I have had no major issues other than the stuff that wears out over time like bulbs, tires, brakes, etc. Of course, mine is a 2WD so the front end is a non-issue, although I think it is probably time to go through the front end stuff since they are all original.

I get 20 mpg regularly, and occasionally yank a gooseneck grossing about 15K pounds around. I do not baby it but then I have to remember that it is a stock trans and the only mods are that I bumped my timing up some, along with turning the star wheel full forward.

Stick with the properly-valved trucks with as low a mileage as you can find and you will not have to worry about lift pumps and VPs dying unexpectedly.

Good luck in your search and welcome to the dark, smoky side of transportation.