pepperoni

I've been reading this board (and a few others) for the last couple days trying to learn what I can about diesel trucks, and finally decided to join this afternoon. <br><br>We're looking into getting a 3/4 ton diesel to tow the race car with since it's getting past the point where I can comfortably drive it to and from the track. We're considering a slightly used 2000+ Ford or Dodge. I'd like to know what Dodge model years to stay away from, and what other issues have crept up that I'd need to be on the look-out for. From what I understand at this point, is that there's been transmission issues with both manufacturers, but I'm not sure what years were affected or what the details are. <br><br>Any information you can pass along would be appreciated, and if you can't already tell, I've never owned a diesel and have little-to-no idea what I'm in for. I'll be away from the computer over the 4th, but will check back in in a few days.<br><br>Happy 4th of July.<br><br>John

TxDieselKid

Any year with a 24v motor. ;D<br><br>Just kidding, really you can't go wrong with ANY year, because they all have the weak fuel system problem(24v that is). <br><br>

DarrellB

It's not weak it's just abused. :

All years are great but I'd go for 2000 or newer if you want disc brakes in the rear.

If it's not Moded the fuel system is fine. My advise is to take the truck to a Cummins service center and have it checked out before you buy. This will insure the little lift pump and the rest of the fuel system is in good working order. That would be the best $200 you could spend IMO.

As for the tranny, if it's stock it's fine if you plan on doing any mods the auto would be the first thing I'd do.

Good luck

DB

KatDiesel

If your set on getting a 24v truck, search for a 2001.5........4 wheel disc brakes, and you still have the front axle disconnect which was dropped in 2002 ...... if your going 4x4. 2wd doesn't matter 2001.5 or 2002 would be my choice/advice. I wish I would have waited 6 months to order my truck for the disc brakes.

pepperoni

Great! Thanks for the replies. I don't have any plans of modification other than maybe a K&amp;N. It will be the commuter rig for me and the race car hauler. Are the manual tranny's a much better choice? What's this I read about draining the fuel filter at each fuel fill? Is this correct, and is it a hassle? I don't mind a little work, but I can't be under the hood of the truck more than the race car. That just wouldn't be right <br><br>Thanks again.<br>John

phox_mulder

[quote author=pepperoni link=board=8;threadid=16655;start=0#156343 date=1057281846]
What's this I read about draining the fuel filter at each fuel fill? Is this correct, and is it a hassle? I don't mind a little work, but I can't be under the hood of the truck more than the race car. That just wouldn't be right

Thanks again.
John
[/quote]

IMHO, it's quite unnecesary.
I don't think you'll find anyone on here that does that.

Unless you get a tank full of really watery fuel,
you shouldn't have to drain it but maybe every oil change, if even that.

I started out at least trying to drain it, but gave up after 3 fillups and attempts,
as nothing would ever come out of it.

Actually got something to drain the first time I changed my fuel filter, drained it into a clear 20oz soda bottle and there wasn't a spec of water.
Didn't even attempt it for another 10,000 miles when I did my 2nd filter change,
and again, not a spec of water.


phox

46mech

pepperoni,<br><br> You're starting out like most of us did. I agree with DarrellB with the exception of the transmission part. There are lots of guys with way more experience and knowledge about the trannies in these trucks than I that agree with with Darrell so I'm just going with my own experience. My truck was stock and I didn't tow anything throughout the 65,000 miles that my first tranny lived.<br><br> I wouldn't have any other truck, just because of the engine. I was hearing of the dependability of Cummins long before I thought I wanted a diesel. If I was smarter when I first got my truck I would have gotten involved with TDR folks long before I did. I would have known about the reputable transmission guys out there and I would have started saving my greenbacks to pay for a real transmission so I'd have a great truck.<br><br> I'm semi truck brand loyal, but that's because of the Cummins. While the 7.3L Ford did o.k., and ISUZU has been making diesel engines for some time (as I understand it), Cummins is a medium duty engine.... the others are not. That sells me. Just my thoughts.

Dieseldude4x4

I changed my fuel filter today. It has been in service for a year and there was absolutely nothing in the canister at all as far as water or dirt.

WHIFF

I agree with 46Mech. This engine is amazing. I have a 12V and it is simple to work on. Very straightforward. No computers to confuse me! And it outtows my 7.3L PSD.

Bearfoot2

[quote author=46mech link=board=8;threadid=16655;start=0#156374 date=1057290242]
pepperoni,

If I was smarter when I first got my truck I would have gotten involved with TDR folks long before I did. I would have known about the reputable transmission guys out there and I would have started saving my greenbacks to pay for a real transmission so I'd have a great truck. [/quote]

What 46mech said. Sure wish I had known about this site long before I found it.

I had a 7.3L PSD and had to replace too many glo plugs. Had to get out in a blizzard and change the Warn hubs. Had to watch engine temp when pulling the tag-along on a long hard pull. Had to stop too often for fuel.

I love my CTD - wouldn't have another PSD.

Stan

wheezer

[quote author=pepperoni link=board=8;threadid=16655;start=0#156343 date=1057281846]<br>I don't have any plans of modification other than maybe a K&amp;N. It will be the commuter rig for me and the race car hauler. I don't mind a little work, but I can't be under the hood of the truck more than the race car. That just wouldn't be right <br><br>Thanks again.<br>John<br>[/quote]<br><br>A racer not planning any bombs, yeah right , that will change. Get the 24v and you won't have to spend a lot of time under the hood bombing.

thecatsfan

[quote author=Gary - KJ6Q link=board=8;threadid=16655;start=0#156315 date=1057276511]<br>the GM Duramax is doing quite well<br>[/quote]<br><br>Not from what I've seen. Two problems with the Duramax's have been evident around here: front suspension issues and software problems with the Allison trannies. The suspension issue: I've heard compaints from guys with higher mileage that the IFS is starting to get loose or even break down. <br><br>The Allison issue starts right off of the lot. They have had numerous problems with the GM software that controls the Allison. My brother-in-law has had his 2500HD tranny controller flashed 7 times with different fixes or software revisions. Hasn't had the truck a year yet. At one time, the software flash actually said that he had a 7 speed tranny. That created all kinds of unpredicatable shifting patterns. After they fixed that, he had problems with unexpected downshifts. The truck would unexpectedly downshift to 1st gear at speeds over 40mph. Talk about getting a good luck at your steering wheel cover. &gt; Another flash disabled Reverse at random. :<br><br>Let's just say that you couldn't give me a Duramax/Allison truck. <br><br>[quote author=pepperoni link=board=8;threadid=16655;start=0#156343 date=1057281846]<br>What's this I read about draining the fuel filter at each fuel fill? Is this correct, and is it a hassle? <br>[/quote]<br>As for draining the fuel filter / water separator, I used to do it every tank full. I definitely got some water out of it the first time I did it and thought that must be normal. After talking with some other members (Thanks Phox ), I decided to test the drain again to see if I was actually still getting water. Captured it all and sure enough - no water! Now I drain it about every 1K miles, and that's primarily because my truck sits in the garage all week and has more opportunity to produce condensation. If I don't catch any water in the next couple of drains, I will probably start doing it at every oil change.<br><br>[quote author=pepperoni link=board=8;threadid=16655;start=0#156343 date=1057281846]<br>I don't mind a little work, but I can't be under the hood of the truck more than the race car. That just wouldn't be right <br>[/quote]<br>By the way, draining the filter only takes about 10 seconds if you do want to do it. I'm sure you spend more time than that under the hood of your race car. <br>