First time buying a diesel. I have always herd that The cummings Diesel was the most reliable. but i've been told that dodge bodys rust out quicker?(is that true?)

What should i know before buying a cummings? im looking at 1998-2006

What are the best years of dodge trucks?

What should i know before buying a diesel (always owned gas before this time)

any info would be awsome

 

That's a big subject, and a lot to know. I would say buy as new as you can afford. I haven't had my truck's body rot, but I live in the south. I thought all the cars bodies were made with galvanised steel now days. The Cummins engines are all good, and all have their drawbacks too. 98.5 to 02 have VP-44 issues, 03 and up have expensive injectors. IMHO I like the 03 to 04.5 trucks. Still had the NV5600, and some of the best fuel milage.

 

Cars arn't made of galvanized steel. i live in the area they salt the roads in winter. whats the vp-44? and NV5600? new be to diesel. know my stuff on cars, sleds, and atv's but no idea about Deisel.

 

Not sure about dodge, but most GMs and fords have had galvenized body panels since the early to mid 90's, hence the 100000mi corrosion warranty

 

NV5600 is a 6 speed manual trans. Used from 00 to 04.5 or so. VP-44 is an injection pump used from 98.5 to 02. Some say it's the weak link in those year model trucks, but if you keep it well supplied with fuel it can last a long time. I'm pretty sure car & truck bodies are made from galvinized sheet steel.

 

First of it is a CUMMINS diesel.

Sorry to sound harsh, but mis spelling it is like grating your fingernails on a chalkboard to us.

Now, what are you going to be doing with it?

Are you looking for power, reliability, towing, race, sledpulling, or what?

VP44 is the Injection pump from 98.5 to 2002 models, and can leave you stranded, NV5600 is the 6 speed transmission used from 01-04.5 IIRC.

 

I'm looking for towing. I have a 5000+ pound trailer to tow for over 3 hours strait. What im looking for is the best truck to suit me for around $20,000. I think what i need it a Dodge 2500 Cummins 2wd, tow package and 3.42 gears(Anything higher "i think" would be over doing it). I want the least hassle from the truck.

 

Ok, from what you have described, I would look towards an 04-06 with a 6 speed trans. You should be able to find a nice 2WD example for that, unless prices are stupid in Canada, which I wouldn't think they would be on a 2WD.

Personally, for the least hassle, I am firmly convinced the 96-97 trucks are the simplest, but they are now of an age where maintenance will become more of an issue.

They are also much cheaper though, so your call. I cannot say I have seen Dodge trucks rust any quicker than Chevys or Fords..........

 

Hows the Cummins Transmition? Would i have to get a 6 speed(and are they standard on cummins?)
Also NV5600 (6 speed Manual) Is a Good thing? (just making sure i got that right)

Also i agree on the rusting, i dont see it but everyone i know says it.

Years
03-4.5 are good
96-97 are good (but old so parts will most likely need to be re-freshed)

Are there any bad things on the Newer trucks? (04-08) (i don't buy new)

 

Lots of guys complain about the 4 speed Auto, I lost a Torque Converter myself, but in reality, until you get above stock HP or tow heavy ( 5K is a cakewalk for these things ) you really don't see a big problem with them. If you really want to be sure, get a aftermarket trans or at the least a good TC and Valve Body.

Manual transmissions are the choice of most of us who do not race, I personally think it gives me more control over the truck, I might think differently if I had to drive much in rush hour traffic, or guaranteed if I raced.

Pretty much any of the manuals are good, the NV4500 and NV5600 ( 5 and 6 speeds ) were made by New Venture Gear, which is out of business now, parts are currently getting expensive. The newer ( 04.5??) are Mercedes G56 units.

Pretty much any 5.9 ( before 07.5 ) will be a good option, I do see more people having problems with dropped valves, washed out cylinders, etc, but that will be the same with any Common Rail ( 2003 and newer) of ANY Mfg. The Injection pressures are such that any stuff, even a small amount of water, can kill and Injector almost immediately. Most who are serious add a aftermarket 2 micron fuel filtration system.

I gotta say, I am a huge 12V freak, so others should probably chime in with what they think of the CR trucks.

 

i've been calling all the Diesel mechanics in my area and they said that Cummins are hard on ball joints and some have steering problems. but had worst things to say about chev and ford. what years had this problem in the steering.i hear all dodges have problems with front ball joints. my brother has a dodge ram gas and its hard on ball joints(compaired to others)still lasts long time.

 

I haven't seen balljoint problems with either of mine, but realize you have almost 1300 Lbs of cast iron over that axle...... Mine are all the 94-99 variants of the D60, they changed the design in 2000-2002, and then went to AAM ( joint venture ) in 2003. Those other 2 types I have no experience with.

I would be careful bagging the newer GM diesels, I think 06-07 were pretty doggone trouble free and strong. I love my Cummins, but I also had to advise my BIL to get a 08 Duramax when it was time to get another diesel to go with his 97 Cummins.

Yes, some trucks have Death Wobble, I don't know the exact cause, because neither of mine ever had it, even with sloppy steering components, various tires, etc. I am convinced it has to do more with the amount of caster dialed in than anything else.

 

look for the "53" casting on the block and if it has it run the other way. Do a search on here and you will learn about it.

 

Whats the casting number going to tell me? if its heavy or not?
And my bro's Truck is a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 offroad and its known to be hard on ball joints also.

 

Also if theres any info that i didn't ask and i should know that would be awsome!.
Also i heard when looking for a diesel you can (as running) open the oil cap and put your hand over it to see if the piston rings are good or bad(blow by). anything else?