Hey guys, I currently have a 89 D250 2wd, and would like an upgrade. I'd like it to be no more than 10 years old, 4wd and a crew cab. What's the best engine/tranny combo in the past 10 years?

Thanks!

 

Since you want less than 10 years old, you want a 3rd gen. That is 03 and newer. You get the quad cab with the full 4 doors and the common rail engine. I prefer 03-early 04 with the 305/555 engine, since there is no factory cat and it gets better mpg. I like the nv5600 6 speed in those years. I don't think you will go wrong with any 3rd gen though, but if you get an auto, look for the 48RE.

 

98 12v, 5 speed is supposed to be the best of the best.

 

Good deal, thanks for the info guys!

 

I'll cast my vote for the 03 to 04.5 305/555 too. Good sized cab, and full sized bed. Best MPG too.

 

I would stay away from the 1st couple years of computer integration...LOL. like the 98.5 (the intro) and 99. ( I own a 98.5)
If I were to buy an other one (throw up in my mouth ) it would buy the newest thing I could afford.
I would not get a diesel with aluminum head on it as that has to be a big bill crouching somewhere for repair..
No one needs a V8 diesel not even semi trks........
So until Detroit Diesel makes a little one for us ................

 

I just had this talk with my Cummins dealer this morning. He owns and operates Wyoming Diesel Power up here in Cody, WY. He is factory trained/certified in Cummins/Powerchoke/Duraslack and is constantly working on everything from pickups to Semis. He drives a 99 Dodge CTD with a 5 speed. He refuses to buy a 3rd gen because he has had to replace too many motors (most under warranty, but still) and his exact words were, "Even though it's a Cummins, they're all junk after 2002". He said he would stay away from anything except 98.5-2002 as those were the best years once you get the lift pump problem fixed. His major complaint with the 3rd gens are the Coprorate axles and the way the fuel system was designed. The man works on more Cummins motors than most of us have ever seen (he started in the early 70s working on marine diesels in Alaska) and knows his stuff. I take his word very seriously.

 

just like A...............s everybody has one (opinions)

 

LOL, I'll take the opinion of a very well trained, well respected, Cummins trained tech over an internet armchair quarterback anyday of the week

 

I say the last year of any generation but the newest you can afford.
93~98~02~07
Pick your poison, they all have pros and cons

Hey Jax
It don't matter much to me, like you say we all have one but......
I think your tech stands alone in his opinion LOL

 

1996 12v... The best!

 

i'd say if you have a good 1st gen. non ic. you have the best now. spend some money on it. it will look great and run better and more reliably than any of the newer trucks. great stereo, paint, new windshield. put some power in it. everytime you stop someone will want to talk to you about it. try that w a 06. tc

 

JAX, what does the Cummins/diesel mechanic not like about the axles on the 3rd gens? I haven't heard of problems and they work well in 4x4 situations (3 buddies have 3rds) I especially like how when the transfercase is shifted (manual shift x case) the truck is in 4x4 NOW not like my 99 the vacuum engages the hubs. Just curious; thanks.

But on the subject, I agree with either 01-02's and 5 or 6 speeds. I like my 99 but it still has some issues and not rear disc brakes ect. The 12valves are good solid reliable but the rest of the trucks are all getting old, and its hard to find a good one for sale now days that isn't beat to hell or overpriced. I personally will get an 04-05 3rd gen 6 speed. I like the early 3rd gen interior better, the HO motor, and take your pick on the G56 or the NV5600 both seem to have strong points!

 

I had an '04.5 quad cab 3500 4x4 with NV5600 and now '01.5 2500 quad cab 4x4 auto. The newer truck was very, very nice but I sold it in order to buy 2 vehicles (my wife needed a car) instead of having one. If the '04.5 was an auto I probably would still have it (wife didn't like standard tranny). I thought the 48re was going to have problems like 47re so I got a 6spd. I like my '01.5 now with raptor lift pump and new injector pump. If I had to choose one I'd get an '04.5 or newer with an auto. Do yourself a favour and before you buy try both an auto and a standard. And it probably wouldn't hurt to drive a 2nd gen and a 3rd just to see.

 

Jax did the cummins man mention the 53 series issue ?