Hello folks.

This is my first post to this board. I've read a lot of good info here recently. You guys really seem to know the ins/outs of the dodge stuff.

I have a FORD 2000 F250(gasser). I'm looking to get my first diesel. FORD has too many problems with their new 6.0. I've heard good things about the cummins motor. So... I'm looking to get a 2500 dodge QC with the cummins motor. I want to keep this truck for a long time. It will be a daily driver with little towing at all. maybe pulling a trailer to the deer lease.

Questions...

1. when is the 2004.5 trucks coming out to the dealers.

2. will all the 04.5 have the california emmissions package?

3. will the 04.5 have an improved 48RE auto tranny.

4. Transmission - under normal driving(central Texas) how many miles can I expect from the 48RE auto?.(ballpark)

I'm looking for longevity. I will probably keep the truck stock.

I guess I'm wondering when to get the truck.

thanx folks,

David

 

Welcome Huntindad!

I'll be happy to take a shot at your questions, in order....

#1 Now, VIN numbers assigned after 1/05/04 get the new engine.

#2 Cummins boosted horsepower and torque while lowering NOx emissions, making the engine 50 state legal. I see no downside to this engine being legal in all 50 states including California.

#3 New 48RE made it's debut during the 2003 model run, it is the only automatic available behind the Cummins.

#4 The jury is still out, but I felt confident enough to order the 48RE. Before this tranny was introduced I would have never considered the Dodge automatic. The dealership I am dealing with is about 20 miles from Dallas in a mostly rural community. My salesman sells a lot of trucks that see heavy farm and ranch use. He stays up to date with the Service Dept. at the dealership and reports that very few problems have been seen with the 48RE, even from his customers who routinely abuse the factory recommended towing capacity.

 

Just wanted to say Welcome aboard. I have not been a member very long my self, but looooooots of infor on Cummins. Love the site.

 

Huntindad,

If you can find a truck that fits your needs on a dealers lot with the 04 HO (305/555), buy it. It has plenty of power and is proved. The 04.5's have already had a hold on them. No info on what is wrong. Being in Calif, I can't do that. I wish I was in your situation. Use the new 600 as leverage to get a better deal.

My .02

 

Huntindad,

Not hearing about problems with the 48RE but remember, it has only been out a couple of years.

How man miles you can put on in Texas depends on how many miles you can drive in the lifetime you want to keep the truck. I have seen many with unreal mileage and still

 

RickE,

I test drove one yesterday. It was the only diesel one on the lot. the salesman said that they(dodge) are out of the cummins motors for now. He said that they are changing the motor assembly plant to build all the motors to the new emmission(california.) standards. So... until the motor line gets rolling again, They aint gonna have any.

TexasZach - the 04.5 will not ahve any changes to the tranny ? I read(somewhere) that they had to put some kinda overdrive lockout nut on them or something like that. Do you know if that has already been done?

Thanx guys,

David

 

No clue to a lockout nut on the overdrive. I can tell you that the new HO's are rolling off the assembly line and many of the members here are awaiting arrival of units already shipped from the factory and in transit, just read some of the threads on the Forums.

This is, of course, contrary to what the salesman told you however, there is much reliable information passed among the membership here.

 

Oh... I agree there is great info here.

is the 04 HO the 305/555 and the 04.5 gonna have the HO 325/600

Having driven fords for the last 13 years, I know very little about Dodge... but I'm learning.

Thanx,

David

 

You got it, the 04 is 305/555,
the 04.5 is 325/600

It sounds like people are now taking delivery of the 04.5

I smile every time I get into my 04, runs pretty quiet, lots of power, and good mileage. If you want to save some peanuts, I'd get the 04 if you can get a great deal or rebate.

Otherwise, the 04.5 sound awesome. Why not more power.
You can't go wrong either way.

 

Any ideas when they are putting a 5 or 6 speed auto in?heard rumors but nothing solid yet.Why wouldn't they put the mercedes 6 speed auto that you can get in the sterling truck? it weighs 350lbs(I think off the top of my head),and can handle 660ft/lbs of torque.Ford and chevy guys would have to come up with something else to say something bad about the dodge cummins combo.

 

The 48RE can handle up to 750 lbs. of tq, so that is more then the other transmissions you speak of in terms of power. The 48RE is only a year old, so I don't personally see Dodge making any major transmission changes anytime soon. Maybe they'll do it in 07 or something, but I wouldn't count on anything before then. That's just my opinion of course. No facts to back it up.

 

Huntin Dad,

I too had driven Ford's since 1990, everything from Escorts, Aerostars, Rangers, to an 03 F150 SUPERCREW FX4...I looked at an 04 250 with 6.0 diesel and way too expensive for me.

I purchased my 04 2500 Dodge in October from Dodge COuntry in Killeen (invoice less 2500 back) and LOVE IT! THey gave me $1500 more for my vehicle than the FORD Dealers in Austin! Yeah, the interior is alittle smaller than the F250...but gotta love that CUMMINS!

The only complaint or suggestion is to have them check the oils in the transmissin, transaxle, frt & rear ends before you take delivery! Make sure you're standing there when they PREP it and check it yourself....If they won't let you,,,then walk away and tell them the deal is off unless they let you be there when the vehicle in on the lift. There's too many people with rear end problems because DC isn't filling them up and the Dealers aren't checking them, even though they say they did!

Oh, if you're ever interested in going hunting in south Texas let me know...going next weekend Hog hunting....and bring the kids!

 

Rossn2,

I may have to give those folks a call.Sounds like a pretty good deal. I like the milage they get. Mine gets 14 regardless how I drive. Any idea how the truck will hold up , outside of the motor? I've heard of folks saying their dash cracked and it has "rattles" after about 70K miles. I don't know if this is older models or what. I'm looking for something to hold up for... awhile. Funny you should mention Escorts & aerostars. We've had those. My wife drives an 03 F150 supercrew. Thanx for the "prep" tip.

You talking about the 7th going down to S. Texas after them piggies? Those things are fun to go after. My 11 year old loves to hunt them. He hasn't got quite enough ummph yet with his bow... so it still the gun for now. Where bouts ya headed?

David

 

Freer, TX about 2.5 hours south of San Antonio...If you PM me, with your email addee, I'll send you some info....