Can anyone advise me on points and issues buying a used Dodge Ram 2500 diesel SB 4x4?

What is the deal with HO and reg. diesel engines?
The truck I'm looking at buying has a reg. output 5.9 cummings.

I will use the truck to tow 6k - 10k lbs from time to time, other that that it will be used as my personal truck.

Thank you,

P.

 

Well, there's some info we'll need to help you out. What year Ram are you looking at and what range of years do you want info on. The CUMMINS has been in Ram's since '89, so there been a few changes over the years with both the Cummins and the drivetrain behind it. The power outputs are not too significant if you plan on doing any performance upgrades. For example, my Ram is an SO, but with only exaust and intake upgrades, it is nearly in the same performance range as the HO's. And add a performance box or download a program, and it's a fire breathing monster. The transmissions are usually the biggest complaint I hear from non-Cummins owners ("Yeah, the engines are great but trannys suck"). The old 47RE trans of the 2nd gen and certain 03 models (SO 2500's) is the one they are usually refering to. Fine trans until you start performance upgrades. The 48RE of the 3rd Gens is a great auto trans until you start to get into performance upgrades well above what it was built for. The early Getrag manual trans was ok, and the NV4500 5-speed and NV5600 6-speed have been outstanding transmissions. The Cummins itself is a legendary engine, renowned for fuel mileage, low end torque, and longevity. For a Cummins 5.9 to exceed 500k between rebuilds is common. Part of the beauty of an inline-six. No glow plugs to deal with on a Cummins. If you have any more specific questions, let us know what year, trans, HO or SO, and what you intend to do with it, performance-wise. Good luck and welcome to DTR. You came to the right place for info on the Cummins. This place is full of folks with years more experience than mine. Lots of knowledge around here.

 

First I want to thank you for responding.

I am looking at buying a used 2003 Ram 2500 4x4 with a SO and a 48RE trans. The one I have my eye on has 9500 miles. It is loaded with all the goodys.

What do you think of this truck. It is mostly for personal/business use with some heavy hauling 3-4 times a year.

P

 

get the Dodge and forget them powerjokes.

 

In 2003 most of the automatic transmissions were SO Standard Output engines, plus you have the added benefits of the more stingent CA emission regulations hence in CA a HO high Output engine was not available in the 03 model.

Having said that the Cummins is a great power plant and you do not have to get too wild on the money side to get more power from it. However why does a 3 year old truck have less than 10K on it? You may wish to get a history on it. Have a Dodge dealer look in his database based on the VIN. There might be something fishy here, unless you know about the truck from personal knowledge. Good luck!

L8r,.............dogger

 

Welcome to DTR! If you are happy with the deal, get the truck and don't look back. They are all fine trucks. All years have a few minor quirks but nothing major compared to the Fords. But the Cummins (not Cummings) engine in any year model will serve you very well and easily do the job you are requesting of it.

Go buy your truck and start enjoying it. Then go get your self a beverage and get on here and start reading miles of threads about whatever your topic of interest is that day, regarding your truck or whatever.

Later, if you have any specific questions about something.......just start a thread and somebody will chime in with an answer. Good luck!

 

I bought my 2003 in march of that year and it has the HO engine and 48re tranny which is the upgraded transmission and I love the way it tows my fifth wheel in overdrive all day long. Just got back from Colorado and pulling over 10,000 and driving 70 I got 12.4 calculated by hand.