Im wondering how many miles on average do these trucks get. You think buying an 04 or 05 with 75000-85000miles on it is a bad Idea? Anything I should look for/check on a truck with this kind of mileage on it? Thanks..your help has been invaluable so far.

HotRod

 

Don't ask about the engine going the distance. If it wasn't bombed and proper maint. your good for 300-500 thousand before it needs attention. Focus on the dodge drive train instead. Balljoints, U-Joints, Tranny, etc.

 

Have it checked by well known, well respected shop that knows these trucks.
Look around here and see if you can find a vendor near you to give it the bumper to bumper once over.

 

That engine is just broken in! As others have said, focus on suspension components and just check the engine for abuse (oil condition, leaking turbo etc...)

 

the motor is supposed to be rebuilt between 250k and 500k so dont worry bout engine mileage...worry bout body rust and front end

 

I bought mine with 60,000 on her, still like new if you as me.

 

Run the A/C and heater through ALL its paces. Run the air up to the defrost, front vents, downunder, etc... Change source from Fresh to Recirc (should hear the door hit home and hear louder fan noise while on Recirc).

Issues with the HVAC include broken Recirc doors, air stuck on one position (defrost for example), temp differences from driver to passenger side, and something with the ac unit freezing up under the dash. A good search on this site will keep you reading for days and you will be crowned the next CTD (book) expert.

The engine may last forever.

 

my dad rolled over 450K on his 99' when I bought my truck 6 months ago with only regular maintenance and replacment of the simple stuff, like batteries, etc...I think that the water pump died once, but that's all

Derek

 

The DODGE (or maybe Cummins) website speaks about the TD lasting 350,000 miles (mean) between overhauls, 100,000 miles longer than the GM or FORD.

Makes me all warm to know that a Maxi-Pad or Don't-Stroke will last as long as the inexpensive 242 I6 in my JEEP.

 

I met a guy who has a driveway full of 2nd gen Dodge Cummins and one of his trucks was a 98 with 800,000 miles with just regular maintenance and I think it was at 800,000 when he needed to rebuild the bottom.

 

More than you`ll put on it.
These trucks go through owner`s. Not owners through trucks.
You`ll sell it before you can wear it out....

 

The problem is not keeping the engine running, it is keeping a truck around the engine. Ball joints, suspension bushings, and interior falling apart will come long before major mechanical failure of the 5.9.

 

i'm very happy to say but my 5.9 12 valve has 519,000 miles

 

+1 with what everyone else is saying. The engine will run forever, 500k+ easily, but watch that RUST! My '05 just broke 120k and the rust management is much more of a concern than the engine.

 

The third gens are not like the first and second gens.

IMHO they are much stronger, especially stock vs stock, but they are more problematic due to the fueling system.

That is a SUPER low mileage Cummins though.

Check out the fuel filtration that's being used. Hopefully its 5 micron or better. If not, make it 5 micron or better. And at the first sign of injector issues, change them and you're good for another 200k anyway.

The rest of the truck-well they all have their issues.

The Dodge has crappy HVAC, Ball joints, front u joints, transmission is ok stock but has a high long term failure rate, the 'smart' fuse box that they neglected to waterproof sucks,

But, strap 10k to the truck and it tows like great.

If I didn't have a heavy load I'd look at a gasser-I'm partial to the 2004-2006 Chevys with the 6.0


Anyway, know that you will spend some money on it, but it does heavy jobs with ease.


Chay