This month, I may order a 2008 3500 TRX4 subject to getting comfortable with reliability and model year changes.

Given my back country location, I am doing so with trepidation. My major concerns are the new truck's reliabilitry (long distance dealer trips to fix emissions problems, thrown codes, etc) and fuel economy.

Also, I am assuming the exterior and interior 3500 will not change until the 2010 model year.

Are my assumptions correct?

So far my 06' 5.9 has been bullet proof.

 

Why do you want to get away from your 06?

 

These are real concerns for you and given your situation I would wait awhile to make the change. The 6.7 is an awesome engine, but they are still working the bugs out. Long trips to the dealership could certainly change the way you feel about a 6.7 if you were to own one. Plus, being in the back country, are you able to get ULSD without a problem? It's mandatory for the 6.7 and having to use LSD will only complicate matters for you, the dealer and your warranty.

As for the exterior and interior changes, my dealer told me they just saw the '09 model and it's all new. They said the interior will put the Fords to shame and they think it will propel Dodge to #1. They compared the front end to the Charger look where the top of the grille is further out than the bottom and the headlights have a "meaner" look to them. But I didn't ask if it's for the 3500's. I would assume so, so take it with a grain of salt.

 

Thanks Dodge and Flatman.

Most people will never use their truck in this rough country, daily. Trading them off after 2 years (18K miles p/year) is added security for me. It's too inconvenient and risky to break down where I'm located.

I'm hearing two rumors of the next model year 3500 body change. One version is the whole line will change in 09' and the second is only the 1500 will change in 09'.

If the 3500 body changes in 2010 model year and 08' emissions reliability is now okay, I'll order an 08'. If I can't pin this down, I may just wait until I know for sure.

 

1500 will get the change in 2009. The 2500/3500 will be redesigned for the 2010.
Also the 1500 will have the option for a diesel engine in late 2009 models. I would keep your 2006 if there is nothing wrong w/ it, but if your like me. I get the itch every 3 to 4 years to get a new truck.

 

I agree with FLattman, I would wait till the bugs are out, I have a 6.7 with 9300 miles and I love it, but, big but, It quit running on me on the 26th and the dealer doesn't have the tools to diagnose it, something wrong with the injectors, anyhow it will probably be sitting for another week or so. So if anyone is looking for dependability, then you should wait.

 

I'm hoping this itch I have for a new 08' 6.7 can be scratched rite after the first of the year. I'll deal with any problems it may have.

 

That's exactly how I felt. And if you have that attitude, it really helps working with the dealership and Cummins to get these killer trucks worked out.

 

If I could be sure the restyle won't be until 2010 (2010 order 9/09), I'd probably order an 08' this month.

I assume the 6.7 will be around by 2010 anyway. I just don't want an a new truck one year behind the restyle. They won't get an order from me until I know for sure.

 

My dealer has 2 5.9 07s with blown motors so just because it breaks down doesnt mean anything. I dont care what vehicle you own you will sometime, have a problem. Just because you are in this situation doesnt mean every 6.7 truck is going to break down. Maybe you caused the problem maybe it was dodge/cummins. I have not had one problem with my truck and I can speak for a lot of people. Maybe your dealers tech has not had all the proper training on the 6.7 and has no idea what he is doing. I would recommend a 6.7 to everyone. I have modded mine pretty good, I would say I have the most modded 6.7 for performance, and that has not caused one problem.

 

How is your stock tranny holding up to your hp? Does the 68re hold up better than the 48re when jumping up in hp over stock hp?

 

You're right, it doesn't mean that every 6.7 will have problems, but I know a lot of people who have had problems with thier 6.7, if yours is running with no problems, then that's great, and I don't dissagree that the 6.7 is a great engine, that is why I bought it, I am just saying the kinks are still being worked out with this engine, DPF etc... and if you're biggest priority is dependability, then get a 5.9 or wait a while.

 

Have the techs seen any 08 6.7 warranty work yet?

 

I don't REALLY know anything...

But you couldn't drag me kicking and screaming out of my '03 2500 CTD/48RE

If you have less that 40K on the '06 it ain't EVEN broke in good.

If where you drive beats up the rest of the truck, I don't know what to tell ya.

 

Because of your first 2 sentences, you really should keep your 5.9L. The 6.7s would be a huge crap shoot for you.