Alrighty Guys…

So I used to have a 2001 Dodge Diesel and it served me well, but unfortunately had to get rid of it due to some financial issues.. So I severely downgrade to a Chevy Colorado and after owing a small pickup like that I realize how much I miss my full size diesel.

Well in a few months I am going to start looking to get back into a full size pickup truck. I work in the Fire Apparatus industry so I’m pretty up to date as far as diesel technology goes and don't want a truck with a DPF. So with that being said, I was looking at getting a used 2006 or early 2007, 2500 diesel.

I used to follow the forums a lot but have laxed majorly as before I bought my 2001 I did tons of research so I’m starting this process once again..

What kind of Fuel Mileage are people getting?

Is the auto tranny still weak or is it better to go with a manual?

What kind of problems/issues did the 2006 have?

Not looking to go too crazy with aftermarket accessories. Definitely going with gauges, exhaust, air filter and possibly a SMARTY as hats what I had for my 2001..

Any other advice on these trucks?

Thanks… Jon

 

The auto trans issue does not appear to be fixed. Mine had to be rebuilt at 35K miles. I purchased an extended warrenty for just this reason.

The manual trans seems to have it's issues as well. In particular, the stock clutch won't handle much above stock power levels. And the clutch is not covered under warrenty. It's a trade off.

Also, you probably won't find anyone who will install a remote start on a manual trans. It can be probably done, since most manual trans these days have a neutral switch in the trans.

Fuel mileage is greatly dependant on speed. Cruising at 80-90 (with the flow of traffic) I get about 17mpg. But if I'm on the back roads at 50-60mph, I'v seen as high as 23mpg. Towing a light trailer I get 16.

Definatly get the Smarty Jr, If you're panning a lot of mods for serious power, the Smarty might be usefull to you.

Changing the air filter and exhaust doesn't seem to make much differance on an otherwise stock truck. It's a lot of money for little - if any - benifit.

For gauges I use the Bully Dog Outlook moniter. Seems to be pretty accurate, and installation was pretty simple. Doesn't take up much room on the dash, either.

 

Mine has been pretty much flawless. It doesn't have alot of miles, but most of those miles are loaded up and working hard.
I think the auto trans. could be better, BUT, it does its job well just like it is.
If you plan on adding power, consider trans. upgrades as part of the cost of adding power. A convertor for the auto, or a twin-disc for the manual.
There have been numerous tests done on air filter effect on performance and to my knowledge, even running NO air filter made no appreciable gain over the stock filter setup.
My personal experience with MPG has been great. IF/When I keep it at or below 75 MPH, it will run 20+ all day long.
If you are looking at a 4x4, you might verify that it has had the front steering update, and add an SBS.

 

I will be looking at a 4x4, what does the steering update fix and SBS i'm assuming is maybe a steering stabilizer?

 

only get the manual, the g56 is the best tranny i have seen.it needs to be run one quart over full. the 06 has a dual mass flywheel that will go out at about 75,000 miles. southbend makes a kit called a conofe kit consisting of a solid flywheel with a real pilot bearing, clutch disk, pressure plate and new hydraulics. the g56 transmits engine noise more than previous models so when you install the solid flywheel do not think you have a problem. there is very few problems with the 06's and we have several of them in our fleet. there is a red heater hose behind the block that leaks at the clamp. just keep tightening it up until it quits. you will think you are going to strip it. but we have not had one do it. bu the a/c compressor there is about 2 1/2 inches of wire not in a loom the 5 volt signal wire gets the insulation rubbed through and causes all kinds of weird symptoms just snap some loom over them to start with. make sure the #4 injector line insulator is tight. if you tow a lot you need to add a isolator for the trailer lights. we have about 18 dodges in our fleet and many of my employees have dodges they range from 89's non inter cooled to the 6.7 i think the 06 is the best of them all