Looking to "upgrade" from my 2001 CTD (standard) to a 3rd gen 4x4. Need to know what issues/symptoms/recent maintn'c to look for in my search.

No need to go deep, just a few quick snap bullet-comments.

Thanks!

 

1. Front end work- ball joints/tie rods/steering box, etc.
2. Transmission (of course)
3. Injectors/fuel filtration seem to be a common problem.

I've owned my 06 since new, with 125K on it now, I've only had to do front end steering work, replace the clutch (and I prefer the factory Dual Mass Flywheel setup), and I added better filtration for fuel to save the injectors that seem to be weaker than other generations.

Everything else I've done to my truck was for fun or because I wanted to. Most of my aftermarket parts have been garbage- so I've been sticking to Mopar parts only, with the exception of fluids and filters (but my AFE filters were crap too- so Wix in the air box, Baldwin for fuel and oil).

 

I've been happy with my 04.5, had it since new. It's had a few problems, but nothing major.

Water pump went out around 70k, fuel pump (old style canister mounted) went out early, and the ball joints were were done around 40k miles.

The wires in the door jam going to the rear doors have broken causing no lock, window or dome light power (easily fixed).

The driver's side master door lock switch went out.

The multifunction switch is touchy sometimes (shorts did a great write up on how to fix).

I think that's about it. Filtration is a huge deal, get a good water separator and 2 micron filter setup.

 

Thanks much!
Front end and transmission; seem to be among the common issues. Injectors--got it. Appreciate!
One more question: MPG? I get 18-19 city and up to 21 on long trips (2001 2500...auto...rwd...no tuner/chip). What can I expect with a 3rd Gen, auto, 4x4 ?

 

oh maybe about 13 to 14 in city driving 16 to 17 on the highway and 10 to 12 pulling a heavy load

 

With my 5.9 I get 1 or 1.5 under what you listed for mgp. We get about 14-15 towing a 6300 lb trailer at about 63 mph. No major problems. CV and ball joints at about 75000. Injectors at about 125000.

 

are you thinking 5.9 or 6.7?

 

Don't forget the manual lumber ****.
I was checking mine for tightness. Epic fail and it broke.
I thought I could do without it until we went on a fairly long trip but the lack of support killed my back.

 

Someone has a pretty good how to fix for that too...

 

MPG's depend on several factors, driving style being the largest impact.

I've heard the 03 and early 04 are the best for fuel economy.

I've owned my 06 (5.9L, Manual G56, 4x4, Mega) since new. I got 16.5 through break-in. Since break in 19-20 is my daily average- winter months being the 19. When towing- back down in that 16-17 range. My brother had an 06 QC 5.9L auto and he never saw MPG's above 17. We have very different driving styles though.

One summer I decided to "hypermile" a lot on my commute to work and see how high I could get a hand calc'ed average over an entire tank- I achieved 24mpg (emtpy, and employing a lot of hypermiling techniques to save fuel).

 

Fixing it as we speak.