Getting ready to buy a 2005 3500, 4x4, QCLB, dually, 6sp Standard, manual xfer case, 209K miles. Being as this is my first Dodge, my first dually, and my first diesel, what issues should I be aware of with this truck?

Searched, but didn't find anything in particular for 2005. I am aware of lift pump and ball joint issues on earlier models. Not sure if they apply to the 05 models. I was planning on buying an older truck, so most of my research was for pre-03s. A little help would be appreciated.

 

Too late. Just bought it. $18,900. Figure I did ok. A Dodge dealer in NC. I'll pick it up on Saturday.

 

Well congratulations on the new truck.

 

Now, the fun for you will begin!

 

I saw it on the Internet as an "obo" ebay listing, called the dealer, asked a few questions, and bought it over the phone. I will drive down and pick it up on Saturday, weather permitting (it's supposed to get pretty bad the next couple of days).

The pics show the truck to be in great shape, both inside and out. Much nicer than what I expected to be buying. When I saw it I just decided it was the truck I should have. Spent several thousand bucks more than I intended to spend, but, hey! You only go around once in this life! My CEO (wife) gave the go ahead, so I jumped in. I expect to have this truck for many, many happy miles.

I'll post some pics after I pick it up.

 

You will enjoy it.

Make sure it starts quickly and runs smoothly. They can be subject to injector problems if subjected to less than perfect fuel and/or neglect in the fuel filter department.

Some of the 05's had an intercooler with plastic tanks. They can come apart, especially if subjected to more than stock boost.

Yours may have come with the filter mounted lift pump. Later trucks went to a more reliable in tank pump, and if it were replaced under warranty it would have been upgraded.

U joints and ball joints seem to be an issue with all the big pickups.

Be sure the climate controls work in all heat settings and modes. Broken doors in the HVAC system has been a problem for Dodge.

Anyhoo, enjoy the truck.

 

yes, like he said...watch out for the injectors. mine has had 2 replaced and i am getting rid of my plastic intercooler. the later 05s i believe don't have the plastic intercoolers. 05 is when they went to the lift pump in the tank so you shouldn't have any worries there. enjoy! i love my truck and its well worth it.

 

Is it Saturday yet? Oh, darn!

 

I just checked CarFax and was pleased. It is a one-owner vehicle, service records are good, no accidents reported, originally purchased in WV and has been a VA vehicle, which likely means no rust from road salt. Repossessed by a bank, then sold at auction to the dealer, from whom I am buying it. Looking at the driver's seat in the photos, you can hardly tell it has ever been sat in. Photos also show (not listed on the options list) a Bully Dog Outlook monitor and an AEM Brute Force air filter. Dealer told me it has a custom exhaust system, but he wasn't specific. Engine compartment looks clean, dealer has serviced it, changed the fluids and lubed the chassis.

Feeling pretty good.

 

Get some pics up once you get it neighbor.......

 

+1...we've got to see too.

 

Got it. Trip home was about 300 miles. Averaged 20.3 mpg by the gauge. The truck is in excellent condition, both in and out. I have bought cars with 60K that were in worse condition. It was throwing one P-code (weak battery) and a bunch of c-codes, but I haven't figured those out yet. If you had told me this truck had more than 70K, much less 208K miles, on it, I wouldn't have believed it without seeing the odometer.

It has a Bully Dog Outlook monitor on it, an AFE Brute Force air induction system, and a 4" straight pipe, no muffler, just a cat (A little noisy, but it sure sounds good to me, hope VA DOT doesn't give me a problem with inspection). Started quick, idles and runs smoothly. No odd sounds, no obvious leaks.

There are three buttons and a connector in it that were obviously connected to some accessories that were removed prior to the PO losing it to the bank, but no damage done, except a few screw holes under the dash. Probably a trailer brake control. The switches were probably for fog/driving lights (bumper has holes, but no lights) and maybe a winch. Nice heavy-duty winch bumper with grill guard. No body damage or repairs, paint is in great shape, all windows and door locks, etc work. No rips, stains, or cracks in the leather interior, carpets look good. Back seat doesn't look like it was ever even sat it. Just needs new tires within the next couple months.

Pics coming later today.

Life is good. Life is very good.

 

My buddy picked up almost the same thing, 2004.5 with 100,000 dually for $10,000. Right from the bank as a repo. Maybe they go for more money out east.

Good luck with the truck, let us know what you find out about the codes....

 

Well, I got a good buy on the truck, so I'm not complaining. Your buddy got a smoking deal.

Here are some pics I just took.

Not a scratch on it. Laramie package. Full leather interior, all electrics. Smiling!

 

Wow, that is super clean.

It appears to be a Laramie, with heated leather, power pedals and all that stuff?