DonnyB8

I am looking at getting a 2005-2006 Ram 3500 DRW LWB crew cab to haul a fifth wheel. Since I have never owned a diesel before, I need some pointers on what to look for. I have seen some with mileage in the 150k miles, and even 200k miles. What should be the max miles I should consider? Anything else I need to be aware of?
BTW, I am searching on carguru, craigs list, and true car, and ebay (although I am not crazy about ebay).

Jeff in TD

Make sure the engine starts promptly, hot or cold. As common rail injectors wear, the amount of fuel they bypass into the return system grows, to the point where the CP3 pump has difficulty in achieving the fuel rail pressure needed to fire the injectors at cranking speed. In that mileage range it would not be shocking to need injectors and they are somewhat expensive.

Make sure the climate system works well in all modes and temperatures. These trucks sometimes break blend doors or mode doors in the HVAC case. A lot of labor is involved in the repair.

Other than that, the usual stuff. Runs smooth with no miss, ball joints and suspension, signs of damage or whatever.

The autos in that era is the 48RE. From what I've heard they hold up ok, but are only 4 speed. If you don't mind shifting, I'd suggest stick shift.

03-04.5 trucks were the first with common rail, and the non CA emission H.O. Had no cat, no in cylinder exhaust recirculation. They generally gave better mpg than 04.5 to 06.

If you can find one of those in good shape...

Jeff in TD

Also, mileage wise, these trucks can go hundreds of thousands of taken care of, or a person could trash one in 80k.

In the age range you are looking at I'd be more about condition, service records, perhaps even an inspection by a competent mechanic.

NJMurvin

If it were me, I'd try to find a 2006 or later with 5.9. The 2006 models have different transmission programming, official support for exhaust brakes on automatics (48RE) and offer more options for programming (e.g. EFI live). If you're going to tow heavy, consider 4.10 gears.

DieselDodg

Buy a later with 4.10 gears you won't regret it. Buy the service records, clean and clear documented paper work when buying a vehicle this age. First and foremost be picky and extremely patient and will come out with a good vehicle.

Other then searching the classifieds here I found a good amount for sale here:

https://www.autolist.com/dodge-ram+p...37923649999999

Good luck with your search and I hope you find what you're looking for .

johnh

personally i wouldn't buy a used common rail truck, too many expensive problems!!