Hello everyone... this is my first post in this forum.

I have recently made up my mind to buy a new Dodge CTD 2500, so
I've been doing a lot of reading on this topic lately... my excitement and
expectations rising to a new height with each passing day... But I have
to say that after coming across this thread today:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=145569
and reading it almost in its entirety with suspended breathing,
which was excruciatingly unsettling especially when reading the poster's
complaints on how the Dodge is a highly disappointing, quickly deteriorating
piece of edit vehicle, wrapped around the majestic cummins engine, that
falls apart at each and every chance it gets, I am now more than just a bit
confused about the whole thing...

The consensus in that thread seemed to be that most of the instances
of the Dodge Ram breaking down prematurely were caused by the
various mods that, when added, produced much more power than the
vehicle wrapped around the cummins was designed to withstand...

So my question is... in light of all this, is it realistic for me to expect
durability and reasonable trouble-free service from this truck if I
keep away from all those mods???

Which one should I go for with that in mind, the 5.9L or the 6.7L?

I am still green in regard to Dodge diesel truck matters, so any
suggestions, delucidations and advice you feel/care to offer will
be very much appreciated.

Thanks...

Charles

 

No way man! Don't let that thread influence you. Of course you're only going to hear the worst of the worst + exaggeration in that thread. The Dodge is like any other vehicle. It's been very dependable in all 6 trucks that I and friends have owned. Treat it good, and it will treat you good. What? You think Ford and Chevy are much better?

It would be hard to say you'll get 100% trouble-free miles for time to come. I've seen brand new cars pull off the lot and break down a few miles later more than once. It's also unreasonable to expect any vehicle is bullet-proof. Modifying the engine for a little more horsepower isn't going to hurt reliability of the engine at all. It will, however, hurt the reliability of the transmission if you're careless about it and/or if you add too much hp. Up to a 50 horsepower increase should be fine. Even for the tranny, you can do some mild mods like a valvebody to keep it in good shape.

My name is Charles too and I actually go by Charles.

 

I special ordered an '07 5.9 specifically to avoid more emission equipment. I would advise looking for a leftover 5.9 in light of the numerous complaints from the 6.7 crew. I think D/C will take care of these folks,but why bother with it?

 

I've got a 94' and it's got one tear in the side of the seat, but other than that, it's going strong, lol.

As far as the engine, the 6.7 isn't tried and true over a number of years yet like the 5.9l's are. If I bought a new truck i'd get a Dodge for sure. And a 5.9l I6

 

This is the first DC product i have ever owned. I can't say enough about how much I like this truck.

 

i've always been a chevy person but i bought a dodge for the cummins but i've grown to love my dodge, i've always hated dodges but if i was to buy a 45000 dollar truck i would buy a dodge

 

Look, no matter what brand of vehicle you buy, there WILL be some problems with SOME of the vehicle. Noy all will even have those problems. I have a 2000 with 175,000 miles on it. It looks new. Since I've had it, I've absolutely no major problems. I bought it from the original ower who's only issue was the lift pump a VP-44 injection pump replacement. Besides, that the truck has been a dependable work horse. And I don't baby it trying to squezee out the extra milage. I use this darn thing to it's fullest compacity. Alls it takes is a good preventive maintentance program. Oh I do have one problem right now; after 175,000 miles, I think my starter is finally going out.

Maybe the previous owner and myself have been lucky. Or maybe the odds are just that more than not, a Cummins powered Dodge Ram pick-up IS reliable.

 

Well, nice to meet you Charles...

Of all comparable vehicles, the one I am in love with (both
for its looks and engine) is the 2500 4x4 6-sp manual with a
QC and SB and of course the cummins (not sure which one,
though). I love especially the looks and proportions of the
Power Wagon and, though I do not care in the least for its
specs (most of my driving will be highway, some city and
just some occasional very mild off road - when camping,
etc. - I would like to make mine look as much as possible
as that one.

I'd like to install 35s on the stock alluminum wheels and
raise the vehicle perhaps a couple of inches. Do you
think that doing this will contribute to things breaking
down prematurely?

What I have in mind is to preserve reasonable power
(I won't do any towing or carry heavy loads...) while
at the same time enhancing fuel economy as much
as possible. I thought that in light of all this, I should
get the 3.73 gear ratio. Am I correct in assuming so?
What's the best, most trouble-free way to raise the
vehicle not too expensively to accommodate the 35s,
while preventing damage to the chassis in the long run?

Again, any suggestions that come to mind are very much
welcome...

 

I read somewhere, and I don't know how true that is, about someone
suggesting the 5.9 to those bent on using mods, and the 6.7 as the
best choice for those willing to leave the stock setup as is...
However, it's also true that the 6.7 is new and unproven, and also
there is the issue of all that crap that was added on to comply with
emission regulations...

In terms of actual power that gets to the wheels, does someone
know how the two compare?

 

Yep, it makes sense. What gear ratio have you got on the 5.9, and what fuel
economy with the manual?

 

You make it sound real great... so perhaps, in your case, you have
been lucky! As far as I can tell, you have also added quite a few mods...
What was the story (in that thread) about avoiding 06 and 07 trucks?
Someone was pointing out that they are not as reliable than the older
models...

 

To be honest, the truck got to 141,000 miles with just 4" straight exhaust, AFE stage 1. The original owner used it to tow his travel trailer. I added all the extras.

As for the 06's and 07's, I couldn't say for fact, just hearsay.

 

I've got 4.10's, average 19mpg. Best was 21mpg before I did the fuel plate.

 

That's great!!! Are any of the mods you list designed to enhance
fuel economy at all (I really can't tell by their names...)
What type of wheels/tires do you have currently on?
Is it conceivable that if you had the same truck with the
3.73 gears instead, that would produce an even better fuel
economy?

As far as I understand it, it would do the opposite when you
tow/carry heavy loads, but should save you fuel when the truck
is not pulling much weight...
Can someone either confirm or correct this assumption?

 

Yes, if you're not going to tow, then get the lowest gear ratio possible. 3.73's or lower if they have them as an option. That'll be best for fuel economy. You can get a performance box to help with the fuel economy as well. As far as tires, the stock tires will be amongst the best sizes for best fuel economy. By the way, I wouldn't set my hopes for the fuel mileages posted on this forum. It all depends on your truck's configuration and how you drive it.