This has scared the out of me...
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From: The land of fruits & nuts
If it were me, I would stick with a 5.9 engined truck; the EPA emissions controls for '07 spec (and in the Cummins' case, '10 as well) will be a bit of a sticking point for the next couple of seasons. Probalby not as difficult as the competetion, however.
The 5.9L's with a 6-speed are very difficult to find that are still brand-new. There are plenty of 6.7L's with a 6-speed (manual) out there.
Do you have to buy it new? I would rather save $10 - 15k and pick up a good '05 or '06 used - you'll find a better selection if the 5.9L makes sense for you, and the depreciation curve will be leveling out somewhat. I know a new truck is tempting, but it rarely if ever makes economic sense. Guess that's whay I'm still driving one with over 300k on it.
The 5.9L's with a 6-speed are very difficult to find that are still brand-new. There are plenty of 6.7L's with a 6-speed (manual) out there.
Do you have to buy it new? I would rather save $10 - 15k and pick up a good '05 or '06 used - you'll find a better selection if the 5.9L makes sense for you, and the depreciation curve will be leveling out somewhat. I know a new truck is tempting, but it rarely if ever makes economic sense. Guess that's whay I'm still driving one with over 300k on it.
Congrats on your 300k truck!!! So what's the story... is the truck high-maintenance... being hard on you, or what?
So - how is it you've posted several times, yet your post count is still at zero...?
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From: The land of fruits & nuts
CNH has been using them in the MXU series ( in both mechanical injected , and HPCR versions) for at least 4 years now. I have heard of two engine failures in those tractors , both caused by assembly errors , one had some casting sand left in the engine somehow , which very quickly wiped the main bearings, the second one was assembled with no oil pickup tube in the pan 
, these were both VERY early in the production run , and i have heard of no problems since.
, these were both VERY early in the production run , and i have heard of no problems since.
Jack changed some settings a while ago, He set more of the forums so posts don't count , and I think this is one of them.
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From: The land of fruits & nuts
You are contradicting yourself here. Now, I know people will disagree with me, but since I run a Dodge dealership I feel I have the authority to speak on this issue. Installing 35's and lifting the truck WILL have a negative long term affect on longevity. When you start changing factory parameters things wear faster. If you put a chip on an engine, it WILL affect long term durability. If a person is truly concerned about the durability of a truck, leave it alone.
I never thought of putting chips on the engine... However, a truck that is a bit lifted and with larger than stock tires has such an impact on how appealing I find it to the eye... Again, I think what you said makes sense. How much damage, in practical terms, would you say I'd be looking at, in the long run, if I were to, say, lift the truck 2" and put on it 33s?
Of course there will be some added wear and tear on account of that... but it can't be all about durability... it has to be about the correct balance between durability, what is pleasant to the eye, fuel economy, power, etc... Isn't that so?
I'd be interested in what your estimate of the likely damage is, in view of the scenario I offered above.
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From: The land of fruits & nuts
IMHO none of the big three produce a reliable truck...if u want reliability get a Tacoma. Relative to each other though, when it comes to full size trucks that have diesel engines, the Dodge is and always has been the most reliable...Would rather replace 8 injectors each costing 200$ and weak front end components?...would u rather be on your 2nd engine and have to replace your turbo, rear main, and head gasket (again)...or would u rather have a bulletproof engine and replace a track bar?...we all know which description fits which truck.
But I agree with you, I'd rather have a strong, durable engine and have to worry only about the type of minor issues you are pointing to...
The ideal thing, though, would be taking one of these cummins and find a way to wrap around it a Toyota or something unfailing like that. That would be the absolute best of both worlds...
Nobody has ever come up with a practical way to achieve just that?
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From: The land of fruits & nuts
The guy in the thread that you linked to bought used trucks. He just may have picked badly. Not every one can go out and buy a good used truck.That may be the real problem,not the Dodge trucks. I bought mine new and love my truck,it's 14 months old and still seems just like new.
(my post #31)... I'd rather buy a new truck than risk buying a lemon
on account of my lack of experience...
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From: Cincinnati, OH
All trucks have their problems, especially when they get to the higher mileage. My last truck was a well-beaten 96 12 valve. With 33s and an automatic I got a hand-calculated 19-20mpg mostly highway. I had to put a new transmission, front end parts, brake lines, and a few other odds and ends on it. BUT, it had been beaten hard (it was easy to tell it wasnt babied) and had over 200k miles on it when I got it. My only mod: the BHAF air filter.
I just went with a leftover 06 Dodge Cummins shortbed CC and absolutely love it. My reasoning was that I wanted the old 5.9 because I had a great history with that motor. I have no intention of bombing (except for the sole purpose of reliability) or even adding bigger tires. It tows my camper and hauls my dirt. Plus, with the 07 emissions restrictions coming, I didnt want to have to fool with all that nonsense. Im sure Dodge and Cummins will get it right, but I preferred to not get into that mess. I bought about 2 years earlier than I wanted to because I wanted a warrantied 5.9.
On the reliability issue: my daily driver is a 94 Corolla with 150k miles on it. The only difference I can tell in reliability is the transmission and some front end issues because of the added weight of the diesel. And, to be honest, Toyota doesnt have to deal with those because they dont have a high torque, heavy diesel to fight with. So,other than the problems that are brought on by the diesel, I think my 96 12v was just as reliable. I have a friend with a 96 Corolla that is beat to junk status and she cant seem to figure out why it keeps dying on her. Be nice to the old girl and she will treat you right. Be nice to your new baby and she will give you years of reliable service.
I just went with a leftover 06 Dodge Cummins shortbed CC and absolutely love it. My reasoning was that I wanted the old 5.9 because I had a great history with that motor. I have no intention of bombing (except for the sole purpose of reliability) or even adding bigger tires. It tows my camper and hauls my dirt. Plus, with the 07 emissions restrictions coming, I didnt want to have to fool with all that nonsense. Im sure Dodge and Cummins will get it right, but I preferred to not get into that mess. I bought about 2 years earlier than I wanted to because I wanted a warrantied 5.9.
On the reliability issue: my daily driver is a 94 Corolla with 150k miles on it. The only difference I can tell in reliability is the transmission and some front end issues because of the added weight of the diesel. And, to be honest, Toyota doesnt have to deal with those because they dont have a high torque, heavy diesel to fight with. So,other than the problems that are brought on by the diesel, I think my 96 12v was just as reliable. I have a friend with a 96 Corolla that is beat to junk status and she cant seem to figure out why it keeps dying on her. Be nice to the old girl and she will treat you right. Be nice to your new baby and she will give you years of reliable service.
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From: Live Music Capitol of the World
I've BOMBED the crap out of my truck and drive the holy heck out of it every chance i get. From hauling 35k in alfalfa hay, to hauling "donkeys" down the gravel/dirt back roads of central Texas and Missouri the truck hasn't let me down. The only things I've had to replace was 1 vp and the dana 80. The rear axle was my fault but the vp was before I had guages and a pusher. I love the adjustabilty of the second gens. but don't want the electronic injectors of the third gens. but for a newer truck i'm going to have to switch.
BUY A DODGE AND BECOME A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM!!
YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED!!
ROCK ON!!!
BUY A DODGE AND BECOME A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM!!
YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED!!
ROCK ON!!!
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From: The land of fruits & nuts
I've BOMBED the crap out of my truck and drive the holy heck out of it every chance i get. From hauling 35k in alfalfa hay, to hauling "donkeys" down the gravel/dirt back roads of central Texas and Missouri the truck hasn't let me down. The only things I've had to replace was 1 vp and the dana 80. The rear axle was my fault but the vp was before I had guages and a pusher. I love the adjustabilty of the second gens. but don't want the electronic injectors of the third gens. but for a newer truck i'm going to have to switch.
I know that logically it must be EITHER one way OR the other... there can't be compromise about such a thing... right? And yet, which of the two crowds is a newcomer to this game to believe? I think that all this frustration is shared by a whole bunch of other people that are more or less in my predicament...
A case in point is when we compare what you just advised with what Luke S (who runs a Dodge dealership) advised just a few posts back (#27) in this thread... The words from both of you come across as obviously hearfelt and in both instances apparently based on solid personal experience, the advice of someone meaning to be helpful, and yet point to completely opposite directions...
So, whom is the inexperienced newcomer (in this case, me) to believe, whom NOT to believe?
One thing, kipo, for how long, as you say, have you "BOMBED the crap out of your truck and driven the holy heck out of it at every chance you got?"
Shall we do a poll about this controversial issue (managing not to have it turn into a war)?
BUY A DODGE AND BECOME A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM!!
YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED!!
ROCK ON!!!
YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED!!
ROCK ON!!!
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From: south of Kansas City 40 miles
char_Is,
Everyone who gives you an opinion (including me) is looking thru their own set of glasses.
Some like 5.9"s, some don't. Some like mods, some don't. Some like first gens, some seconds, some third generations. Some like big tires, some don't. Some like "handshakers", some like automatics. Most who post here DO like Cummins 'cause they own one. Not all like Dodges, and they own one!
Whether one works for a dealer, an autoparts outlet, or a "recycle" yard each individual will probably have a different response to the same question. That's based on their knowledge, experience, prejudices, and maybe even what their dad drove!
When I drive to work I USUALLY take I-35. I ALWAYS take I-35. I SELDOM take I-35. I SOMETIMES take I-35. I NEVER take I-35. If all the posters on this thread were asked to write an answer to these questions it would be interesting how the answers would fluctuate. What does, usually, always, seldom, sometimes and never mean to each individual?
Point is, words mean different things to different people. So, you have to be real careful how you take answers to your questions, and how much value you attach to them.
If you're concerned about you not knowing what to look for in a used truck, and that is directing you to purchase new you can always find professional, independent, mechanics to give your perspective used truck an inspection for usually less then $100.
Keep digging with the questions, just don't let emotion overtake your logic!!
Everyone who gives you an opinion (including me) is looking thru their own set of glasses.
Some like 5.9"s, some don't. Some like mods, some don't. Some like first gens, some seconds, some third generations. Some like big tires, some don't. Some like "handshakers", some like automatics. Most who post here DO like Cummins 'cause they own one. Not all like Dodges, and they own one!
Whether one works for a dealer, an autoparts outlet, or a "recycle" yard each individual will probably have a different response to the same question. That's based on their knowledge, experience, prejudices, and maybe even what their dad drove!
When I drive to work I USUALLY take I-35. I ALWAYS take I-35. I SELDOM take I-35. I SOMETIMES take I-35. I NEVER take I-35. If all the posters on this thread were asked to write an answer to these questions it would be interesting how the answers would fluctuate. What does, usually, always, seldom, sometimes and never mean to each individual?
Point is, words mean different things to different people. So, you have to be real careful how you take answers to your questions, and how much value you attach to them.
If you're concerned about you not knowing what to look for in a used truck, and that is directing you to purchase new you can always find professional, independent, mechanics to give your perspective used truck an inspection for usually less then $100.
Keep digging with the questions, just don't let emotion overtake your logic!!
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From: The land of fruits & nuts
char_Is,
Everyone who gives you an opinion (including me) is looking thru their own set of glasses.
Some like 5.9"s, some don't. Some like mods, some don't. Some like first gens, some seconds, some third generations. Some like big tires, some don't. Some like "handshakers", some like automatics. Most who post here DO like Cummins 'cause they own one. Not all like Dodges, and they own one!
Whether one works for a dealer, an autoparts outlet, or a "recycle" yard each individual will probably have a different response to the same question. That's based on their knowledge, experience, prejudices, and maybe even what their dad drove!
When I drive to work I USUALLY take I-35. I ALWAYS take I-35. I SELDOM take I-35. I SOMETIMES take I-35. I NEVER take I-35. If all the posters on this thread were asked to write an answer to these questions it would be interesting how the answers would fluctuate. What does, usually, always, seldom, sometimes and never mean to each individual?
Point is, words mean different things to different people. So, you have to be real careful how you take answers to your questions, and how much value you attach to them.
If you're concerned about you not knowing what to look for in a used truck, and that is directing you to purchase new you can always find professional, independent, mechanics to give your perspective used truck an inspection for usually less then $100.
Keep digging with the questions, just don't let emotion overtake your logic!!
Everyone who gives you an opinion (including me) is looking thru their own set of glasses.
Some like 5.9"s, some don't. Some like mods, some don't. Some like first gens, some seconds, some third generations. Some like big tires, some don't. Some like "handshakers", some like automatics. Most who post here DO like Cummins 'cause they own one. Not all like Dodges, and they own one!
Whether one works for a dealer, an autoparts outlet, or a "recycle" yard each individual will probably have a different response to the same question. That's based on their knowledge, experience, prejudices, and maybe even what their dad drove!
When I drive to work I USUALLY take I-35. I ALWAYS take I-35. I SELDOM take I-35. I SOMETIMES take I-35. I NEVER take I-35. If all the posters on this thread were asked to write an answer to these questions it would be interesting how the answers would fluctuate. What does, usually, always, seldom, sometimes and never mean to each individual?
Point is, words mean different things to different people. So, you have to be real careful how you take answers to your questions, and how much value you attach to them.
If you're concerned about you not knowing what to look for in a used truck, and that is directing you to purchase new you can always find professional, independent, mechanics to give your perspective used truck an inspection for usually less then $100.
Keep digging with the questions, just don't let emotion overtake your logic!!
least in this case) is flawless and you are right!
On a side note: do I detect some NLP training, or something to that
extent, on your part?
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From: Northern Iowa
You are contradicting yourself here. Now, I know people will disagree with me, but since I run a Dodge dealership I feel I have the authority to speak on this issue. Installing 35's and lifting the truck WILL have a negative long term affect on longevity. When you start changing factory parameters things wear faster. If you put a chip on an engine, it WILL affect long term durability. If a person is truly concerned about the durability of a truck, leave it alone.
Char is - I really don't think buying a two to three year old CTD with a good buyer's check and a carfax is too big a risk. Guess my question is, is it worth 15k worth of saved depreciation, or are you really that much in need of full warrenty & peace of mind?
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From: Cummins Technical Center, IN
Cummins did their homework on the 6.7. It meets 2010 specs already, while Ford and GM are still trying to figure out how they are going to do it.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 6.7. Then again, I love my 5.9 and see no reason to trade anytime soon.
The 6.7 should have all that you love about a 5.9 (brute grunt on bottom, sounds right, etc), only marginally a little less MPG.
The Dodge part of these trucks not too bad at all, imo. Yes, they did some shady things imo, but I've fixed all that I really care about, and the parts they didn't screw up are VERY well done. End result is a truck I love.
Don't be scared. If you have doubts, wait a year or two. I bought my 2002 partly because it was the last year of a certain body style and engine configuration, and thus far I've had very few problems. Comparing my 2002 to the 1998.5 24V trucks, my truck i smuch better overall, imo.
JH
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From: Cummins Technical Center, IN
Thank you for bringing this up. One who desires such things should realise at the outset, they have to "Pay to play." I'm not agianst it, but I am against people who have modified and broken thier truck coming back to the dealer stating it's the dealer's fault. Please, take reponsibility for your actions, folks!
Char is - I really don't think buying a two to three year old CTD with a good buyer's check and a carfax is too big a risk. Guess my question is, is it worth 15k worth of saved depreciation, or are you really that much in need of full warrenty & peace of mind?
Char is - I really don't think buying a two to three year old CTD with a good buyer's check and a carfax is too big a risk. Guess my question is, is it worth 15k worth of saved depreciation, or are you really that much in need of full warrenty & peace of mind?
A perfect example is the installation of custom wheels. How many of the custom wheel people install are exactly the same spec in terms of offset and hubcentricity? No doubt that's harder on bearings and such.
What really baffles me is seeing threads in the 3rd gen forum of trucks with under 10K miles scoring pistons, knocking, and and having lots of problems. Guys buy these trucks and instantly start throwing hot-rod parts at them with very little research and maybe just some forum say-so, only to have problems later. They stack 3,4, 5 boxes and then -SURPRISE!_ have problems with the truck
My truck has some things done to it, but pay attention to what is NOT done and I think there's something instructive in that.
JMO