I've been looking for a 2003 - 2006 dodge diesel 2500 or 3500 for about a month now. I've chosen those years because it seems like the fuel system and pump problems had all worked themselves out by 2003. I don't want to deal with the new emissions controls in the post 2006 trucks because my state doesn't have emissions testing, and I know they can be expensive to fix if they break. If I got a post 2006 truck i would probably just take those components off. Recently I've found two trucks that look really good. I was wondering if you guys could give me an opinion:

This one is a 2001, but looks like it has had a lot of work done on the fuel system. Do you think the fass pump would replace all of the problematic OEM parts for this year>?

2001 Dodge Ram 2500, turbo diesel 5.9 cummins. Fully loaded, 4x4 Auto, 44,000 miles. Ported head, HD Valve springs (5,000 miles ago), New Full Suncoast Transmition, New Custom Edge Comp Drag Box. Custom Built Fuel System All, Braided Line, 1/2in Sump In The Tank, Full 5in Exhaust System,Custom Modified Intake,Flowed Injectors, 150 Fass Fuel Pump And Filter System, Rhino Liner, Tool box, New Kennwood Sterio System With Amps And Speakers, New Turbocharger, Injection Pump, AC evaporater, New Tires. $16,500

Or:


2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Truck 4x4 Quad Cab
$19,995
Mileage 57,999
Body Style Truck
Exterior Color Black
Interior Color Gray
Engine 6 Cylinder Diesel Tur
Transmission Automatic
Drive Type 4 wheel drive - rear
Fuel Type Diesel
Doors Four Door
Split Bench Seat, Tires - Rear All-Season, Power Steering, Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers, Pass-Through Rear Seat, Adjustable Steering Wheel, Four Wheel Drive, Turbocharged, A/C, High Output, Auxiliary Pwr Outlet, AM/FM Stereo, Driver Air Bag, Tires - Front All-Season, 4-Wheel ABS, Intermittent Wipers, Passenger Air Bag, Full Size Spare Tire, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes

 

What is the build date on the 04? If it's after Jan first, do it. Yeah, the 01 has a lot of mods already, but the 04 is 3 years newer, and you can get some good power out of a CR.

Just my .02.

 

I know you dont really want a new one but for 5k more than the 04 you could probably get new 08.

 

If the 04 is stock it "possibly" had better treatment. The 01 may have been used to drag other trucks around the parking lot or as a drag racer.

Of course the older truck could have been lovingly cared for also. JMHO

I looked a a truck many years ago that I really wanted to buy that had all kinds of new parts on it. I looked at the undercarriage for some reason and the sides of the oil pan looked like an accordian and the crossmember that supported the rear of the tranny was twisted. Plain evidence of abuse but not all abuse is plain to see.

 

Would you be able to tell that from the vin?

 

Thanks for all of the good advice. As tempting as it is to go for the $16,500 truck with all of the aftermarket modifications, i do see your point that it might have been used hard. I guess i'll have to talk to the owner and see how trustworthy I feel he is.

 

Yes, but I do not know how to do it off the top of my head. Look inside the driver side door jam, the sticker has the date on it.

 

Hello and welcome to the forum. I personally avoid trucks that are modified for the simple fact that it most often indicates hard use. Plus the '01 still has the troublesome fuel lift pump and assoicated VP-44, and the time bomb of a 47RE automatic transmission. It's probably wiser overall to simply avoid it and work with a 3rd gen, such as the '04 is.

And no _ I don't reccommend going with a new '08.

 

Look at the data plate on the driver's side of the valve cover, it will also have a build date and HP rating. If before Jan 1, 2004 it will be the older 305/555 if after Jan 1, 2004 it will be the 325/600.

I believe that all 2004 models got the 48RE auto tranny but don't know for sure, others can tell you. The 48RE has a great record.

 

Like Equalizer said, look on the plastic cover over the valve cover. Should be a sticker that states the HP. You're looking for 350/600. And as for the 48RE, I can let you know that those transmissions are great. I've got 168,000 on my 04.5 now and tow heavy regularly. Never had an issue. Reliable as all get out. Go for the newer one if it's an HO.

 

question about the build date..because I am in the market as well...I am selling my tried and true never given me a major problem 99...(sad but probally gonna happen)

so if the sticker on the door jamb says 01/04...is that considered after jan 1 2004 or do you need it to say 02/04 as in after jan 31 2004.

a truck i am looking at says 01/04 and I cant see the truck in person yet as it is out of state.

NCA

 

A build date after 1 Jan 2004 is a 04.5. Also, it has an electronic wastegate, 325/600 on the valve cover cover, and a cat.

 

Well, I got in the car to go and buy it, and the dealership called me back and said it had been sold.

Oh well... Guess i'll keep on looking.

 

Why be concerned about getting a 04.5 instead of an 04??? The only real disadvantage I know of is exhaust dia (pretty easy fix)... what else would make you guys stay away from them???

 

No problems with the 04 over the 04.5. It was a question of an 01 or 04/04.5 the general consensus was the newer truck was probably the better choice.