Hello all I am looking at buying my first diesel, have found two , one is a 2004 5.9 suppose to have a banks six something on engine my question to the dealer that has it for sale was is this a stock engine or was it a high output before the Banks addition was added, sales man didn't know, how could I find out, the other one is 2004 5.9 also the guy selling it thinks it is high output but from conversation he doesn't know either. They both are 4 door 4x4 automatics , one asking 30 k, the other is 22 k one has 45 thousand miles is under warranty the other one has 125k no warranty, the 30 k is under warranty, what are things I should be asking, are the transmission ok or is there something about them I should ask. I am planning on buying a 30 ' fifthwheel in a few years to pull when I retire, don't have anything to pull at present just thought a diesel that would get 20 MPG would be great,any info would be appreciated thanks for your help, I live in Arkansas , hope this is the right tread, my first post............Thanks Lucky

 

I would find out if anything has been done to the trans..(rebuilt, or beefed up). I know that dodges autos do not like a lot of mods, and you never know how they were driven or taken care of. You can look on the left front engine plate and it should tell you if it is an HO or not. Good luck on your decision, there are a lot of well informed people on this sight, and I think you will find alot of help here.

 

Id take both to a reputable mechanic not associated with the dealer and let them givem a look. Also if the one that is supposed to have the Banks on it is the one under warranty, make sure the dealer will honor the warranty with the knowledge that it's on there.

 

$30k for a truck that is 3-4 yrs old, even though low miles, is pretty steep.
Be wary of the Bank Six Gun that is on it. Previous owner may have abused the truck (or not). I'd want to get a real good read on the previous owner before buying a modded truck.

 

x2 - I didn't pay a whole lot more than that for my truck brand new. Definitely be leery of buying a modded truck as well...

 

put your location on your sig, and ask members in your area to help you out.