I'm looking for my 1st diesel and have decided on a used Dodge 2500 2 wheel drive to tow a 7,000# (when loaded) equipment trailer. I live in AZ and tried pulling the trailer with my '94 superduty 460 gas 4 sp.w/ od. It was not a good match with no guts around town in 4th gear. I can only imagine how much fun it will be when trying to up some of the mountains that surround Phoenix on 3 sides with the 460. <br>I have found a '98 regular cab automatic with low miles (70,000), is that a good reliable trans or should a manual be what I really should be looking for. Thanks for any input. Jeff

 

Well the tranny question has always been a big question for Ram owners. The 47RE (auto) has had its share of bad news, fluid loss at the transmission line-to-cooler, line-to-transmission and plastic fittings and the 5-speed has liked to lose its fifth gear. Not all Rams have exhibited these problems, I'm just giving the more famous when and if it does happen. Just check them out during driving and under the vehicle for leaks on the auto. Personally I owned a '94 with the auto and trust me it was not babied at all and I never had a single issue with the automatic. 140,000 miles later and it ran great.

The manual will give you greater flexibility in meeting various road conditions, shifting up a hill and such and in the mountains it will help you out I'm sure. But it comes down to personal preference though.

Also is the '98, a 12-valve or 24-valve or engine? The engine was switched in midyear from the 12-valve to the 24-valve. With the 24-valve the ratings changed and you received more hp and with the 5-speed more torque.

 

It's kind of up to you. If you're just gonna tow with it, will you be towing in hilly to mountainous areas often? If so, my preference would be a 5 or 6 speed, and leaning towards the 6 speed.<br>The autos have their issues, which can be fixed, for a price.<br>If you get the bombing bug the auto will be more expensive to fix up to stand the HP and torque increase. You can just put in heavier clutches with a manual.<br>If you decide to race it, the manual won't be so good at the strip, but is excellent for the tractor/truck pulls.<br><br>The auto, when left stock, with a stock engine, and regular maintenance is done, should last OK when towing. It will handle small power increases also.<br><br>Chris

 

Azjeff,<br> as for the tranny's, I've got an auto, worked great until it broke, repaired for $1800.00 and had a few issues with the shifting, got them (hopefully) straightened out by another shop. Loaded 4900# in the bed week before last, and she pulled like a charm, 70 mph was NO PROBLEM on the interstate. My main problem was the 3-4, 4-3 shifts, but they are few and far between now. The auto does take a load off the OLD MANS feet and hips, not having to push the clutch , just the smoke pedal. But as everyone has said, it's your choice.

 

Hi guys, thanks for all of the input. Earlier in the morning today when I wrote the 1st request for input, I thought I had the 98 bought - 12v- but that didn't happen - as I was to late :'(. So I continued to look and after talking to a good customer/friend about his '94 regular cab cummins to pull his racing boat, I decided that maybe a 94 - 98 would be ok. I did find one in Phx today on AutoTrader auction site and after looking at it and taking it a diesel mechanic for quick once over, I had the high bid at end of the auction. Will be picking it up tomorrow. It is a 140,000 '95 reg. cab auto with o/d and a US Gear splitter. Seemed to be quite the trick also has Firestone baloons for additional spring support - not automatic - the pump 'em up type.<br>So I am now the owner of a Dodge 2500 Cummins ;D ;D. Thanks for the help and suggestions - I will be needing more and hope not to be to big of a pain. Thanks, Jeff

 

Dont be shy , these guys love the challenge ,they have helped me alot. ask away

 

Congrats on the new purchase Jeff!

 

Congratulations. ;D<br><br>Chris