Hello,
Considering my first dodge diesel truck purchase.

It`s a 2005 quad cab 6 speed with 88,000 on it. Just took it for a short test drive but liked the power. Don`t have any plans for towing or anything at this time.

Was / is this a good year for dodge?
Any problems with the motor or truck i should be aware of ?
what kind of mileage can i expect?
How often would it need service? oil changes and whatnot?

Thank in advance,
Bob

 

Welcome to the website, Bob.
The 05's are pretty good, the only problem that I know that is specific the them is that some of the intercoolers had plastic ends, and would crack if they saw higer than stock boost levels. In general, a few people have problems with the AC blend and recirc doors and ball joints.

Fuel mileage depends on your driving habits, good mileage is between 15 and 18ish.

Oil changes are listed in the dealer manual, I think that there is a 7500 mile service interval, unless you are running a synthetic oil. Don't quote me on the 7500, tho. The other service intervals are pretty good.

There are a lot of things you can do to better your perfomance without going all out... if you decide you want to put some mods on, let us know!

 

Welcome to the Forum !

To answer your qestions:

The 05 Dodge was a good year. The Transmission is almost indestructable. It was used in other brand trucks up to 54,000lbs GVW. My last truck had one and I put 203,000 on it. It was torn down for suspect noise that was not found, by the shop that put a new clutch system in. Pics in my gallery. All the Bearings and races were OK. The third gear sychro was worn some, but third gear was always notchy. You can't shift these tranny hard. You row thur the gears.

Mileage should be anywhere from 18.5-20.5 mpg depending on the rear and how you drive it. I have a friend with an 05 with a 4.10 gear and 6 speed and gets 21 mpg diven at 64mph. If you kept the RPM's under 2000 it will do good.

Oil changes anywhere between 4000-7500 depending on you. I use hours and don't go over 200hrs between changes. The overhead console should have an hour meter in it. Most use Shell Rotella T 15-40. Walmart has it.

On most all the common rail trucks, the injection lines from the hi pressure pump to the engine have seen some failures due to vibration. Its important you check those lines and keep the retainers tight. The 06 is famos for the #4 injection line breaking.

Use the search function to find other things you might be interested in on the forum.

Dave

 

For the info so far. This being a used truck sitting a car lot of repo trucks there`s no car manuel.

What`s the rpm range and when would i shift if i get this truck?

 

Start in Second Gear unless towing or carrying a heavy load. Shift points 2-3
25-2600 rpms. The rest of the way up don't really mater. What ever feels good to you. 3Rd gear in my old truck was the freight train gear. Hauled butt.

If it feels a little hard to get into 3rd sometimes, thats normal. At least all the ones I know about.

Forgot to mention, it is possible to hit Reverse with its location if you push the shifter out to the right to far. So when going to 5th, don't forget what your doing. It will go since its a fully sycronized transmission.

 

Coastal, i`m confused.

I t was a short test drive but reverse looking forward was/is left and down. How am i going to hit reverse if 5th is all the way right and up?

 

I think I have a link for truck manauls online... if you PM me, I'll look for it. Don't have it here at work.

 

I assumed you had the NV5600 Tranny. It appears you have the G56 which showed up in the late 1/2 model year. It has a much lower 6th gear ratio and depending on what rear end you have will affect the fuel mileage somewhat.
Its great for towing.

All other remarks are still good.

Sorry, did not know.

Dave

 

How many 6 speed trannys are there to choose from?
How do you find out what the truck has as far as rear end gearing? Tranny? Etc..?

 

There were only two 6 speeds. Look in the Glove box for a white sticker that will have the rear ratio or if at a dealer have them look up the rear ratio using the VIN number.

 

I now see what you mean. I`m looking at trucks at trader online and see a 2003 Dodge shows the shifter **** showing all the way right and up.
Different than what i drove.

 

I sent that manual to you, Bob.

 

Here`s the vin # , what does it say about the truck?

Vin # 3D7KR28C25G859396

 

Thanks madhat for the link.