I got 72k before it melted #7 piston. (towed twice a year) Was fairly fast but didn't hold a candle to the CTD in low end tq. I get about 50% better fuel mileage with the CTD and the maintenance has been cheaper.

This doesn't mean I wouldn't drive a gasser, but with the way things are rated these days you could almost get away with a 1/2 ton. A good example of this would be that 3/4 ton 4x4 truck was rated @ 8800#, the new 1/2 ton Tundra (with a MUCH lighter engine)is rated @ 7200#. Not too much difference especially when the Toyota packs over 400 lb-ft of tq.

JRG

 

Did you do the spark plug wire TSB?

Rusty

 

No. Although I had changed the plugs & wires prior.

JRG

 

Dad and Mom's 2000 V-10 never gave them any problems and towed their 5er to CA and back, but Dad sure likes the Cummins power of the 05 much better.

The 2000


The 2005

 

It sure is funny how all of us were so freaked out about how differend the 3rd gens looked. Now seeing those pics its funny how much they look alike.

 

The plug wires had to be rerouted - otherwise, an ignition crossfire situation could develop that would torch a piston - guess which one? Yep- cylinder #7!!

HERE'S the TSB.

Rusty

 

Yeah, I remember that TSB... I'd already put a bunch of hard miles on the '98 when I got it, but when I checked the plug wire routing - all systems were go!

When the 3rd gens first came out, I was like Dodge

After I while, I thought 3rd gen Dodge

 

I still like the looks of the 2nd gen the best !
But the 3rds are now getting tolerable and if you park it by a 6.4SD it becomes a very fine looking rig.
The thing i don't like on the 3rd gen is the front bumper is a way too low to the ground.

 

I wasn't really crazy about their poor gas mileage until I had an opportunity to drive one last year. With the high price of diesel, it makes more sense to use the gas model instead of the CTD's. Actually the only thing that pulls better is my U500 with an 8-speed.

 

Hey INDuchman, how do you like your U500? Pulls like bear! I've had mine sitting in the hold of this pos fishing vessel we delivered to Cape Town last week. This is the first time in a while I've had internet service, so I need to catch up with everyone in the last two months. It's great to have it so we can visit all the neat places in the RSA - like Soweto~

 

Hi Hawk - Wow it's been a while since I've seen you toolin down the 'tooth. Back at sea again? Yeah, I love my Uni - got a good deal on it from a Canadian broker who was importing troop carriers. When you get back to the States, stop by and we'll take you out moose hunting.