Ime looking into a diesel truck, being a diesel mechanic/mostly bigger highway vehicles/, Ime torn what one to buye and i do not like the urea equiped vehicles. The fords ive found to be problems, i like the 6cylender cummins engines, What do you guyes think is the better truck and if the dodge what years to get and stay away from? Ime looking for a 3/4 ton 4x4 4 door single wheel,,,6 or 8 foot bed loaded. any advice is apreciated! Richie at a5cos@aol.com

 

There are a lot of threads on this subject. "Search" is your friend. Here is a recent thread that might help you a little. https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...s-t279825.html I am terribly biased because I own one but I like the 03 to 04.5 models since there is no cat converter. I know I will get shot down by a lot of others who love their later year models. Anyway, hope the link helps. You can spend days looking at posts on this site. Keep in mind that a lot of people first sign on with DTR because they were having a problem with their truck so it might seem like the trucks are prone to problems. That is not the case. There are many other people who have never had a problem with their CTD and have never heard of this site. Fortunately for me, I discovered the site before having any problems and they have saved me a lot of money since I can do a lot of my maintenance thanks to the information available here.

 

Alot of guys on this site are bias, including myself. It is all of what you want. Most of us love the Cummins Diesel and will stick with Dodge because of it. If I had my ultimate truck it would be a early Chevy CC duelly, Cummins with a six speed, A set of Ford F550 4X4 axles and a Air Ride setup. But by the time you build one you'll have 60 or 70K in one and quite abit of time.
It's all a matter of what you want.

 

I love my 2nd gen but wouldn't mind an 04.5 commonrail.

 

Yes, I too am biased. I don't plan to ever get rid of my '06.

Having said that, it's all about what motor you prefer and think you'll have the least amount of problems with. Dodge is notorious for trans problems. Matter of fact, that was the only problems I've had. Fortunately, the major trans problems are well understood and several trans rebuilders have got the issues worked out.
In my case, the trans had to be rebuilt, about 1k miles before the warranty ran out. I figure if I have to have the trans rebuilt, I'll bulletproff it, using one of the companies highlighted here on DTR and be done for the next 100-150k miles.

Regarding the 5.9, if I had it to do over, I would probably buy a 98.5 quad cab (12V motor) and hot rod the motor to near or more power than my '06. If only because the 12V motors are better known for >20MPG, even reaching to 24mpg.

Chevy - I'll never own; my wife had nothing but problems with hers, when we first got married.
Ford - I got so turned off about their launch of the 6.0 then the 6.4; mostly denying legit warranty claims. These days, the aftermarket seems to have solved their problems; EGR cooler/valve/head studs, and so on.

FWIW, even if I wanted to, my wife won't let me sell the Cummins. Is that enough?

HTH

Tony

 

I would say get the newest 5.9L you can find and be happy. I have to say that I am pleased with my "three and a quarter" mill. Define your needs,wants, desires and buy accordingly. The newer trucks (gen 3) with auto trans get better mpg than the manuals.

 

I sort of disagree. It depends on what you are buying it for. I think in city driving the auto gets better mpg but I bought my truck for towing long distances primarily on highways. I seem to do a little better than the other RVers with the auto's. With that said, if I ever have to replace my truck I am getting an auto (bad left knee).

 

I owned a 98.5 for seven yrs. After owning one of these 3rds,I don't miss the constant wandering,lousy braking and noise of my old one. My fuel economy is identical with my '07 5.9. To the OP I'd suggest an '03-5.9 in whatever configuration you prefer. A privately owned one with a service history is a must.

 

I for starters would never pay 50-60 grand for a pickup, that there narrows my search down a bit. I cant do the F word to be honest with you and the GMs ide stay 06 only. Ide like to get into a dodge do to the cummins engine but would like to be beyond the rediculas brake/front end locator bar/front wheel bearings ect issues if such a thing. Ime not shifting so an automatics a must. Trucks use would be highway,plow snow and tow or carry a camper. I like power!! From my lawn mower to my truck.

 

If an auto is a must, I'd say I'm not a fan of the 48RE that comes with the 5.9. It seems to be reliable enough with stock power, but 4 speeds just don't seem like enough.

The 68RFE on the 6.7 is sweet, but the emissions on that motor take a fuel mileage toll.