Used Dodge Trucks

[khryslerkid]

I am looking at my options when buying a used Dodge Truck. I will be looking for a 2500 series or a 1500 with a heavy duty towing package. I have a 24' inclosed trailer and need something with some "HP", fair gas milage when not towing, and comfort creatures. I like the "New Generation" of Dodge Truck and will even settle for the last "Generation" ($10k to $12k or less) There are a lot of used Dodge trucks on the market today and they are selling at some really good prices.

What years do I need to be cautious about? What engines. I have heard about transmission problems, oil leaks, ect. Deisel is not out of the question but I would prefer gas. I am not looking to buy one today, just doing my homework...

Give me your input. I am kinda out of the "loop" on these trucks...

 

[69 Runner]

Having drug cars all over the place with gas and diesel, I can tell you without a doubt get a Cummins. A gas truck will struggle with that trailer, and probably get less than 10mpg pulling it. However, a Cummins will get about 12 (or better) and will get as much or more unloaded as a gas truck will

 

[65-440]

Cummins is by far the best choice, but if diesel is not your 1st pick, the 5.7hemi is also a work horse. you would not be dissapointed with any 2003 + Ram. the older "BR" body trucks ( 2002- earlier ) are also good and dependable trucks, but i wouldnt get one without the 5.9 cummins or V-10 model

 

[khryslerkid]

Thanks you two:grin: Thought I might get a few more replies:edgy:I'll have to see what a low mileage Cummings equipt truck is going for. Still would like to have some input on what I have heard about some of these automatics...

 

[detmatt1]

I have a vintage `97 1500 4X4 with the 5.9 gas. It is my work truck and my daily driver and it used to pull a boat, back in my previous life before divorce. I bought it in `99 with 60K on the odometer and it is now about to turn 220K and nothing has ever really been done to the running gear accept maintanence. This truck runs like a top, has great handling charecteristics and the 360 sounds awesome through the Flowmasters!. I have had to replace some of the body parts because of rust, but I live in the rustbelt, so I don't mind. Even with 220K on it I wouldn't hesitate to jump in it now and drive it accross the country. I do love my truck!.

 

[69 Runner]

The two Cummins I've owned were both autos. One was a 95 2wd, the other a 99 4wd and I had no issues with either one.

I bet if you ask people who have had problems (and they tell you the truth) you'll find they were doing things they weren't supposed to when they broke.

Case in point. Before I got my second truck (the 4wd) I test drove a 3500 4wd with a stick at a small town dealership. As I talked with the salesman he said "I just had a customer bring one in that needed a clutch (this was under 20,000 miles btw). I said "How did he torch it?" Salesman said "I wondered the same thing and asked what he was doing." Farmer says "Oh....I was just doin some towin." Salesman says "what were you towin?"

Farmer says "Oh....bout 40,000 pounds."

no warranty there lmao

 

[65-440]

those transmissions are really strong. they are built to handle the torque of the cummins ! problems with those trans units are far and few. when there is a problem, most of the time its from driver and/or lack of fluid changes

 

[khryslerkid]

Makes perfect sense about the fact that some people don't know limitations when it comes to anything mechanical.

Are they using the same transmissions behind the Cummings that they use behind the gas V-eights or something a little heavier?

 

[scotts74birds]

I have no first-hand knowledge with the diesels, but I read some stuff on propane injection that looks fun! Like pulling a 5th-wheel uphill, AND accelerating! Second hand knowledge though, there was a point in the BR [?] 95-2000 Rams where they changed the fuel pump set-up. I wont go into details, cause I dont have them, but you WANT the one after the change. Told to me by 3 owners at my Chrysler plant.

 

[65-440]

no , the transmissions are different units b/t gas and deisel. deisel ones weigh a freakin ton too !!

 

[roadrunnerman]

I drive all across the country(semi) and i see more dodge duallies then other makes and when i talked to the owners sometimes they all like the cummins.

 

[khryslerkid]

Cool Deal my friends! Looks like your swaying me toward a Cummings. Guess I'll just have to turn up the radio a little more. Glad to hear that they do have a beefier automatic too. Thats a plus for sure. Thanks for all of the input...

 

[scotts74birds]

Tons of Ram diesel forums too! almost like a cult to these guys. You cant go wrong. Heres one off the top of my head http://www.turbodieselregister.com/