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Dang man I think you need to find a new mechanic

 

Its hard to find a decent one in PA so I go to Jersey instead

 

My drag link is loosening now, it looks like that boot is getting worse. I have to get it to the shop on Monday and get it tightened along with a new boot

 

I personally think you are getting screwed by your mechanic

 

Nah not from that one, he hasn't installed any of the parts on the front end. That's the issue, if something goes wrong I go close by to this one on 611 about 15 minutes away because I can't take it to New Jersey 45 minutes away. They aren't getting good parts for me. I'll just have to get my own parts from now on.

 

The only reason why I didn't this time was because I had a warranty there.

 

Hey everybody, so only the one tie rod was replaced. The drag link and other tie rod still need to be replaced. Track bar is good now, I'm a bit tired of the repairs for this truck. The older gentleman that had the truck before me didn't take to good of care of it. I have been taking good care of it but it's time for a different truck, have had this one for 2 years almost definitely want something different. Wanted to get a 3rd gen Cummins sometime between now and next winter. Any suggestions? I've read that 03 and 04 are best but wanted to get a better clue. I don't really want a newer one. What Cummins should I trade my 2nd gen V8 for? How much should I trade the V8 in for? Has 165k overall, Just needs some body work after I'm done with steering issues and the trans lines are getting replaced now. What's the highest mileage I should go with for used when it comes to a Cummins to ensure a good truck? Planning on making payments after whatever I get for the trade in and a down payment so I get a decent rate

 

I have owned 3 Cummins and I won't buy another one, I traded them all in for a gas motor. If you don't tie heavy 24/7 it's not worth it. Part and maintaince are way higher then a gasoline engine. Plus Cummins are know for lift pump failure ($800 for one that will fail again and $1500 for one that supposedly won't). The common items are expensive to. Last time I checked a water pump for a gasser is $80 for a Hemi a Cummins is $250 rebuilt. Not to mention fuel is higher. A couple of us guys here did the math and the extra mpg isn't worth the higher cost of maintaince, unless you are towing 12,000+ everyday. Ultimately it's your money though! Cummins is known for lift pump, head gasket, slow starting even when warm, grid heater circuit, geling up (maybe just the 2nd gens but my 3rd gen did it to), and a few others.

 

If you're trying to avoid steering and tranny issues, the 3rd gen Ram is not going to help. The front ends had/have just as many issues as ours except the larger axles are more expensive to repair. Generally speaking, the 94-97 12v are the most reliable and cheapest, then 03-04.5 CR, then 04.5-07.5 CR, then back to 98.5-02 24V. The generations are really very different. Whole new fueling system, frame, body, and axles began in 03. While among the cream of cummins years, some issues are: cylinder 6 fuel line, pumps, track bar (yep, the bushings wear out quickly causing death wobble), BALL JOINTS are a big one (AAM axles), steering gear, HVAC doors are big (lots of plastic junk), rear door wiring, and of course, trans failures (auto). Best combo is to find a manual before the G56 switch (05ish). Go to cumminsforum and read up on each year/generation. It mostly comes down to how the previous owner maintained / repaired each truck as they are all so old now. Also keep in mind that dealers know diesels are gold and gassers are lead so they will overcharge your new truck and give you crap for trade. And honestly, any truck is going to be full of repairs so might as well get used to it. If you have the money for diesel, great. I wouldn't sweat the tie rods. You can swap them out easily with a rented pickle fork and do your own alignment with strings. But to each his own. Good luck.

 

Damn it, alright yeah I'm trying to avoid steering issues. Well, I definitely don't want to go back further then 2001 for whatever truck I get next and I want something with below 130k. I have heard about all the pump issues with Cummins. Should I keep this one in that case? Would it be worth it to trade this truck in for a 3rd gen even if it not being a Cummins? Brakes lines were redone last year, transmission was just serviced in September and of course after that my tranny lines just started leaking on Monday. Driver side manifold was replaced last year, now the whole front end is redone except the shock absorbers. I got all new pipes put underneath when I first got it because it sounded disgusting. Now it needs a decent amount of body work, do you guys think I should get a parts truck for mine? Atm I'm trying to find one that I can trade my atv for as it needs work, Or just trade it in?