Hello all... I am a newbie to Dodge truck, looking to buy my first. I have had Chevrolet trucks for years and have become bored with their design. I have always like the looks of the Dodge trucks, but have stayed away because I have heard nothing but bad things about transmissions.

I am looking at either 2500 or 3500 diesel, year range 2003 - 2006

So here are my questions.
For all you guys with the diesels, what kind of transmission troubles have you had?
espically anyone who has the aftermarket power programer, or aftermarket intakes and intercoolers.

what things do I need to look for when I am out looking for my new truck? common failures?

What power programer has the best reputation for Dodge diesels?

Thank you for your help,
-Jeff

 

I can't speak for everyone but I am on my second Ram and have never had a tranny problem. I have a hemi not a diesel I test drove every truck make and fell in love with the ram paired with the hemi. Only problems have been with the front end..struts, tie rods. If you search you will find this is common with the 06-08 model with the Independent front suspension. sorry I can't anwser any of your diesel questions that is a subject I am not that familiar with.

 

no prob with my trans either. I take care of it and change the oil and filters of course. I have a Diablo tuner with custom tunes for my cam and just bought a shift kit for the trans but am debating on a modified valve body.

 

my trans was rock solid until i started F'ing with it. but this is my second dodge. they have minor problems just like any other truck. but are rock solid, and the fastest off the lot. im a converted ford guy.

 

converted chevy guy here. no problems with the trans at all. most of the trans problems were in the 2nd gen years, and were fixed starting 03.

if you're looking to chip/modify a diesel (dodge, chevy, ford, it dont matter) you're GONNA have some trans failures. trannys just arent made for that high hp/tq numbers. most guys will quickly drop a couple grand for a bullet-proof tranny not long after they start messin with the diesels. the hemi alone is very capable of putting too much power for the tranny to handle, let alone what a cummins could do to it.

i suggest a manual tranny anyways if you can. more reliable, better mpgs, cheaper to maintain, not as many weak points, and the list goes on...

 

Manuals behind diesel are great for towing but for going fast, driving in town, and rush hour traffic you will hate life with a 6sp they are so damn clunky in HD trucks. If the cummins is nearly stock as in chip under 125ish hp and intake exhaust you will be fine. Push another 2 hundy through though and yeah tq converter clutch packs and line pressure all need to be addressed.

 

Dr. Performance is the best dodge chip that I have heard of, their are others Im sure, I dont know much, but the doctor performance high level chip can add like 275 hp