The wife hasn't said no, so I am beginning to look for a 2nd Gen CTD in the Minnesota area. My current 1500 RAM 1500 has a performance 360 with the additional upgrades to go with it. l would like to purchase a 2500 2nd Gen RAM to take over the pulling duties of my current rig.

What I want is a Quad Cab, 4X4, automatic, shortbed with the CTD Diesel. However, as this is my first shot at purchasing a diesel I'd like to hear you all's opinions about what to look for with a CTD. Mileage, known issues, preferred engine, tranny, gears, etc. This will be a daily driver as well as a pulling machine for my 9000 lb fifth wheel camper. The only off roading I do is for deer and turkey hunting, or blazing a path in the snow during a blizzard.

What I really need is a truck with a lot of torque, good horsepower, and very good reliability. Thanks.

 

OH! thats a good one


for 2nd gens, no choice on engine. now fi your are considering a brand new 07 or 08, then yea, you can choose your engine..

 

12 or 24 valve

 

yes yes, I was thinkin 5.9 or 6.7....once you hit 2nd gen, a majority I would sayare 24valve...

 

[8D]
"Next time before you laugh, please have the complete information. I'm not a rookie here."

Yes there was an option in 2001 for the regular CTD or a High Output with higher horsepower and torque (Stock torque was around 505 if I remember right compared to 450 or so for the standard CTD)

Check out this link: http://www.nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?ReviewID=792

"
Ram is available in three load ratings: 1500, 2500, and 3500. Five engines are offered: 3.9-liter V6, 5.2-liter V8, 5.9-liter V8, 8.0-liter V10 and two Cummins 5.9-liter diesel inline-6 choices. Every engine comes with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Rams come with either two- or four-wheel drive. Short and long beds are available.

The 5.2-liter V8 produces 230 horsepower, while the 5.9-liter V8 generates 245 horsepower and an impressive 335 pounds-feet of torque. Buyers can get either a V10 gasoline engine or a Cummins turbo diesel in a 2500 or a 3500 series truck. The basic Cummins diesel produces 235 horsepower and 460 pounds-feet of torque, while the new-for-2001 high-output version cranks out 245 horsepower and a stump-pulling 505 pounds-feet of torque."

 

yes, I didnt mean you are a rookie. I did however forget that they had 12 and 24 valve in 2nd gen. hos' I have no dealing with.. Sharx has an HO but its an 05 .


I was strickly thinging 5.9L in a 2nd gen ctd . not any variations there of...

 

Mileage, known issues, preferred engine, tranny, gears, etc



as far as mileage, the engines will last a life time given you properly mantanie them, guys are know to in excess of 500,000 miles on em. The other question is if you want a 24 or 12 vavle 2nd gen. The old mechanicals(12valve) are know as the milloin mile engines, just to give you a thought. the only real issue is the 53 blocks, but that really only comes in if you trying to make higher HP numbers. You said it would also be a daily driver, then you would be best with looking for a truck with 3.73 rear, as it gives best of both worlds, towing and MPG. both tranny are known to my knowldge to be good, just as again unless your gana but some real power to it. If you find one with the HO engine then go for it, eveyone likes a little extra power, just what you'll need for that camper. Like you wanted, torque, HP, and reliability is what diesels are a ll about. Hope this helps

 

the 53 block on effects the 99-01 years for the most part. . .you can google cummins 53 block and find all sorts of info on it.

second. for 2nd gens the 12 valve engine will pull anything and get decent mileage while doing it. other than making sure the filters are good and changing the oil from time to time, the body will fall apart before the engine gets close to wearing out.

the 24 valves are a different world. there are many things to watch out for when it comes to these engines. the VP44 injector pump if run out of fuel will die.there are many mods out there to keep this from happeneing. the 53 block. the 47RH/47RE transmission does have some issues, however they can generaly be fixed by cleaning the ground on the batteries. for some reason the 2nd gen 24 valves have more issues than any other run.

now the 3rd gens are looking MUCH better than the 2nd gen 24 valves. the pump will stay alive if run out of fuel, no worries about the block casting. only true issue is the injectors tend to hang from time to time.

if you are wanting a 2nd gen, look for the 93-98.4 year models with teh 12 valve engine. they will slap run for ever. the 98.5-02 trucks are good, but the injector pump is a known problem.

 

[sm=icon_ladiesman.gif]

 

I've got 177k on the original VP44. Just get a fuel pressure gauge and keep an eye on it and you will be fine. Also wouldn't hurt to spend a few extra $$$ and get a good lift pump.