For my first post in Dodge territory, I'd like to ask for some advice on what year of CTD truck would be better.

I was seriously contemplating a new 6.7l, but after reading many posts on this forum about the bugs that the new trucks are having and remembering the trips with my Dmax back to the dealer, I've decided to get a used non-DPF 24 valveRam 2500 4x4, most likely a certified pre-owned vehicle from one of the many Dodge dealers in the Phoenix area.

The years I'm looking in are 2004 and 2005 Ram 2500 4 door 4x4 (long bed/short bed doesn't matter much to me) and wondered if any of you hardcore Dodge guys could give me any information that would help me on my search.

My main use will be daily driver, and towing a gooseneck trailer that will weigh in at about 10,000 pounds loaded upwith myoff-road only4x4and gear on the back. So trips to the mountains and sand dunes will be happening as often as I can get away. What I'm trying to find out is if the 2005 model is the HO Cummins like what my buddy had in his 2006 that gotsad mileage compared to most of the previous years, and is it possible that it was just him and not the wrung out 5.9l to make 325hp and 610lb/ft? These are the facts that I am igorant to at the moment.

I had a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4x4 CC with LB7Dmax and Allisonthat I had donesome minor mods, converted over to all Amsoil, leveled out, etc.,but took an overseas job and sold her off before leaving. I'm going back home to AZ in a month and will be looking to purchase a Dodge, my first. I've been aChevy guy for a lot of years with gassers and don't see myself going full MOPAR native just yet. I'm finding some pretty goodlistings so far, 2005 4x4 models with varying packages/options, lifts, tires/wheels, tuners, etc. ranging from20-50k miles on the ODfor $25-29K asking prices, much less than the $40somethingK for a2008 6.7l MegaCab 4x4 with 6 speed auto...

I use my truck as a truck, not a tall car, and turn my own wrenches as much as new equipment will allow a weekend warrior. Looking for a tough and reliable truck that doesn't have all the smog dog crap on it to cause me a bunch of problems and will let me throw a turbo back exhaust(stack if the wife lets me get away with it), cold air intake, tuner, more as I learn what can be done and still keep reliability... Last thing I need is to be sitting outside Yuma with my wife and 3 year old daughter having had the turbo soot up and quit onthe "new" unproveniron that I'm making $750 a month payments on... Yaknow?

Looking forward to hearing from y'all and getting your opinions.

Thanks in advance!

Josh

 

Welcome to the Dodge CTD Truck Forum... don't really have any specific advice for you on which one to buy, I have the 07 5.9 and love it though.

 

the best mileage, hardest stock pulling trucks are the 03's and some early 04's. however adding power to them requires a few extra steps the 045.'s and up dont need due to fully electronic waste gates. but I doubt you'll find one with less than 250K on the ticker

from the looks of it you have done some homework, and the years you are looking at are going to do you well.

just remember, the 04.5's brought an end to the standard and high output designation. before that there were two eingine specs offered, only difference was programming, after that all engines are 325hp/610tq.

 

03 and 04 you had the option of a 285hp and a 3o5hp. The 305 motor doesn't have a cat on it if that concerns you.One thing to note is if you go for an 04.5 and newer you have gotten into the emissions crap with an egr on the engine. I get high 21's and sometimes into 22's on the highway and around 17-18 intown with my 04 6speed 305 motor.

 

Crpilot212 -

Just a little shameless plug, I have an early 04 305 hp with 45,500 miles on it that I am trying to sell.I have $29,500/boon it right now. If you're interested at all PM me and I can send you the details. There are a lot of extras on it. My last tank, I got 19.31 MPG with it and I am running a straight pipe. From stories I've read on this site, adding a muffler will gain 1-2 mpg.

oh...i'm in MN by the way.

 

I have an 03 and love it. I did have to rebuild the tranny on it, but I had it beefed up so I dont have to worry bout it anymore. I have taken two turkey hunting trips in the last two weeks and got 23 mpg hand calculated on both trips. That is with a leveling kit and running 33's. When I first bought the truck, it would get 28 on the highway. I cant complain. My truck has just over 101k on it and still is as stout as when I bought it with 58k. Did you not like your dmax or are you just wanting to buy the king of diesel with the cummins. Anyways, 03-04 seem to get the best mileage like drew said so good luck.

 

welcome to DF... it will be a decision you wont regret. I love my 5.9!!!

 

there is no real EGR valve on the 04.5's-07.4's. instead it is the fact that the exhaust valve closes before the piston reaches the bottom of the stroke, and the intake valve is slightly delayed. that gives the same effect as an EGR and keeps some of the burned gasses in the cylinder to increase ignition temp.

when someone gets a new cam installed on these trucks that is taken out and the valve stays open a hair longer and the intake opens a little earlier as well to make sure all the exhaust is blown out.

 

Drew, what's the effect on performance with that setup? (cam overlap change)

 

Must just be the ones in the medium duty trucks that have the egr then.