Hi guys,
I've been driving a 1996 1500 for a few years now and it's got 200,000 miles on it. I've been wanting a diesel for awhile now, because I have two trailers and a 35' pull behind camper. One of my trailers and especially the camper is definitely too much for my truck, and I've finally got the means to buy a newer diesel. I'd like a 3/4 ton. I just need advice on what year. I can't afford a new one, and an '08 would be a stretch for me. I'm mainly concerned with reliability. Any ideas?

 

I would go for low milage 02-07 with 5.9L excellent motor.

 

What's the power difference between the 6.7L and 5.9L? Also, hasn't Dodge put a new transmission in the trucks recently?

 

It depends on what year you're talking about. From 2001-2002 it was 245 hp and 505 lb-ft. In 2003 they went to the high pressure common rail fuel system, and the power went up to 325 and 600 lb-ft of torque. The 6.7L came out in the middle of the 2007 model year. It has 350 hp and 650 lb-ft when paired with the 6-speed auto trans, or 350 hp and 610 lb-ft with the G56 6-speed manual.

The 6.7L Cummins has an advanced exhaust emissions system to reduce soot and hydrocarbon emissions. Most people find the emissions equipment to be a big nuisance and some guys will remove it altogether, even though it's a violation of Federal law. If you go with any version of the 5.9L Cummins it's not an issue.

 

So it would be good for me to look for something from '03-'07 then. Were there any transmission changes in these years? Is the new 6 speed much better? The trans is always the weak point.

 

Yes, both the manual 6-speed and the auto were new in 2007. The 68RFE is supposed to be a big improvement over the older auto. It's supposedly a better trans than the Allison that GM uses with the Duramax.

I have the manual 6-speed G56 on my Ram. It's a great transmission, with smooth gear engagement. It's geared rather low, so you can only get 3.73 axle gearing if you get the G56.

I know you can get an early 2007 Ram with a 5.9L Cummins and the G56 manual. I don't know if the new 68RFE was available with the 5.9L or if it only became available with the 6.7.

 

I'd prefer an auto in my truck. Does anyone know when the six-speed was first put into production?

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the G56 was used in all trucks newer than mid year '05. To the best of my knowledge, the 68RFE is not availible with a 5.9.

How much weight are you looking at pulling and how often? I would not be scared of the 48RE for a daily driver and to pull the camper every once in a while. Unless you like shifting, you don't want the G56 to drive around town.

I would say you look for an '04-'05 with less than 100k, your looking at half price of a new one. Mid $20k or so.

My 2 cents.

 

It will be mainly a daily driver. I run a lawn care and landscaping business, but I'm not concerned at all with pulling that trailer. My 1500 has handled that easily. I'll check on those years. Sounds like a plan. Thanks.

 

I just got an auto 2005 5.9L CTD for a little over $25k after taxes a few weeks ago. I work for a roofing company and we have two trailers full of roofing equipment and materials that are 12' and 17' long and a dump trailer that is about 17' long also. As a daily driver, it works just fine. Also, you're going to be able to get a diesel paid off and keep driving it for a very long time. When you do decide to get rid of one, the resale value will also be much better. The 5.9L is a tried and true engine as well. Good luck on your searching.