I'm looking to purchase a 1999-2000 Dodge 2500 4x4, with a cummins diesel. This will be used on my farm/ranch for some heavy hauling at times. How many miles can one expect to put on this motor, before having to undergo some type overhaul? I see quite a few of these trucks listed for sale, with anywhere from 120K to 180+K miles on them. I had always thought these motors should run to at least 200K before one would expect to encounter problems, am I correct?(Of course, I know it depends on the maintenance and such, but looking for a general rule of thumb type guide) Also, Im leaning to the manual over the automatic transmission, any comments?
thanks,
coadman

 

My father-in-law swears by the Cummins diesels for his ranch use. He has a '93 (I think that's the year) that has around 250000 on the original motor (never rebuilt) and tranny. He also has a '99 with 150,000. The '99 has been his "nice" pickup for the last 5 years, and he is going to turn it into his new farm pickup in a few weeks. He's going to buy an '05 2500 Cummins to be his new "nice" pickup.
Make sure you get a manual trans though.

 

i heard the cummin engines are rated for their first overhaul at around 300,000 miles.... I would get the manual as well


Gooc luck searching!