Hey guys I'm a 2nd gasser about to buy a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 SRW 5.9L cummins 4x4 quad cab with a 6-speed manual with 137,xxx miles on it.

I'm not to worried about the miles as I know the cummins last forever so to speak. Was interested in any ups or downs I should look for in a truck with this configuration.

Also I heard the 5-speed manuals had a problem with a nut coming off in the trans. for the 5 gear, that's why I want the 6-speed, was I being lied to .

I'm up for any comments, suggestions or advice on things I should check before I go look at it.

 

I wouldn't be to worried about a 5-speed unless you plan on buying a 12v. Really I would look for white smoke on start up and if truck is stock then black smoke on acceleration. Make sure the injection pump and injectors arn't bad before you buy.

 

The place I'm getting it is all about diesel's and backing the truck with a 5yr bumper to bumper warranty. This truck will be my tow rig so gearing is everything. I'm hoping for 3.92's at least.

The truck will be fitted with a set of gauges for sure.

 

5yr bumper to bumper other then brakes and normal stuff.
sold buy it before someone else does. just make sure it covers everything. some lie about a bumper to bumper it only covers the bumpers Joke change the oil regularly filter air filter keep the records just in case something goes wrong. if its stock then it really shouldn't smoke any color blue for burning oil (not good) and black for unburnt fuel.
black smoke is ok if its under a load. You will see a little haze though that's normal at night with cars headlights behind you. (If you see it at night) that's what my truck does.
if no exhaust get one and a programmer with some 90hp injectors and a better turbo. you only have a 305hp motor anyways so its kinda a dog. plus with all that you will see the MPG go up. when the new toy lead foot goes away. right away check and see if they changed the 90w in the axles. That was supposed to be done at 90k with trans fluid at 60k in the transfer case.
to much to list so some one else can take over now
Pizzo

 

Thanks for the insite pizzo. I have lots to do when I go see the truck including driving it like i stole it to make sure it doesnt have quirks.

 

I did forget one thing take a look at the turbo and if its wet from oil the bearing and seal is most likely gone. you can also check the tubes off the turbo to the cooler see if they are wet with engine oil.
You are sure that its a 2003? the reason I ask is a 2002 has a different motor so your motor if its a 2003 till 2004.5 the 2004.5 it has 325 hp (my motor)
its also not a California truck cause it will have less HP then All of them. I think they was 245 hp or 255hp
when you get to look at it on the valve cover is a tag drivers side take a look on their it will have all the info on the engine. Engine serial #, hp rating, other info that your not going to worry about till later on in life.
if you have a printer it would be best to print or write down all this info that we are giving you so you can check back at it so if you forget too look at it and remember to check it before you buy
Pizzo

 

*Update* Thanks for the help. Looked the truck over real good and found a few things I didnt like so I'm gonna keep looking.

 

Those of you who have a cummins with the 5-speed manual, how solid are they? I really want the 6-speed manual but can settle for the 5-speed if there just as good. Any known problems?

 

my friend has one and its got 175k clutch is his biggest problem. but he drives like a idiot with his boat on the back and rips his trailer hitch off but that's another story.