Newbie here, about to purchase a Cummins diesel year range of 2003-2006....not my first, but my first Cummins. I am mechanically inclined and know quite a bit about mechanics and can hold my own with diesels in general, but can anyone please tell me the "little things" I need to look for when checking out a Cummins? When I bought my Powerstroke a few years ago, I was told all the "little things" to watch for like the famous rotting oil pan, etc, so I am hoping someone can fill me in on what I need to be aware of when test driving or looking at a few Cummins.....Thanks very much!

 

For the 03 - 06 years, you're pretty safe. Not a whole lot wrong with them.

The main things you need to look at are:

1 - Obvious signs of mods
2 - Trans fluid
3 - Engine mounted lifted pump (this is really the only area of concern on the 03 - 04.5 trucks)

Beyond that and the normal things to check on any vehicle, they're pretty indestructible.

 

Thanks, I found a 2005 with 97K miles....great shape, no mods (except 4" exhaust) and will look to buy it Wednesday after inspection.

 

So you're in Albany, huh?

Where abouts?

That's where I grew up.