Have a 2001 1500 van with the 5.9lt that I have been very happy with but am looking into getting a 5th wheel TT around 30' and will need to get a tow vehicle. Read a couple forums but know absolutly nothing about diesels so excuse me if my questions are really basic. Will need to buy used so any recommendations, have read that the 5.9CTD is a good choice, what can I expect as far as engine/drivetrain life, is there really a gas savings and what can be expected, heard maintinance will eat up any gas savings. I went to a dealer with the same questions, but in my heart I know all he wants to do is sell me a vehicle and would just like some honest answers(not saying he was'nt telling me the truth).
Thanks in advance for any comments.
Jim

 

The Cummins is the best choice for what you're going to do. In my opinion, the 5.9 Cummins then the 7.3 Powerstroke, then who cares.

Before buying, do some research. Do you want a 12 valve truck? 2nd Gen 12 valve trucks are the most simple, most reliable, and they're the most efficient ones. The downside is you're not going to get any electronic programmers for on the fly power adjustment - it's all mechanical. Another big downside of the 12-valve trucks is the extended cab doesn't have rear doors, so access to the back seat isn't as easy.
The 24-valve trucks have the rear floppy doors, making back seat access easier, and you can pile the electronics on them - however the VP44 injection pump has a history of premature failure, caused by a failing lift pump. Put a good aftermarket lift pump in and you can greatly increase the reliability.

Automatic transmissions have their weak points - basically if you're going to tow heavy/hard, you're going to want to either go with a manual or get a built transmission put in with a good torque converter. The same goes for ALL 5.9 Cummins. The 6.7 Cummins has a much better automatic that holds up to a ton more abuse, however those are in 2007.5+ trucks and will cost you a pretty penny.

The HPCR 5.9 (03-07) have better lift/injection pumps, they're easy to make serious power out of (~500hp/1000lb-ft is a programmer away).

It all depends on how much you're going to spend and what you are looking for.

 

The twelve valve engines are indeed the simpilist but are also the oldest now but there are many still out there though. I have had a 2001 24 valve but updated this summer to a 2004.5. The 1998.5-2002s do have problematic vp44 injection pumps but many of them have also gone way over 100,000 miles with no failure but not on the original lift pumps. There is also a problem with some of the blocks cracking on the passenger side toward the rear midlevel. These are identified by the numbers ''53'' on the driver's side up front just above the pan by the corner. It should be noted too that only approximately half of the ''53s'' are bad and many of those never crack. I had one with 104k and no problems but if you're looking at 1998.5-2001 Dodges it's probably safer to steer clear of those if given the choice. 2002 24 valves didn't have the ''53'' blocks I don't believe. Unlike Ford and GM diesels Cummins engines are used in many applications by many makers of everything from ambulances to delivery trucks and other utility applications and generally have reputations of being long lived and dependable. Depending on what kind of weight you plan on pulling my vote would be for a 2003-2007 5.9.

 

Thanks for the replys. Having problems at 100,000 miles kind of scares me. Thought diesels were alot tougher and lasted longer(300,000 miles?) The older 12 valve should do me good as most of the driving would be without the TT. Any idea what MPG would be with a used 5.9 no TT ?
Thanks/Jim

 

I have a 06 3500 5.9 CTD automatic tranny, recently purchased. I intend to tow my 16,000 lb fifth wheel. Should I just run it til the tranny gives out? What upgrade is available? Will a 2007.5+ 6.7 trucks tranny bolt up to my 2006 5.9?

 

I imagine the bellhousing is the same bolt pattern, however the electronics would be a major difference. Swapping the 68rfe in I don't think is the best answer.

I'd run your 48RE until you start noticing odd behavior from it, then put a built tranny in from Suncoast (my preference) or one of the other big names. If you have a local tranny guy, you can order parts and have the local guy build it.




As far as fuel economy goes, a 12-valve empty should be able to get low 20s. Autos will get lower than manuals, and a lot of it will have to do with driving style and load.