Hi Guys,
I am looking at buying a 2004 RAM 2500 with Cummins 5.9L (no HO) , the truck has 210,000 miles on it and is in good shape, always well maintained.
Before I buy it, I want to have my local Dodge dealer go through it and give me a list of necessary and recommended service procedures.
Aside from the obvious (oil, lube, filter, tranny fluid, etc.) what should be checked and /or replaced??
I noticed that the tranny seems to jump when shifting from 3. - 4. gear around 50 mph - is that something that can be fixed with a fluid change and adjustment?
Thanks for your help!

 

trans is probably due a rebuild. i would do at least a torque converter and valve body. other than fluid changes the motor should be in good shape..maybe check injectors to make sure they aren't cracked.

and probably time for a new front end...(ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar, etc) would check all of that for slop/excess wear...dodges are known for front ends being weak. A lot of us are converting/have converted to a 08.5+ steering assembly. its built stronger, and better design. plus its direct bolt in. I even hear that dodge themselves are replacing 3rd gen steering with the 08.5+ steering.

another thing would be to check the turbo for shaft play...if its got too much play rebuild it.

 

^^^ what he said

See if you can find out when/if the injectors were ever replaced. 4th gear engages near 40mph and the torque converter locks ~50mph. Some fresh fluid and filter might help a bit but generally 4th/OD requires work, but it all could be in the torque convertor.

 

Thanks for the replies.
This is a company vehicle, I have been driving it for the past 8 years and have the opportunity to buy outright for private use, so I know how it has been driven (lots of interstate, some trailering and also a lot around town).
Was always serviced well, oil changes, tires, etc. at local place, major services (tranny, brakes, diff, fluids, etc. at Dodge dealer).
Injectors where never changed, tranny was serviced 10,000 miles ago.

I had the Dodge dealer go over it yesterday with a fine toothed comb, checked front end and while it has some play, all is within spec. They checked the truck for hours and could not find anything needing repair/replacement!
I can buy it for $10k - that seems a fair price for a 4 door SLT with 8ft bed.

Aside from changing engine oil and filter, fuel filter and air filter - what else should be changed before I take the truck over?