Dodge RAM 2500 reliability as expedition vehicle vs. others?

[dstn2bdoa]

Dont limit yourself to just Dodge. Any pre-smog diesel truck will work for you. You just have to know each brands sweet years. The Dodge you mentioned above is a good example. And as someone else mentioned, don't forget the Ford 7.3's. 97-2003 to be specific. Also an 05-06 Chevy Duramax, preferably an 06.

I've owned each of these and wouldn't hesitate to drive anyone of them around the world if proper maintenance has been performed and known issues are prepared for. To be sure, each one has their own strengths and weakness, but each one is more than capable of doing what you ask of it.

 

[Regcabguy]

I would get the nicest low mileage 2006 you can afford, and one that some hillbilly hasn't put a "tuner" on. I had a 2006 and loved it. It was that last of the fairly basic diesels.

'07 5.9 too. I've had a Smarty on mine from new as the stock 5.9 is anemic. I keep it on the lower setting just for a little more punch with the camper. I would be leary of one that's had a tuner on it with a heavy foot and high setting.
I test drove a stock 7.3 before getting this. Ditto. I'd have to chip it. Too doggy.

 

[Regcabguy]

Dont limit yourself to just Dodge. Any pre-smog diesel truck will work for you. You just have to know each brands sweet years. The Dodge you mentioned above is a good example. And as someone else mentioned, don't forget the Ford 7.3's. 97-2003 to be specific. Also an 05-06 Chevy Duramax, preferably an 06.

I've owned each of these and wouldn't hesitate to drive anyone of them around the world if proper maintenance has been performed and known issues are prepared for. To be sure, each one has their own strengths and weakness, but each one is more than capable of doing what you ask of it.

Aftermarket tie rod ends would help the Duramax but replacing a waterpump @ 5.5 shop hrs would be chore anywhere. Injectors @ 16.5 hrs vs 4hr for the Cummins would be a consideration too. They are a sweet driving/running machine though.

 

[OverlandRockwell]

Never owned a Ford Diesel, but don't the Cab's have to come off to do head gaskets on the SD's?

The Duramaxes are IFS, so you either have to like that or some major surgery to swap it. What diameter are the steering links on them stock?

The 5.9 Cummins has been around a long time and used in everything from GenSets, Trucks, Tractors, to Marine applications since at least '88. This might be helpful for parts cannibalization even though the common-rail has only been around since '03.


Just things to think about.

 

[Texan1983]

have owned and abused my ram 2500 since 07.

off road, it's never left me stranded...

but it's like any off road use vehicle, maintenance is vital. hubs, front u-joints, ball joints, and steering need constant inspection to catch issues before they are a problem off road.

engine and transmission have been bulletproof for over 220,000 miles.

rust was my only major issue that needed repair...


finally got her back together and it did great spending a week out in the backcountry...

 

[Regcabguy]

Great looking functional truck Tex. If you've got the Carli setup with his rear leafs,that thing must ride real nice. Super improvement over the minipaks.

 

[Blade76]

great infos guys, thank you!

Yes, that's why I asked how offroad performance is, because such a truck (no matter what brand) will have more weight on 4 wheels than my Toyota at 3.5tons. BUT I guess a 35 or even 37" tire would maybe make up for this extra weight compared to my 33" Toyota wheels.
That's why I rather want a 2 door cab with manual windows etc and a cabin on the back to keep it as light and simple as possible. After the Landcruiser everything is an upgrade in comfort, trust me!

Once in Mexico you can forget to get parts for your GM, Ford or Dodge. We met many overlanders with such cars, they all had a hard time to get parts and IF they could, they had to pay waaay more. Friend his F150 his Bilstein shocks failed... cheap Monroe in Chile did cost 300$ a pair, the stock transmission converter 1200$, Ford alternator 1500$ and zero engine parts (or 2-8 weeks order time) because they have often those type of cars, but usually gasoline and usually much smaller, economic engines.
That's why I guess a Cummins has an advantage since they are used in other applications where you might get parts for it.
And I know the 727 (of the 48RE) VERY well, I did rebuilt around 100 of them and could do them blindly everywhere with some extra tools and parts.

I am not picky at brakes anymore after 3.5years in my Landcruiser haha...... my 1972 Mopar has 10x better brakes than a J7 Landcruiser! Even with EBC green brake pads, steel brake lins, slotted discs and both feet pushing with all power on the brake pedal you can't make lock the rear wheels on a J7 Toyota, by FAR NOT! Maybe when the pavement was wet and slippery I could get it to lock the rears, NEVER the front. It's a 3rd world car, not make to brake for anything.

But I am planing to use this car anyway more for shorter (1-3 months) trips in Europe, Morocco, Iceland, Scandinava and maybe Asia and not anymore America... so parts will be anyway a question of "how can I import them".


So the final big question is: with 35/37" wheels and let's say 0.5ton (500kg) more vehicle weight and diff locks the offroad performance in sand and mud should be the same as a Toyota Landcruiser with much less HP and 32-33" wheels?


By the way, rebuilding the leaf spring bushings on my Landcruiser (3rd time now on this trip after 120'000km) I found a 3rd time a broken leaf... so I broke/fixed 3x leafs on this trip, 2x leaf bushings, 2x shackle pins, 2x shocks, 7x fixed the radiator, 2x front shocks, 1x transmission, 2x u-joints, 1x injection pump, 7x steel rims, 8x flat tires, 1x both kingping/knuckle bearings, 3x all brake pads, 3x alternator, 1x water pump, 1x timing belt, 1x valve clearance, 1x PS pump, 2x rebuilt starter, 2x AC bearing pulley, 1x viscous cluch and muuuuch more other smaller stuff...

 

[Regcabguy]

Newer Toyota trucks can be an issue in southern Baja too. I met a guy with an '06 Toyota Tundra carrying a FWC popup. An outer rear axle bearing went out and his truck was flatbedded to Cabo from Todos Santos. They hacked it together and it made it back as far north as Ensenada when it gave up. Another tow job to Carlsbad with two trucks,an entire Toyota axle and he's back in biz. Those non-floating rearends don't like bouncing around Baja with 1200# on their back apparently. Truck had 87K on it and only carried the camper on Baja runs.