Several questions about Ram 2500/3500 Cummins...

[Christian P.]

thanks, that is exactly what I was thinking.
I am keeping my Syncro - I love it and it serves me well.
When I am done with the modifications/upgrades I will send it back to Quebec where a/c and hills are not an issue...




But long term I want another option.

Does any of you have pictures of your setup?

 

[805gregg]

I have a 2003 3500 SRW crew cab long bed 4x4 auto, with about 100,000 miles now. I have always always run this truck hard, 80 mph on the freeway at 18 mpg. I have Banks 6 gun tuner and 4" exhaust. This truck is bullet proof, the trans is strong and I expect to get another 100,000 miles out of it. The new autos are very strong, (they use 2 speed Power glides) on 6000 hp dragsters. The old 727 Chrysler Torque flight is the predecessor of the newer trans and that was a great auto. My last 2001 Dodge has 260,000 with the stock auto trans and is used in construction to haul a 10,000 dump trailer since I sold it 7 years ago. Just make sure you get a real Dodge truck not a Tata Ram.

 

[fido]

I have an 08 Quad Cab Long Bed. If you want an auto tranny go 08+. The earlier trannies were not worth it.(unless you own a tranny shop then the make you money) The best combo can be found South of the border. 5.9l with the Orion 68RFE tranny. I love my 6.7l but the 5.9 gets far better feul milage. For an Expo rig I would look for a 5.9 Manual Trans set up with under 120k miles.

 

[Regcabguy]

The '07 5.9 is identical to the '06. Both, however share the TIPM (Totally Intergrated Power Module) which is a bit picky about what's plugged into it. Trailers,slide ins with electrical shorts can cause this setup to malfuntion easier than the '05- ones. Mine's been perfect so far with a ten year old Northstar on it. I'm running a Smarty w/mechanical gauges. 30-170 rwhp in five minutes. It has a stellar reliability record. On a different subject,I spoke today to a 48 year experienced diesel mechanic who works on upper tier boats in Cabo. The new ULSD being distributed throughout the peninsula there is incredibly low in lubricity. He recommends a lubricity improver when you go. Injectors are typically self destructing in half the amount of hrs. usage. Here the lubricity is added at the tanks,but down there its a different story. A little off topic but hope this helps.

 

[mcgovski]

pics

here are some random pics of the truck with the camper, bumper, new coils, 19.5s...and one with a westy...what a great trip that was!

Christian, you are more than welcome to check this out anytime.

 

[mcgovski]

a few more

just a few more pics

 

[Rhode Trip]

2002 CTD 3500DRW
2000 Northern Lite 10-2000cd

 

[Regcabguy]

2002 CTD 3500DRW
2000 Northern Lite 10-2000cd

Nice pics. Your truck is the spittin' image of a Dodge that flew past me in high winds last April on I-15 south. He'd had some suspension enhancement plus power enhancement. That thing was super stable in the high winds and just freighted. You can't beat a dually and a hard sided camper! Very nice rig!

 

[jpzeroday@hotmail.com]

Synchronicity

Coincidentally I have been researching a very similar line of thought regarding Dodge Rams.

After fairly extensive research, I today purchased a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW Long Bed Cummins Laramie with very low mileage. I will be carrying a 2009 Host Everest triple slide TC on it.

Spent quite a bit of time on various forums, etc. My estimate of the consensus is that the 5.9l Cummins is superior to the 6.7l due to higher fuel efficiency, less emmissions equipment, and no ULSD requirement. 2006 and 2004.5 seemed to get the most votes for best years for 3rd Gen Dodge Rams.

This will be my 3rd Cummins Ram (2003 and 1999 prior) and I also had a Chevy 3500 DRW LMM which was a beast, but a fuel hog.

I kinda view this as a last chance window of opportunity to get a low mileage 3rd Gen Dodge, which in many ways may be the pinnacle of this truck segment for a long time to come due to the 2007.5+ emmissions requirements.

On the negative side, my direct experience and research reinforces that the Auto tranny is the weak link. Both of my previous Dodges had tranny issues at 110-120K mis. Research seems to indicate, though, that the 2006-2007.0 48RE was improved over previous 3rd gens. I would say that the 6spd auto tranny is the major advantage of the late model Rams. But, not enough to make the fuel efficiency sacrifice. And who knows about the reliability of all of the new emmissions gear: DPF, etc.

Interesting sources:
http://www.gulfcoastnews.com/RT2006DodgeRam3500Dually.htm

http://www.internetautoguide.com/car-specifications/09-int/2006/dodge/ram-3500/index.html

Cummins Forums: read both the 3rd and 4th Gen forums. The 3rd Gen owners seem markedly more satisfied than the 4th Gen owners.

RV.net Truck Camper search for Ram 3500. I ran a fuel mileage survey there a couple of weeks ago. Very interesting feedback in that thread. There are several threads regarding the Ram 3500 in that forum.

 

[jpzeroday@hotmail.com]

Reply

All right, I am now looking at several options for the next camper.

I have a bunch of questions about the Dodge Cummins (from 2005+, 4x4, single axle).

I know these answers are out there in the Google world but I figure some experts here could answer these more quickly...and with more personal interactions...

So here you go, I hope someone can help:

-Is the new 6.7 much better than the 5.9? 5.9l by consensus and experience.

-Is that true that the automatic transmission that came with the 5.9 had some issues (slipping)? Yes

-Is there any issue with the manual transmission? How does it feel to drive this truck with a stick shift? No experience.

-what are the different gear ratios in the rear diff? How do I easily know what's in there? 3.73 or 4.11 for 3rd Gens. Check dealer option list. I prefer the 3.73 for fuel economy at higher hiway speeds.

-what is the best combination (tranny/gear) for best fuel economy? 3.73 in 3rd Gens

-a lot of them I see for sale have high mileage (over 100000 miles)
Should I be worry about that? Or is this a sign the engine last forever? I see 350-500k quoted frequently, too.

-my assumption is that the payload for a stock single axle quad cab 3500 is about 3000 pounds. Is that correct? Check this, but for DRW Rear Axel rating is 9350# with ~3500# on the rear unloaded, yielding 5650# in Rear Axel capacity and higher tire/wheel capacity.

-do they have other issues I should be aware of? If you are considering the Quad Cab (only extended option for Long Bed in 3rd Gens) the back seat area is a bit tight for adults in my experience.

-Is there any Dodge dealer in Central/South America?

thanks, I appreciate

See above in Bold. JP

 

[Regcabguy]

An aftermarket torque converter and mild valve body enhancement works wonders for the 48re. Throw on a Mag-Hytec pan for additional fluid and structural strength and you've got a good setup.

 

[mcgovski]

Personally I would stay away from DRW. I have had poor experiences with DWR in Snow and gravel / fire roads. I know you cant beat them for payload...but for off the beaten track travel, I dont know. That is just my $.02

 

[panzer]

My experience for what its worth.
2004 3500 QC 4x4
CTD (no mods) auto 3.73
135,000 miles with no trans issues. Regular fluid changes, synthetics everywhere. I absolutely LOVED! the truck.
Handling and drive was similar to my toyotas, Good turn radius, comfortable, good visibity, very predictable in poor traction (snow). I drove all 3 diesels (ford,dodge, GM) before deciding on the Dodge. Dave Ramsey made me sell it but I really miss it, I was sad for 2 weeks after I sold it.

Best mod ever, H2 wheels and 315s. The truck is tall enough stock that a lift is really unnecessary and the H2 wheel backspacing is perfect for fitting the 315s on it. Pics below are my truck with the 315s before I changed wheels. (search H2 wheel mod)
Hope this helps,
CAS

 

[jpzeroday@hotmail.com]

Tranny Maintenance Question

As I said, I just bought an 06 CTD. As part of the negotiation I asked the dealer to complete the Series B 30K service on the vehicle even though it only has 22.75k miles. Ex post facto, the dealer did not do the auto tranny maintenance (fluids, filter, adjustments) claiming that doing that service early would potentially harm the tranny? Is there any validity to this or is it just bull?

 

[Regcabguy]

Bull.

Bull. I'd order a Mag-Hytec pan from Mag-Hytec themselves. They'll give you a competive price plus sell you filters and a spare gasket for peanuts. The pan will strengthen your tranny case. Get a friend to help or use a competent shop. I just went with the single deep one on my last truck for ground clearance reasons. Register on Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum,then start a thread asking for a good diesel/tranny shop in your area. An answer should come up. It's also a great source of info like this forum is,just Dodge CTD specific.