Do you know what year Dodge

[_RaT_]

started using the quiet diesel in their trucks?

 

[kokopelli2]

should be 04'

 

[rockyridgefarm]

'03 Body style DR. package 2Ux- but whatta I know?

 

[_RaT_]

What do you know Mike? I remember you did something with Dodge, to Dodge or for Dodge. Now, are there any used quiet Dodge diesels avaialble?

 

[LarryRB]

I have an 01 HO model.. Not quite though. try a late model 03 and on..

 

[_RaT_]

I'm growing a little partial to the Dodge, a strange thing too because I've just never been interested in their product. The new quiet Cummins has been a huge bonus. I still really like Ford and for that matter, GM and even Toyota, Nissan too. I just think I need the option of being able tow a large dump trailer which I do on occasion. While I still like the look of the Ford truck best, the Cummins diesel interests me the most. Would you opt for the automatic or manual?

 

[LarryRB]

I have the 01 high output Cummins. Therefore, I have a 6 speed manual trans. I am told by our stock option reports that the new H.O. motor does in fact have the automatic now..I also have read on other (must own a Dodge or nothing nets) that they have finally did away with plastic hydraulic route hoses and a few other low end modifications and that finally the automatic can hold up to that high end torque.. I haul a Bri-Mar 18ft 12,000 lb trailer frequently. In fact last week I loaded a 14,000 lb fork lift and towed it two miles, very carefully too... Truck didn't know it was back there as far as pulling power.. Brakes did though.. I knew it when I was ready to go and took appropriate action because of this.. I've run many Ford P.S. and especially the new 6.0's.. My feeling is I don''t like the new 6.o's as Ford has pushed the software a little too far.. Ford had sued International Harvester for making bad motors. Sad thing is, the 6.0 is been running in school busses and small (18ft and under) straight trucks for almost 8 years now and not a single problem. Only the 6.0 in Fords are a problem and again, I feel it's because of pushing their software an hair too far and therefore pushing the motor way past safe limits. That being said, I still feel the Cummins is superior.. Don't take my word for it, look it up on the net and you will find out the Ford 6.0 and GM Duramax are considered light duty diesel engines. The Cummins is H.D. Mine is loud as I haven't the new forced fuel rail.. I don't know any better as a past owner operator with many a Cat 3406 model, the Cummins I feel right at home with. P.M. AndyMA on this net and ask him. He has a TN75 cab w/32LA loader and several heavy impliments that I move around here and there. His machine w/ impliments is nearing 9,000 or just over.. We are also living in a very hilly area.. They aren't high, they are very abrupt though.. Down one, up an 8% grade 1/2 mile and is pretty continuos like that. I know your hills are higher, but, they are much longer to climb also.. Our's are quick and abrupt.. I wouldn't be afraid to try the new H.O. with automatic. I highly doubt you will find a very late 03 or 04 that is used already unless it is someone ready to lose it to high payments.. BTW, I average 21 MPG besting once at 26.. Tomorrow Junkman and I will find out as we will go to New Jersey and back (9 hr turn) and see how it does. I ordered mine (custom ordered) in April of 01 getting it June 30th 01 and it has 35,000 miles on it. Oil. fuel filter and lube is done every 4500 miles and can go out to 7500.. I have the short bed, 6 1/2 ft club cab w/ the jump seat in rear and every single option available other than electric mirrors. I bought the high end tow pkg that comes with camper mirrors which I took off the first week. They are huge and stuck out way too far for me.. ( in fact 109 inches) I replaced them with regular mirrors as new electric were way up there. No warranty claims, no complaints.. Have the SLE model w/ all cloth interior, computer system in headliner and a 1200 tongue weight hitch system ( pintle hook not a ball set up).. I bought Bondo brand two part bed liner and did this myself. Same a Rhino brand spray in.. Awesome..

 

[NIXON]

Rat . While I'm Not a dodge owner . I do have a decent respect for their engine and Trans . I'd go for the auto ( 48 Re ) trans . Ive got the torque shift in my 03 ford . Zero problems . The 48 re is about the same . 5 speeds , lock up torque converter ,and tow /haul mode . At least for me it beats rowing through gears in traffic , and allows for engine brakeing when Tow /haul is selected . JMHO John

 

[Phred]

Rat,

My understanding is 03.
And boy the difference is night and day. I have spent a lot of time behind the wheel of a ford 7.3, and what a dog in comparsion to the new cummings. Don't get me wrong alot of the companies have new improved diesels, but 325 hp and 600 ft-lbs of toruqe and you can order at the drive through window! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
I always had to turn off the 7.3 so they had a prayer in hearing me.

And oh the power! You can get a speeding ticket up hill with a 10K lb trailer..... not that this would be safe.

As far as the tranny goes, I have the auto. Some days I wish I had the manual, since my previous deisel was a manual. I bet it will last longer and you have so much more control. The problem is that if anyone else needs to drive it the manual can scare folks who are not use to it. Most folks who drive sticks are use to a gas burner and have to adapt to the lower shift RPMs and six gears.
But if your CFO is ok with it and you do not drive in the city much I would definetly get a manual.

I am basically happy with the auto and have had no problems, but there is just something about driving a trubo diesel with a stick that I miss.

Here are some good sources of info on RAM diesels.
http://www.dieselram.com/
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/


Fred

 

[_RaT_]

John, Larry, oh and Phred too! I appreciate the feedback. My 93 Ford is having a diffcult time at about 4000' altitude and up. I go as high as 9000' and the old IDI non turbo diesel is not happy. I also have the blinking OD light on the turn signal lever indicating a problem with the automatic. My tires are worn, the engine is slower to start, but on the bright side, the radio works fine.