Impressions of my Dodge

[frischtr]

The b series didn't come out until 89 and dodge used several series of blocks they used. The newer cumming 2006 and up have different valves than the b series. Known as a 3 valve. The engines last and the drive trains are ok but the trucks fall apart.

Sorry, the 3 valve is Ford's modular engine term, the 5.4L and 6.8L gassers. Cummins has never made a 3 valve engine for light truck use. The 5.9L block was used from '89-'07. The 12v was from '89-'98, the 24v or VP was from '98.5-'02, the 24v CR (common rail) was made from '03-'07, and the 6.7L (also 24v) from '07.5 and up. All of the above are considered B series engines.

 

[Marveltone]

Glad to hear you like your Cummins!

I have an '05 Cummins 2500 w/auto. It's been good so far for the year and a half that I've had it. So far, I've replaced the dome light ($40) and the three HVAC panel lights ($6.00 combined) which were all burned out when I bought the truck. Real easy to replace. Little typical Dodge issues like the wires going to the rear windows being severed and an HVAC blend door that won't work won't keep me from loving what big things the truck does well. I bought the truck for the engine, which, by the way, has never run out of power, and the ride is actually better than I was expecting from a 3/4 ton.

My typical mileage has been 17 hwy/13 city. Not bad for something rated to tow 13,000 lbs! Yours should do better in stock form, as the '04 is tuned more mildly than the '05. What yours will do with the tuner is anybody's guess.

You addressed "need" in regards to your decision to buy a diesel. I didn't really "need" a diesel either, as I could have gotten by with a 3/4 ton gasser. I got the diesel because I wanted it. I wanted it for the power, I wanted it for better towing economy, I wanted it for longer engine life and durability, and I wanted it for the sound!

I'm still glad I bought it!:thumbsup:

Joe

 

[dodge man]

I've got to be honest that I may not know what I'm talking about, but I've never heard of a 3 valve cummins. The early ones had 2 valves per cylinder. Starting some where around 2000, they came out with a 4 valve per cylinder known as 24 valves. I assumed the new 6.7 litre Cummins was a 24 valve also but maybe not.

Edit, someone beat me to it, and confirmed what I thought.

 

[dodge man]

Marveltone, I saw a show on speed channel, I thing Two Guys Garage, and they showed a kit for fixing the blend door on our trucks, it came with a template and you cut a big hole in your heater box, then fixed the blend door, and it came with a cover for the hole. It looked like a slick kit and easy to install, but they always make it look easy.

 

[Marveltone]

Marveltone, I saw a show on speed channel, I thing Two Guys Garage, and they showed a kit for fixing the blend door on our trucks, it came with a template and you cut a big hole in your heater box, then fixed the blend door, and it came with a cover for the hole. It looked like a slick kit and easy to install, but they always make it look easy.

I know of the kit. I've got their website on my bookmarks list, and it's a project I fully intend to pursue once it's warm enough to work outside again. Meanwhile, the door is stuck between floor and defrost, so at least it's in a useful mode.

Joe

 

[Dmace]

Considering what sounds like a real rough past for your truck, I'd say it's holding up pretty good. The only "common" problem I've had is replacing the front wheel bearing. I replaced both just for piece of mind but one was still in good shape.

My next truck will be a Cummins powered RAM but this ole 03 RAM HEMI has to die first and at 120k miles I don't see that happening any time soon. :thumbsup:

Got to love the know-it-all's that claim the Dodge trucks are junk with a good engine yet have no idea what they're talking about. Weak rear ends, 3 valve engines...? Pretty sure your thinking about Ford's their Jamming, not Dodge.

 

[RobertN]

Mine is an '01, stock except BHAF and 4" exhaust. Got it new, just passed 150k miles.

I have been very happy with the truck. I came from Ford F250's with gas motors, mostly cause I got them used. My Dad was a Mopar parts guys for decades, when new time came, I went thru the shop he worked at. I coulda went elsewhere and got a Ford, but I liked the Cummins and the Dodge body style. I still like Fords, but have never gone for the hype of the perfect truck would be a Ford/Cummins/Alison...

I have been VERY happy with the truck(Ram-2500 long bed xcab Cummins/auto 4x4).

I would not get 4:10 gears again. That Cummins does not need that low gearing. 3:73 seems a better gear. Unless, you constantly tow a lot of weight.

I kind wish it had manual locking hubs. I grew up in Jeeps with them. Just a guess, but I bet it would get better mileage with tru hub disconnects compared to the contraption in the front axle.

I kinda wish I had went with a stick too. Auto has worked just fine, but I like shifting gears too.

 

[PoorMansCat]

Love my 06 model, has 3:73 with the automatic... have a Smarty Jr set on Economy. (40hp)
Truck pulls anything i tie to the back of it....
OP, does the truck have an EGT probe installed and working? If not, I would probably install one since you have the programmer, especially when pulling. Programmers can easily put the EGT in an unsafe range when the engine is working hard.
BTW, Jamming, its spelled Cummins, not Cummings..

 

[kenmac]

I know of the kit. I've got their website on my bookmarks list, and it's a project I fully intend to pursue once it's warm enough to work outside again. Meanwhile, the door is stuck between floor and defrost, so at least it's in a useful mode.

Joe

Would you post a link to that in the event I ever have the blend door issue ?

Thanks

 

[Marveltone]

Would you post a link to that in the event I ever have the blend door issue ?

Thanks

Here ya go! Just scroll down the page to find the vehicle applications. Heater Treater: Blend Door Fix, Heat and A/C Replacement Parts

Joe