Opinions on Cummins 5.9 Diesel

[Builder]

One thing forgotten in this discussion about diesels is resale value. It's a commonly known fact that on average, a diesel pickup with 100K miles on it will get ~$5,000 more than an identical gas powered pickup. That's because a gas engine is generally perceived to be "shot" at 100K miles (although we know they can go much longer).

 

[RobertN]

One thing forgotten in this discussion about diesels is resale value. It's a commonly known fact that on average, a diesel pickup with 100K miles on it will get ~$5,000 more than an identical gas powered pickup. That's because a gas engine is generally perceived to be "shot" at 100K miles (although we know they can go much longer).

I think you are correct there. I also believe this is a leftover from the 50's and 60's. Although the US(and others) built great motors back then, they did not have the metallurgy we have now. Ya, a 50's or 60's Chevy/For/Mopar smallblock ect was easily rebuildable, but they had to be at 100k miles because the rings were going, valve seals leaking ect. Great motors, great trucks, but things did not last.

My previous truck was an '89 F250. It had a 351 in it. Sold it with 225k miles on it 8 years ago. It was tight, ran great, didn't use oil. It simply had better metals in the cylinders, rings ect.

Bounce forward 20 years to 2009. Even better metals, better rubber and plastic for seals. Better oils with newer additives. Better filters. Tighter tolerances. It is very easy to foresee 200k miles out of a gasser these days, with proper care.

I still like a diesel in a pickup, but a gasser can last too, at least compared to yesteryear.

 

[brianMO]

I have a 1999 2nd gen. I was plaged with the 53 block. Love the truck and the engine. Pulls its guts out. After going threw the problem of a cracked block I opted to get a new engine. Big bucks, but glad I did. I plan to keep this one for the next 10-15 years. Yes it is the non-53 casting. There were two years blocks got out there that had the potential to crack. Everything is rebuildable on these trucks. It completely serves the purpose intended. Watch the fuel pressure with a gauge. The VP44 on this generation was a real common problem. As far as I am concerned there is no comparison to 5.9 cummins, and powerstroke. I do not know to much about the Duramax.

 

[Mighty Dodge]

I bought my 97 with 117,000 miles on it. Got 134000 now, no complaints with the engine or the truck it's in.

M.D.

 

[WH401]

IMO, the 5.9 is the best diesel engine to ever be placed into a light duty pickup. There highly reliable, there simple to work on, they get good fuel economy, they make gobs of torque, and any model year engine can easily be turned up to obtain more power. I have a 92' W250 w/ 170k and an 06 3500 w/ 31k and I couldn't be happier with either vehicle, there the best trucks I've ever owned.

 

[BTI]

Welp Thought I'd chime in......BTW I'm a Ford Guy....and a Cummins Guy, not a Dodge Guy.
First Delivery truck was a 1996 F250 460 5spd with 180k on it....really liked the truck but got diesel fever.
2nd truck 2003 2500 Short Bed 6spd 4x4 with the 5.9 HO Cummins.
THAT was a super nice truck, pulled amazingly, got 20mpg on the highway.
Only got under 14 once or twice, but considering the load, I am not surprized.
Sold it and bought a 1997 F350 with 460 auto...ugh.
Bought a "back up truck" 1989 W250 4x4 Automatic from a local contractor it was their plow truck, it was beatin' and battered.
Had 130k on it.
I put 10k miles on it 7500 of that pulling it's poor STOCK guts out dragging a 5k lb gooseneck because I couldn't keep the trans in the Ford.
Bought a 1996 Dodge 2500 Extra Cab Auto 4x4 because I read all the hype about 12v's
It was a DOG when I got it, previous owner turned it up but the fuel was all in the wrong spot LOL
I tweeked it a little and now it does good. gotta tune 'em right to get the HP's outta the 12v'r
It has 220k miles on it, 80% of which has been towing, it was used to pick up trailers down south before I bought it.
Runs very well always starts and gets right around 15-17mpg, has oversized injectors and a bigger (towing) turbo on it.
Then bought another 1996 identical to the other one but with fewer miles-182K
Miles do not bother me.
Keep up with fluid changes, rebuild the rearend clutch pack when you hear the first chatter.....
They will treat you well.
Of course if it's an auto you WILL have to rebuild it, quicker if you turn it up much.
I use Dave Goerend out of Iowa.
I do love my Cummins powered trucks!

BTI

 

[jfox]

I rebuild the dodge auto's as a hobby.
It is a random thing concerning these auto's. some go many miles without any repairs. Thier biggest issue is quality control at the factory.
Did you know the auto trans rebuilders claim the allison has far more issues than the dodge?? The ford is better than either. I think they claim the allison is twice as likely to go out than either of the other two!!!!!!
The cummins is a medium duty engine in a light duty truck. The other two diesels are light duty.
ford uses the cummins in the HD chassis.

 

[Builder]

Uh-huh. lol

I think the "auto trans rebuilders" have been sniffing a little too much ATF.

If Allisons "has far more issues than the dodge" as you state, then why would GM back them up with a 5yr 100K warranty, while Ford and dodge do not?

 

[Diamondpilot]

Uh-huh. lol

I think the "auto trans rebuilders" have been sniffing a little too much ATF.

If Allisons "has far more issues than the dodge" as you state, then why would GM back them up with a 5yr 100K warranty, while Ford and dodge do not?

The allison is a good tranny but not without its problems. Again, warranties sell cars and truck and they needed to win back the buyers once they had a good powertrain with Isuzu and Allison.

Now if they could just get the fit and finish, better interiors, and a frame/payload selection that can really compete they will be a serious threat.

Warranty and word of mouth is what made me give GM a try in 2004 for a Diesel truck but as you know it did not pan out for me and I jumped ship.

Chris

 

[BTI]

Didn't Dodge used to have a 7/70 warranty?
Then a bunch of others followed suit with similar warranties.
Then of course they backed off.

BTI