kincade
salt lake city, utah
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Joined: 03/19/2007
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We are considering selling our 2000 PSD as it's an extended cab and looking for a newer (read quieter) diesel. I'm not likely to consider a 6.0, so that leaves the Dodge CTD and the Chev Duramax...
In regards to Dodge, I want to stay with the newer common rail engine and better trans (48re?). I know that started in '03... And I've read the '05 is about the best of the bunch in regards to mileage and reliability.
In regards to the Chev, they look great but I have read a lot about leaky injectors on the 03-05s and overheating problems. The 06 LBZ seems to be well thought of, but I've read the mileage dropped quite a bit on these?
I REALLY don't want a problem vehicle and would like to narrow down my search choices before looking. Mileage is somewhat important to us, and we tow roughly 6000# so it's not too heavy... Any feedback you could give would be greatly appreciated!
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downtheroad
Puget Sound
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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One suggestion (if you can find one).
Consider a Chevy/GMC with the LBZ generation diesel.
2006 or 2007 Classic.
Duramax with none of the new EPA required stuff + Allison 6 speed.
Great combination.
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane"
GMC Duramax/Allison (LBZ)
Komfort 277TS Our Rig Picture
Reese Dual Cam HP
Lots of other stuff nobody cares about
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Yahooligan
Temecula, CA
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Joined: 11/05/2007
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I'm in (or going to be in) a similar situation, but really only going to go with the Dodge and probably an '05-'07 3500 4x4 with the 5.9. I don't believe the 5.9 had any significant changes during the '03-'07 years, so I would expect the 2007 5.9 drivetrain to be the most reliable out of them all based on refinements and improvements over the years.
I'm still on the fence regarding the 48RE trans after all the issues with the older 4-speed autos behind the Cummins, but it sounds like the 48RE is pretty solid and I shouldn't rule it out.
I've heard good things about the more current versions of the Duramax and Allison, my problem is with the truck that's built around them. I have 2 close friends that both own 2500s with the Duramax and both of them have had various issues with the trucks but never any issues with the drivetrain.
Good luck in your search!
--
Hogan & Clan
2005 Nissan Titan CC SE 4x4
2010 Keystone Hideout 31BHSWE
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m16fullauto
Louisburg NC USA
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Joined: 08/17/2004
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I have a 2004.5 Dodge CTD with the 48RE transmission and have 82K miles. It has been a GREAT truck. As anything mechanical, there are a few things that happened to mine
- If you buy a 4 wheen drive truck, the front hubs are locked all the time so the axle turns all the time. Started getting a clicking sound in mine and the universal joints had to be replaced
- 2004 models have an external lift pump mounted on the engine. They are known to fail and the replacement unit mounts inside the fuel tank. Dodge paid for the labor and I paid for the part as it was out of warranty. Mine failed at 78K miles.
I'd stay away from previous year auto transmissions, engines that were chipped as well as those using K&N air filters.
Dodge with the CTD is a pulling monster !!!!!!
2004.5 Dodge 2500 Diesel 4x4
2006 Jayco Jayflight 31BHDS
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Perrysburg Dodgeboy
Perrysburg, Ohio USA
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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'm in (or going to be in) a similar situation, but really only going to go with the Dodge and probably an '05-'07 3500 4x4 with the 5.9. I don't believe the 5.9 had any significant changes during the '03-'07 years, so I would expect the 2007 5.9 drivetrain to be the most reliable out of them all based on refinements and improvements over the years.
03/04 no emissions lift pump that on LWB CQ has a life of 90/150K but only costs $130 to replace and about 1 hour to do. If you stay with the stock pump! The in tank coversion kit is $385+ labor of 5 hours! I installed the stock pump. Everything else is about the same.
04.5/07 have a in tank lift pump that has not had any notable issues other than it cost about $385 for the pump and needs 3 hours of labor to replace.
I'm still on the fence regarding the 48RE trans after all the issues with the older 4-speed autos behind the Cummins, but it sounds like the 48RE is pretty solid and I shouldn't rule it out.
Has been bulletproof with no known issues.
Don
Perrysburg Dodgeboy
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab SLT Cummins HO
2005 Keystone Cougar 304 BHS
Back on layoff today  UAW Auto Worker (Tool Makers Rule)
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Rons5er
Erie Pa
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Joined: 05/12/2009
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Hi, We have had a 2006 Chevy X-cab 4x4 since the beginning of the year.It is a LBZ with the 6-speed allison. We pull a 34 foot Cougar fiver with it. My research also told me this was a good year to look at. Our mileage is: Towing (10250# loaded)worst 10 best 13, empty: highway at posted speeds 19 to 21. My routine driving 15-16 mpg. The mileage on the new body style is a little less from what read. Been a great truck so far. Can't tell you about the Dodge, but I do know the cummins is great engine. Hope this helps. Good Luck on your search.
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Tom/Barb
Oak Harbor
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Joined: 10/16/2009
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I have had my 2002 Ram 2500 Diesel since 2003, it has 145,000 miles on it most are towing. I have replaced the rear bearing in the trans once, and brakes 2 times. 3 set of tires, I have never found any thing that it won't pull.
GREAT TRUCK
2000 Newmar mountain aire 4091 DP 8.3/350 horse alison 6 speed
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retired logger
WA USA
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Joined: 12/10/2003
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My youngest son is right now in the process of working the Lemon Law on his 09 3/4 ton CC Chev Duramax.. Its got a vibration they can't get rid of (like a bad U joint).. He's just sick about it.. His first new truck and the Dealer has had it over a month trying to fix it.
Short time young and a long time old !
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Black7beard
Florida
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Joined: 11/07/2006
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'O6 and '07 Dodge with the 5.9. Good luck.
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Turbo Diesel Dude
Green Mountain, NC
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Joined: 01/10/2005
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I had a 2005 with the 48RE and 5.9. 85K and never a problem. Now have a 2008 with the six speed auto and 6.7 engine. A couple of minor issues, but seemed to have them worked out. Endless power. Have to drive it correctly with the auto. 3rd/4th below 40mph and 3rd 25-30 mph. Head and shoulders above the 5.9 power wise. Slightly better milage. My 5.9 NEVER gave me the milage as some claimed theirs did. "Truth in telling"?JMHO
charles weidman
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