Hey goes I am coming over from the 3rd Gen Boards and needed some help. I have an 07 Mega 5.9, 15k miles (details in sig) and I love the look, ride and feel of the truck. The fuel mileage is killing me (11-13 empty, 9 towing 7k) and I don't drive on the hwy a lot, mostly stop and go. Truck is paid for but it looks like it is gonna have to go. I am going to get a newer foreign car to DD as I am a consultant and can't run a beater car every day. I tow my jeep around so I need a truck regardless, so an older 24 CTD is appealing to me. Hoping to spend 10-15k at most, looking for a 4x4, extra cab, DRW. My question is what years to look for, what are the common problems, what can I expect to pay, how reliable are they, what kind of MPG will I see towing and are the autos garbage?, etc. Help steer me in the right directions so I can start searching for a truck. Thanks for the help!

 

I'm getting a little over 17mpg driving like a maniac. If I keep it at 70 or below I can get 20mpg. I have 165K on it and have only had a slight problem with the auto trans (governor replaced around 100K). The only other things fixed are: replaced LP recently (relocated to frame rail), replaced the A/C heat exchanger at about 120K, put on a dash cover (Geno's) recently. My dash started cracking on its own in the last 10k miles.... I've driven the '07 Hemi 3500 SRW and I like the feel of my 2500 better. Overall, I'd say my truck is worth between $14-16K and I wouldn't have a problem buying one with that many miles.

 

THanks for the info, if anybody else has something post up. Are these year models V8 5.9's? Did they go to the I6 in 03?

 

all 12v/24v are I6. Some 98.5-00 motor will have the weaker 53 block. No problem with it's stock but when you stress it, it will crack and leak. They're id by the 53 stamp on the block, lower driver side. The vp44 on 24v need special attention since it's cool and lubed by the fuel so you need to watch the fuel pressure. Something to think about. They are great trucks with some issues that can be dealt with.

Eugene

 

Had mine since Feb07 153k miles, now 167k. LPs are the only problem for me. I tried finding something wrong w/mine before buying but just couldn't and the blank check from the bank in my pocket that day was needing to be filled out. All joking aside, if you buy an auto make sure it's atleast been rebuilt and no dark fluid, check the fuel press, check for blowby and you may want to buy one w/out a GNeck or 5thwhl hitch. And of course avoid and fluid/oil leaks. I do tow a 5k lb boat and still get 12-13mpg when towing, normal 18-20mpg @ 65-70 in town. Overall, I couldn't be happier w/the truck and it's capabilities.

 

mine got 27.9 last trip to indiana from nc, empty with leer shell and that was driving cruise set at 70-75 allthe way there and back. i get 19 in the city stop and go, speed limit is 45 from house to base. luv my truck. Im lookin to install a bigger tank maybe

 

How do you get 27.9 MPG? I have never heard of it being that high.

 

with that kind of mileage you need a bigger tank???
i don't believe it

 

that means he can get over 900 miles to a tank of fuel

 

It can be done. Checked 25.28 with wife's 2500 on 1600 mile trip. Had 3000 lb. load for 600 of these miles and ran about 75 mph. It also has a Leer topper and gets better mileage with it installed than it does without it. Never check under 20 on short trips.

 

He's not hand calculating his fuel mileage. He is using his overhead, and it is lying to him. If you went with part time hub kit and was using that hydrogen/oxygen mix you might, might get that high, oh wait throw in a manual tranny and you might get that kind fuel mileage.

 

I would say the same thing since he is running an Edge EZ. My overhead did the same thing when I added the EZ to mine. The ECM doesn't know the EZ is telling it lies. It is even further off now with the DD2 injectors in it.
However,,,, it is fun every time a GM or Ford guys asks about fuel mileage when filling up at the pumps. I always say "Wait a minute and let me look",,,,, then point to the 28mpg on the overhead. Best I ever got was a one time 22mpg (hand calculated) before the DD2s. Now it runs right around 19.5 to 20 if I baby it,,,,,,,,, and that don't happen very often.