Hi my name is nick I am a firefighter from the cleveland area. I have been looking into getting a diesel truck for my next vehicle. I do alot of traveling with my bikes and hauling them in the trailers (or I should say my friends do). This is the main reason that I am interested in a diesel also I do not want the crappy fuel mileage of gas-jober when hauling the trailer. I am not looking to do anything insane to it I am looking to keep it mostly stock(ie. not lift or huge tires or stacks) My first question is I have heard that you can get some insane gas mileage out of these trucks with little modification is this true? If so what kinda mileage. My second question is what should I be looking for when I am purchasing one of these. I have been told by my friend that had a 05 pulling truck that said I should aviod the 98-00 because of the motors. I already know that I want an extended cab, extended bed, and manual or at least I think so I am looking toward longivity. If the autos could last long with out rebuilding the trans for a long time then I would get a auto. Any help on this would be great like I said I am new so your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much
Nick

 

I'd say your on the right track, mine's an '01 5speed and I get on average around 20 to 21 mpg (unloaded) on the road, a little less in town puttin', I think alot of the problems are so few and far between with these trucks, you just get the bad news here most of the time, that being said, there is very good advice and very knowledgeable people here, not me though , just do the basics, gauges and a big line kit and call it good.

It's an excellant motor that just happens to have a Dodge wrapped around it, IMHO

 

I have a 98 with a 5 speed and a 12v the last year for the 12v and I get 19 mpg running the crap out if it. I would not be alarmed in buy a truck from 98 to 00. Some of them came with the 53 block which was bad but if your planning on leaving it stock you shouldn't have to worrie. But being on this site power is like a drug addiction so beware. But remember fuel mileage is great but is controled by your foot. Have fun Your defniatly on the right track.

 

Welcome Nick! I am sure you will love your truck as much as we all do.
As to what to get, define your budget first. This will help narrow the list down to the year, and with that people will give you advice here on what to look out for for that year. Keep in mind generation changes - pre-98.5 are 12 valve Cummins engines, people claim they can be modified for the highest horse power and torque of all; 1998.5 - 2002 are 24 valve engines with a vulnerable injection pump, and 2003+ are common rail engines, quieter than before. This may also influence your decision.
I of course suggest that you get a 24-valve one, they are the best
-P

 

Hey Nick, Welcome. I am a firefighter in Indiana just NE of Indy. I recently purchased my first CTD. a 2001.5 2500 quad long bed 4x4. I love it!! I also pull bikes to rides usually 4 HD's. I get 21-23 mpg's empty depending on what fuel I get (lsd or ulsd), and around 19-20 pulling the bikes. 3:55's. edge EZ. You are definately on the right track. You will love it! Good luck on your search, and let me know if I can help any more. Dan