Hey guys I'm from the 2nd gen 24v forum. My Father's wanting to get a 3rd gen somewhere 04-06 (he heard somewhere that 03's were different or kinda "special" like he says... idk)4x4 QQSB Cummins and was wondering what any of their problems are. I know the 24v's have the fuel issue and 12's have the KDP. What needs to be monitored on a common rail??

I don't know too much about them but are there certain things to look out for such as low fuel pressure or anything of that nature?? Any other problematic areas on these trucks besides the motor/tranny?? Thanks a bunch I don't wanna go lookin for a truck with him blind.
TNutcher

 

The CR liftpumps are weak but there's good afterkarket fixes for ~$400. The first HOs had some weak points. The first 03 HOs had the 47re auto and I think it's after 1-1-03 that all HOs have the 48re. The 305hp usually gets a little better mpg than the 325s. The 6sps will still take more hp than the autos. The <04.5s are the 325 hp engines and have a little bigger turbo than the 305 HOs. Guys with the g56 6sp and 4.10 don't like the high rpms cuz OD is lower - the g56/3.73 is OK . The 48re/4.10 is great towing and hiway rpm is OK - the 48re has a higher OD than the g56. The nv5600/4.10 is great towing and hiway rpm is a little high but not as bad as the g56. That's about all the key points I know. The 07 6.7s have emissions from hell! Craig

 

Thanks for getting me started. So if i understand correctly the horse power went from 325 to 305 in 04.5? I'm trying to talk him into a six speed but i think he'll go with the auto. They're nice but can be $$ to rebuild... of course he is older haha and shifting lots gets old but either way. I understand the steering and brake issues that my truck has are taken care of. how are the axles? What are some common problems to get with these trucks in the engine department other than a weak fuel lift pump?
Thanks,
TNutcher

 

no, backwards, the hp went from 305 TO 325 in the 04.5-06

 

Other than the lift pump other people have had injector issues with running pressure boxes. Do research on the truck to see how it was used or abused. If it has been stock most the lift pump and injectors usually last a while. Other than that make sure you keep on the filter changes mainly the fuel filter. The CR don't like dirty injectors.

 

I reread the first post and thought of some more stuff. Will he tow or haul heavy or want hi power mods? If not, I wouldn't worry about getting an auto. - 6 spds are a lot of shifting. Is he in Ca.? The early CRs are hosed up to meet Ca. emissions, of course! I think the 04.5 and newer 325s are 50 state legal w/catox. The 2wds have rack and pinion steering and handle awesome! Check out which year autos have the better tow/haul setup, if he gets an auto. 03+ didn't have the camper spring option - the 3500 srw replaces the 3/4T camper spring trucks. The 3500srw is a 2500 with OL springs but no swaybar. 02 was the last year for the 90" wide dually C&Cs. The 07 C&Cs are about 94" wide. All 03-06 duallies are 96" wide. 03 was the first (quieter) CRs and multi injection events. There were a lot of changes and ommisions starting in 03 so I guess it really was a special year. Craig

 

The early 05's had plastic intercoolers. DC straightened it out later and went back to metal. The 04.5 on up trucks make power easier with a box/downloader etc. The 03 and 04 trucks tend to get better fuel mileage.

You really can't go wrong with any of them.

 

Alright good deal. Yeah we're in good old california. He wants a 4x4 and it won't be a regular towing vehical just occasionally a trailer or something. Ok so what about gauges? egt, boost of course, fuel pressure?? and maybe a tranny. He won't be turning it up much if any i doubt. Thanks guys Its helping out lots. I didn't know there were so many changes during just the 3rd gen model.
TNutcher

 

If he is not going to bombing the truck and just driving normal, I'd say 03-04 with low miles would be great. Better fuel mileage, less up front costs. He could get something like a commander for the gauges and he is set. He could do a mild downloader/box and still not worry about the tranny too.

 

good place for me to jump in. I am also a gen 2 24v guy. I have already gone to a FASS on mine, are they different on the new trucks? can I use the same fass?
I am shopping hard for an '03/ true '04 for the mileage. I need to know how to tell or how to ask the person selling if its an '04 305 or an 04.5 325. is there an easy way in the vin or on the engine or anything? I want to get one bought soon enough. Most likely an '04 from what I have read on here the last few days.
thanks in advance for all of your help
Kelly

Oh, and TNutcher, there is a thread on this forum about "what has gone wrong and what mileage" that has a lot of problems listed. sounds like ujoints and front ends are weak as heck with some transfer case and lift pump mixed in.

 

The only problem I have is that I keep driving it.
Blacksheep10: You can look on the data plate. It will give the HP.

 

I believe starting with the 04.5 has CAT in the exhaust. Very easy to see this as long as it has not been removed. There are also emissions decals under the hood. Can the build date on the door sticker be used to determine the 04.5 as anything January and newer ?

Jeff

 

Look on the engine valve cover, driver's side, for a data decal. About mid-way on the second line, is a box labeled "engine advertised hp". If it says "305" that's what it is. If it says "325" that's also what it is. Also, the 325 engine ('04.5) came out as job 1, 2004, so, if the build date is in 2003, it's a 305, if in 2004, it's a 325.

When the 325 engine came out, I was a bit bummed that I got "stuck" with one of the "little" 555s. As it turns out, I'm very happy. My truck gets great fuel mileage, average between 22 and 23. It'll pull anything I will ever put behind it.

 

Ha! I got a "littler" 460! But not anymore!!

 

on some of the early common rail motors I have seen, look for wetness on the valley on the cp3 to see if its leaking. ive seen a few with lower miles that have the valve cover leaking already also. if he wants a manual get a nv5600 truck like 03-05. this is a strong tranny. I dont hear the best stuff about those newer G56 trannies they are not as strong