Hennie

I just got my '03 dually. For budget purposes, what will it cost to replace or overall the engine and also the automatic transmision?

Dr. Evil

Cost to replace with a new engine??? Im pretty sure you dont really want to know... Do you think youre gonna put on more than 400-500k ?? If you look after it and stay on top of the maintenance there should be no reason to overhaul it before 300k (at least).

The auto is another story....make sure you change fluid regularily, & use synthetic (Amsoil or Redline MTL is really good). The stock auto (depending if you have the 47 or 48) will not stand up to heavy towing or moderate bombing. You can beef up an auto for 500-5000 depends on what you want. I think the full blown, strengthened autos are around $ 5k from DTT, ATS, or Suncoast.

One other thing, we need more info about your truck - it would be good if you filled out your profile...

Hennie

I need to know about the cost to rebuild or replace the 5,9l cummings.
What can I do to improve its live span? Wil it help if I change oil more often than the manufacturer specify?
I have the 100k warrentee deal. Should I wait for that to run out before I spend money on the transmission(48RE)?

Shovelhead

The lifespan of a properly maintained stock Cummins (unBOMBed) should be 4-500,000 miles. ;D

just how long are you palnning on driving?

wannadiesel

A remanufactured 5.9 will run you about $6,000. If you do maintenance by the book you won't need one until 300k at least, there is a guy on this site with 370k on his original engine and several in the mid 200k's. Unless you're modifying the truck, I'd just do regular maintenance on the trans until it's out of warranty. Then upgrade if it blows. I wouldn't worry about the engine, just do normal maintenance and it should outlast the truck. Early oil changes will just waste money. Use the good filters (Fleetguard Stratapore, Donaldson ELF) for better filtration. Other than that, go by the book and it will run as long as you want to drive it.

Dr. Evil

[quote author=wannadiesel link=board=20;threadid=21167;start=0#msg198681 date=1066610254]
Early oil changes will just waste money. Use the good filters (Fleetguard Stratapore, Donaldson ELF) for better filtration. [/quote]

I would recommend using only APPOVED filters and oil until the warranty is up. I dont believe the Donaldson is approved (I know, I know not this again...lol). I havent seen the approved filters list for the 2003/04's....is it the same as 98-2002's??? Please post if you have the approved filters list.

Using synthetic motor oil, such as Amsoil or Mobile 1 Delvac should help the engine live longer (some may argue that point as well) - if your still worried about engine life.

Regarding the trans, of course you should wait until the warranty is up...after all youre already paying for that warranty. If anything goes wrong let Dodge pay for it.

One more thing, its Cummins not Cummings....(this is a pet peeve for a few of the guys here)...Oh yeah, welcome to the DTR site as well.

Hennie

Thanks, I enjoy this site, you are very helpfull!!