I'm looking into purchasing a 1998-2000 Dodge 4x4 with the cummins diesel. I know, maintenance schedule has a lot to do with it, but how many miles does a person expect to get out of this motor, before having to undergo extensive repair? I see quite a few trucks within these years, with anywhere from 120K up to 190K. I always kind of thought they should run up to 200K miles without expecting to have to do much motor repair, ie overhaul, etc. At least that's what I thought on my 1994 Cheverolet Diesel I use to own, until the motor crapped out on me at 120K! I would be using this on my farm/ranch, so plenty of heavy hauling would be expected. Also, I am definitely sticking with the manual transmission, but any ideas of what rear end ratio would give me the best results for my situation?
thanks,
coadman

 

I know of at least 3 people that have close to a million miles on a cummins 5.9 without any repairs to the engine itself. Turbos, injectors, and injector pumps are a more common failure.

 

I think Cummins advertises their average life to rebuild as being 350,000 or so these days.

 

I doubt that the HPCR fuel system will last anywhere near that point.

 

What reason do you have for this??? This is also a Bosch product, and it's pretty much the only thing out there on the horizon for the future of diesel.

As for the original question, you may want to broaden your search to include '97 & '98 12-valves. With the P-7100 pump, they tend to be very durable and reliable. As for your quesiton, the lift pumps in the 98.5 - 2002 24-V engines fail often, taking the electronic VP-type injection pump with them. You should invest in a fuel pressure gauge and monitor it closley if you buy a 24V model. Do a search for this, there's lots of info on this site.

 

They're all 12 valves too I'll bet. I work on quite a few trucks and have never seen a 24 valve with over 250k on it while I know many 12s with over 500k.

 

That makes me glad I have a 12 valve. Mine is going on 300 k and running strong.

 

As for the original question, you may want to broaden your search to include '97 & '98 12-valves. With the P-7100 pump, they tend to be very durable and reliable. . [/B][/QUOTE]

Thanks, I'll do some more reading on the subject. I may have to go with the '97-'98 models to get into the price range I think I can afford!(LOL) I have looked at a few, within those years, and when I go back that far, most are 175K-225K+ miles, and that tends to scare me a little bit. I'm replacing a 1989 Ford F-250 with the big block V-8(that I had to put a new motor and transmission in about 3 yrs ago). The motor and tranny are in great shape, but the overall truck is really breaking down, front end needs work, fenders need replaced, hood latch came loose a few weeks ago, and hood flew open, bending hood(so it doesnt latch right). The last time I took it into a mechanic for a little work, he said "dont bring it back, its not worth it"(ha). I figured I could sell the motor and tranny as the motor only has about 30K on it since it was new. I would definetly like to upgrade myself, by about 10 years or so. With that being said, the 97-99 Dodge's might fit the bill. Thanks for all the comments. Since I would be doing some heavy hauling and pulling, what rear end ratio, should I be looking for?
thanks,
coadman

 

Yep all 12 valves. I personally know a guy in town with 750k on his. I read about a farmer in ohio or someplace that had 1.78 million on his 89 cummins. That's incredible. He must drive in his sleep.

 

Of course there are more high mileage 12V's out there..........

They are older trucks and were made for more years.......

Not disputing the superior fuel system of the 12V, I'm just saying.

I have seen 24V with 400K +.

They are definitely out there.

I knew a guy personally with 700 + on a 95 3500.

I'd stick with 3.55 gears, even if you are towing heavy, they are still geared plenty low in 1'st, you can move anything, not a problem with the torque of the Cummins, the advantage is when you are on the highway you have improved mileage and better drivability.

You won't be disapointed, make sure you get a 4x4 though.

2wd CTD are useless on the farm in my oppinion.

 

I couldnt do without my 4x4, although I have been tempted, as of late to try and do without one. As I can find "many" Dodge trucks with cummins and 5speeds at very attractive prices, but alas, they have no 4x4. My son is trying to talk me into buying a 3500 dually, as we borrowed one from the local livestock sale a few weeks ago, and pulled their trailer hauling cattle. It really had plenty of power, and didnt even know the trailer was back their.
coadman

 

I hear ya, you really can almost forget about a trailer at times. These trucks are made to pull.

But like I said before, I wouldn't go the 2wd route.

You will curse it for a farm truck.....

Not sure where you are from, what sort of conditions you work in or what type of farming you do, but these things are useless for horseing trialers around in sloppy or snowy yards are even in fields and stuff without 4x4.

At home I literally use my 4x4 every single day.

 

Coadman, the block and all Cummins components will still be workin when u become a granpa...the pump, electrical, sensors, solenoids and all that stuff will fail...mayeb more than once...that normal for every truck...if i was u id get a 12 valve or a common rail...the 24 valve was an experimental "in between" period to satisfy emission control pressures by the government...the pump on the 24 valvers sucks

 

So the "years" that have the 12v, include 1995-1998, is that correct?

 

well 12 valve is 89 to 98...but everyone's favorite p-pump 12 valve is 94 to first half of 98