...looking for info on Dodge's

The story: 2 years ago I looked at diesel trucks. I have a race car and needed a tow vehicle. After driving a Cummins and a 7.3L Superduty, I settled on the Ford because I thought it was put together a bit better and I liked the way it looked better.

12K miles, a new transmision, a couple of $400 injectors and a cam position sensor later, I'm still looking for this great Ford reliability I kept hearing about.

I'm ready to sell the hell out of it and buy what I should have bought in the first place: a Cummins.

So. What do I need to look for. What "problems" do these trucks have. Best years?

Here's what I do: I tow a race car. When it's not towing, it gets driven periodically here and there. 7000lbs would be close to how much it would ever tow, and that's probably a generously high estimate. 4WD is not necessary, but a crew or extended cab is needed.

Advice?

BTW, nice place you have here....

 

I am a Ford guy so my opinion don't count here.(just warning you up front) I manage a buisness and have several trucks to take care of. We have several Dodge and Ford trucks, we even have a few Chebbys. The best diesel in my opinion is the Cummins, but I have had very good luck with the 7.3 Powerstroke. You couldn't sell me another 6.0 stroke. I'm not impressed with the Duramax at all. I like the looks of the fords best but the dodges arn't too bad. My idea of the perfect truck is what I am building right now. '79 F250 4X4 extended cab. Cummins engine, NV4500 trany D60's front and back. AC, power windows and door locks

 

As have all my friends which is why I got one. Reliability seems to be hit and miss. I missed.

My father-in-law has one and seems to be doing well. He definitely got a "hit" on reliability with that one. But in general, the 6.0 has superstantial issues. I'm not even considering a 6.0.

I'm not going to even bother looking at those.

That was my opinion as well before, and I should have gone that route. I just hate that the otherwise excellent engine is attached to a really sub-standard Chrysler product (fit/finish and quality of materials are abysmal, IMO). But, having spent over $3K in 12,000 miles on major drivetrain reliability issues, I've decided loose trim and faded interior parts are the lesser of two evils...

So, what say ye? 12v or 24v? Manual or Auto? I really like the looks of the 2003+, but they are out of my range right now....

 

I was a Ford guy most of my life. I've had three 7.3 liter PowerStrokes, a 95' F250, 99 F350 and a 00' F350.

This time I considered a Dodge for the first time. I was also concerned that I would end up with a truck that couldn't live up to my expectations. I knew the Cummins would be a great engine but was just concerned with the rest of the truck.
Well I have to say I really like the fit and finish on my new Dodge. It is living up to my expectations so far and I'm not sorry in the least that I didn't get another Ford. Even with a few computer problems that I've had with the new 6.7 Cummins, I still love this truck.

 

Get urself a 96-98.4 12v 5spd (215 pump) with 3.55 gears, and u'll be in love.

 

That's funny, Ford is the substandard rule in my book!!

 

You didn't mention a transmission preferance. From what you wrote it sounds like you are going to buy used. If you intend to do any modifications to the motor for more power I would suggest that you go with a manual tranny. The automatics just won't hold up behing a modified motor. But if you intend to stay stock the auto trannies are OK.

 

If you want the ease and longevity, along with reasonable price, the afore mentioned 96-98.4 12 valve is the way to go, with a manual transmission. Be sure to take a look for the KDP threads, and beware of the 5th gear nut, but if caught when purchased, both are cheap, easy fixes. If you want a 24 valve, be prepared to upgrade and replace the fuel delivery system. The VP44 is ~$1000+, and a more reliable lift pump system is ~$200+. The 47RE auto in my truck has been a good puller, and is a little tired now after 205k miles. If you are adding a bunch of power to a manual, be prepared to upgrade to a good clutch. The 6bt and ISB engines make tons of low end torque when turned up, straining stock parts. I recommend the 2001.5 and up, as the chance of getting a "53" block are smallest, and the trucks have disk brakes in the rear. Stopping with my 3500 with disks is 100% better than my 2001 V10 was with rear drums. I also prefer the interior design and layout of the 1998.5+ trucks, along with the 4-door quadcab vs. older extended cabs. Only the 1998.4 had a 12 valve and quadcab, and are the most desireable 2nd gen trucks out there. For really desireable, include a shortbox with the 1998.4 12 valve -- first year that bed was offered IIRC. HTH!

 

I'd like to put in a plug for a 1st gen. Same reliable 12 valve motor in an old-school truck package. 1st gens were made from '89-'93.

I would avoid the '98.5-'02 VP44 pump equipped 24 valves.

If you can afford a more recent truck, the '03 and up trucks have had good reliability. The automatic is much improved in those trucks. On the older trucks I would get a manual trans for the best reliability.

On the old 12 valve trucks you will have very little engine trouble, but your risk of truck trouble goes up the older the truck is.

 

Thanks Wanna, I was going to put in a plug for a 1st Gen but I figured that would be to much of a good thing,styling and ride come to mind right away but you can't get much of a Factory gurantee now.

 

I have an 03 quadcab and beat the crap out of it every single day. I tow way too much up and down the alcan hwy. My truck originally had a 47re and it died at a little over 100k. It isn't known as a great tranny, so I expected it to happen. After adding a 48re from Goerend, Im perfectly happy with my truck again. Some 03's came with a 48, so basically the only advice I can give is to REALLY know what you are looking at before you buy it.

Its been an easy truck to maintain, with only wear and tear items being replaced. As an added bonus, everything on these trucks is fairly simple to work on, and Ive noticed that parts are generally cheaper than with Ford or Chevy.

Easy choice.

 

reliability and ford have never gone hand in hand...at least not in my opinion...4 things ford had that i liked were the leafs in the front and simpler steering linkages...the locking hubs ....they used to have a steel front bumper...and i like the lariat and king ranch interior packages...otherwise i like the dodge in every department

 

I like the ford twin I-beam suspension.

 

Yep. I am a fan of Ford suspension. Even my old 87 f150 4x4 has a better ride than the 97 Ram 1500 I have. Haven't driven a PSD to compare, but I'm willing to bet its better than a 2nd gen ride.

 

I like the suspensions on the very early 90's true superduty...i guess that was the f450-550 equivalents..they had some big parts out front...big frame..big leafspirng pack out back...they didnt sink...