I will be in the market for a Dodge diesel in the next year or so. I have owned a 91, a 98 24 valve and a 2001 also. I really like the 5.9 and I'm leaning towards the 07 with that motor. Would i be better off looking for a low mileage 07 or getting the 4th gen truck ? What are some of the pros and cons either way ? I have heard bad things about the automatic transmissions on both trucks,and that the 6.7 is more expensive to maintain. Which way should i go ? .Thanks for any help.

 

I had a 2000,2004,2006,2010, and now have a 2012 and a 98 12 valve. Both the 2012 and the 98 I have only had 2 weeks.

I think the best truck was the 2006 with the 6 speed manual, with the addition of a aftermarket clutch, it was the best puller. And I mean sled pulls and pulling 40,000.

The 6.7 I don't have much good to say about, I blew the head gausket, and cracked the head at 30,000 miles. It wasn't stock, so the blame is on me, but even at the power it was running it couldn't keep up to the 5.9

Don't get me wrong the 6.7 pulls great stock, exhaust brake is awsome, I just don't know if I had a lemmon for a 6.7 or if what happpened to me is going to be the norm for hard worked 6.7's

 

I'm a firm believer in the K.I.S.S. principal. That's why I have 2 1st gens. I'm also cheap and they are cheap to keep.

 

we run a fleet from 1998's to 2009's i agree the 06 is the best and as you stated you have to replace the dmf with a southbend, also if you get rid of the in-cylinder egr it gains 6 mpg and 300* lower egt. the next best is a 1998 12 valve nv 5600 the worst is the vp44 98.5 to 02

 

lets try again we run 1989's to 09's

 

Ok,Thanks for the replies, kinda what i expected to hear. Are there any differences at all in the 06 & 07 automatic trucks with the 5.9 ? Any other issues with the 06-07 trucks i need to be aware of before i buy one ? It will be a 2500 4x4 automatic for sure.

 

I have an 07 with right under 100K miles on it and I could get a new one but haven't really found a good reason why. Test drove a couple new ones and wasn't inspired when I drove off in my truck.


Here is what I believe they upgraded on the 3rd gens over 4 years:

03.5 Auto transmissions all went to 4re
05 Went to a better metal intercooler

I think in 05, 06 or 07 they upgraded the transmission further.



If you get an 07 5.9 truck like mine they have no problem with a Smarty Jr programmer and a valvebody upgrade, really really wakes the truck up and the transmission holds together just fine.


I'm going to detail mine, change most of the front end parts, get a new bumper, upgrade the speakers and keep it for 2 more years till they refresh the front end looks on the 4th gen trucks.

 

Thanks, exactly the kind of info i'm looking for. Sharp looking truck you got there !!!

 

No prob.
I wouldn't turn a new one down but if looking used I'd find a 5.9 with equal miles just so I wouldn't have to screw with deleting it or a clogged up motor from not being deleted.

 

I'd go look at a new base model too. I bet you could get a good deal on one and the ST is nearly as nice as my 3rd gen laramie, same quality on the interior minus the leather... I even have a manual 4x4 shifter.

 

I may do that, just hate the thought of all that pollution crap. I'm gonna try for a low mileage 07 if i can find a good one.

 

I'm also looking into getting a diesel. Was looking at a 01 and 99. Why do u say the 98.5-01 are the worst. I never had a diesel and don't want to waste my money if they're not worth it

 

I think he's referring to the VP44 injection pumps they had from 98.5-02. They are known to have problems.

 

The 98.5 to 02 may be the "worst" for injection pumps and lift pumps, but cost comparison.

Do a set of injectors on a CR truck, then do a VP44 on a 98.5 - 02. I'll take the VP every time.

Maybe its our dry fuel up here, maybe dodge has a crappy filtration system on the 3rd gen trucks, maybe a lot of things. But, I see a LOT of fuel system problems on the 3rd gen trucks.

Now, I have changed severalmanymultipleginormousamounts of VP pumps. But in comparison to injectors on the newer trucks, they are cheap. And, readily available.

Basically, pick the junk you're willing to live with, and go for it. Each and every story turns out differently

Good luck with whatever purchase you make.

 

I have the best truck for you, a 99 powerstroke that I need to sell.....