buying an older used dodge diesel....advice?

[jeepster]

im gonna trade my 07 wrangler rubicon in for an older dodge 3/4ton with the cummins diesel. im looking at years 98-04... ive heard some of them had tranny issues.... what advice can you guys give when it comes to finding a dodge?

[Stomper]

Jeepster,stay away from any dodge that has been chipped.If it has been modified with a chip it most likely has been treated like a drag car.The old 12 valve cummins are built like a brick.If you are looking at the newer 24 valve go with a manual transmission and you won't have any troubles.If it was me i would look for a nice 12 valve,the engines are all mechanical no computers.If you want to build more power the motor takes well to more air and fuel.In which translates to more power and better fuel efficiency.

[MuleySniper]

The 5.9 is an awesome motor. All the power you'll ever need without all the emissions crap. The only upgrade you might want to consider is a billet torque converter, other than that great truck. My dads has 120k on it and has had zero tranny problems. Tows a ton with it too. Automatic tranny, we tow a huge enclosed trailer, camp trailer, boats, flatbeds loaded down, anyway you get the point. Yeah, what he said though, I wouldn't buy one all modded up or from a kid though
MS

[Woodchuck]

Ask if the lift pump has been done. 

[Hyde]

First On Race Day.   

[kstrohn7]

I have an 05 with the 5.9 and really like the truck. Haul a horse trailer with it and have never had any problems. The 5.9 are great trucks, but are spendy now with all the new trucks having all the emissions crap.

[norsepeak]

I had two 98's, both great trucks, lift pumps are an issue, but no big deal to change, and on the automatics folks have a tendency to tow in overdrive becuase of the power and that kills the trannies.  If you go with a manual, no problems.  I have an 06 right now with a manual, intake, exhaust and programmer and the thing has TONS of power for towing and gets around 20mpg.  Love the truck.

[jackelope]

The newer the better as far as the transmission problems. I'd get an '04 if it was me.
I'd really get an early '07 with the 5.9 if it were me but......nevermind.

[6x6in6]

Early 98 or 03 and 04.
For what Stomper and Jackelope said.
Nothing worse than having a 98.5-02 and be driving down the road and getting the dead pedal syndrome because your engine is thirsty and your injection pump just took a dump.

[MuleySniper]

First On Race Day.   

I always thought it was Found On Road Dead?
 
MS

[SFD2015]

I own a 98 Dodge 3/4 Ton Diesel. LOVE IT! The transmission rumors are true, for automatics. The manual transmissions are pretty damn tough though. Over the past 2 years I have had the Lift Fuel pump, alternator and starter all replaced. I would definitely recommend getting a fuel pressure gauge (next up on my list) and staying away from the stock replacements for the lift fuel pump (Replace it with a better and probably more expensive pump for better results).

Dodges ride rough when empty, but put a load in it and it's a much smoother ride. Les Schwab has a great leveling kit for them. Stay away from the ones that are already jacked up.

Haven't replaced my clutch, yet.... but I am betting that it is next on the list. A full brake job costs around $600 and Oil changes are obviously more expensive (if you aren't doing them yourself).

Just my experience. I love my truck! I was in an accident in December and ended up having about $4000 worth of body work done on it, looks great now (at least the front right part of it does). Oh, the 98 doesn't come with front Tow hooks and it isn't very easy to attach them (This came into play when my Lift Fuel Pump went out while driving out of the mountains).

[fair-chase]

Not a big dodge fan but if I was to get one it would be a 1993 with the 12 valve and a manual trans.

[MP123]

Does anyone know what year they added that tank of secret fluid to get it to pass emmisions?  You know the one where you can't start the truck if the tank runs dry...

Was it '07? or '04?

I'd probably avoid that if possible...

[6x6in6]

Does anyone know what year they added that tank of secret fluid to get it to pass emmisions?  You know the one where you can't start the truck if the tank runs dry...

Was it '07? or '04?

I'd probably avoid that if possible...

What tank of secret fluid are you referring too?

[sisu]

I can say this. There are true Dodge Diesel Experts on this site. Get to know them & bounce ideas off of them. Also   www.dieseltruckresource.com  is a good site for information. There are others but this one seems to have a real active group that responds to questions.

I bought a quad cab 06 with a auto trany, 8 ft. bed. Happy with it but like all vehicles there will be things to repair, routine maintenance to do etc.

Once you have it read about YOUR truck so you know as much as you can. I have been reading but need to do more.