GREAT TIMMING IM LOOKING AT 06 WITH 98000 ON IT THANKS IM COMING FROM A DURAMAX SO KINDA GOT BASICS ON DIESEL JUST DONT KNOW THE CUMMINS & DRIVETRAIN ON IT
I love this my dad passed away and I’ve always loved his truck so when he passed I got it, I’ve been watching all kinds of videos to help me keep it up. I’ve always been that Tom girl who helped dad work on hot rods and trucks so this is my way of keeping him here🖤🖤
@@paigewilliams5681 on my 2007 6.7 2500, I just replaced the entire steering linkage, upper and lower ball joints, wheel hubs, front u joints, sway bar bushings and end links, changed the rear and and transfer case fluid, and installed a 3 inch drop on the pittman arm and track bar to correct the previous owner's lift kit install. As far as the AC system, the fan under the dash wears out over time. I replaced that one yesterday lol
Thank you. My 03 crew cab long bed has been by far the best truck I've ever owned. Over 400,000 miles and still on the original injectors. It's not a pavement princess either it works for a living.
@Payne Killer they are good trucks man, honestly all 3 of the diesel trucks have their long list of issues in most cases you will only experience a few. the 03-04 years are good as they are the more simple version of the common rail 5.9 trucks compared to the 05-07. just make sure its not a neglected shit box.
Bought my 2005 Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel and an automatic transmission in it new in 2005.. Extended cab, 8 foot box.. Finally changed injectors at 240,000 miles... had the valves reset for the first time at the same time and swapped out one of the rads as it was sweating... changed serpentine belt for the first time at about 250,000 miles and have done routine stuff along the way including changing front springs, shocks, universal joints. I use synthetical oil since day one and change it and filter regularly, and change fuel filter periodically as well... didn't need to change my batteries until it was 12 years old which was remarkable in that I live in Canada and have started that truck after it was cold soaked in -40 temps. I replaced the muffler for the first time about that same time.. Still get 17 to 20 mpg and it runs like at top as it approaches 300,000 miles and its got no end of power and hauls my stock trailer with horses aboard through the mountains like nothing is behind it. I had to replace the foam and seat cover on the drivers seat as it was worn pretty flat from constant use, but that was easy to do as well. Love this truck..
I bought my 03 5.9 dually 3 years ago at 16 years old with 230,000 miles and I've done routine maintenance and any repairs myself and still starts like new. Love the 5.9 Cummins
If your interested in this truck...first, you are buying a very good truck. The 5.9 motor is amazing. The issues I had with mine were all wear items. Ball joints, control arms, sway bars, carrier bearing, had to replace the drivers seat, changed all the fluids, brakes and I over hauled the transmission with better parts. Sounds like a lot. But in the grand scheme of things. Its nothing compared the 80k trucks they are trying to sell today. It's all the truck I need for under 20..this includes all the repairs and upgrades. Make sure the motor has no blow by and the injectors are solid. You'll be happy you got the 5.9. Amazing truck. The one thing I dont like is the air condition seems weak on really hot days. I paid 13500 for my mega cab with 123000 miles and put 5000 in what I felt need to be done. I'm happy with the results and the truck.
I have a 04 6 speed and I have found that changing oil and keeping fuel filter changed on schedule the truck will run forever, I don’t have no performance but strength pipe, I feel they r great trucks
They are, im close to 300k on my 03 but its a 4.7 v8 1500 and my uncle had a 07 5.9 mega cab w about half a million miles on it. he did go through 2 transmissions though
It's always nice to see an honest review. I took delivery of my 2005 Ram 3500 in April of 2005. It's been a great truck, and I continue to invest in it to keep it on the road. It remains my daily driver to this day, approaching 17 years, and I'm planning to push that to 20 years, and possibly to 25 years depending on how the push toward EVs plays out. Mine is a 2005 5.9 Cummins / G56 six speed setup, Laramie trim, quad cab, long bed 4wd, black exterior, taupe interior. Major problems I've had include: 1. Driveshaft - carrier bearing sacked out at 75k - covered under Dodge's drivetrain warranty. 2. Water pump - froze up and busted in a rare arctic blast in the midwest, est. 90k. Minor problems I've had include: 1. Power steering gearbox - sacked out seals. I replaced it with a reman unit from Delco. I'll be replacing it soon (five years later) with a Redhead unit. 2. Spray-in bedliner post-purchase - sheet metal has rotted out beneath nicked areas. Maintenance has included the following: 1. Tires - 80k (factory Michelins) 2. Clutch, pressure plate, flywheel - 140k (slipping/shot) 3. Tie Rod Assembly Replacement - 140k (loose) 4. Wheel Bearing Replacement, front end - 140k (loose) 5. Ball Joint Replacement, upper and lower - done at the same time as wheel bearings It has 185,000 miles on it currently. I'm dealing with typical stuff - replacing window sweeps to prevent rust in the doors, peeling clearcoat on the black paint, etc - but it's been a great truck. I'm a long-term guy - I just don't sell stuff until the worth is scrap value, which I know is rare, but... - these trucks are worth keeping on the road.
Very good comment. We are in too much of a throw away society, so it’s nice to see others people out there that still believe in maintaining things so they last. I have a 2005 Chevy duramax. 263,000 km on it (about 163,000 miles), I bought it off the original owner 2 years ago, he bought it brand new and kept it for 15 years. He was too old to drive so he decided to sell. It was in excellent shape when I bought it, and I plan to keep it that way. Still lots of life left in her. I went and looked at a 2005 Cummins 2500 4x4 last night, thinking about purchasing it as a work truck. Only 138,000 miles. Just doing my research before I pull the trigger. It’s nice to see these trucks will hold up if you take care of them.
I got a 05 2500 4x4 conversion from auto to manual g56 all Dealership fixed 170k miles. New trans case rebuilt front and rear diffs new clutch new all around suspension new computer harness replaced rebuilt motor new turbo 5 inch turbo back. 4 inch lift. So many upgrades. Runs stronger than the day it was built.
The injectors themselves are fine it’s the lack of proper filtration that kills them. If you’re willing to drop $600-700 for a lift pump then do it. A cheaper route would be a cat filter kit or even cheaper which will be a replacement drop in would be the Baldwin PF7977. Which is the best drop in replacement filter for these trucks. Just maintain these things and they’ll treat you fine👍🏼
You're right the injectors perform well. The only caveat I would add is that the injector design is somewhat flawed in how susceptible it is to fuel contamination. Your fuel pump and filter recommendations are spot on though.
Its my understanding tat he 5.9 in a motorhome has a lift pump.. I know my 6.6 Duramax did not and I added a AirDog lift pump.. are you saying the stock lift pump is not any good?
If you heater is not putting out much air flow .Under glove box there is your blower motor and 3 Philips screws take them out and motor comes right out and just reach up in the hole and pull blend door out and put motor back in and you good to go , hope this helps .
I've owned one for 6 years I run the hell out of it 260000 miles . Electrical wires suck, your transmission will need work . Keep an eye on your drive line. Ball joints other than that it's a tuff truck made for work.
I have an 07 Mega Cab with 145K miles and couldn't ask for a better truck. I do all the maintanance on it myself, upgrade this and that and overall I think this is my forever truck!
I have owned my 04 since early 06 and have 378k miles on her. Problems have been somewhat normal considering what it has been threw all these yrs. I drive it everyday and it still has the original cp3 and injectors! I contribute this to running an after market fuel pump with a 3 micron filter and Lucas fuel injector cleaner every other tank! Keep the oil changed regularly and do NOT change to synthetic! The oil pumps are not engineered to pump thin synthetic when it gets hot or you will get 0 oil pressure and idol! Great truck love it!❤️
I’ve owned a 2005 2500 w Cumins 5.9. Replaced injectors @ approximately 216k rebuilt transmission approximately 230k. Have 244k now and only tow boat and drive to deer camp, duck blind. I have changed oil religiously and engine does not use oil. Wheel bearings in front have been replaced, front end was redone with Moog parts then replaced for free due to warranty, paid labor. Amazing truck, I’ve taken care of it it’s taken care of me. All work has been documented. No DEF needed!!
I’ve had two of these trucks an 03 and an 06, on both I added a frame mounted lift pump with auxiliary fuel filter and a bypass oil filter system, and a tuner. Both went well over 500k miles before an accident or a natural disaster took them out of service. Both had a 6 speed manual and I did have to change several clutches and master cylinders over the life of the truck. That was a weak area. Interior starts to degrade long before the engine does. I always used rotella synthetic in mine with bypass oil filtration and treat my fuel with conditioning agent.
@@Natedoc808 I have the airdog system's on my 02 5speed 270k and my 2004.5 HO. 114k the 4.5 is pushing 600+ hp been good to me. Order wix filters/WS save big $$
@@thedude8976 I run Wix filters in all of my vehicles and they’ve always performed very well; never found any evidence otherwise. I cannot say the same about my buddies who have brought their rides into my shop running Fram, motorcraft, etc. where the oil feels like thin toothpaste with grit in it! Lol
Really appreciate this video guys. As a younger person who just bought their first diesel this was very informative and helped a bunch with buying my truck. just bought a 2004 3500 dually with a 6 speed transmission. I'm already addicted! lol
My 04 had intermittent front passenger power window problems. I finally found the driver’s window control circuit board had a solder joint cracked all the way around the pin. Resoldered the joint with a little extra solder for strength and no problem for about 7 years now.
Bought 04 with 168000 in February, its been dependable, however, just last week heard whining coming from under, 4 speed automatic trans near catastrophic failure, told thereis a upgrade transmission im trying. Engine has been good, pulls boat wonderfully
Great video!. Only forget to talk about the fuse box and the FCM (front control module) wich is attached to the fuse box. When that box get bad you radio, air conditioner, airbag and light start making all kind of problems.
I have an 05 I’m the original owner 234,000 miles, the things I’ve had to do, injectors, 2 sets of batteries, u joints all the way around twice, complete front end once, ball joints twice, starter, front brake pads twice the second time complete brake rebuild, lots of headlights until I went led’s, lots of brake lights, my 05 has an nv5600 with the original clutch but it needs a new one.
I bought it 06 a few years back body and paint looked real nice, long story short I took it on a road trip about six months after I bought it blew an injector on the way back luckily I was only about 5 miles from home took it to the shop when they checked the injectors looked like someone swap them out with some old ones they found laying on the Shelf and they were mixed matched. Needless to say that costed me 6 injectors and a cylinder head because one of the valve seats came out on that bad injector from the Heat, I had to take out another loan just to get my truck fixed that suck😢😢😢, fast forward four years she still running like a top can beat the 5.9 when it's taken care of👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Had on 06 diesel 4x4 srw. Loved the sound, power and no traction control. Best thing I loved is when you got behind a slow poke in the fast lane and they look up see that big ass front end in their rear view. They move over immediately.
Istok Miralem the first and foremost thing is a trans service, new fluid and filter. I’d then go over brake lines then wheel bearings. Then the basics after that. Oil changes and the regular after that. Hope this helps.
Bought a used 3500 '03 Laramie, black and shortbox like your sample truck... with 80k kilometers on it, plus it had airbags installed on rear, camper hold down bars and 7 pin trailer socket from original owner. I've been driving it with a camper on the box and pulling a boat on trailer, used it to haul flatbed trailers loaded with rebar and iron scaffolding, daily driver/grocery getter etc. I live in BC Canada .. there arent many flat stretches of road here, but there are numerous mountain passes between every point "A to B". Recently had "Oil Analyzers" run test on my engine oil and it results came back as "no abnormal findings" and the detailed chart indicated wear materials as typically neglible to very low. Analysis is worth the $45.00 bucks for knowing overall engine internal wear. Ive owned pickups since the early '70s, Ford/Mercury, Dodges, GM/Chebbys and a few Nissans ....the 5 star winner is my 20 year old Ram 3500.
Have a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab Cummins with 225,000 miles. Owned it since it was new. I have had many of the issues you mentioned. Back door wiring, seat, broken blend door. I now have a tach that no longer works. I will have to remove the dash to repair the tach and the blend door. A few years ago while i was towing an RV, smoke started to come out both sides of the truck near the wheels (check engine light did come on). I pulled over and opened the hood. Diesel fuel was everywhere. The #4 fuel rail broke. I was told that this was a common problem. Only #4. So after replacing it with a new "redesigned" one, I have had no other fuel problems. I am also very happy that the salesman suggested getting lifetime oil changes for the truck for as long as I owned it. I think I paid $1500 for it. Must have saved thousands! Love this truck.
I got real lucky. Some people buy the first truck they see. I bought the first truck I didn't see. I bought a 2003 Ram Cummins 5.9 from an auction, sight unseen. I have no visible blow-by from the oil cap, engine cold or hot, and my transmission ran fine, but I adjusted the bands anyways.
Great video I thinking about getting an 05 dodge this was really helpful there’s one think I would check that you didn’t not mention that that would be the lug nuts I bought an 98 dodge ram I while back and I went to go change the tires and I pulled the hub caps off and there was only three lug nuts holding on the rim kinda of scary to think about.
Bought 2004 in 04 3500 4x4 dually 6 speed 161k on it. Still like new! Love it! Put an aluminum flat bed and Alcoa like wheels. Looks great and runs great. Changed water pump, clutch and throughout bearing. It has a regular fly wheel not the dual mass. Love to drive it and I get complements on it all the time.
I bought my 2004 3500 brand new in August 2004 I never modified it .I’ve pulled heavy trailers , boats , even a dump trailer with boulders 342,000 miles NO engine or transmission (automatic) issues ONLY suspension
04.5 cummins ats stage 5 48RE Smarty, intake, exhaust , AFE air horn, ats co-pilot. I love the look I get when I open her up. I keep it on level 5. Any higher than that and she is not safe on the side roads and EGT AT 1200° TO OFTEN. MY 02 CUMMINS 5SPEED IS A BEAST AS WELL 150HP INJECTORS ,QUADZILLA 75HP PROGRAMER ATS 3000 TURBO.. AND NO FLOOR OR FRONT CAB MOUNTS. DAMN WINTERS IN NEW ENGLAND.
My 03 I bought with a weird knock, found a bent pushrod cylinder #6 …Replaced it still have the knock. I put reman BBI injectors, still have the knock. No blowby. Runs great. I tow my 20k lbs 5th wheel tow hauler no problem. 30k miles and no issues. It has the nv4500 5 speed too.
I have an early '04 3500 AT. 218,000 currently. Replaced water pump 3 times, fan clutch once, multiple stock lift pumps(finally spent the money on an Air Dog, awesome pump!), recent turbo. Haven't had any injector probs yet. Change your fuel filter at oil changes and run quality(Amsoil) oil. Trans has been strong despite HEAVY use. Expect normal life out of all components except the ones mentioned. I do not baby this truck! It is a daily driver, construction work truck. Hope this helps.
Also with this model (at least on the gassers) you can turn the accessory on the ignition on to off 3 times and it will display whatever codes from the engine light are being thrown in the mileage display.
I’m purchasing a 2003 dodge ram 2500 with the 5.9l cummins and the truck has almost 300k on it and the gentleman who owns it has taken care of it and has maintained it very well with no mechanical issues and had pointed out that I’ll need to throw a whole new bed on the truck which isn’t no big deal
If the seller says something has been done motor or trans wise ask for the paperwork that is proof of the work, even injectors ask to see the documentation
Just got my 07 5.9 done. First diesel and its a beast. 90hp injectors, fleece cheetah 63mm, fast fuel system, built trans all Suncoast parts now, afe cai, straight pipe and efi live. To end that, everything but the fuel system came from thoroughbred
Landon Milhorn AMEN! Got his stage 2 and I’ll never send anyone anywhere else. Tim all the way! Great warranty and customer service. My brother in law wishes he could put my TRE trans in his Ford lol
Thank you for all your help...I drive a 7.3. But you have always been there to answer my questions. I am 56 yrs old worked on alot of bikes/cars/trucks/boat's....still don't know everything..
I bought my 2005 2500 5.9l cummins SLT 4x4 new in 2005 and still driving it after almost 17 years. I just purchased the 2nd set of batteries since new. No problems only routine maintenance. I have the 48RE 4spd tranny with 0 problems. I have performed all the required maintenance myself. I have 157,662 miles as of today. Truck is used to tow my landscaping tractor, 2nd Travel trailer weighing 5700 lbs. This thing tows in mountainous terrain like a beast. Say what you want I love my Ram !
I appreciate this video. I’m about to purchase an ‘06 mega cab with 230000 miles on it. Water pump went when I test drove it. I’ll definitely be checking for this thank you
One thing to consider is adding better filtration to help your injectors last longer. Dodge didnt not take Cummins recommendation and only installed a less than adequate filter.
Best Truck ever built. I pull a 15k trailer with a 305hp low horsepower engine. Added smarty Jr on 5 and this thing will pull mountains. Bullet proof trans
2003 standard output cummins have 250 hp and get paired to a 47RE or nv4500 for 2003. they have smaller piston cooling jets and a different compression ratio,
I know exactly what you mean on injector failure and wash a cylinder or two. Happened to mine a new long block, 6 new Bosch electric injectors and a clutch kit later. bottom line was $11,000. Its good to have good credit and a good feeling when you walk into your bank and say i need $11,000 and they say sign here
I like how it says “03-07”, however the problematic years for blow by are from 04.5-07 due to their injector change for emissions. Have seen no issues with early (03-04) 5.9 common rails other than owner neglect. Proper pm intervals, and eventually injectors. Best thing these year of trucks can use is upgraded fuel filtration.
I recently bought a 07 2500 quad cab 4x4 5.9 with just 117k miles that has a new stage two SunCoast Billet Transmission and Billet Torque converter, new injector to tow an RV around for a couple months and not leave us stranded on the side of the road because of an emissions issue. I ordered a 2024 F350 Platinum. The new truck is here if anyone is interested in a near perfect Texas owned RAM truck lets me know.
Thank you for the info! I watched your video last night and actually purchased a very nice 2005 today. I used your tips to ensure I was getting a good truck.
You said there were no blend door issues but I've had to have mine replaced twice on my 03, so I think you missed on that or maybe they straightened that out mid cycle. Nice review though. As far as the clutch goes, I'm going to brag on it. I still can't be sure what happened, but I occasionally pull a 11,000# 5th wheel and I don't actually need to start in 1st gear to do it and never had a single issue starting in 2nd, which is what I always do when not pulling it. I had 70,000 miles on it at the time. I was pulling my 5'ver at the time and had gotten to about 20mph when something felt really wrong and felt like I had almost no power, even flooring it with nothing helping, and quickly shut it down and pulled over, with the smell of asbestos quickly following. If accurate, here's what happened. I had the windows down and the radio up loud or I may have caught it faster but I seemed to have started in 2nd then missed 3rd and 4th, going straight to 5th, then 6th! This was about 2 miles into a cross country trip from Washington to Alabama and on a Sunday afternoon to boot! With no other choice, I limped and slipped about a mile down the street to a mall with a closed repair shop and restaurant. I figured that way there was plenty of room to abandon it overnight if needed and we could eat lunch and let it sit and cool off a couple of hours to see if she would work. So, 2 hours later, with some evidence of burnt clutch still lingering in the air, I prayed and took off, realizing the first 120 miles was going to be fairly level if I could get it to move to the interstate less than a mile away, with it's second test coming on as big of an Interstate test as I could get, at Deadman's Pass on 1-84 in Oregon. I'll be darned. It never slipped once at the start, nor at all on the pass! Made it all the way home without issue and I still have this stock clutch in there today with 251,000 miles! I sure was lucky with that one.
Great video...one problem you failed to mention is a wiring issue. The tail and turn sig works on the back but only one brake light. It is a common but expensive fix!
My right rear brake light and turn signal dont work correctly. I've replaced the panel that holds the bulbs. I think the problem is in the wiring. How can this be corrected?
I have an 05 6spd with 280k and absolutely love it. Have a smarty set up for mpg (sw7/ tq 2/ tm4/ rp1). With 37s and level kit, overhead display reads 25.5 mpg (21 hand calculated). But I do drive like I'm in no rush to be anywhere. That being said, here are issues I've had in the 3 years I've owned it: Plastic tank on Radiator had small crack, just keep slapping plastic jb weld; will replace eventually Alternator went out around 240k Water pump seized at about 250k The rear window issue with harness; also cause your rear speakers to go in and out And finally, some weird electrical issue where dash reads "lamp out" This causes front turn signals to not work (will come on, just not blink). Also, after I cut the truck off, there is the slightest residual illumination from front turn signal lights. Seems to linger for about an hour then goes away (if anyone knows how to fix, please tell me lol). But besides the typical rotating assemblies that will inevitably need replacing, I've had zero issues and would absolutely recommend to anyone.
Just wanted to say thanks . Will be looking at my first diesel tomorrow ! Being a 2006 it falls right in this group !! Since I am of the " older " generation id rather drive it than work on it .
bought '03 6 speed Crew Dually in 2011 with 185,000 miles...it now has 267,000 miles...change oil and fuel filter regularly and never rev over 2000 rpm...not faster than 65 MPH...that is my secret...pushing these trucks when they are older is a good way to kill them...Just take it easy and it will serve you well...I'm hoping for many more years...
Checked some of the things you mentioned like blow by, none. Injectors replaced once, manual 6 speed tranny and transfer case replaced with rebuilds once as well. Clutch replaced and driveshaft is a solid aluminum one. 220,000 miles when I bought it last summer. Thanks for the video.
The 03s didn’t have the J oil squirts, which causes the #6 rings to break. Injectors cannot be brushed, so you must install new ones. Must change standard clutch to Cerametallic. Also main seals are labor intensive to replace.
this guy is kinda a savage "his truck got clear coat issues" "that blend job looks bad probably the rust coming back" but for real though this is one of my dream trucks a black 3rd gen cummins no stupid lift either just super clean making some nice turbo diesel sounds
05 NV5600. 205k miles, original clutch. I bought it new, and she's always been taken care of. Lots of towing over the years. Plastic intercooler even. Don't let this video scare you. Almost all the issues that are out there comes from terrible owners and very poor maintenance. Only real failure was the stock exhaust manifold. A BD fixed that one.
I’ve had my 07 5.9 Cummins for 4 years and I’ve put about 8 grand into it for driveline components as well as a new exhaust. I got to replace the front axle u joints again. That said, it’s a beautiful truck and I plan on keeping her forever.
Chris Farley U-Joints, ball joints, steering stabilizer, tie rod ends, and a few more things. I should’ve done the work myself but couldn’t because of time restraints so I got charged an arm and a leg in mechanics fees.
My son bought a 2003 that had dropped a exhaust valve seat at 96K miles. 5 injectors were bad, including 1 that was hung open ( usually from contaminates ) We tore into it, and ended up rebuilding the engine, due to some cylinder scoring. Spent close to 7 grand , including a Fass fuel system, new injectors,, fuel tank sump mod. Fuel filtration is the weak link. The Cummins heavy diesels all use primary / secondary filtration. Why Dodge thought a single filter would be ok, is a mystery. These are very expensive trucks to maintain !
When you said that the gauge problems were normal problems, I was shocked. Never had a car where the gauges/cluster start having problems. I get a 06 ram 2500 with the Cummins and the first thing when I test drive it, the tachometer didn’t work. I would say that’s just a garbage design.
Me too! I'm getting ready for another cluster on my tach on my 06 2500 diesel. #2. It seems heat is affecting the Tach from the dashboard. To stared to act up at when outside temp hit 108 f
I bought a 06 5 years ago, It had 45 K on it when I bought it, I saw the history of the truck when I bought it, we put gauges on so i could monitor it better, I replaced the fuel pump and went with an exterior pump and added a better fuel filter system. we added a larger oil pan on the transmission. frankly I have had very little problems with the truck. It has 107 K now. It is the best truck I have ever owned. If there is anything I would like that the truck doesnt have it would be power windows and locks. there are times when it would be handy. all and all a great truck.
2003 5.9 HO 6 speed NV5600. 235,000 miles. Ordered new, only issues replaced all the blend doors with blend door USA aluminum blend doors, replaced evaporator that started leaking Freon so replaced heater core while in there. Lastly replaced motors on the drivers seat. This truck has been great. No rust, solid. Have installed all Gale Banks products with the Econmind tuner, a Fass 150/150 fuel pump. I am averaging 26 mpg on tune 3 and average 14 mpg pulling my gooseneck or 5th wheel camper. P.S. is still on the original clutch package. I will never sell this truck. It is a 4x2. I think it is the best year, plenty of power when lean tuned and best of all no emissions crap. Still running original injectors, filtration is everything.
Have a 08 3500 with the 6.6 lmm, i cant see myself going a way from the lmm gen. Only issues ive had is bad fuel dumping into the injectors and exhaust filter ruining them and the flywheel has been missing teeth since 80,000 almost 400,000 now and shes running strong ive gotta get rid of the egr though. Throws codes for exhaust sensors and egr. Worst part about a chevy is the suspension tirerods are the size of a pencil. I have an 08 350 dump and holy shit the tirerods are the size of an oak tree.
It’s good that he does a walk around and that you shouldn’t buy the first truck that you look at. I’m a prime example of a Hypocrisy. I had a truck shipped out from From Utah to Cali… Pretty much sight unseen. This was from a specialty shop in Utah that deals with diesels. I had them videotape everything over the truck… Watched them drive it and listend to the engine through the video and I know what you’re thinking you’re an idiot. Well you wouldn’t be wrong. Luckily the engine ran very well there wasn’t any blowback, shifted pretty smooth and there weren’t any leaks. When I got the truck batteries died within a month and they were overheating like you can’t believe. I had to pull out the entire dash and replaced all the blend doors from blend doors USA. In fact, I replaced the entire HVAC system and rebuilt it myself without any diesel knowledge. Thanks TH-cam. I did the big three wire upgrade and put two 2/0 Crossover cables, re-grounded with zero gauge wire to both batteries and I had to re-solder the rear door wires because they were broken. After I did that the truck electrically has been flawless. It starts up so fast it’s unbelievable. Batteries run cool and it is my daily driver. It pretty much is stock except for a couple of items that the Banks engineering put on my truck because it is now a test vehicle for them.- air horn and exhaust brake. One of the biggest items so far that I installed was a Mechman 350 amp alternator. I highly recommend you get a large alternator because those batteries need charging. I also added a few Carly suspension items but that’s pretty much it. Great video-but like Wade said you really need to look it over before you purchase one. A stock truck could also really use a better fuel filter/pump and a tuner. Great video - cheers
I have less than 130,000 miles on the 04 I bought new. 48RE trans. Ran an Edge EZ set on 70 hp for 50,000 miles, then it crapped out. Had a Smarty Jr. set on 100 hp since. Have a pyrometer to monitor EGTs. Stock otherwise. I just replaced the governor solenoid in the trans. Also have replaced the sway bar bushings and the bushings for the 4-wheel drive shift lever. Also replaced the driver's side window/door switch after the child door lock button quit working and only I could roll down the passenger windows. Plus, replaced the original radio; kept the original speakers. Worst was the dash top cracked (it sits outside in the Florida sun, and I only recently started using a windshield sun shade - should have done that a long time ago). I put on a dash cap which was much, much cheaper and easier to install than the dash itself, and looks so good no one notices it's a cap. Finally, the driver's side seat bottom cover wore out, so I replaced that. Oh, yeah, regular maintenance stuff: tires of course, plus new calipers and pads for the front brakes, regular oil and trans fluid changes, plus band adjustments. Not nothing, but less maintenance than I personally have needed in the last 17 years.
Good video. Thank you. I have a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L and the only problems I have had were with the windows. You mentioned that there are lots of products for the 48RE. What were you referring to?
Window and switch wiring is really bad on these trucks. 48 RE improvements include torque converters, valve bodies, solenoid upgrades, shaft upgrades, and full trans packages.
I have a 05 Dodge Ram Diesel 2500 4x4 Quad Cab I bought it used with 72k miles now I have 162k miles Never any issues with Engine or Transmission I do my own oil and filter changes, the only issue I had Was the Blend Doors I replaced all Doors ,so far a perfect Trruck...
MX after 30 Negative! It’s weak front end components, ball joints, u joints, 1 piece non-greasable sealed bearings, track bar. 07 upgrade reduced these issues. Manual hub conversions solve the sealed bearing problems.
@@cliffd8880 If your hubs are going bad, it's due to improper installation or torque. The ball joints have never been an issue, unless you are running a big tire with crazy offset. Same thing with the u-joints, unless you like doing full steering lock boost launches. I will say that the track bars are junk, but that's just a bump steer thing. My 06 2500 4x4 cummins has 230K and does not have this issues. Additionally I was a tech at Chrysler from 03-07 and worked on thousands of these trucks.
I bought a 2001 Dodge ram 2500 Has 100,000 miles on it I paid $1000 for trucks been Setting for seven years Injector pump went out so I bought it very clean truck never smoked in Interior is in excellent condition body wise in excellent condition no rust so did I go wrong paying 1000for it😎
Bought a 2007 5.9L . Back power window on right did not work,nor the power lock. Had seen this video. Changed wire harness out. Have al functions now. Thank you.
Watching these videos always makes me nervous I'm gonna have engine or injector problems with the 06 I drive. I rebuilt most of the front end already and it's got a newly built trans. Plan on buying it in the future and just budgeting in 10 grand for an engine if I blow it. Considering it's been beat on its whole life and still runs strong I think I got a good one though. Just got the annoying electrical glitches they all have.
I wish I seen this before purchasing our truck. We bought an 09 mega cab - 6.7 Cummins. Owned it for less than a year and then it broke down. It has a no crank no start problem. Basically on the way to work, it died while driving. All the forums we've checked on Cummins since Feb of this year had led us to believe it was the TIPM. Took it to a Dodge dealer and they say "Process of elimination. We believe it has to do with the ECM." In 2010, they've fixed the recall on the ECM & did a reset. But Holy smokes, the cost just for the new ECM and labor ONLY, will run us $5600 not including tax and other fees. I'm from Hawai'i and our cost of living is already immaculate! We've had mechanic after mechanic take a look and they're all boggled with whats happening to the truck. We all tried making sure the wiring was clean and damage free, checked all the connectors, even bought two brand new batteries. Still no sign. Lights and gauges come on as normal but still, No crank No start. Ran direct power to the starter and it cranked but that's about it. So last resort, took it to the dealership for diagnostics and they're stating the ECM. I'm hoping and praying that it is and when its replaced, she'll start up! Any pointers?
Negative 03 was first year. Though a lower hp level of 235, instead of the 325 that started in 04.5. Which coincidentally also had the highest level of broken ring failures...
Mark Yates I miss mine. Had a 2003, 2004, and a 2007. The ‘03 was my favorite. 250,000 miles and still ran like it was brand new. I’d like to get another 5.9.
I bought my 03 a couple of years ago, no issue with the motor, had to repair the Overdrive housing, and typical front end work, guy did a good job covering up the rust it had with plastidip that came off when I washed it a month later
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GREAT TIMMING IM LOOKING AT 06 WITH 98000 ON IT THANKS IM COMING FROM A DURAMAX SO KINDA GOT BASICS ON DIESEL JUST DONT KNOW THE CUMMINS & DRIVETRAIN ON IT
Hope this helps you make the decision.
YA SURE DID THANK YOU
Switched from o3 duramax to 07 cummins would never go back way easier to work on if do have issues and parts are cheper
Easier to work on is an understatement for sure.
That would be a upgrade in my opinion.
I love this my dad passed away and I’ve always loved his truck so when he passed I got it, I’ve been watching all kinds of videos to help me keep it up. I’ve always been that Tom girl who helped dad work on hot rods and trucks so this is my way of keeping him here🖤🖤
Main thing is the steering and cooling systems. Keep an eye on wear in those areas and you'll be okay
@@melvingibson4525 literally just had the rack an pinion fixed now needing my ac fixed 😂
@@paigewilliams5681 on my 2007 6.7 2500, I just replaced the entire steering linkage, upper and lower ball joints, wheel hubs, front u joints, sway bar bushings and end links, changed the rear and and transfer case fluid, and installed a 3 inch drop on the pittman arm and track bar to correct the previous owner's lift kit install. As far as the AC system, the fan under the dash wears out over time. I replaced that one yesterday lol
@@melvingibson4525 oh my lanta!!
Sorry to hear that love
Thank you. My 03 crew cab long bed has been by far the best truck I've ever owned. Over 400,000 miles and still on the original injectors. It's not a pavement princess either it works for a living.
@Payne Killer they are good trucks man, honestly all 3 of the diesel trucks have their long list of issues in most cases you will only experience a few. the 03-04 years are good as they are the more simple version of the common rail 5.9 trucks compared to the 05-07. just make sure its not a neglected shit box.
Bought my 2005 Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel and an automatic transmission in it new in 2005.. Extended cab, 8 foot box.. Finally changed injectors at 240,000 miles... had the valves reset for the first time at the same time and swapped out one of the rads as it was sweating... changed serpentine belt for the first time at about 250,000 miles and have done routine stuff along the way including changing front springs, shocks, universal joints. I use synthetical oil since day one and change it and filter regularly, and change fuel filter periodically as well... didn't need to change my batteries until it was 12 years old which was remarkable in that I live in Canada and have started that truck after it was cold soaked in -40 temps. I replaced the muffler for the first time about that same time.. Still get 17 to 20 mpg and it runs like at top as it approaches 300,000 miles and its got no end of power and hauls my stock trailer with horses aboard through the mountains like nothing is behind it. I had to replace the foam and seat cover on the drivers seat as it was worn pretty flat from constant use, but that was easy to do as well. Love this truck..
I bought my 03 5.9 dually 3 years ago at 16 years old with 230,000 miles and I've done routine maintenance and any repairs myself and still starts like new. Love the 5.9 Cummins
What’d you pay if you don’t mind sharing? I’m lookin at one with 224k
@@maxhoweth I bought mine for $12,000 2003 crew cab dually, truck was in pretty rough shape when I bought but I brought her back to glory
Good shit, mine has 300k+
@@TheJoetrap do you think 13,900 is a good price for a 2006 dodge ram 2500 with 337,000 miles. The interior and exterior look great.
@@raysure1345 the interior and exterior can look great but the engine has to be in good shape too for that price
If your interested in this truck...first, you are buying a very good truck. The 5.9 motor is amazing. The issues I had with mine were all wear items. Ball joints, control arms, sway bars, carrier bearing, had to replace the drivers seat, changed all the fluids, brakes and I over hauled the transmission with better parts. Sounds like a lot. But in the grand scheme of things. Its nothing compared the 80k trucks they are trying to sell today. It's all the truck I need for under 20..this includes all the repairs and upgrades. Make sure the motor has no blow by and the injectors are solid. You'll be happy you got the 5.9. Amazing truck. The one thing I dont like is the air condition seems weak on really hot days. I paid 13500 for my mega cab with 123000 miles and put 5000 in what I felt need to be done. I'm happy with the results and the truck.
I have a 04 6 speed and I have found that changing oil and keeping fuel filter changed on schedule the truck will run forever, I don’t have no performance but strength pipe, I feel they r great trucks
Still running good?
Just bought an 05 6 speed
They are, im close to 300k on my 03 but its a 4.7 v8 1500 and my uncle had a 07 5.9 mega cab w about half a million miles on it. he did go through 2 transmissions though
@@enriquemejia5861 I have 380k miles on mine, zero blow by runs perfect stock
As an owner of ALL versions/generations of 5.9 Cummins trucks on my farm since they came out, I have to say this video is loaded with great tips! 👍
Thanks!
Just remember a good lift pump and fuel filters will make live a long life
@@brentmcmahon8188 I’ve been needing this advice
It's always nice to see an honest review.
I took delivery of my 2005 Ram 3500 in April of 2005. It's been a great truck, and I continue to invest in it to keep it on the road. It remains my daily driver to this day, approaching 17 years, and I'm planning to push that to 20 years, and possibly to 25 years depending on how the push toward EVs plays out.
Mine is a 2005 5.9 Cummins / G56 six speed setup, Laramie trim, quad cab, long bed 4wd, black exterior, taupe interior.
Major problems I've had include:
1. Driveshaft - carrier bearing sacked out at 75k - covered under Dodge's drivetrain warranty.
2. Water pump - froze up and busted in a rare arctic blast in the midwest, est. 90k.
Minor problems I've had include:
1. Power steering gearbox - sacked out seals. I replaced it with a reman unit from Delco. I'll be replacing it soon (five years later) with a Redhead unit.
2. Spray-in bedliner post-purchase - sheet metal has rotted out beneath nicked areas.
Maintenance has included the following:
1. Tires - 80k (factory Michelins)
2. Clutch, pressure plate, flywheel - 140k (slipping/shot)
3. Tie Rod Assembly Replacement - 140k (loose)
4. Wheel Bearing Replacement, front end - 140k (loose)
5. Ball Joint Replacement, upper and lower - done at the same time as wheel bearings
It has 185,000 miles on it currently. I'm dealing with typical stuff - replacing window sweeps to prevent rust in the doors, peeling clearcoat on the black paint, etc - but it's been a great truck. I'm a long-term guy - I just don't sell stuff until the worth is scrap value, which I know is rare, but... - these trucks are worth keeping on the road.
Very good comment. We are in too much of a throw away society, so it’s nice to see others people out there that still believe in maintaining things so they last. I have a 2005 Chevy duramax. 263,000 km on it (about 163,000 miles), I bought it off the original owner 2 years ago, he bought it brand new and kept it for 15 years. He was too old to drive so he decided to sell. It was in excellent shape when I bought it, and I plan to keep it that way. Still lots of life left in her.
I went and looked at a 2005 Cummins 2500 4x4 last night, thinking about purchasing it as a work truck. Only 138,000 miles. Just doing my research before I pull the trigger. It’s nice to see these trucks will hold up if you take care of them.
I got a 05 2500 4x4 conversion from auto to manual g56 all Dealership fixed 170k miles. New trans case rebuilt front and rear diffs new clutch new all around suspension new computer harness replaced rebuilt motor new turbo 5 inch turbo back. 4 inch lift. So many upgrades. Runs stronger than the day it was built.
The injectors themselves are fine it’s the lack of proper filtration that kills them. If you’re willing to drop $600-700 for a lift pump then do it. A cheaper route would be a cat filter kit or even cheaper which will be a replacement drop in would be the Baldwin PF7977. Which is the best drop in replacement filter for these trucks. Just maintain these things and they’ll treat you fine👍🏼
You're right the injectors perform well. The only caveat I would add is that the injector design is somewhat flawed in how susceptible it is to fuel contamination. Your fuel pump and filter recommendations are spot on though.
Its my understanding tat he 5.9 in a motorhome has a lift pump.. I know my 6.6 Duramax did not and I added a AirDog lift pump.. are you saying the stock lift pump is not any good?
@@AmmoMaster stock isn't the best. i know a few people with issue with the stock lift pump. I've got a FassFuel on my truck, its amaxing. i love it.
If you heater is not putting out much air flow .Under glove box there is your blower motor and 3 Philips screws take them out and motor comes right out and just reach up in the hole and pull blend door out and put motor back in and you good to go , hope this helps .
This is the best video I have seen that is able to cover all the issues with these great trucks in such a short period of time
Thanks!
I've owned one for 6 years I run the hell out of it 260000 miles . Electrical wires suck, your transmission will need work . Keep an eye on your drive line. Ball joints other than that it's a tuff truck made for work.
And once the track bar goes out ....DEATH WOBBLE
@@billyjones9045 I welded my bolts to the frame and never had death wable
Lol
I have an 07 Mega Cab with 145K miles and couldn't ask for a better truck. I do all the maintanance on it myself, upgrade this and that and overall I think this is my forever truck!
I have owned my 04 since early 06 and have 378k miles on her. Problems have been somewhat normal considering what it has been threw all these yrs. I drive it everyday and it still has the original cp3 and injectors! I contribute this to running an after market fuel pump with a 3 micron filter and Lucas fuel injector cleaner every other tank! Keep the oil changed regularly and do NOT change to synthetic! The oil pumps are not engineered to pump thin synthetic when it gets hot or you will get 0 oil pressure and idol! Great truck love it!❤️
I’ve owned a 2005 2500 w Cumins 5.9. Replaced injectors @ approximately 216k rebuilt transmission approximately 230k. Have 244k now and only tow boat and drive to deer camp, duck blind. I have changed oil religiously and engine does not use oil. Wheel bearings in front have been replaced, front end was redone with Moog parts then replaced for free due to warranty, paid labor.
Amazing truck, I’ve taken care of it it’s taken care of me. All work has been documented. No DEF needed!!
I’ve had two of these trucks an 03 and an 06, on both I added a frame mounted lift pump with auxiliary fuel filter and a bypass oil filter system, and a tuner. Both went well over 500k miles before an accident or a natural disaster took them out of service. Both had a 6 speed manual and I did have to change several clutches and master cylinders over the life of the truck. That was a weak area.
Interior starts to degrade long before the engine does.
I always used rotella synthetic in mine with bypass oil filtration and treat my fuel with conditioning agent.
Which fuel and oil bypass systems did you use?
@@Natedoc808 I have the airdog system's on my 02 5speed 270k and my 2004.5 HO. 114k the 4.5 is pushing 600+ hp been good to me. Order wix filters/WS save big $$
@@thedude8976 I run Wix filters in all of my vehicles and they’ve always performed very well; never found any evidence otherwise. I cannot say the same about my buddies who have brought their rides into my shop running Fram, motorcraft, etc. where the oil feels like thin toothpaste with grit in it! Lol
Really appreciate this video guys. As a younger person who just bought their first diesel this was very informative and helped a bunch with buying my truck. just bought a 2004 3500 dually with a 6 speed transmission. I'm already addicted! lol
Glad it helped!
My 04 had intermittent front passenger power window problems. I finally found the driver’s window control circuit board had a solder joint cracked all the way around the pin. Resoldered the joint with a little extra solder for strength and no problem for about 7 years now.
Bought 04 with 168000 in February, its been dependable, however, just last week heard whining coming from under, 4 speed automatic trans near catastrophic failure, told thereis a upgrade transmission im trying. Engine has been good, pulls boat wonderfully
Great video!.
Only forget to talk about the fuse box and the FCM (front control module) wich is attached to the fuse box.
When that box get bad you radio, air conditioner, airbag and light start making all kind of problems.
I have an 05 I’m the original owner 234,000 miles, the things I’ve had to do, injectors, 2 sets of batteries, u joints all the way around twice, complete front end once, ball joints twice, starter, front brake pads twice the second time complete brake rebuild, lots of headlights until I went led’s, lots of brake lights, my 05 has an nv5600 with the original clutch but it needs a new one.
I bought it 06 a few years back body and paint looked real nice, long story short I took it on a road trip about six months after I bought it blew an injector on the way back luckily I was only about 5 miles from home took it to the shop when they checked the injectors looked like someone swap them out with some old ones they found laying on the Shelf and they were mixed matched. Needless to say that costed me 6 injectors and a cylinder head because one of the valve seats came out on that bad injector from the Heat, I had to take out another loan just to get my truck fixed that suck😢😢😢, fast forward four years she still running like a top can beat the 5.9 when it's taken care of👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Had on 06 diesel 4x4 srw. Loved the sound, power and no traction control. Best thing I loved is when you got behind a slow poke in the fast lane and they look up see that big ass front end in their rear view. They move over immediately.
Best years and engines ever made! 2 @ 500k and still runnin. Maint is the key for these powerplants.
I’m trying to get into one for pulling my travel trailer. Was wondering what kind of maintenance should I be expecting. Thank you.
Istok Miralem the first and foremost thing is a trans service, new fluid and filter. I’d then go over brake lines then wheel bearings. Then the basics after that. Oil changes and the regular after that. Hope this helps.
Bought a used 3500 '03 Laramie, black and shortbox like your sample truck... with 80k kilometers on it, plus it had airbags installed on rear, camper hold down bars and 7 pin trailer socket from original owner. I've been driving it with a camper on the box and pulling a boat on trailer, used it to haul flatbed trailers loaded with rebar and iron scaffolding, daily driver/grocery getter etc. I live in BC Canada .. there arent many flat stretches of road here, but there are numerous mountain passes between every point "A to B". Recently had "Oil Analyzers" run test on my engine oil and it results came back as "no abnormal findings" and the detailed chart indicated wear materials as typically neglible to very low. Analysis is worth the $45.00 bucks for knowing overall engine internal wear. Ive owned pickups since the early '70s, Ford/Mercury, Dodges, GM/Chebbys and a few Nissans ....the 5 star winner is my 20 year old Ram 3500.
Thanks for the info!
Have a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab Cummins with 225,000 miles. Owned it since it was new. I have had many of the issues you mentioned. Back door wiring, seat, broken blend door. I now have a tach that no longer works. I will have to remove the dash to repair the tach and the blend door. A few years ago while i was towing an RV, smoke started to come out both sides of the truck near the wheels (check engine light did come on). I pulled over and opened the hood. Diesel fuel was everywhere. The #4 fuel rail broke. I was told that this was a common problem. Only #4. So after replacing it with a new "redesigned" one, I have had no other fuel problems. I am also very happy that the salesman suggested getting lifetime oil changes for the truck for as long as I owned it. I think I paid $1500 for it. Must have saved thousands! Love this truck.
I got real lucky. Some people buy the first truck they see. I bought the first truck I didn't see. I bought a 2003 Ram Cummins 5.9 from an auction, sight unseen. I have no visible blow-by from the oil cap, engine cold or hot, and my transmission ran fine, but I adjusted the bands anyways.
Great video I thinking about getting an 05 dodge this was really helpful there’s one think I would check that you didn’t not mention that that would be the lug nuts I bought an 98 dodge ram I while back and I went to go change the tires and I pulled the hub caps off and there was only three lug nuts holding on the rim kinda of scary to think about.
Bought 2004 in 04 3500 4x4 dually 6 speed 161k on it. Still like new! Love it! Put an aluminum flat bed and Alcoa like wheels. Looks great and runs great. Changed water pump, clutch and throughout bearing. It has a regular fly wheel not the dual mass. Love to drive it and I get complements on it all the time.
You got any pics? I don’t see many aluminum beds but always love em
I bought my 2004 3500 brand new in August 2004 I never modified it .I’ve pulled heavy trailers , boats , even a dump trailer with boulders 342,000 miles NO engine or transmission (automatic) issues ONLY suspension
Great truck for me but I have rebuilt front end and built 48re. Been the best truck I ever owned 04.5.
I have a 07 5.9 with a built 48re as well, alot of people are surprised when i pass em lol
04.5 cummins ats stage 5 48RE
Smarty, intake, exhaust , AFE air horn, ats co-pilot. I love the look I get when I open her up. I keep it on level 5. Any higher than that and she is not safe on the side roads and EGT AT 1200° TO OFTEN. MY 02 CUMMINS 5SPEED IS A BEAST AS WELL 150HP INJECTORS ,QUADZILLA 75HP PROGRAMER
ATS 3000 TURBO.. AND NO FLOOR OR FRONT CAB MOUNTS. DAMN WINTERS IN NEW ENGLAND.
My 03 I bought with a weird knock, found a bent pushrod cylinder #6 …Replaced it still have the knock. I put reman BBI injectors, still have the knock. No blowby. Runs great. I tow my 20k lbs 5th wheel tow hauler no problem. 30k miles and no issues. It has the nv4500 5 speed too.
I respect you for knowing so much about trucks, Julian Mora here,
Thanks! 🙌
I have an early '04 3500 AT. 218,000 currently. Replaced water pump 3 times, fan clutch once, multiple stock lift pumps(finally spent the money on an Air Dog, awesome pump!), recent turbo. Haven't had any injector probs yet. Change your fuel filter at oil changes and run quality(Amsoil) oil. Trans has been strong despite HEAVY use. Expect normal life out of all components except the ones mentioned. I do not baby this truck! It is a daily driver, construction work truck. Hope this helps.
Also with this model (at least on the gassers) you can turn the accessory on the ignition on to off 3 times and it will display whatever codes from the engine light are being thrown in the mileage display.
when the diesel model too
I’m purchasing a 2003 dodge ram 2500 with the 5.9l cummins and the truck has almost 300k on it and the gentleman who owns it has taken care of it and has maintained it very well with no mechanical issues and had pointed out that I’ll need to throw a whole new bed on the truck which isn’t no big deal
If the seller says something has been done motor or trans wise ask for the paperwork that is proof of the work, even injectors ask to see the documentation
IT'S GREAT 👍 TO SEE SOMEONE EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE
PURCHASE OF USED RAM TRUCKS.
Thanks! It's what we do.
My 04 3500 was the best sold it with 400 thousand miles and ran like new ! Liked it way more than my 18 3500 aisin ! Miss my old truck
Auto or manual cause I hate that 4 speed over the Allison. We have an 02 though.
Just got my 07 5.9 done. First diesel and its a beast. 90hp injectors, fleece cheetah 63mm, fast fuel system, built trans all Suncoast parts now, afe cai, straight pipe and efi live. To end that, everything but the fuel system came from thoroughbred
tre diesel in va makes a good trans for all cummins applications!!! GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.. cummins is the only way to go.
Landon Milhorn AMEN! Got his stage 2 and I’ll never send anyone anywhere else. Tim all the way! Great warranty and customer service. My brother in law wishes he could put my TRE trans in his Ford lol
Thank you for all your help...I drive a 7.3. But you have always been there to answer my questions. I am 56 yrs old worked on alot of bikes/cars/trucks/boat's....still don't know everything..
Glad to help. 💪
I got 97 12 valve 5 speed 245000 miles and love it.
My 04 Dodge 3500 has over 385000 miles my 97 2500 Cummins has over 413,000 miles both stick shift and 2 we
@@donbroadhead6160 mine just got 4" exhaust and a fuel plate motor doesn't even leak or burn oil
I bought my 2005 2500 5.9l cummins SLT 4x4 new in 2005 and still driving it after almost 17 years. I just purchased the 2nd set of batteries since new. No problems only routine maintenance. I have the 48RE 4spd tranny with 0 problems. I have performed all the required maintenance myself. I have 157,662 miles as of today. Truck is used to tow my landscaping tractor, 2nd Travel trailer weighing 5700 lbs. This thing tows in mountainous terrain like a beast. Say what you want I love my Ram !
I appreciate this video. I’m about to purchase an ‘06 mega cab with 230000 miles on it. Water pump went when I test drove it. I’ll definitely be checking for this thank you
Thanks! Glad it helped you out.
2004 with 386,000 miles here.Runs perfect,gotta do the maintenance.
One thing to consider is adding better filtration to help your injectors last longer. Dodge didnt not take Cummins recommendation and only installed a less than adequate filter.
what setup would you recommend?
@@oda0111 I believe Fass or AirDog
I'm currently in the market for this platform.. It's in my price range.. I really don't know much about diesels and found this information invaluable.
Thanks! Glad it helped!
Nice channel no bs intros w load music, just meat & potato's information 👍
Thanks!
Best Truck ever built. I pull a 15k trailer with a 305hp low horsepower engine. Added smarty Jr on 5 and this thing will pull mountains. Bullet proof trans
2003 standard output cummins have 250 hp and get paired to a 47RE or nv4500 for 2003. they have smaller piston cooling jets and a different compression ratio,
48re*
ShotgunGGjr 77 nope a47
@@TheShotgunGGjr yes 48re
03 had the 47re transmission as an option since it was a transitional year
I know exactly what you mean on injector failure and wash a cylinder or two. Happened to mine a new long block, 6 new Bosch electric injectors and a clutch kit later. bottom line was $11,000. Its good to have good credit and a good feeling when you walk into your bank and say i need $11,000 and they say sign here
I like how it says “03-07”, however the problematic years for blow by are from 04.5-07 due to their injector change for emissions. Have seen no issues with early (03-04) 5.9 common rails other than owner neglect. Proper pm intervals, and eventually injectors. Best thing these year of trucks can use is upgraded fuel filtration.
That's when Cummins bumped the HP.
I recently bought a 07 2500 quad cab 4x4 5.9 with just 117k miles that has a new stage two SunCoast Billet Transmission and Billet Torque converter, new injector to tow an RV around for a couple months and not leave us stranded on the side of the road because of an emissions issue. I ordered a 2024 F350 Platinum. The new truck is here if anyone is interested in a near perfect Texas owned RAM truck lets me know.
Thank you for the info! I watched your video last night and actually purchased a very nice 2005 today. I used your tips to ensure I was getting a good truck.
running good?
You said there were no blend door issues but I've had to have mine replaced twice on my 03, so I think you missed on that or maybe they straightened that out mid cycle. Nice review though. As far as the clutch goes, I'm going to brag on it. I still can't be sure what happened, but I occasionally pull a 11,000# 5th wheel and I don't actually need to start in 1st gear to do it and never had a single issue starting in 2nd, which is what I always do when not pulling it. I had 70,000 miles on it at the time. I was pulling my 5'ver at the time and had gotten to about 20mph when something felt really wrong and felt like I had almost no power, even flooring it with nothing helping, and quickly shut it down and pulled over, with the smell of asbestos quickly following. If accurate, here's what happened. I had the windows down and the radio up loud or I may have caught it faster but I seemed to have started in 2nd then missed 3rd and 4th, going straight to 5th, then 6th! This was about 2 miles into a cross country trip from Washington to Alabama and on a Sunday afternoon to boot! With no other choice, I limped and slipped about a mile down the street to a mall with a closed repair shop and restaurant. I figured that way there was plenty of room to abandon it overnight if needed and we could eat lunch and let it sit and cool off a couple of hours to see if she would work. So, 2 hours later, with some evidence of burnt clutch still lingering in the air, I prayed and took off, realizing the first 120 miles was going to be fairly level if I could get it to move to the interstate less than a mile away, with it's second test coming on as big of an Interstate test as I could get, at Deadman's Pass on 1-84 in Oregon. I'll be darned. It never slipped once at the start, nor at all on the pass! Made it all the way home without issue and I still have this stock clutch in there today with 251,000 miles! I sure was lucky with that one.
Great video...one problem you failed to mention is a wiring issue. The tail and turn sig works on the back but only one brake light. It is a common but expensive fix!
Funny you mention it. That just went out on the truck in the video last week
@@thoroughbreddiesel It is a common $ 600 problem!
My right rear brake light and turn signal dont work correctly. I've replaced the panel that holds the bulbs. I think the problem is in the wiring. How can this be corrected?
My 05 had the brake light issue where the brake lights would not turn off.
@@rickakins run new ground wires everware
I have an 05 6spd with 280k and absolutely love it. Have a smarty set up for mpg (sw7/ tq 2/ tm4/ rp1). With 37s and level kit, overhead display reads 25.5 mpg (21 hand calculated). But I do drive like I'm in no rush to be anywhere. That being said, here are issues I've had in the 3 years I've owned it:
Plastic tank on Radiator had small crack, just keep slapping plastic jb weld; will replace eventually
Alternator went out around 240k
Water pump seized at about 250k
The rear window issue with harness; also cause your rear speakers to go in and out
And finally, some weird electrical issue where dash reads "lamp out"
This causes front turn signals to not work (will come on, just not blink). Also, after I cut the truck off, there is the slightest residual illumination from front turn signal lights. Seems to linger for about an hour then goes away (if anyone knows how to fix, please tell me lol).
But besides the typical rotating assemblies that will inevitably need replacing, I've had zero issues and would absolutely recommend to anyone.
Just wanted to say thanks . Will be looking at my first diesel tomorrow ! Being a 2006 it falls right in this group !! Since I am of the " older " generation id rather drive it than work on it .
bought '03 6 speed Crew Dually in 2011 with 185,000 miles...it now has 267,000 miles...change oil and fuel filter regularly and never rev over 2000 rpm...not faster than 65 MPH...that is my secret...pushing these trucks when they are older is a good way to kill them...Just take it easy and it will serve you well...I'm hoping for many more years...
Above 450 horse power I would recommend 3 stage torc converter or you’ll be buying a lot of transmissions
Checked some of the things you mentioned like blow by, none. Injectors replaced once, manual 6 speed tranny and transfer case replaced with rebuilds once as well. Clutch replaced and driveshaft is a solid aluminum one. 220,000 miles when I bought it last summer. Thanks for the video.
You're welcome!
My dads 5.9 had almost 300000 on it when it died. The funny part is the stock transmission lasted longer.
The 03s didn’t have the J oil squirts, which causes the #6 rings to break. Injectors cannot be brushed, so you must install new ones. Must change standard clutch to Cerametallic. Also main seals are labor intensive to replace.
this guy is kinda a savage "his truck got clear coat issues" "that blend job looks bad probably the rust coming back" but for real though this is one of my dream trucks a black 3rd gen cummins no stupid lift either just super clean making some nice turbo diesel sounds
Another great job by thoroughbred diesel
Thanks! That means a lot. :)
This channel has steered me away from so many bad deals, it's not even funny. Keep up the good work guys!
🍻 We definitely will. 😀
My2003 have been graet. Don't let him scare you off of these years.
Oh and the NV5600 is bullet proof. FAR stronger trans than the G56.
ScottDLR Amen. I bought a 03 Cummins with the NV5600 and it’s been the best truck I’ve owned.
@ScottDLR my NV5600 truck is a dream come true!
05 NV5600. 205k miles, original clutch. I bought it new, and she's always been taken care of. Lots of towing over the years. Plastic intercooler even. Don't let this video scare you. Almost all the issues that are out there comes from terrible owners and very poor maintenance. Only real failure was the stock exhaust manifold. A BD fixed that one.
Wish I still had my 03. Couldn't see it rust away though.
@@johnramsayskier Is that a manual?
I’ve had my 07 5.9 Cummins for 4 years and I’ve put about 8 grand into it for driveline components as well as a new exhaust. I got to replace the front axle u joints again. That said, it’s a beautiful truck and I plan on keeping her forever.
Chris Farley U-Joints, ball joints, steering stabilizer, tie rod ends, and a few more things. I should’ve done the work myself but couldn’t because of time restraints so I got charged an arm and a leg in mechanics fees.
My son bought a 2003 that had dropped a exhaust valve seat at 96K miles. 5 injectors were bad, including 1 that was hung open ( usually from contaminates ) We tore into it, and ended up rebuilding the engine, due to some cylinder scoring. Spent close to 7 grand , including a Fass fuel system, new injectors,, fuel tank sump mod.
Fuel filtration is the weak link. The Cummins heavy diesels all use primary / secondary filtration. Why Dodge thought a single filter would be ok, is a mystery.
These are very expensive trucks to maintain !
Did he have a tuner? Every truck ive seen dropping seats is because of cylinder temp to high... people with tuner and no exhaust temp sensor..
G56 clutch it trash for heavy towing. Upgraded my 07 to a Valair single disc designed for towing and it has been great ever since.
Thanks for sharing.
Had an 03 put 400th miles no problems 1 clutch 2 transmissions pulled trailers daily 20thousand plus gross
@mike force I'm in construction work an commercial farming if you maintain your equipment you don't have much trouble
@mike force oh yea put about 10 sets of tires on it
When you said that the gauge problems were normal problems, I was shocked. Never had a car where the gauges/cluster start having problems. I get a 06 ram 2500 with the Cummins and the first thing when I test drive it, the tachometer didn’t work. I would say that’s just a garbage design.
Me too! I'm getting ready for another cluster on my tach on my 06 2500 diesel. #2. It seems heat is affecting the Tach from the dashboard. To stared to act up at when outside temp hit 108 f
Watching this video after buying a truck... I gotta go check some stuff. 😧
My truck has blow by! Can’t do to someone what they did to me, time for a rebuild.
Same! I’ve had my 05 for 5 years now and I’ve never checked for blow by
We’ve bought 4 early Gen 3 trucks, all had blend door issues.
Pretty easy fix though, weekend job.
I’ve never heard of valve issues on the common rail. Besides the fuel filter and transmission, these trucks are solid.
Dropped valve seat 600 000k,14000hrs on engine
I bought a 06 5 years ago, It had 45 K on it when I bought it, I saw the history of the truck when I bought it, we put gauges on so i could monitor it better, I replaced the fuel pump and went with an exterior pump and added a better fuel filter system. we added a larger oil pan on the transmission. frankly I have had very little problems with the truck. It has 107 K now. It is the best truck I have ever owned. If there is anything I would like that the truck doesnt have it would be power windows and locks. there are times when it would be handy. all and all a great truck.
Make what to look for on a 4th gen dodge diesel vid! :)
2003 5.9 HO 6 speed NV5600. 235,000 miles. Ordered new, only issues replaced all the blend doors with blend door USA aluminum blend doors, replaced evaporator that started leaking Freon so replaced heater core while in there. Lastly replaced motors on the drivers seat. This truck has been great. No rust, solid. Have installed all Gale Banks products with the Econmind tuner, a Fass 150/150 fuel pump. I am averaging 26 mpg on tune 3 and average 14 mpg pulling my gooseneck or 5th wheel camper. P.S. is still on the original clutch package. I will never sell this truck. It is a 4x2. I think it is the best year, plenty of power when lean tuned and best of all no emissions crap. Still running original injectors, filtration is everything.
Have a 08 3500 with the 6.6 lmm, i cant see myself going a way from the lmm gen. Only issues ive had is bad fuel dumping into the injectors and exhaust filter ruining them and the flywheel has been missing teeth since 80,000 almost 400,000 now and shes running strong ive gotta get rid of the egr though. Throws codes for exhaust sensors and egr. Worst part about a chevy is the suspension tirerods are the size of a pencil. I have an 08 350 dump and holy shit the tirerods are the size of an oak tree.
It’s good that he does a walk around and that you shouldn’t buy the first truck that you look at. I’m a prime example of a Hypocrisy. I had a truck shipped out from From Utah to Cali… Pretty much sight unseen. This was from a specialty shop in Utah that deals with diesels. I had them videotape everything over the truck… Watched them drive it and listend to the engine through the video and I know what you’re thinking you’re an idiot. Well you wouldn’t be wrong. Luckily the engine ran very well there wasn’t any blowback, shifted pretty smooth and there weren’t any leaks. When I got the truck batteries died within a month and they were overheating like you can’t believe. I had to pull out the entire dash and replaced all the blend doors from blend doors USA. In fact, I replaced the entire HVAC system and rebuilt it myself without any diesel knowledge. Thanks TH-cam. I did the big three wire upgrade and put two 2/0 Crossover cables, re-grounded with zero gauge wire to both batteries and I had to re-solder the rear door wires because they were broken. After I did that the truck electrically has been flawless. It starts up so fast it’s unbelievable. Batteries run cool and it is my daily driver. It pretty much is stock except for a couple of items that the Banks engineering put on my truck because it is now a test vehicle for them.- air horn and exhaust brake. One of the biggest items so far that I installed was a Mechman 350 amp alternator. I highly recommend you get a large alternator because those batteries need charging. I also added a few Carly suspension items but that’s pretty much it. Great video-but like Wade said you really need to look it over before you purchase one. A stock truck could also really use a better fuel filter/pump and a tuner.
Great video - cheers
engine has very good power to mpg ratio
have 03' 6spd manual dually get like 22mpg empty 13.5mpg pulling 37' trailer. truck stock
I bought my 03 new, 20 years ago. Mine has the NV5600, only 120k on the clock. 😎
I didnt know you were a you tube superstar Wade I need an autograph the next time I see you ..... lol
I have less than 130,000 miles on the 04 I bought new. 48RE trans. Ran an Edge EZ set on 70 hp for 50,000 miles, then it crapped out. Had a Smarty Jr. set on 100 hp since. Have a pyrometer to monitor EGTs. Stock otherwise. I just replaced the governor solenoid in the trans. Also have replaced the sway bar bushings and the bushings for the 4-wheel drive shift lever. Also replaced the driver's side window/door switch after the child door lock button quit working and only I could roll down the passenger windows. Plus, replaced the original radio; kept the original speakers. Worst was the dash top cracked (it sits outside in the Florida sun, and I only recently started using a windshield sun shade - should have done that a long time ago). I put on a dash cap which was much, much cheaper and easier to install than the dash itself, and looks so good no one notices it's a cap. Finally, the driver's side seat bottom cover wore out, so I replaced that. Oh, yeah, regular maintenance stuff: tires of course, plus new calipers and pads for the front brakes, regular oil and trans fluid changes, plus band adjustments. Not nothing, but less maintenance than I personally have needed in the last 17 years.
Good video. Thank you. I have a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L and the only problems I have had were with the windows. You mentioned that there are lots of products for the 48RE. What were you referring to?
Upgraded internal, rebuild kits, and full transmissions. www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/search/?keyword=48re
Window and switch wiring is really bad on these trucks. 48 RE improvements include torque converters, valve bodies, solenoid upgrades, shaft upgrades, and full trans packages.
The grab handles on the "A" pillars are guaranteed to break, they are plastic. Geno's garage has a kit to reinforce them before they completely break.
All the problems you’ve mentioned on my 05 6 speed but ..... forgot that fan clutch ..... who was the clown who designed that?
I know! Just had to replace my entire AC system because of that. Wondering if I should just replace it every couple of years....
I have a 05 Dodge Ram Diesel 2500
4x4 Quad Cab I bought it used with
72k miles now I have 162k miles
Never any issues with Engine or
Transmission I do my own oil and filter changes, the only issue I had
Was the Blend Doors I replaced all
Doors ,so far a perfect Trruck...
You forgot to mention the death woble issue on the 4x4 versions.
That's called your local alignment guy really really sucks.
MX after 30 Negative! It’s weak front end components, ball joints, u joints, 1 piece non-greasable sealed bearings, track bar. 07 upgrade reduced these issues. Manual hub conversions solve the sealed bearing problems.
@@cliffd8880 If your hubs are going bad, it's due to improper installation or torque. The ball joints have never been an issue, unless you are running a big tire with crazy offset. Same thing with the u-joints, unless you like doing full steering lock boost launches. I will say that the track bars are junk, but that's just a bump steer thing. My 06 2500 4x4 cummins has 230K and does not have this issues. Additionally I was a tech at Chrysler from 03-07 and worked on thousands of these trucks.
Its recalled the dealership will fix it for free
A rebuilt steering box will fix that death wobble. Scary as hell when it happens. Life is good with a new steering box. And moog ball joints.
I bought a 2001 Dodge ram 2500
Has 100,000 miles on it I paid $1000 for trucks been Setting for seven years
Injector pump went out so I bought it very clean truck never smoked in
Interior is in excellent condition body wise in excellent condition no rust so did I go wrong paying 1000for it😎
Is that a smarty touch mounting pod for the dash?? Is so where can I get one?
Bought a 2007 5.9L . Back power window on right did not work,nor the power lock. Had seen this video. Changed wire harness out. Have al functions now. Thank you.
Glad it helped!
Watching these videos always makes me nervous I'm gonna have engine or injector problems with the 06 I drive. I rebuilt most of the front end already and it's got a newly built trans. Plan on buying it in the future and just budgeting in 10 grand for an engine if I blow it. Considering it's been beat on its whole life and still runs strong I think I got a good one though. Just got the annoying electrical glitches they all have.
Good filtration is the key on these trucks.
I wish I seen this before purchasing our truck. We bought an 09 mega cab - 6.7 Cummins. Owned it for less than a year and then it broke down. It has a no crank no start problem. Basically on the way to work, it died while driving. All the forums we've checked on Cummins since Feb of this year had led us to believe it was the TIPM. Took it to a Dodge dealer and they say "Process of elimination. We believe it has to do with the ECM." In 2010, they've fixed the recall on the ECM & did a reset. But Holy smokes, the cost just for the new ECM and labor ONLY, will run us $5600 not including tax and other fees. I'm from Hawai'i and our cost of living is already immaculate! We've had mechanic after mechanic take a look and they're all boggled with whats happening to the truck. We all tried making sure the wiring was clean and damage free, checked all the connectors, even bought two brand new batteries. Still no sign. Lights and gauges come on as normal but still, No crank No start. Ran direct power to the starter and it cranked but that's about it. So last resort, took it to the dealership for diagnostics and they're stating the ECM. I'm hoping and praying that it is and when its replaced, she'll start up! Any pointers?
2004.5 started the common rail
Negative 03 was first year. Though a lower hp level of 235, instead of the 325 that started in 04.5. Which coincidentally also had the highest level of broken ring failures...
So 04.5 introduced the HO common rail correct me if I’m wrong
Slim Ray 2003 had a HO option with the manual trans that had over 300 hp.
f5tornadeau 🤔 oh wow i didn’t know that
Mark Yates I miss mine. Had a 2003, 2004, and a 2007. The ‘03 was my favorite. 250,000 miles and still ran like it was brand new. I’d like to get another 5.9.
I bought my 03 a couple of years ago, no issue with the motor, had to repair the Overdrive housing, and typical front end work, guy did a good job covering up the rust it had with plastidip that came off when I washed it a month later
A Tick in the Motor... it has Solid Lifters will be Noisy 💥🤔💥