Do I get an 6.7 or keep the 5.9?

[SFranzer]

Just when you thought Decision '08 was over!! I need help deciding on an '08 while they're still giving them away. Helping me would be slightly more fun then the presidential election and both candidates are better qualified. I'm looking at buying a 2008 3500 or keeping my '01 2500 and had a some of questions for the TDR braintrust.



1. From what I read in the threads about half of you are having problems with the EGR and DPF on the 6. 7. For those who have had problems, Is there anything Dodge is doing ie. , turbo cleaning, new turbos, computer flash, new sensors etc. , thats actually fixing your problems? Meaning you haven't had to take it back to the dealer.



2. Have there been any problems with the 6 spd auto? Dodge doesn't exactly have a great track record with their autos and I'm a little nervous about moving away from a manual but, I love the 6 spd when I drove it.



3. And finally. . Do I forget that I'm practically stealing this truck, drive my '01 for another year while Dodge/Cummins figures out the fixes for the 6. 7 and look next year for a 2010?



Thanks

Scott

 

[RDHamill]

I plan to trade my 07 by the end of the month, as it's easily the worst vehicle I have ever owned.

I beleive that there is a problem with the truck that causes it to run to rich, this over taxes the DPF ( and related equipment) , but the dealers ( I've seen 3, not by choice) don't seem to be able to look beyond the exhaust system, so it's only fixed until the next time. ( last week I went all of 75 miles with no CEL light on) As this truck is used 99% on the highway, and towing at that, it should have enough passive regeneration to keep clean, and only require active regeneration from time to time. This does not seem to be the case.

I have also replaced ( I paid) the transmission as it failed ( past warrenty milage).

I'm going to get an '08, and a manual. The '08 might well get a DPF delete kit as well.

Personally I beleive that the DPF system does work, but that some trucks have fueling issues that over tax the DPF. Dodge will get it right when they ( Dodge and the dealers) try to solve the underlying problem and not just turn off the CEL and send the truck out.

Mine is the only truck that my dealer has sold with anything other than a forced regen being required. I have had 3 DPFs ( I know this to be true, my wife does the paperwork there). For this reason I'll going to try another truck.

good luck in your choice !!!

 

[SFranzer]

So none of the updates for the computer have fixed the fueling issues? I'm not familiar with the CEL light, is this the light that comes on during regeneration? How many miles did you have on the transmission before it went out?

 

[RDHamill]

It seems that none of the updates contained any cures, at least not for my issues. This is part of why I think my perticutlar truck has issues beyond the DPF system.

It's interesting that the techs at 3 dealerships have flashed my computer, each guy thought it should take him about 1/2 hour to do it, each time in fact it has taken at least 2 hours before it's complete, this is another reason why I think my issues are not in the DPF only.

CEL is the check engine light on the dash.

transmission had 66,000 miles on it when it "seized", I suspect oil pump input shaft, but opted to install one from a donor truck ( 3700 miles) instead of new or rebuilt. ( Chrylser didn't have any parts or a new transmission at the time anyway) I don't want to imply that the 68RFE is a bad or weak transmission, it's really very nice, shift wonderfully and has great gear ratios ( it does like to lug at 45 to 50MPH, so often I select 5th instead of "D")

I think my transmission problem was a fluke, as most units run fine.



I don't mean to cry on your shoulder, that's just how it's been with this truck.

So I'm getting a new one.

 

[DanSullivan]

If you want a new truck go for it. I have had mine since June of 07, have been cross country twice with the trailer, about 10000 pounds or just under. The truck now has 24950 miles and no problems yet. Some folks have had some problems and I feel sorry for them, I would be mad too if it was me. But I think that most trucks are trouble free. It won't get the milage of your old truck, but it does every thing else so well you won't mind.

 

[RDHamill]

Don't get me wrong, my '07 is a great truck to drive. And it's perfect for towing.

I prefer the seats in my '01, but other than that the '07 is better built.

I like it enough that I'm going to replace it.

It's a great time to buy a truck, the deals are wild.

 

[SFranzer]

I guess my biggest fear is I'll purchase one that gives me nothing but trouble and Chrysler will go under or file for bankruptcy and I won't have a warranty to fall back on . I can't imagine the warranty still being good on a company that doesn't exist or has filed for bankruptcy anyone know how that works?



So, whats causing the turbo problems is it the EGR, DPF or poor driving habbits?

 

[MMeier]

I guess my biggest fear is I'll purchase one that gives me nothing but trouble and Chrysler will go under or file for bankruptcy and I won't have a warranty to fall back on . I can't imagine the warranty still being good on a company that doesn't exist or has filed for bankruptcy anyone know how that works?



So, whats causing the turbo problems is it the EGR, DPF or poor driving habbits?

How much are they getting for a new ride up your way? 4X4 dually, most of the bells and whistles.

 

[EArp]

No disrespect to the 6. 7 owners, but i'd go 5. 9 all the way. You very well may luck out and get a very reliable 6. 7 that has little to no problems, but with many of the problems i've read about on here it looks like too much of a risk for me. Also, one of my relatives works in west Tx and their fleet trucks are the new 6. 7's, and he was telling me that one of them is ALWAYS in the shop with problems. Although no motor is perfect, I believe that the 5. 9 has proven itself to be a dependable and reliable motor with lots of potential to upgrade.

 

[SFranzer]

How much are they getting for a new ride up your way? 4X4 dually, most of the bells and whistles.

I'm looking at a '08 4x2 Dually SLT, most of the bells and whistles (no GPS/DVD) the dealer quoted $33,490. I've seen about the same price on a 4x4.

 

[AABEN]

Chrysler is going in chapter 11 this is like all the air have done a one time. This is so they can get every thing lined up so they can stay in business. I would not be afraid to get a new truck or car. Yes I would go with the 6. 7 they have ben out for a wile so most bugs are worked out.

 

[Freebore]

After 10 or so trips to resolve emissions problems mine was repurchased by Chrysler. Mine had the entire exhaust, turbo and EGR system replaced and I wasn't in the mood to wait for a repeat, but even though it was a slow process I did get out of it. I haven't got into a different truck yet but would not take another chance on a 6. 7 until they really have a better handle on the emissions system. There are plenty of 5. 9 trucks to be had without having to worry about emissions troubles.

 

[billvicky]

We recently took the plunge and traded the '99 in on a 2008. Though we planned on keeping the '99 and even had body work done, we couldn't pass up the deal. The 6 speed trans gives more options with the tow/haul mode and selectable top gear when towing though the EGR and DPF function reduces the fuel mileage. We have only driven about 2500 miles but have not experienced any problems (yet). Before delivery I believe the dealer has to perform all the latest updates and such. The '99 was always reliable and had no problems but we were starting to worry about the 10 year old trans, differentials, wheel bearings, radiator, etc. The new truck increases our confidence especially when travelling and towing. It also has some new do-dads and gadgets. It is much more quieter (we can order at the drive-up now) and warms up faster.

The only real problem was leaving the old truck at the dealer. It was like leaving an old dog behind. I swear I could hear whimpering as we drove away. I still feel like a heel which is interfering with bonding to the new truck.