Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) considering 06 trade down to 96, advice

[CCiatteo]

This is an excellent, informative post IMO. Clearly, Chris, the owner, is completely satisfied with his truck, not complaining, just honestly and objectively reporting the maintenance his truck has required.

And it still pulls down 18. 5 to 19. 5 MPG in combined driving..... can't beat that IMO.

 

[HBarlow]

Yep, fuel mileage is a significant advantage of the old 12 and 24 valve engines.

Cummins HPCR engines are still more fuel efficient than competing brands but simply burn more fuel than the previous models.

Just think what Cummins engineers might have been able to accomplish if government has stayed out of their way and allowed them to develop the engines for power, durability, and longevity instead of "reduced" emissions. I still haven't been able to figure out how reductions in fuel economy ie consuming more fuel reduces emissions. I guess I'd have to be an EPA bureaucrat or blow-dried empty suit congressman to understand it.

 

[birddog]

good discussions

Thanks everyone for the varying and well thought out advice. There are a number of reasons I am thinking about doing this. To answer some question my 97 was a 4x4. Despite my constant wrenching in it I absolutely loved the truck. Just one of those things sometimes you bond with your truck somtimes you don't. The thing about vehicles that never changes is no matter what some people have issues with stuff and some people don't. The 97 was worked pretty hard before I bought and I knew that getting into it. My 91 I didn't care for but it was a simple truck. my 04. 5 and I got along pretty well. The only reason I got the 06' was I am kind of partial to manual transmissions. Did I have a problem with the 48re; no it actually did a pretty nice job. Probably would have kept it had it been a 5 spd auto with 4:10 gears. Would it change anyones idea on my financial loss if I told them I bought the 06' brand new off the lot for 31,000$, 4x4 bighorn edition. I do have a brand new boss plow on it that was only used to plow my driveway (all 800ft) x about 75ft wide. Actually would probably consider, if I could an even up trade for a mostly identical truck with an 4:10 auto and a long box then my wife would sell her car and this would be the family truck and I would drive my 1500$ car for most everything except when the truck was needed.

 

[GaryOwen]

I bought my 2003 w/79k miles and performed the following maintenance (not including routine items like fluids, filters, shocks, tires, etc. ).



154,158 Lift pump (preventative) - GDP-391

154,158 Altenator support bracket (cracked) - Dodge part

158,400 Front brake disc pads - Performance Friction CM

205,351 PS reservoir o-ring - Pep Boys

232,100 Inner tie rod ends & stab links

241,056 APPS -MOPAR P/N 53031576AD

256,800 Lift pump GDP-391 (bad brush) - GDP warrantee

257,545 Fuel control actuator - Cummins P/N 4932457

264,300 Clutch, PP, Throwout, Pilot -Luk ProGold

288,837 Ball joints

297,909 RF wheel bearing hub

350,170 Inner/outer tie rods

350,170 Stabilizer bushings

372,051 Two injectors (#1 and #2)

382,106 Alternator

382,620 APPS

386,182 Injection pump

386,228 Injectors (3,4,5,6)

402,446 APPS

473,709 Water pump

474,263 Brake rotors, pads, rear calipers, rack & pinion, tierods, right front wheel bearing

492,579 APPS (Timbo special)

520,016 Fan clutch, fan clutch bearing

529,258 Rear universal joint



I also have a 95 and have had similar maintenance, but do not have a detailed list. But is shows that 3rd gen trucks will need maintenance also. I got out of the RV transporting business and decided to sell one of my trucks. I chose to keep my 95 for several reasons - fewer miles, cheaper maintenance, could get more out of my 03, really don't need a dually now. Biggest reason was that I just plain ol' like the 95 better.



As far as the OP taking a loss, sure he will take a loss, but he will take an even larger loss if he waits. The 06 will be depreciating faster than say a 97. All in all it just comes down to preference.

 

[Grizzly]

My guidance is just rattling on, I never have even ridden in a later model truck, let alone have any first hand knowledge of them, as Grizzly does. I do secretly admire the torque curve in the 24v models, the honest four door models, and the wife complains about the noise these older ones makes. Still, I am satisfied with mine, and since I don't use it to make a living or such, it will do me for the rest of my driving days.

Don, Your doing the right thing by not riding or driving a 3rd generation because if you ever do, you'll buy it. Thats all it takes. Your 2nd gen Dodge is a great truck. I loved mine too until I test drove an 04. I was sold. I didn't need a a new truck. My 10 year old 95 was going great guns. Then george bush created a deal that if you purchased a new vehicle that weighed 6000 or more pounds and was used at least part time in your business, you could get up to 50% write off on your fed taxes. Besides the write off I got my 05 at below MSRP plus all the incentives and free oil changes for 7 years (2 per year). Then to sweeten the pie, I sold my 95 weeks before for $16K, which was NADA value at that time.



I just feel that the 3rd gen is more than twice the truck of the 2nd gen and the 2nd gen's are great.

 

[DonTX]

.



I just feel that the 3rd gen is more than twice the truck of the 2nd gen and the 2nd gen's are great.

Ohhh you DO know how to hurt a guy:{:{

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

12 Valve

Smart move dropping down to a 12 Valve especially here in California with the new smog laws coming and-the testing!

 

[Champane Flight]

Working the bugs out..

I have been looking at a 96 with 256,000 miles for a hobby truck. It is two wheel drive, auto. . Stuff like this is great if you have the time to work the bugs out, have your own tools/shop, and do not depend on the vehicle for sole transportation until you do. The truck above would be a great canidate for a sleeper! Oo. In most cases the Cummins will last forever, the rest of the truck won't...

 

[strick]

You'd probably love to have my 98 12 valve 2500. 5speed, 3. 54 gears,4x4, long bed, and nice interior. I lucked up on this truck in 2003 when my buddy bought him a new truck. It only had 40k on the clock and still only has 80k now. I absolutely love this truck. Yes it wanders. No it doesn't have the nice torque curve that my 99 24v does. And the brakes aren't great. Would I trade it for a newer truck? No sir. In my opinion I'd be trading the wrong way. I also think in your situation you'd be trading the wrong way too. There's no way to make the figures work out right unless you just really want one. If you don't mind the financial hit do it. My buddies 03 is a really nice truck though. Rides nice and is roomy inside. I would like to have a new truck, but I would keep my others too. You got some thinking to do. Let us know what you come up with. See ya, Jason.