2003 Ram / Engine Choice?

[rmrc]

Although I'm new to diesels in general, I've been well aware of the Cummins reputation for longevity and durability for a long time.

I'm probably going to buy my truck in the next couple of years. I'm wondering what the rest of you would do if Dodge offered another diesel in place of the Cummins. Would you buy the previous year with the current 24V Cummins?

Depending on what is finally offered, I was thinking about buying a 2002 towards the end of the model year to get the current engine.

Your thoughts!

 

[jmeehan]

As you said, it depends on what they offer for a diesel. If it's an I-6 MB of sufficient displacement it would probably be fine. Except the parts may cost more.

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ex Ford tech, now driving '01. 5 2500 4X4 QC LB ETH/DEE SLT 3. 54, Patriot Blue

 

[KCJackson]

The latest rumor is this:

- 2500/3500 - the new Cummins ISBe
- 4500 (shared chassis with Freightliner) Mercedes 906

Also, it is speculated that the 47RE automatic will be upgraded to the 48RE to handle the ISBe's torque. The Allison 1000 is out, partially because of the lawsuit DC filed against GM for using the Jeep grille on the new Hummer H2 (which does not have license to do so, unlike the regular Hummer). It will also help keep DC's costs down by not paying for the extra costs of the Allison.

The Ram 4500 chassis/cab will share a chassis with a new light-medium Freightliner 4/5 to compete with the Ford F450/550. Both Dodge and Freight will have the class 4, but only Freight will get the class 5.

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1996 3500 Club 4x4 Laramie SLT, unmodified 180/420 12-valve, 47RE automatic, 3. 54 limited slip

 

[Barry]

KC: What kind of HP are the ISBe suppose to have????????????

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, EZ with elbow(26. 5PSI)Stage 1 injectors from Carl, Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 31,000 Miles on 03/01/01(Auto/Truck/RV Dealer)

 

[joesoot]

According to Truck Trend rag, 275hp and 525 ft-lbs. If it is a 275, i'll bet peak torque will be higher than 525 ft-lbs, more likely in the areas between 550 and 660.
I'm holding my breath for the ISB300.
Juergen Shrimp, if you are reading this, gimme 300 horses!

 

[Missouri Mule]

joesoot,
If you wish for something, spelling doesn't matter but when you are asking you should really spell the man's name right. Even though you (I) don't like him.
Try an E in is last name instead of I. #ad

 

[PAYCHECK]

DON'T FORGET THE 'C' TOO!!!

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01 2500HD Q. C. 4X4,241HD,SLT+, SB,3. 54,5spd,jacobs e-brake,tow pack,camper pack,all black,all leather,fully loaded,htd power mirrors,htd seats,full rhino lining bed and rocker panels,265/85r16 BFG ATs ko,nerf bars,everthing black,4'' Jardine,Westach boost & EGT gauge,License plate-1 CUMN,

 

[joesoot]

If it was up to me his name would be spelled M-U-D! #ad

 

[KCJackson]

Originally posted by joesoot:
According to Truck Trend rag, 275hp and 525 ft-lbs. If it is a 275, i'll bet peak torque will be higher than 525 ft-lbs, more likely in the areas between 550 and 660.

Not necessarily. The current Powerstroke is 275/520 with the ZF 6-speed. You're not going to see torque get too much higher than that, because of liability issues. When some fool in a 3/4 ton with a claimed 600 lb-ft of torque kills himself and a few others trying to pull a load a pickup has no business handling, then we'll see the power downgrades of the early 80s all over again (please, NO!) I think 275/525 is plenty for a pickup.

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1996 3500 Club 4x4 Laramie SLT, unmodified 180/420 12-valve, 47RE automatic, 3. 54 limited slip