2006 Ram 2500 4x4-to buy or not?

[Grinder1]

Looking at getting a 2006 2500 4x4 Quad Cab w/AT. Just don't have the time to upgrade my trusty '95. Would like general info, both good and bad. I had thought that by that year a 5 speed auto was available with the diesel. From what I found only the 4 speed 48RE was used? Things to look out for on a rig with 90k miles and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[wcjp]

The 06' Auto is capable of Exhaust brake with no special wiring. Ok per factory. Look at the rear driveline Ujoints. I think the center one is most likely to go first. When mine went bad it was still tight. Only confirmed through infrared temp reading. Has the front driveline been properly serviced? There's a special grease fitting many fail to attempt. Check front unit bearings. They're $230 at Rockauto. If bad this could make a great negotiating point for you.



I added a steering stabilizer from BD Diesel just to be safe.

 

[Grinder1]

Thanks for that wcjp. I'd like to know how many folks love/hate the auto trannys in that 2006 model? My biggest complaint with my '95 was always the trans. Did Dodge tighten up the converter in the 48RE? One would certainly hope so!

 

[rscurtis]

The 48RE, while not perfect, is a big improvement over the 47RH in your '95.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

My '05 has the haul/tow button with the much improved shift programming. The transmission finally quit at 450,000 miles while spending its life towing campers half the time. The factory torque converter is not much better than the '95. You could have a valve body installed and a torque converter and you should be in good shape for a long time. Service on a regular interval and don't abuse it.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[HBarlow]

I would try very hard to determine that the truck you are considering has never had any previous modifications done to it. I would not consider one that had been modified.

A dealer with a qualified Cummins tech can perform an engine diagnostic test that can identify bad injectors. I think it is worth the hour or two of shop labor.

Good maintenance records using quality lube oils and Fleetguard filters would be important to me also.

The '06 48RE was vastly improved over earlier versions. It was not as good as the new six speed automatics, but not bad. As member wcjp stated above, you can install an exhaust brake with the '06 automatic. It is approved by Dodge and Cummins and will be fully integrated with the engine ECM and PCM to provide computer controlled activation of the exhaust brake and downshifting of the 48RE. It works great and I highly recommend the EB.

 

[Mark31]

There aren't a lot of differences between the 45, 47, and 48 transmissions. My resident trans guru showed me the repair manuals and about all the basic guts are the same. I agree that the valve bodies and programing are different. I try to be opened minded and see other people's point of view, and if they follow a logical train of thought, I can deal with it. But whoever(s) came up with this loose torque converter on my 04 should go back to playing with toy trucks in a sand box. Every time I tow, I spit. I am "saving my nichols and dimes and picking up aluminum cans" so I can get a Goerend converter and tranmission. Mark

 

[tmh1955]

I've had my 06 for a couple years now and have no complaints. My previous was a 2001 CTD and I had all the problems they were known for.



So, no problems with the 06 at all. The transmission is a huge improvement over the 2001.



Fuel economy is a bit worse with the new one.



Tim

 

[KParsons]

06

4 years and no problems. could use a locker. k

 

[Wingate]

I havent been quite as fortunate... My 06 is stock with 40K on it and has had the blend doors fall of twice now, once under warranty, and once again NOT under warranty. The transmission hasn't failed on me, but half the time it can't decide whether it wants 1st of 2nd gear, so it oscilates back and forth between the two until you hit it with about 15 psi of boost. . The dealer couldnt/wouldn't fix it. . It WILL have Goerend parts in it one day soon.

Had to have the steering/suspension update performed. Also had some issues with the interior lights powering down after 15 seconds... Front axle seals blew at 28K miles.

I love my truck, the engine itself has been flawless. While my truck may get worked hard from time to time, I maintain it all myself to my own standards (which are way higher than ANY dealership or shop) It gets nothing but the best fluids, filters, greases, wax, etc...

Its not a perfect design, but it is definitely better than the competition in that year and better than all of them now IMO... (Not a fan of the regen diesels. . )

If you know the weaknesses, there are aftermarket parts to fix most anything. I believe many on here have installed aftermarket suspension components. Of course, Goerend can fix any transmission issues, heatertreater can fix the blend door issues. .

 

[p-Bar]

go to the dealer and have the service writer run the VIN and see whats been done to it and what has been denied.

 

[CScranton]

My 06 has 54K w/G-56 6sp trans with a BD exhaust brake on the exhaust. The brake is unbelievable for slowing down truck and fiver or truck oh camper and horse trailer and can be adjusted for more stopping power. Also will work down to a idle where autos will not. If you haul alot of heavy loads you might consider the 6 speed. My truck has had 0 problems.

 

[LFalconer]

I have 105K on the 06 in sig, it pulls hay, cattle, tractors etc. No issues with trans, the EB would be a big improvement as my other tow rig is a Chev 2500 with 8.1L gasser big block and allison 1000. The tow haul on the Dodge is nowhere close the tow haul on the chev.

However I have had a few issues, AC compressor, blend door, couple plugs in head leaking, replaced the seat bottom on drivers, new shocks belt, hoses thermo, tach is erratic now . Nothing major. Do all maintenance on my own. Fuel filter 10k with a can of seafoam.

I think the 06 was the best year of the 3rd Gen, I concur with other posts on having the VIN run, and getting maintenance records as that will tell you a lot. I also would not buy it if the engine has been modified, that can be costly... My 97 in signature cost a small fortune..

Good Luck
.Luke

 

[CScranton]

I agree 06 maybe the best year period!

 

[brods]

You guys realize the OP was thinking of buying a 2006 truck SIX years ago. I think it's safe to assume he's made his decision by now.

 

[CScranton]

Yea! Details,Details...

 

[Regcabguy]

'07 5.9 mechanically the same without the fake wood dash.

 

[CScranton]

And the metal on the outside. Yea the 07 is just as good too...