3 rd. Gen issues

[easleyj1]

My partner is wanting to trade his D-max for an 06 Cummins. He has been quizing me pretty hard about any major issues with the 3rd. Gens. as he is having major probs. with the D-max.

I've got a 2nd. Gen. so could you folks with the newer common rail trucks help me out? Are there any trends developing with the newer trucks? Thanks



JE

 

[Grizzly]

I have not heard of anything major, some minor things, like electronic door locks and radios.

 

[BHolm]

My personal experience stems from owning two Chev D/A trucks, an '01 and an '03. I recently bought my fourth third gen truck('06 Mega), all CTD automatics.



I had a TON of stupid issues with both Chevy trucks. I realized that I had been forced to deal with "customer service" on all four of my GM trucks and haven't had to do any of that with the Dodge trucks.



Problems? Well... ball joints don't last as long as they probably should. Had to do them on the dually at 75k miles, the '03 QC was OK at 80k still. Some guys are replacing u-joints though mine have been fine and I tow a lot. All the major stuff seems solid. The body structure on my '03 QC was just as stiff at 80k as my brand new truck. Fuel milage is better than the d-max and the '06 is also quieter than a d-max.



I am not a brand loyal shopper. I still have a '99 Ford 7. 3, awesome truck. I tried the Chevys, no thanks. The Dodge trucks have been very good to me and I will continue to buy them as long as, in my estimation, they remain the best of the big three.

 

[Dieselnerd]

My 2nd gen had all the usual problems documented here and was in for a number of minor warranty repairs but overall was a pretty good truck. My '05 so far has been perfect, I haven't even been able to find a flaw in the paint or any slight misalignment in the doors or hood. I've had it for 6 months now and never had to take it to the dealer for anything. It blows me away! I do all my own maintenance and have been all over and under this truck and it continues to amaze me. Now that I've said that I suppose tomorrow the wheels will fall off. :-laf Seriously, this is the best truck I have ever owned (so far anyhow) and looks like a keeper for sure.

 

[RMcCulloch]

My partner is wanting to trade his D-max for an 06 Cummins. He has been quizing me pretty hard about any major issues with the 3rd. Gens. as he is having major probs. with the D-max.

I've got a 2nd. Gen. so could you folks with the newer common rail trucks help me out? Are there any trends developing with the newer trucks? Thanks



JE

The only trend I've seen is happy owners! :-laf



All I have to complain about is that D/C didn't discover/fix the thrust washer issue in the 48RE before mine was built. [Mine was built on 3/3/3 - one of the earlier HO/48REs. ]



My wife, on the other hand, complains when I accellerate too quickly when pulling our 14,100# fifth-wheel because "stuff" on the counters slide toward the rear. [The truck is a bone-stock 305/555. ]

 

[easleyj1]

Thanks for all the replies. I will pass on the info.



Jonny

 

[Msilbernagel]

A last thought -- the only thing I've seen that causes concern are the aftermarket boxes that increase fuel pressure in the rails. It seems to have the potential to cause injector failures if run at consistently high levels.



If or when that happens, the injectors can wash the cylinder walls with fuel, fill the crankcase, and pretty much end with the need to rebuild the engine ($$$).



I don't know that it's a proven problem as much as something to be careful of.



Mark

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Thanks for all the replies. I will pass on the info.



Jonny

 

[Giachino]

I've had to get the steering pump replaced..... know of a few others that did too... . it was under warranty, no big deal

 

[MR.K]

Hey RMmC yours was built 3/3/3 . . are there differences w/later 03's or early 04's . . ?

 

[BHolm]

A last thought -- the only thing I've seen that causes concern are the aftermarket boxes that increase fuel pressure in the rails. It seems to have the potential to cause injector failures if run at consistently high levels.



If or when that happens, the injectors can wash the cylinder walls with fuel, fill the crankcase, and pretty much end with the need to rebuild the engine ($$$).



I don't know that it's a proven problem as much as something to be careful of.



Mark

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But if he is already a GM duramax owner, that will not be news to him. The duramax is seeing about a 20% failure rate on injectors. The earlier trucks had lots of problems with fuel in the crankcase becuase the injectors, if leaking, drain that direction (redesigned in '04). This isn't a concern with the Cummins. Excessive rail pressure can wear out the pressure relief valve but this is far from a catostophic d-max type failure. I think if you push the rail pressure on the Cummins you are more likely to fry the turbo or the auto trans with the extra power than you are to have an engine problem.