5.9
I sorry for asking a question that has been asked many times I am sure but I am a new member and can't find a post to answer. I am going to purchase a 3500 dodge either a 5. 9l or a 6. 7l. I will use as a daily driver and also pulling a fifthe wheel. Would the 5. 9l be better if I am using it for short trips and shopping during the week or would a 6. 7l be better. Should I keep what I have and wait a year.
5. 9!
Let me start by saying these guys on TDR are awesome... this is the most knowledgeable and mature group I've ever experienced on the Internet. I am not a current CTD owner and am by no means an expert--never owned a diesel before--but I've done quite a bit of reading (on TDR, reading the magazines, and checking out other sites) which has led me to draw these conclusions (these are my opinions and you know what everyone says about those). So here's a booksmart opinion from a future CTD owner:
1. The new emissions technology used by the 6. 7, Ford 6. 4, and Duramax appear to be immature technologies--there are still bugs. Some guys report trouble-free 6. 7 trucks while scores of others report frequent check engine lights, weird regeneration events, frequent needs to go to the dealer to have reflashes done on the ECM, etc. Those who report the fewest problems seem to be the guys who "work these motors" and use them to tow heavy loads frequently. My conclusion: based on the frequency of problems I've read about this forum, I would not feel comfortable at this time buying a 6. 7, especially since most of my driving will be short trips with occasional towing of our camper and Lowes runs. My truck will be a family workhorse, not a hobby--I don't have time to run back and forth to the Dodge dealer as a member of the "Reflash of the Month Club. "
2. Fuel mileage seems to be lower for the 6. 7 versus the 5. 9. Many report 12-14 mpg, although numbers seem to be improving for guys who get their 6. 7s CTDs broken in. Conclusion: because of the absence of the DPF, emissions, and other inefficient emissions components, the 5. 9 seems to get better fuel mileage based on the data I've seen on TDR and other forums, such as Dieselram. If I want 12-14mpg, I can save $8K and get done what I need to get done with a 2500 Hemi and 4:10s. Or, better yet, save $22K and get my buddy's 2002 3500 CTD Dooley with 24,000 miles on the clock, which I had for a 1/2 day last week and got 19 hand-calculated mpg at 60-70mph and a moderate right foot. Oo.
3. In the 6. 7's favor, I've read almost universal praise for the new 68RFE automatic transmission and the exhaust brake. Both are seen as huge improvements of the 4-speed 48RE. I've also head great things about the Aisin 6-speed auto that come with the Cab/Chassis trucks... and Cab/Chassis owners seem to be having fewer issues with their 6. 7s versus the guys with the regular pickups. Many praise the 6. 7 for it's outstanding performance, quietness, drivability, and variable turbo (when the truck is actually working properly and not throwing trouble codes). My conclusion: the 6. 7 outperforms the 5. 9(when it works right) but the frequency of reported problems leads me to question the reliability of this powertrain until more bugs are worked out.
4. Many report fuel availability is a problem. ULSD is not 100% available especially in rural areas... this is a rapidly improving scenario but 2010 is the deadline for everyone to be selling it. Some stations in the country as well many as Mexico are still selling regular LSD. It appears putting substandard fuel in your 6. 7 could cause major problems with the emissions system and regeneration cycles. My conclusion: I wouldn't want to deal with having to worry about every drop of diesel fuel I put into my truck when I pull into a Flying J on Monday Morning while driving to work. Just don't have time for that.
5. Finally, the COST! I would have bought one of the 5. 9s last year if I didn't currently live in Germany. I ordered one through AAFES (Military Car Sales) last year, only to find out they dropped the ball and didn't get the order in on time for me to get the last of the 5. 9s. This year, I'm looking at another $6-8 Grand for essentially the same truck I tried to order last year but with the 6. 7. :{ No thanks.
Just my . 02 worth. Sure, the 6. 7 has a lot going for it... but the emissions techno crap has me holding short until the technology matures to 5. 9 reliability levels, especially given the massive amount of extra coin it takes to get into a new 6. 7!
By the way, the Mega Cab 5. 9s I test drove were great trucks which performed very well. You can hear the diesel in the drivers seat, but it's quite a but quieter than the 2002 I'll probably end up buying next year from my friend (I'll use some of the money i save for a stereo upgrade) when we move back to the States and he goes and gets his new 6. 7 Laramie. I have not driven a 6. 7.
Good luck either way with your choice.
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