Advice on truck purchase - any flags?

[Rhondasway]

My brother in law is looking for a Cummins and I'd like to help him avoid trouble. Any advice on particular "problem" third-gen rigs? What are the potential issues that may be very expensive (read 'lemmon')? Are there smaller issues that may make a truck inexpensive but are fixable by those in the know?

He's looking for 4x4, 4-door, auto, red with low miles. So if anyone knows of such a rig for a good price, you can also let me know!

Of course once he gets one he'll be a member too. Oo.

As always, thanks!

 

[JDiepstra]

Well the 03 - 03. 5 have the weaker 47RE transmission. The 03 - 04. 5 have the unreliable engine mounted fuel pump. Many 6. 7's are having major issues with the new emissions equipment. All of them chew up front end parts.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

04's had 47RE's also

 

[JDiepstra]

Oh ok, but my 04. 5 has the 48RE.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

correct 03 and early 04's are essentially one in the same... it's 04. 5+ that are 6sp or 48RE only

 

[Bob V]

The 48 and the 47 where available at the same time. the SO engine got the 47 OR the 48, the HO got the 48. Look at the HP on the valve cove 305hp or more-HO. The SO also got the 10. 5" rear diff

 

[EArp]

If it were me, i'd go for an '06-'07 still under the factory warranty. In my humble opinion, any 3rd gen 5. 9 beats the new 6. 7 which is still having emissions equipment problems. Not to say that you might not luck out and get a 6. 7 with no problems, but from what i've been hearing & reading they haven't gotten all the bugs worked out yet. Not to mention that the 5. 9 at this point has alot of options for upgrading while still maintaining decent reliability. I love my '07 5. 9 with the Smarty Jr and have had no issues with almost 36k on the ticker.

 

[DWeiler]

If it were me, i'd go for an '06-'07 still under the factory warranty. In my humble opinion, any 3rd gen 5. 9 beats the new 6. 7 which is still having emissions equipment problems. Not to say that you might not luck out and get a 6. 7 with no problems, but from what i've been hearing & reading they haven't gotten all the bugs worked out yet. Not to mention that the 5. 9 at this point has alot of options for upgrading while still maintaining decent reliability. I love my '07 5. 9 with the Smarty Jr and have had no issues with almost 36k on the ticker.

That is the way i just went---new to me 2007 Mega 4x4 DRW SLT 20,000 miles,looking at the cosmetic stuff first,then the gauges/Smarty Jr,mild transmission work and leave the bombed 01(in my sig)as my hot rod toy.

 

[04 Diesel Power]

I have a 2004 with 100,000 miles and no problems, it has the 48re. Great truck, great mpg.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Let me beat this dead horse a little more... ... ... ... ... ... Buy one made in MEXICO and not in the US by worthless UAW workers that can't seem to build a good truck no matter how much they get paid. :-{}

 

[cksh8me]

As someone stated above the 4wd all have crappy front ends. The transmissions either stick or auto aren't the greatest thing going. The Autos seem to have issues (but they can be addressed by shoveling lots of cash at them)and the hand shakers are either getting hard to find parts for or are geared poorly.



The 05's have plastic tanks on the intercooler if you add power I hear they grenade. Yes the on going lift pump problem that palgues the 24 valve 2nd and 3rd gens.



The 06 has crappy electrics running through the truck. Get something to clear the codes the trucks throw.



Stuff some more foam under the seats to help fight off the design of Dr. Mengala.



The only difference between a 2500 and 3500 srw is the overload springs.



04. 5 and above have cats if that matters and the 6. 7's are having their own set of problems. I don't know that the other two aren't having problems with their new trucks and emmisions.



I don't know if this helps but these are what I've read on the forums. Some of which I have first hand knowledge.

 

[Bob V]

I put 200,000+ miles on my 1997 2500 5spd and about 60,000 on my 2005. The front end is MUCH better than the '97, and the steering is MUCH better, and the brakes are MUCH better and the power is MUCH better. IMO the 3rd gen is a better truck.

Yes the engine mounted fuel pumps are a problem, but most have been updated to the in tank pump that came on the 2005+ trucks. The 48re has proved to be better than the older trans and will hold stock power with no problems. U-joints are a weak point and will need to be addressed (if they haven't already), and some have had ball joint problems ( mine are fine). Some feel the '03-04 will get better MPG due to the 3rd injection event on the 04. 5 and newer. I get about the same MPG on the '05 as I did with the '97. The '07. 5 6. 7 have had some problems, especially if driven easy and short trips. If USED they seem to be fine and the 6speed auto is sweet.

I personally think the '04. 5 to '07 are the best. The 325hp motor has some improvements over the older ones

 

[JThorsten]

the 03 and 04's have problems with the injectors failin due to not having a good enough fuel filter.

 

[Bob4x4]

Something no one has mentioned yet is the dealers can check the vin for you to not only let you know how it is equipped but also to check the warranty history and remaining coverage.

 

[JCasper]

Let me beat this dead horse a little more... ... ... ... ... ... Buy one made in MEXICO and not in the US by worthless UAW workers that can't seem to build a good truck no matter how much they get paid. :-{}

Another fellow union lover, I love it. :-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[Rhondasway]

This is excellent information, guys! I'll steer my B-I-L here so he can become educated. My stepdad did the same thing before purchasing his '03 a couple years ago and really likes the truck. Only thing he didn't consider was the inherent mileage drop from running 4. 10's...

Thanks!

BTW, my Pavement Princess was made in Mexico and she's a GEM!