I need to replace my truck---what do I look for

[EdZacko]

I "had" a beautiful 97 2500 4x4 with a 5 speed stick. . Bought it new. I used it to tow by 27ft sailboat--approx weight--13000 on the trailer.
That truck NEVER gave gave me one spec of trouble in 177000 miles. I simply drove and the tow followed---until----last week someone hit me and took off-----the truck is totaled. It was in pristine condition,both inside and out.I am brokenhearted!
Now I have to find a replacement. I have a feeling that it is not going to be easy.

I have recently found a 2017 which is gorgeous--one owner. It has the 68RFE automatic with a 3.4 rear but I have just been reading that this might not be a good combination for towing because the gear box is too "light duty" for the Cummins. How can this be?

I am not locked into any particular year.
I am certain that there are many opinions out there and I am open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks all in advance.
Eddie

 

[jghflys]

What was the damage to your 97? Why was it totaled? What insurance company totaled it? Fixing your truck may be cheaper than a replacement. I had only sheetmetal damage, front fender, both doors, and rear fender, to my 2005 and progressive wanted to total it. Progressive tries to total vehicles at 50% of the value of the vehicle. State Farm, my insurance company, fixed it. An option if you had comprehensive or uninsured motorist, is to get the buyback cost and let the insurance company total it. Buy it back, and use the difference to repair your truck. Laws vary state to state so you may end up with a "salvage" title.

 

[John Jensen]

My brother has a 2016 6.7 HO with 3.42 rear end and has no problems pulling anything. He contemplated installing 4.10s but the cost was too high and he was not having any 10-15,000 lb towing problems and it would be a mileage hit so he's still running with the 3.42
You are looking at an SO, I don't think you would have any towing problems if you stay within its towing specs. By the way, brother gets good mileage, 22mpg on some stretches. A lot better than my 2020 HO

 

[Cummins12V98]

HA, I towed half of the 65k I owned my 11 with 3.42’s at 29k combined. Did a beautiful job. On grade I had to take off easy. Drop to 25k combined there would not have been an issue.

 

[C M McCormick]

You will be fine towing 13,000 with those gears and transmission. Just don't lug 6th gear.

 

[Timd32]

Not an easy process at all to get a new truck when you had such a nice one that worked well.

Hope your physically OK from the event.

I would do the 68RFE sounds like you know this trailer and load and that I feel helps alot at times.

So really better braking, safety, exhaust brake, it's not a wore out 47RE, they are super capable. Very nice trucks, I can't speak for it but my guess is you will love it.

I have an '18 (gasser) but still, great overall truck.

Have the brakes serviced for the little slider tabs under the pads and the normal full fluid and filter swap. Cabin air filter. Maybe get the undercarriage cleaned up and sealed with something depending on your area.

If the exterior is super nice, consider finding a local place to do some paint correction of sorts and decent ceramic Coating and your good to go!

 

[Topzide]

Sounds like the airbags were set off. If that was the case, that's why insurance is totaling it. I'm with the others and feel you'll be fine with the 2017 you found! I've got the 68RFE in my 3500 DRW but with 4.10's. Trans hasn't been a problem and before I got it, my FIL was towing close to 30k combined. Once going cross country into Washington through the passes! If the $ is right, get it and enjoy all the new features that it has! Sorry that you lost pride and joy, hard to replace, especially when you've been together that long. Buy back might be option if you've got the time to rebuild!

 

[EdZacko]

Thanks all for the great responses.
First----As soon as the truck was towed to the towing lot--there were two Body guys waiting to try and get the repair. They both immediately told me that it would be far too expensive to repair because there was frame damage---which even I could plainly see. The impact was just behind the drivers door and extended well into the left side of the bed. So, with the truck being so old the costs would outweigh the result.
I am sad about this but have accepted it, I live in AZabd the truck is in MA---so even IF I wanted to buy it back and do it myself it is just far too complicated and sadly is time to move on.
Interestingly --the air bag did not deeply---as I did not hit anything---anything hit me.

Now to the new one--the 17---
I initially had concerns regarding the "LIGHT DUTY" 68RFE coupled to the Cummins---I was reading on some web site----posted by a company that "makes these light duty trannies into something "bullet proof" So--they have a vested interest in saying these things.
The claim is that the 68 is just too light duty(out of the box) to mate with the Diesel and if one tows loads in excess of 12K you will fry that box in short order.

That was my concern----would Dodge actually install a light duty transmission with a 3.4 rear into a heavy duty diesel powered truck and give it a TOW PACKAGE---if it was not capable?

This 17 is REALLY,REALLY nice--it has so many options that it seems like the PO just said GIVE ME EVERYTHING. It is certainly more money than I wanted to spend but---if it would work for me I could be persuaded. I just dont want to spend the money and then have to spend another 4k on getting the gear box to work well.

My second concern about the 17 is that it takes me into DEF territory----should I be concerned about that?

Also--regarding the 68RFE---not lugging in 6th-----It seems like it is possible to shift this manually(paddles) is this correct>

Thanks again.
Eddie

 

[Signal73]

What was the disposition of the truck? Do you technically still own it? I’m in CT and finding 5 sp drivelines is difficult. If it’s available let me know.

 

[Topzide]

@Edward Zacko, The 68RFE doesn't use paddles, it has a up down switch on shifter handle. You can just lock out 6th gear if and when needed. Still acts as auto up to what ever gear is locked out. DEF isn't an issue. Just keep fresh DEF and it does have a shelf life. Plenty of info on here, just search for it. Prices are out of the world right now on used diesel trucks! Maybe $ one out new just to have a good idea on what the '17 is vs. a new '22 or '23. Worth it just to know. I guess it's time to let her go and try to find a replacement. Good luck on the searching and glad the truck took the hit and not you!

 

[EdZacko]

What was the disposition of the truck? Do you technically still own it? I’m in CT and finding 5 sp drivelines is difficult. If it’s available let me know.

As of this day the whole truck is still available. I know where it is---in Boston. The engine starts and runs perfectly--the trans NV4500 was rebuilt completely last Oct.
The front and reaf diff are fine as is the transfer case.
The drive train was not at all affected by the colision. The body and frame took the hit.
I will try to get a contact for you if you are interested.
Eddie

 

[Killer223]

Don't over think it. The newer trucks will tow the load with ease. And embarrass the older truck. Your likely not going to put 37'+ tires on it and tow in 6th up a 8% grade. If you're smart, 1/2 way intelligent, the truck will do wonderfully.
Really don't over think it. If your 97 did it without complaint, anything newer will with ease.

 

[Ozymandias]

There is a bazillion of trucks out there with the 68 RFE or one of its siblings.
It's a great transmission with very little flaws. Failing early or repeatedly is non of them.
I'd buy it anytime, no question for me having a 65 RFE in my Durango.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Removed my double deep pan when trading 11

on 15 at 65k well over 1/2 towing 29k. Over 50k on the AMZ/OIL.

 

[EdZacko]

What was the disposition of the truck? Do you technically still own it? I’m in CT and finding 5 sp drivelines is difficult. If it’s available let me know.

The truck is sitting in Boston right now. I am waiting for the ins settlement. If you have an interest in pursuing this call me 623 374 3056 I can give you contact info.
Eddie

 

[Signal73]

The truck is sitting in Boston right now. I am waiting for the ins settlement. If you have an interest in pursuing this call me 623 374 3056 I can give you contact info.
Eddie

As much as I want to, logistically it sounds like a pain in the neck. If it were just in a storage lot and I can send you what you were looking to get for it then you send me the title and I go pick it up that would be easy but buying off insurance co etc seems complicated.