Killed my truck - what to get?

[CPittman]

Rock hauler stopped in front of me and bent the frame under the cab in two places when I hit it (air bags didn't go off, hmm... ) anyway, Farmer's totaled it.



I like the 2004 Cummins (305 / 555) because it was the last with no emissions equipment and it got pretty decent mileage around town 17. 1 average in town.



Looking at this on Cars.com: 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie Quad Cab. Wondering what to offer on it or whether I should just get an '09 1/2 ton gasser.



As a reference, from Aug 6 of this year to Nov. 26, I put 14,048 miles on my '04 and burned 852 gallons of diesel during that period.



Thoughts / help / anyone have an 04 like mine for sale?

 

[cksh8me]

For what people are posting on the boards of the discounts the dealers are giving I'd get a new one before I bought that for 20k. Ahhhhh maybe not but I'd look. No miles, full warrenty if DC is still in business.



Or hold off until the world sees what the big three are coming too.

 

[LBARTLETT]

clean truck, there are lots of deals out there, it's a buyers market, I'd read all about the 6. 7 issues before I bought one though

 

[HBarlow]

My '08 6. 7 and many others are completely trouble free.

Do your part to save Chrysler. Buy a new one. I'll send you the name of a salesman and dealer near you who will happily sell you a new one of your choice at wholesale invoice minus all the rebates and deliver it with a smile and no clever tricks.

 

[CPittman]

HBarlow - how does the 6. 7 mileage compare to the 17-ish my '04 was getting? I have no qualms about an '08 but with my miles-driven, I need all the fuel econ I can muster. There were weeks back in September that I was buying $120 of diesel every three or four days.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I'd offer $13k on that truck and maybe let them bring me up to $15-16k

 

[CPittman]

I think you may be on the right track Nearing... I will salvage my Turnover Ball hitch, trailer brake controller, etc from my truck and will be able to just swap them over to that Laramie. Not sure if the 04. 5 gets as good mileage. Also not sure if the 04. 5 is the year/model that was having injector problems / plastic intercooler tank problems.

 

[p-Bar]

I think you may be on the right track Nearing... I will salvage my Turnover Ball hitch, trailer brake controller, etc from my truck and will be able to just swap them over to that Laramie. Not sure if the 04. 5 gets as good mileage. Also not sure if the 04. 5 is the year/model that was having injector problems / plastic intercooler tank problems.

04. 5 is 3rd gen so it has the third injection event. My mileage has not been that good. No plastic caps on 04. 5 I think that happened in 05. I have had no problem with injectors . I would opt for 03/04 H. O.

 

[mberry]

Make me an offer. I'm considering selling mine if I can get a reasonable price for it. 82K miles.

 

[AABEN]

You can go to EBAY put in dodge 2500 D or 3500 D there is a lought out there for sale.

 

[CPittman]

mberry - thanks for the offer but I can't do a stick shift, and I don't want to offer a reasonable price, I want to steal one.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

my '06 Mega Cab is getting better mileage than my early 04 6sp was

 

[HBarlow]

HBarlow - how does the 6. 7 mileage compare to the 17-ish my '04 was getting? I have no qualms about an '08 but with my miles-driven, I need all the fuel econ I can muster. There were weeks back in September that I was buying $120 of diesel every three or four days.

For highway driving mine probably averages 15-16 mpg. As you know, fuel mileage depends on wind speed and direction, terrain, load, road speed, and driving style. There is a small penalty with the 6. 7 engine but not a drastic one. Increasing cubic inches, horsepower, and torque always has a cost.

If you consider the signatures of those who knock the 6. 7 engines you'll notice that many(most?) who criticise them don't own one. It seems to be human nature on forums like the TDR for many to attempt to convince others to buy/drive what they drive.

 

[TJarecke]

Were you able to keep the DTT out of your truck or does it go to the insurance company?

Good luck on the search.

 

[RVTRKN]

Here in So. Cal. that same truck would retail at about 22K, offer them 17 to 18K but start at 17K and see where they settle at. But start with a returnable deposit first and get them to allow you to have your mechanic look at it and make sure the Lift pump has been replaced. That truck is advertised as a 04. 5 325/600 and you will love the power. Happy steal, I mean deal.

 

[CPittman]

Harvey - your mileage sounds pretty nice; I'm pretty smooth on the throttle when I'm looking for MPG - is your truck an auto or stick?



TJarecke - that's what sucks... losing a $5,500 transmission - I probably won't even be able to slurp the Mag Hy-tech double-deep pan off of it. I am going this Saturday to pull the Cool Black Hose and the PSM CAI off, along with my B&W Turnover Ball hitch and brake controller.



That drivetrain had 229K miles on it and it was still going strong - love that truck.

 

[TJarecke]

That super sucks. Good luck with a new truck.

 

[CurtLee]

No plastic caps on 04. 5 I think that happened in 05.

Happened on some of the 04. 5's. Its like they were the testers for dodge to see if they could go to plastic end tanks. Most of them came with cast tanks that are welded on. No seals to blow that way.



04. 5's get decent mileage depending on how you drive. Don't ask me though:-laf

 

[HBarlow]

Harvey - your mileage sounds pretty nice; I'm pretty smooth on the throttle when I'm looking for MPG - is your truck an auto or stick?.

My truck is a cab and chassis with Aisin six speed automatic. The best source of info about cab and chassis trucks and Aisin transmissions is fellow TDR member EB. He bought one of the first off the assembly line and uses it daily for commercial hauling. His is approaching 200k already. He posted recently that he is well satisfied with his Aisin automatic.

If you buy a new one, beware the German G-56 manual six speed. The transmission is apparently okay but the dual mass flywheel/clutch assembly has proven troublesome under working conditions.

 

[CPittman]

I'm also looking at 2003 models. Does anyone know if the 2003 HO motor automatically comes with the 48RE. How can you tell if it has the 47RE or 48RE?