looking at 2008,3500ctd

[BGoodale]

Well I'm still looking at upgrading trucks and have found here locally a 2008, 3500 short box srw, 6 speed man. transmission. It has about 88k miles on it, clean car fax report. Does need tires and replaced front windshield. He's asking $24,500 but may negotiate. I've driven the truck and feels and looks fine. I'm going to bring the truck over tonight and will spend several hours checking it out. Having a 2nd gen truck I'm not as up to date on the 2008. What should I look out for and check. Thanks, Brett

 

[Bater]

Here is a list, since the vehicle you are looking at is similar to mine, including the miles driven.



By 88000 miles that truck should have had:



Multiple oil changes (obviously).

Perhaps a new air filter.

Multiple fuel filters, including a change to the new style cartridge system.

Front and rear differential fluid changed. (There may be grease pencil marks so you can see if the plug was turned. )

Transfer case fluid changed. (Same grease pencil marks. )

Should have had a reflash to prevent turbocharger fouling.

Look for a cleaning port on the turbocharger. No port, probably means that turbo was never changed, and certainly that it was never cleaned. Better to have the port.

Hook up a scanner to look for any pending codes.

Check that the exhaust brake is working. (Not sure how that operates on a manual, I have an auto. )

I think the manual transmission fluid gets changed at 50k?

Should have had the CV filter changed, and the EGR cooler and valve cleaned. (At 67500, quite a procedure. )

Look at the exhaust system, my tailpipe is rusted out already.

Check to make sure the entire factory exhaust system is there, very expensive to replace particulate filter etc.

Brakes will likely be due soon, mine have about 30% left.

My batteries went to hell about a year ago. If one goes bad, then it will negatively impact the other. (They need to be matched. )

Check the electric rear sliding window for operation, if it has one. I understand some leak.

There is a current recall on tie rod ends.

Check the build date. I believe later in '08 will be better with regard to turbo used, tie rod ends, etc. (My early '08, not so good. )

And of course as you mentioned tires (expensive!), wiper blades, etc...



Also, toggle the odometer to look at the miles driven versus hours of operation. Think the instructions are in the owners manual, or you can find them on TDR somewhere. Low hours, high miles, mostly highway driving. High hours, low miles, then the truck did a lot of city driving, which is not as good for the 6. 7 CTDs.



Andy

 

[LBARTLETT]

Andy gave great advice, the only other thing I would do is drive it and get a build sheet to determine the gearing, my 08 dually with 3. 73's runs about 2100 rpm at 70 mph and I have to baby it to get 16 mpg, if I slow down to about 66 mph and 1800 rpm I can get 17. 9 mpg



my wife's truck with the 3. 73's and the 6 speed auto runs way lower rpm's, I do alot of highway driving and may change to 3. 42's some day



that's the only regret I have with my truck, if I drive it very hard the fuel mileage goes to hell, I'd like to drive 75 mph on the interstate but I don't want to run 2500 rpm

 

[LBARTLETT]

couple of other thoughts, take the vin to a dodge dealer and he will give you a build sheet, also what service work has been done at any dodge dealership



make sure it's had the 67,500 mile cleaning service, that is expensive

 

[HBarlow]

Very good info above, particularly from Andy Bater.

I would only add this question: Have you read about owner experiences with the G-56 manual six speed and dual mass flywheel in that truck? You should inform yourself before you buy.

 

[KLauber]

Found out my DMF was falling to pieces when it was swapped out for a Perfection Clutch solid unit. The video for the replacement here: Perfection Clutch - Technical Support.

Other than that, this has been a balls truck. Love the 6 speed and exhaust brake combo. 106K miles and original brake pads are still about 50%.

 

[BGoodale]

Thanks Guys for all your input. I'm going under the truck today. Yes I know about the transmission problems . But how do I know if there is a problem. The truck clutch feels fine and there is no transmission noise. Thanks, Brett