Looking at a 2008. Is it a bad choice?

[GAmes]

I need a back seat, and my budget really doesn't have a limit. I'll try to keep an open mind on the SCR.

 

[JR]

I need a back seat

Me too, either I've got rug rats back there or the seats are folded up with a bunch of crap piled back there :-laf

I can't have a cap due to the trailers I tow so the back can be a godsend at times as far as keeping stuff out of the weather.

 

[jgillott]

Not what you are looking for I am sure, but there is a fairly decent looking 1996 12-valve 4x4 auto with 130K on it on the Pittsburgh Craigslist right now. If I didn't have too many trucks already, I'd be all over it.

 

[Shadrach]

I bought my 08 from a friend who bought it new and did a full delete at about 23k kms ( about 14k miles ) I now have 138k kms ( about 85k miles ) on it. The only issue I have had is the solenoid pak in the valve body in the 68 RFE needs to be replaced with the upgraded one. I do like the 6 speed auto over the 6 speed manual I had before and it gets better fuel mileage because of the gear ratios in the trans. I don't like the seat for comfort and I do find the steering a bit sloppy even though it has the brace added. Power wise it work great towing thru the mountains. My total weight is about 18500 lbs. It does have some mods done to the truck.

David

 

[JR]

One last point to ponder, when I was searching (and I looked for 8+ months consistent), I really liked the C&C trucks for a lot of reasons. SCR was on them from 11 on which was a must for me, could find them with vinyl floors which I favor over carpet, and MUCH larger fuel tanks. In the end I just couldn't justify buying a dually especially with the higher payload and tow ratings of the new trucks and my off-road uses, so I ended up with a pickup. But if I was in the market for a dually the C&C would be the first check mark on the list.

 

[GAmes]

All good info. No way I would buy a 2nd gen auto but thanks for the interest. My 1st gen was an auto and I dealt with it's weakness and failures up until the warranty ran out, then traded for my '97. I've heard and read a lot of great reviews on the 68rfe, so I'm ready to take the plunge. If my wife was still able to push a clutch pedal I'd be saving my money. C&Cs are neat, but I recall when Harvey Barlow (remember him?) got his. Prior to the buy he called USAA to make sure they would cover it, and they said yes. After he bought it they decided it was a commercial vehicle and didn't want to cover it. He won out in the end, but I don't need that hassle, plus his may be the only C&C USAA is covering. There are quite a few 4X4s for sale in the area. We might go out and drive a couple just to get a feeling of seat comfort.

 

[Killer223]

if you are going to get a new truck, go for 14 or newer, better frame, suspension, engine after treatment, it's all around a much better truck then a 3rd gen. i have 2 3rd gen trucks and love them, but if i ever do buy another it'll be 14+.

 

[JR]

^^^ That only pertains to the 2500. 3500 had the updated frame beginning in 13.

 

[Killer223]

my mistake.

 

[GAmes]

When I said I really don't have a budget it didn't mean I have unlimited funds. I read through the magazine and note the frequency of failures of the computer controlled gizmos that increase in number every year. For that reason I'm looking at pre-SCR. Also, I turned 70 this year. How many more years can I reasonably expect to need a diesel truck to pull my RV and boat? I've got 20+ years out of my '97 and would expect an '08 to last that long. If so, that puts me at 80. How many of us have had the displeasure of being stuck behind some old guy. I don't want to be that guy.

 

[JR]

If your plan is to delete or perhaps buy a truck already deleted pre SCR is going to be hands down the cheapest route. Personally there's no way I'd own pre SCR in stock form, too many problems too much crap being ingested back into the intake...10 years of ownership can be really miserable depending on tolerance level of repeat repairs. Everyone chiming in has altered the emissions in one way or the other...they are the smart ones, the rest must love to consistently lighten their wallets :-laf. If leaving stock one must also pencil in the cost difference in service which is a sizable expense over 10 years, 3 times as many oil changes, CCV filter often double the interval, EGR and turbo cleaning that is non existent on the SCR trucks. Not to mention a weaker fuel filtration system that paves the way for earlier injector failure....Pay now or pay later and get a good workout under the hood, there's really no free lunches... remember there was a massive lawsuit on the 07.5- 12 engines that rivaled the 6.0 in the Ford's. It is a buyer beware world.

 

[GAmes]

I get it, and I may just abandon the idea and not get another truck. Oil change interval isn't a worry to me. I've gone to 12,500 filter changes and 25,000 mile oil changes on my 12 valve. Oil samples come back as continue use, but I change it anyway. I do know that the EGR engines have a higher soot problem and that bypass oil filters won't filter out soot. I'd start a whole new drain period extension experiment. Fuel filters can be upgraded and disconnecting the EGR is fine with me. My high mile driving is going to come to an end pretty soon, so I might not put 10k a year on it. I don't want to leave my money to my ungrateful children, but I don't want to waste it either.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I don't want to leave my money to my ungrateful children

Wanna adopt me?

 

[Tuesdak]

Thought about a Motor Home? (Keep your truck.) Couple we bought our 5th wheel from couldn't hook it up to the truck anymore. A different RV may get you more time to RV as well as something she can drive.

 

[MichaelOverfield]

If your plan is to delete or perhaps buy a truck already deleted pre SCR is going to be hands down the cheapest route. Personally there's no way I'd own pre SCR in stock form, too many problems too much crap being ingested back into the intake...10 years of ownership can be really miserable depending on tolerance level of repeat repairs. Everyone chiming in has altered the emissions in one way or the other...they are the smart ones, the rest must love to consistently lighten their wallets :-laf. If leaving stock one must also pencil in the cost difference in service which is a sizable expense over 10 years, 3 times as many oil changes, CCV filter often double the interval, EGR and turbo cleaning that is non existent on the SCR trucks. Not to mention a weaker fuel filtration system that paves the way for earlier injector failure....Pay now or pay later and get a good workout under the hood, there's really no free lunches... remember there was a massive lawsuit on the 07.5- 12 engines that rivaled the 6.0 in the Ford's. It is a buyer beware world.

What was the outcome of that lawsuit? I haven't had problems with my 09, but it's low miles, not even 50k.. I don't use it for short drives and commuting, because I know if I did it would spell trouble. I'm not deleted, I've considered it. I'm just EGR unplugged right now. Most of miles are towing.. seems the emmisions works pretty well in that mode, I'd bet the vast majority of problems were with those who did frequent short drives, and make it cold and that makes it even worse. There was an acknowledgement buying the truck warning against that kind of driving. I don't get the impression that drive profile will be an issue for GAmes.

 

[NIsaacs]

Too bad you weren't ready to move on this new truck about 1.5 years ago when Rusty traded off his 2011 4x2 dually, it had super low mileage. I wonder how he is doing, he stopped posting.

Nick

 

[GAmes]

Thought about a Motor Home? (Keep your truck.) Couple we bought our 5th wheel from couldn't hook it up to the truck anymore. A different RV may get you more time to RV as well as something she can drive.

We had one long ago. My wife drove it under a tree and ripped the roof up. They don't fit our need anyway. The primary use is going to the lake with the boat, we can double trailer here in TX. With a motor home launching the boat sometimes involves having to put the rear of the RV into the water and always involves having to wade in the water to drive the boat off the trailer. Recovery means unhooking all the umbilicals, putting away anything that can fall on the floor, and rehooking up when the boat is retrieved. With the 5er I get to the CG, disconnect the boat, park the trailer, hook up the boat and go.

 

[mwilson]

Wanna adopt me?

Me too!!!

You'll be leaving all that money to a pair of Diesel Heads, Mark and I will even build a climate controlled shrine to park your '97 in!!!

Well Hell, I'll even talk Dysarts into putting it in the lobby and they can sell bread and muffins off of the tailgate....!!!

 

[JR]

What was the outcome of that lawsuit?

Didn't pay much attention to it being it had no bearing on me but I believe it ended in some type of compensation to affected owners.

Gary, I hope you don't take my posts as being negative. I'm sure given your usage you'll be ok, sounds like you live in an area that doesn't require inspection which is a good thing in the event of some unplanned emergency surgery .
The newer trucks sure are nice, good luck.

 

[Jim W]

Gary,
Sorry I am late to this thread and this is my take on the 2008 Dodge trucks. They are a very good vehicle if maintained and with some slight changes made to the truck.

I bought new a 2008 Dodge 2500, Mega Cab 6.7L Cummins with the 68RFE Auto 4X4, differentials are 3:73 in Nov 2007. I have 112,000+ miles on this truck and I am pulling a 34RL Cedar Creek 5er for the last 15,000 miles with this truck.

I have modified my truck starting in Dec 07, and still at it, starting with a set of gauges, Boost, EGT's and transmission. I than added a Smarty S67 in Aug 09, with a TBE made for a 2006 extended cab long bed truck from MBRP after several emission issues and recalls for the truck. I did not delete the EGR cooler only blocked the output from the cooler to the air intake and discounted the valve from the system, per Smarty instructions. My mileage went from an average of 12MPG to an average to 15 MPG in town. Pulling mileage went from 9-10 MPG pulling a very light 5fth wheel trailer to 12-13 MPG pulling my Cedar Creek which is 13.5' tall and heavy. The exhaust brake runs constantly and is still the original turbo. This was drilled and cleaned once at 13,000 miles by the Dodge dealer.

I also installed a Mag-Hytec deep dish transmission oil pan with Mag-Hytec differential covers front and rear. These all have extra oil capacity and are Al for cooling benefits. Trans temps when pulling are between 180 and 200F depending on grade. The rear differential is 145F measured by IFR gun at rest stops. These were installed Jan 2009.

I am using a Glacier Diesel Fuel Filter after the primary fuel filter but before the CP3 fuel pump, installed March 2010.

Air bags were installed at April 2011, and a wireless controller was added in 2015. This is only to level the truck so, the driving lights when on don't shine in oncoming driver’s eyes.

The front end was rebuilt at 81,000 miles drag link failed and I had the entire front end rebuilt with grease able ball joints, April 2015.

I changed out my tires and rims on the truck to Nitto Dura Grapplers with a set of Mickey Thompson SideBitter II rims, the tire size is LT285/70R/17 126S, these are for summer use only when towing my 5er. Otherwise I use the stock size tires and rims in the winter.

After our trip this year I had the front seats rebuilt. The driver and passenger seat cushion were replaced with the installer adding spacers to the passenger seat (1.5") raising the seat up and lumber support also for the passenger, this is electrically controlled. They were than covered in leather matching the factory seat colors.

We have enjoyed this truck and I will probably not sell my truck. I am intending on keeping this for another 200,000 miles which means this maybe another 20 years or so. By than I will be too old to pull a trailer and drive the truck anymore. I will be approaching 90 by than and I don't think anyone would want me driving than.