Love the Cummins but concerned about what it is attached too

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I just joined the list. Been lurking for a couple of months. I will be buying a new 3500 2DR DRW 4X4 (auto) around March of 2001. I want to learn from the group so I don't get a lemon or if I have a problem what to do to get it fixed. I "LOVE" this Truck but from what I have read so far, there are several problems to watch out for. I would like your comments on what options I need to stay away from and what options are the best investment. My truck will never haul over 2,000 lbs and the most it will be asked to pull is 7500 lbs. Thanks for your input.

 

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Personnallyy, I would get what u want. I feel that some of the problems are TOTALLY dealer related. If the truck has a problem (minor or major) and the dealer is not willing to assist you, then you have a problem that "NEEDS" to be fixed and how do you go about getting it done?? Most of the units have few if any problems, BUT we try to help with any that do and therefore you will read about them more than the non-problem units. I asked about the A/C cause I "thought" I had a problem, DUH!! Forgot that the owners manual said that thats the way it is - #ad
- but we had about 20 posting to me with about 1/2 giving me He!! for not reading. So some problems are and some are percieved. Hope you like what you order and work/drive it like you only live for one day!! (in other words -ENJOY IT!!)

Just my 0. 015$ worth and we know how little that is #ad
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SOTSU!!
\\BF//

 

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Don't be misled by some of the stuff you see on this site. Lots of un-informed or mis-informed drivers out there. When you consider the number of complaints versus the number of members, it's a pretty safe bet to go Dodge. A friend who just bought his second one says the quality improvement between his '95 and his 2001 is very apparent. They are great trucks, just drive it and you'll love it!
Ron


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'99 QC SLT 4X4, Forest Green, long box, camper/trailer pkg, 3. 55 axles, auto, CD/cassette, power seat, heated mirrors, HD xfer case, Two meter Radioshack ham transceiver (license KC7MME),Proud member of the vast right wing conspiracy!
'98 Arctic Cat 300 4X4 ATV
'00 Honda Recon ATV
'99 Grand Cherokee
NRA Life member
"Bible thumping" Rush Dittohead!

 

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Welcome Dennis.
Here's the problems I've had up to 6000 miles so far.
Steering: Steering Box and Track Bar replaced.
Broken Center Console/Armrest Hinge Tabs: Fixed once, second replacement on order.
Leaking Rear Differential Cover Gasket: Going in soon for this.
The overhead thermometer doesn't always work right - I'll have it looked at.
Passenger Door Window was scratched on delivery: Replaced by dealer.
Passenger Door Window used to shift forward when going up: Fixed by dealer.

I guess it looks like a lot when it's listed out. With the exception of the steering, it's all been minor annoying stuff. Fortunately, my dealer is great to work with. My biggest advice for anyone is to make sure you're dealing with a stand-up dealer that cares about your satisfaction, not just making the sale. I shopped around a lot. All things being equal, I wanted to buy from the guy I went with because I knew him. I might have been able to squeeze a few hundred more out of another dealer (farther away from me), but going with the dealer I did has proven to be the smartest thing I did. I've read about a lot of people who have lousy experiences with their dealer, so I'm glad I don't have that problem. I've also learned a lot from TDR. Now that my steering is fixed, overall I'm very happy with my truck (even with the other minor annoyances). #ad
There's no question in my mind that the Cummins is superior to anything else out there.

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

[This message has been edited by Fireman Dave (edited 10-30-2000). ]

[This message has been edited by Fireman Dave (edited 10-30-2000). ]

 

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With what You are pulling/hauling go with the 3. 54 axle ratio. (My $0. 02) Other than that go with what You like.

 

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Dennis, If my new truck is any indication, you should have no problems. I too was a bit wary about possible problems, but I'm totally happy with the truck. Order it the way "you" want it and have faith, St. Louis did a good job on mine.

Al

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01~3500QC,4X,Sport-Silver,eth~dee,3. 54,Line-X

 

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Dennis, I have a 1996 with 70,000 miles. Two trackbars, one set of brake pads, ABS sensor, fuel tank sender, throttle cable, 2 universal joints, transfer case seal leak, wiper motor and one passenger side headlight. Although it may seem like alot, if you think about it, it really isn't. I had the same concerns you did but I have been a converted chevy guy. I will buy another one.

[This message has been edited by JJP (edited 10-30-2000). ]

 

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Put 70,000 miles on a 95 before trading it in on my 98. It has 86,000 on it now. No serious problems that were not directly caused by me (i. e. the clutch and rearend blew at 30,000 because of my lead foot). The only warranty repair was to replace the CD player after it quit working.

Front brake pads replaced at 50,000 (not bad for a truck that weighs 8500), and still on its second set. Rears are original. The track bar was a problem early on. Instead of buying a replacement, I opted for the $30 rebuild kit. Still works fine.

The only thing that bugs me now is the little shift light in the middle of the tach. Comes on when I start the truck, but doesn't come on when I am supposed to shift. Guess I can live with it.

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98. 5 3500 QC 4x4, Driftwood/Mist Grey, 5 spd, 3. 54, 19. 5 Alcoa's, Ranchhand bumpers, DeeZee toolbox, "Scotty Air", TST PowerMax2, VA, 275's, Autometer Gauges, Centerforce clutch, Upgraded fuel lines (JRE and Aeroquip), MagHytec Diff Cover, PacBrake, Cowl Induction Hood

[This message has been edited by Jeff Clark (edited 10-30-2000). ]

 

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Dennis here are the problems that I have had with my 2000 3500 4X2 auto.

Steve

 

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Different trucks have different problems but basically I love my truck. But God forbid you have to deal with Chrysler Service. Its like having your penis hammered to a board with a #8 framing nail. VERY PAINFUL(just a metaphor, not by experience)

 

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Dennis,

Received my truck May 26, 2000. Not one problem as of this date and 11,000 plus miles. Hope you'll enjoy yours as much as I have enjoyed mine.


Gary

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01' 2500 - QC/SB, ISB w/Auto, 4X4, 3. 54 LSD, Solid White - Westin Bars, A. R. E. Cap, Bug/Vent Sheilds, K&N Air Filter, Autometer Ultralites Boost/EGT/Trans.


[*]TU Member
[*]NRA Member

 

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Jeff, I have an easy solution for your shift light - pull the bulb! I've done this on every vehicle I've ever owned with a shift light. I thought the shift light wasn't used on the diesels - mine's never lit up. Of course I bought it used - maybe the previous owner pulled the bulb?



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-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes TDR
'98 QC LB (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, TST Powermax, 275hp RV injectors, SW fuel pressure gauge, BD exhaust brake, Isspro turbo temp monitor, front Draw-Tite receiver, rear Draw-Tite class V receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's, (all the common stuff clipped)

 

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Dennis;
Here is the list of problems I have had with my '01 ETH DEE after 13000 miles of which about 1000 have been towing a 11K fiver;

000000000000000000000000000000

My prior '93 had in 126K miles----
one rebuild of the GERMAN transmission
one rebuild of the Differential
one temp sending unit and one steering arm.

Vaughn

[This message has been edited by merryman (edited 10-31-2000). ]

 

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I purchased my 01. 5 eth/dee at the beginningof the month. I have no complaints, and it drives fantastic. The steering is tight, it has great power and the ride is tight, with no squeaks or rattles. It reminds me of a new porsche we got a few years ago. Like it was cut from a solid piece of metal. I know that most if not all members of the tdr are probably perfectionist at heart and this is why problems appear on the site, but over all, I think that the majority of cummins owners are happy with their purchase. Besides,there is no guarantee that going with a ford or chevy will give you satisfaction either. Good luck with your decision

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01. 5 ETH/DEE QC, 2500 4X4, 3. 54 Everything but leather

 

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Dennis, 25,000 trouble free miles, mechanically, since I bought mine new 6 months ago. Bad paint on the "Sport" grill, Dodge gave me a new one under warranty.
No regrets with this truck !

 

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Bought my Ram new in May been back to dealer for problems 0000000000000000 times.

 

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Welcome, this is my 2nd Dodge w/cummins, my frist a 90 went over 100K with no problems, in fact being mechancially challenged, the ATF was never changed,not because of any lack of doing things right I just didn't know to do so, when I bought my 2k I also bought a service manual right away. There is also great information on this site and the members are all ways ready to help.

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00, 4x4,ISB,Quad Cab,LWB,Bed Rug,Smitty Built Side Rails, Century Canopy,Westach Combo Gauge

 

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Thanks for the responses. I now feel better about my purchase plans. This looks like a great group to learn from and I have 5 months to learn before I buy. I would hate to be the salesman that ends up with me as a customer. #ad
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Thanks
Dennis

 

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we use all kinds of mid to heavy pickups in our fleet. as one of the buyers i can assure you that the dodge is the best bet, but as everyone tells you, the dealer service makes all the difference. talk to the lead mechanic not the salesman when you have problems and keep up with the tsb reports on this site.

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Problems with my Ram. .
1. Wife won't let me bring it to bed.
2. Wife won't sleep in the Ram with me.
3. The cruise control won't set over 85 mph



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"Have you driven OVER a phord lately"
2001 2500 BRT WHT SPORT QUADCAB 4X4 ETH 3. 54LSD TRLR CMPR PKG ALL OPT XCPT LTHR