My first Cummins Ram!

[agoldbach]

Hello Everyone, Nice to meet you all!

My name is Adam and I am excited to finally be a part of your community here at TDR! I really need your advice on my new truck. I graduated from college in June of 99 and I am finally to the point where I can spend money on a truck I have been absolutley pinning away for since I was old enough to drive. I am looking at buying a new HD diesel at the begining of 2003 and I have a few questions that I would like to get your opiinions on.



1 - 2500 or 3500? I want a single rear wheel for manuverability,

that I am sure of, but which package? Is the ride much

different between the two? and isn't it better to "have it and

not need it, than need it and not have it?"

2 - Are the Bosch injectors being replaced with the current ones for the new models? I read that the current injectors are crap on a website (www.bluechipdiesel.com).

3. - I like driving a standard, so I am leaning toward the 6-speed HD, but an automatic is handy in traffic. The problem is the power limitations with the auto. I am definitly getting the HO cummins and I don't need the transmission being a "weak link" so to speak. What do you guys think.



I should state that I am one of those guys who absolutly loves driving a big truck and want one strictly for what it is, not what I need it for. To be honest, the ammount of actual work/hauling I do could be handled by a Ford Ranger. I know there are the die-hard diesel fanatics out there who hate guys like me, but even if you don't agree, we all have one thing in common. We all love Cummins Diesels! I appreciate any advice you all may have on any aspect of buying a new truck, not just the questions I posted.



I look forward to being part of the TDR family!



V/R Adam

 

[SOOT]

Let me be the first to say WELCOME aboardOo.

 

[SOOT]

As you can see from my sig I have experiance with both the 2500 and the 3500. When it comes to getting in and out of the streets and parking lots of the city the 2500 is way easier than the 3500. But on the other hand when it comes to hauling lots of weight you can't beat the 3500. The 2500 gets much better fuel mileage and rides smoother. The manuel trans is the way to go. SAY NO TO THE SLUSH BOX IMHO they are a lot more fun to drive than the auto.



And again welcome



Hope you enjoy which ever truck you as much as I enjoy mineOo. Oo. :-laf

 

[agoldbach]

Thanks MMclain!!

I have been sitting here for the last few hours waiting for my first reply! I definitly think I want the 6speed. I just wanted to get opinions on both transmissions. I'm glad to be aboard! My Ram fever is starting to act up all over again!

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I think you meant the injection pump (VP44) as being poor not the injectors. The new '03 truck will have a completely different injection system than the current trucks.

 

[Tomeygun]

my opinion:



quad cab 3500 single rear wheel 4x4 -



reason is that the 1 ton will have absolutely no Lift law to deal with when you get the bug the lift it with 38 inch tires



GVWR over 9000 lbs = no lift law in missouri and many other states...



also, 6-spd HO cummins all the way, auto isn't even a consideration

 

[agoldbach]

VP44 Piece of Shiznit!

Thanks Steve,

I did mean the fuel pump. I read the article a long time ago and should have verified the info before posting. I'll remember to check next time. Anyway, you answered my question on the pump, so thanks a bunch!



V/R Adam

 

[TPCDrafting]

I'd go with the 6 speed over the 5 if and when I buy again. The 5 is great for running empty, but when pulling it would be nice to have tighter gears. I buy used just so I don't have a heart attack when I start to scratch it up, it comes pre-scratched. I really appreciate guys like you who have to have the heavy duty truck, but don't use it as it was designed. Many guys out there put 50k on their diesel, then trade them off for the next best thing. That's how I found my truck.

 

[JyRO]

Wait for the '03...

Agoldbach -



Best of luck to ya! I think you're on the right track. I'm on my 1st Dodge Ram. Heck, my first pick-up... . hey, even my 1st new car ever. I chose the 6 speed 2500 quad cab. I might've been a little happier with a 4. 10 rear gear, but only when I'm towing my 5'er. The other 95% time, I love the 3. 54 LSD. I love the look of the DRW trucks, but it is excessive for my application(s).



But if I were you, I'd wait for the '03 model. From what I'm hearing, you'll get quite a bit more power (stock). I think you got a good head on your shoulders to choose the 6 speed. Mine's perdy pokey until its in 4th gear, but after that when you can hold the boost on for longer, its impressive. Most of all, auto's drive me crazy... shift too soon, or not soon enough, or too much, etc. I prefer to do it myself. Plus, better fuel economy with a manual and its cheaper to buy, and the manuals have a he11 of a lots less problems than the auto. Yep, a manual is the only way to go for me. Best of luck to ya!



- JyRO

 

[Paulsdodge]

Which truck to buy

I would recommend the 2500 with the high-output diesel and the manual six-speed transmission. I too am one of those folks that could easily get by with a small truck and a four cylinder engine most of the time. But, there are times when I need a heavy duty truck. I have been well satisified with my truck, and with my dealer. I must have checked out every piece of web-related information available on the heavy duty diesels, and that's why I choose the Dodge. Enjoy your new truck, and welcome aboard. Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[Pit Bull]

You sound like you love the look of a big truck. I am the same. I went with the 3500 4x4. Can't beat the looks I would also go with the 6 speed. Go heavy duty on all of the truck and options. You won't regret it. The 3500 4x4 is not that hard to drive and it is only a few inches wider in the rear. If your side mirrors make it past an obstacle, then your duel rear end will make it. Plus they are GREAT LOOKING!!! Oo. Oo.

 

[Ethdee]

Hi Adam, and welcome!



I was in a similar position to you just a few months ago. If I could have bought a 3500 SRW I would have done it in a heartbeat. As I recall (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong), the 3500 has a beefier frame.



I must admit that I think the trucks with training wheels are better looking, but every time I go through a drive-through or park close to a curb or in a politically correct parking space, I appreciate the SRW.



I really like the 6-speed, especially with my exhaust brake.



The other hard choice I had to make was between the Sport package and the snow plow prep package. I wound up with the Sport package, and it's a nice-looking truck, if I say so myself. However, there are times when I think I'd like the slightly higher and stiffer front springs from the snow-plow prep package. Something to consider if you're buying a 4x4.



I agree with JyRO about the gearing. I got the 3. 54s, and except when I'm pulling the trailer, they're perfect. Pulling the trailer, running at lower speeds, I occassionally have to downshift to 5th just to keep the revs up.



If you can, wait for the more powerful engines with common-rail injection. I think they'll be worth the wait.



Jim

 

[rashwor]

My thoughts...

Welcome aboard Adam. I am glad you are here! This is only mo $0. 02, so here goes. My thought is find a 2002 now before they run out. This will get you in a CTD 6 speed now and with minimum BOMBing cost, you can be running 305+HP and 700+ft/lb.



The reason I say this is that the current body style and engine are proven and the problems are known. With the 03's, there will be some problems, since it is the first year of production, and the stock truck will probably be considerably more expensive than the 02's. A bit of confort... I have heard that the engine that will be in the 03's has been running in Europe for about 2 years now... but DC has never run this engine and has no experience with it... .



I will probably trade at some point, but it will be several years. I like the new body style, but funding is limited. I will be bombing mine before I am able to trade.



Just my $0. 02; good luck with your choice!Oo.

 

[laketex]

Rashwor-



I agree with you completely. While I think I'd like to see what the new trucks can do, I decided to go with an '02 model. Ordered it 5 weeks ago and counting. I can't wait to get my new Dodge Cummins! Plus with all the discounts and dealers wanting to get them out of here, the price was much much better!

 

[DHess]

My $. 02 worth.



No matter which way you go you will love the truck.



If you're going for the '02, get 2500 with the camper package. You will have the same rearend as the 3500 without the duals. If memory serves me, if you go with 265 width tires you have about the same load capacity as a SWR 1 ton phord. Definitely go with the HO and 6 speed.



If you go with the '03, get the SRW 3500 with HO and 6 speed. But then you will miss the sweet sound of the Cummins hummin'.



Dave

 

[98rammer]

as raswor stated, minimum bombing cost. can you imagine what the injectors will cost for ugrading?? (can you say powerstroke!?!or worse). agoldbach, I'll be saving up for a dtt or ats transmission over the next couple years--great route if you love autos like me. btw, what are you looking at for a cab configuration... ?