need help with a cummins purchase

[jwrguy]

I am looking at buying a 2007 ram 3500 quad cab dually with an automatic and 4x4. Is there any issues I need to know about or look for? the truck has 60,000 miles. Also is this a better model than the 6.7?

 

[Bob4x4]

The last of the 5.9's bring a premium price.Virtually no problems with smog equipment but you only get a 4speed trans instead of the 6 with the 6.7.
I would choose the 5.9 over the 6.7;for the 07 model year.The only common issues would be a seeping coolant hose and possibly tipm if the truck was used with poorly wired trailers

 

[Motorhead]

I second what Bob says. I wouldn't own the 6.7 with the early regen emissions. The 5.9 will always hold its resale price down the road over a 6.7. I DO agree that the 4 speed automatic has its gearing limitations, mainly between drive (1 to 1) and 4th which is overdrive (.69 to 1). Big gap. If the truck has 4.10's, it will be pretty good for towing. I'd deal with the 4 speed auto ANY DAY over the 6.7 emissions issues just to get a 6 speed auto. The TIPM is better in the 2007, 5.9 but you MUST always use caution to make sure when you hook a trailer to the truck that the trailer wiring and lighting isn't Mickey Moused and has short circuits. This can knock out the TIPM.

 

[jwrguy]

Thank you for the input, if the purchase goes through are there any must do's for the 5.9?

 

[Motorhead]

If you get service records then go through them and see what has been done in the way of trans services, transfer case services and differential services. If you have no records then have the trans serviced by someone competent making sure they use the proper replacement fluid. If the coolant has never been changed then I would change it and replace it with the OE coolant. Some guys have had issues with the radiator drain cock and have stripped it out. It is plastic and goes into a plastic tank. I think if one takes caution then it should be okay to remove it. It wouldn't hurt to put in a NEW OE, Cummins thermostat at the coolant change then all is well for another 7 to 8 years. Change the PRIMARY fuel filter right away unless you know when it was changed last. They should be changed every 15,000 miles or sooner if you are going to exceed that on a trip. I would recommend a SECONDARY, 2 to 3 micron filter set-up as that will further protect the injectors which in turn can save you an expensive engine overhaul if an injector fails and cuts up a piston. Glacier Diesel makes a nice filter mount and set-up. Had one on my truck just after I bought it new. You are buying a nice low mileage truck. If you take care of it and drive it within its limits, it should last you a long time and hold its value. I have just under 90,000 on my 2007, 5.9. One last thing would be to flush the brake fluid system and calipers.

 

[Boehler]

Also, make sure to lube the fitting on the front driveshaft, even if the dealer's service department says that there is no fitting. It is really there!

 

[Motorhead]

Good tip ^^^. He will just have to go on the hunt to find it. I marked the area on my truck with a paint pen. I don't have to lube mine very often because of the free spin hubs.

 

[Bob4x4]

Also, make sure to lube the fitting on the front driveshaft, even if the dealer's service department says that there is no fitting. It is really there!

Not all trucks.........if in doubt pull it out

 

[Newfy]

I have that exact same Truck, use 5-6 days a week for work, most reliable truck I ever had, also the longest I ever kept. Front tie rod recalls, airbag recall; just basic maintenance to date, replaced brakes last fall and batteries this past January after 10 years. This truck starts so much easier than my '01 POWER Stroke Ford. Going to have to redo my rear seats, Newfoundlands tend to wear them out a bit.

 

[Prairie Dog]

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