New to site...thinking Dodge...

[Hercules130]

i went and test drove alike 4x4 crew cab diesels this weekend from the big three. now i am not biased, and i wish buying a new truck was not such a hard decision. after driving the ford it was definatley out of the question, hate the interior and to many issues with engine and transmission. the chevy was great, dual climate control, very comfortable truck, but had the bounciest ride of all three. all the filters had easy access and the engine was right there, unlike the ford that was tucked under the firewall. then i drove the dodge. the steering and braking blew the chevy and ford away. it was very comfortable, rode nice and didn't lean around corners. the automatic was horrible, it slipped and didn't know what gear it wanted, but that is not really an issue since i prefer the manual, just can't find them in Arkansas.

 

[TFucili]

SDurgin, interesting feedback on the automatic, as that is the way I would have to go. I have owned "slushy" automatics and that would not make me happy. Hmmmmmmm. So far I have only taken a very short test drive, so I couldn't really form an opinion. When it comes to decision time I'm going to try to beg an overnighter so I can relax in the truck and make a more educated evaluation. Gotta agree with you on the steering. My Chevy feels like the steering box is worn out, needs constant attention to stay in lane. That was one thing I mentioned to my wife even after just a ride around the block in the CTD.



How 'bout it guys... anyone else feel like the 48 is a slush-box? :{

 

[Hercules130]

i must say i was biased from the start and may not have formed a fair opinion. the salesman let me and my wife take the truck for a drive alone, and i ran it harder the ford or chevy, so i am sure that was a factor. my wife loved how the truck shook when we shut it down, it did bring a smile to my face too

 

[mberry]

I had an auto in my '02. It was a great transmission for driving in town and even commuting. Never had a problem at all with it in 70K miles.



IMO, the problem was while towing I needed another gear. At the time I could not afford power upgrades let alone transmission upgrades. I was towing my 3500# boat and it sucked unless I was going 70mph+. I don't like to tow that fast so I had to run it out of OD in the hills. 55mph at 2500rpm or so. This was my main reason for going with the 6 speed since I had no reliability issues with the auto



All that being said, I think the 48RE is a much improved auto thanks to better programming. There are quite a few people on here that tow heavy with their auto and like it. I honestly don't think you would be disappointed with the auto but that all depends on your expectations of what you think it's performance should be and your driving style.

 

[WNowlan]

SDurgin, interesting feedback on the automatic, as that is the way I would have to go. I have owned "slushy" automatics and that would not make me happy. Hmmmmmmm. So far I have only taken a very short test drive, so I couldn't really form an opinion. When it comes to decision time I'm going to try to beg an overnighter so I can relax in the truck and make a more educated evaluation. Gotta agree with you on the steering. My Chevy feels like the steering box is worn out, needs constant attention to stay in lane. That was one thing I mentioned to my wife even after just a ride around the block in the CTD.



How 'bout it guys... anyone else feel like the 48 is a slush-box? :{

The transmissions of today are designed for a nice smooth shift. This is because consumers, in general, do not want their coffee shaken. I do not understand the "SLUSHY" comment. I have had AT in all of my trucks for the last 25 years. From the F to C and now my first Dodge is a 48re. There are some that prefer hard or more solid shift. The companies have to make a compromise. With 600 Lbs. of torq, I think it shifts nice. It may blow up tomorrow, but I have the service records and I use ATF 4. This is even though I work for an oil company and could put something else in there! It would not be worth saving $24 dollars to mess with.



The one in my 84 Chevy is a Turbo 400 and I have never had a transmission problem. I change fluid and tow and drive them offroad mainly in deep sand at Hatteras, NC. NO problems Never a failure. Now I have torn a few Jeep manual transmission up offroad! Some Clutches! Rear Gears! Front Gears! Drive Shafts!



Now the 48RE is being used to tow a 12,000 + horse trailer and I am very satisfied on how it does. I have 18,000 on the truck since I bought it in April 04. I have towed about 7000 miles so far with this truck. The boat and the horse trailer. I would like for DC to figure out the Jake Brake situation, because that is the next upgrade I will do.



I do not need more power yet, I need help holding it back! Then it is more POWER.

 

[TFucili]

The "slushy" comment is quite simple really. Some transmissions give a seat of the pants feel like the power is getting put to the ground. I must admit that the allison in my Lemon feels quite good in that department. On the flip side are transmissions that feel vague, and disconnected, and give the feeling that it's absorbing the power instead of transmitting it. My most recent slush-box was in a 2000 Expedition. I complained about it almost immediately after taking delivery, but to no avail. Then at 11,000 miles it took a dump. I hadn't towed anything or of-roaded it. The new transmission did not feel any better. The engine(5. 4)blew a head gasket before the transmission got a chance to give a repeat performance, so I traded the POS off. You tow heavier than my normal tow so your positive feedback is quite encouraging. Thanks.



Slippy-Slushy-Sucky :-laf

 

[LightmanE300]

Nobody picked up on my previous pyrometer/EGT question so I'll rephrase it. I don't pull alot of weight, generally less than 5k, but it's an enclosed motorcycle trailer and the flat front is like pulling a parachute. When I tow I want to move at interstate speeds 70-75 without having to back out of it. On a bone stock CTD, pulling a decent grade how likely is it to attain excessive EGT if you keep your foot in it.

I don't care if it is a parachute :-laf If it's less than 5k lbs, you will be able to yank that thing up mountains doing 90mph... seriously. .



I just finished towing 8700 lbs (light compared to many here) from OH to FL, through the mountains along I-95. I had the cruise on 70mph and rarely even had to drop out of O/D. Highest EGT's I saw going up those 5% grades with the pedal mashed was about 1090-1100 preturbo. 14. 8mpg

 

[TFucili]

Now THAT'S what we're talkin' about Oo. Oo. Oo.



YeeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

 

[tschwab]

TFucili - Welcome!



I don't think you will be disapointed with the 48re. Some people who are not used to the Cummins/Auto combo might not realize THAT is supposed to be how it feels. My '98 was the same way. They tow great! IF your going to leave your truck stock, you have a 7-70 powertrain and 7-100 on the Cummins. I wouldn't worry about high egt's or the transmission if your stock, that is WHY we have a warranty. This transmission and motor has been through some very rigorous testing and there are many on this site and DTR who have had little to NO problems towing with the 48re. Do a search on the 48re and I think you will see, it is a very good transmission and the 48re doesn't need a 5th or 6th gear with a Cummins.

 

[TFucili]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!!!!!!!! Oo.



Just got word that GM has agreed to buy my truck back



Now I can get down to some serious business around here, like BEGGING that the e-brake on the 48re issue get resolved



Some of my customers and friends(??) are still pushing to go Powerdork, but I'm pretty darned determined to try my luck with a CTD.



Now let's see... '06/'05... quad/mega... 48re/new autobox... I'm sooooooo confused :--)

 

[Hercules130]

i think i have pretty much made up my mind to go with the cummins. i love the looks of the dodge and how it handles. it also has a lot less problems than the other 2. my only problem now is, do i wait for the 06 mega cab with the possiblility of a 5 speed auto and the new nose? it would also be great if they offered dual climate control on the slt. and if i wait that long i might as well wait for the redisigned 07's. i will never have a truck at this rate. i should just order one now and get it over with.

 

[WStoops]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!!!!!!!! Oo.



Just got word that GM has agreed to buy my truck back



Now I can get down to some serious business around here, like BEGGING that the e-brake on the 48re issue get resolved



Some of my customers and friends(??) are still pushing to go Powerdork, but I'm pretty darned determined to try my luck with a CTD.



Now let's see... '06/'05... quad/mega... 48re/new autobox... I'm sooooooo confused :--)

Congratulations on your success in the Lemon Law argument. As I have said before, be sure to drive it before you sign. Up to highway speeds and if there is a vibration there, you'll know right away. Since my 04. 5 is in lemon law here in CT for the vibration I mention, I went out yesterday and drove 2 new 05's, a 2500 and a 3500. The 2500 had the Vibes really bad, even worse than mine. The 3500 felt real good. The salesman said he had never heard of that before and took me into the service manager who said that he already has 2 that have the vibration he cannot fix and was upset to hear that they now have a third. if I'm successful I have decided to get a Durango and a used pickup. Can't stomach going through this again.

 

[NNelson]

I have an auto in the truck in my signature. I have about 13000 miles on the truck and tow large loads (15-20,000)every now and then. I live in AR and have to deal with the hills you are talking about. I have no problems at all.



With no load the transmission is very snappy. If I mash the peddle in first I can usually get a second gear bark out of the tires with 3. 73 gears and full posi rear end. And I get about 18 MPG. If I slow down between 65-70 I can get over 20 MPG.



When towing at 70-75 mph it hardly ever comes out of OD while pulling a hill even with the cruise on. I get about 16 MPG.



Do you have a Fletcher dealer where you live? If not I know the sales manager (Mike) at Fletcher Dodge in Rogers, and he will make you a smokin deal. I have gotten both of my last 2 trucks from him.



You wont be disappointed if you buy the CTD. It has been a WONDERFUL truck!

 

[TFucili]

Just by chance a customer shows up this AM with an 04. 5 2500/quad/sb/48re, so I immediately begin interrogating him, and get another glowing product endorsement. Then he throws the keys at me and says, "Take it for a ride"... gone like a flash. Still impressed how tight these feel, especially the more prcise feel of the steering versus Chevrolet. The only thing I found a little peculiar was when descending a hill and speed decreased to maybe 40 MPH, I could really feel the engine "fall off" the converter, at which point the truck was basically freewheeling. How does that feel with a trailer behind you? Would manually downshifting keep it on the converter?



Cue the Carly Simon. . Anticipation---Anticipa-a-shun is makin' me wait---it's keepin' me wa-a-a-a-aiting.....

 

[NNelson]

If I know I am going to be going down a steep grade on the backroads and I am traveling about 55-60. I just press the tow button. It will take you out of overdrive and give you just a little bit more engine brake.



If on the highway at 65-75+ I just go. The brakes on these things are AWESOME and have yet to fail me. And at that speed you let off the LOVE pedal the beast starts to slow down anyway with the engine. Even if you are in OD.



This has been my GREATEST truck ever owned.

 

[DPKetchum]

a 05 now does have progressive braking.

 

[TFucili]

A New Chapter...

Well, after much deliberating and mostly good feedback from this site, I placed an order today for a 3500 SRW,QC,4x4,48RE,3. 73 LSD,Laramie H,Deep Molten Red/Taupe,etc. ,etc. ,etc... Oo.





Now the looooong wait :{ I feel like a kid at Christmas :-laf



Thanks to one and all!!!

 

[dodgerep]

Welcome aboard, and Let teh fear fade from your blood. I Sell Dodge Trucks, and have the greatest Job in the Entire World, except for the guy that takes pictures of Bikini Models on Dodge Trucks! I have seen more Chevrolets Traded in this past year than ever before and Whle Ford Owners are hanging Tough, they too are starting to crowd my lower lot. Just looking at all the forums, I am sure you will see that Dodge Onwers are a different Breed, Happy, Satisfied and Proud as hell of their trucks.



There is a certain satidfaction in knowing you will blow the doors off the ford or Chevy you pull up to at the light, and there is also a sense of peace in knowing you can actually do things to your motor without some super duper top secret Engine Schematic that has been smuggled from the bowels of the BLUE OVAL Top Secret ENgine Archives.



BUILD IT BUY IT AND BRAG ABOUT IT... . IT IS A DODGE AFTER ALL.

 

[dodgerep]

I would not even concern myself with it. I pull 15K plus and with my edge box on 4 or 5 and still have not developed excessive EGTs. Even when I am in play mode for racing and setting it to extreme, about EGT is never an issue... recently ran Highway 44 through OKLAHOMA at 108 miles per hour with another CTD and never got over 1150...

 

[Kennywould]

Welcome TFucili



I was in the same boat as Ocarney, drove Chev's most of my life, the last three diesels. I didn't like the looks of the new Chev's and wasn't sure about their Durosmack engines either! A couple of guy's I know were runnin CTD's, so after a lot of poking and prodding I bought one, liked it so much I replaced my work truck with one also! Guess the bug bites hard when it bites! Wouldn't trade either for anything else now! Pull a skid loader, 27' boat, 7x14 bike trailer, large aircompressor not all at the same time of course, but there are guy's out there pullin doubles! Impressive is the word I use when people ask me. I also have made the trip south through the mountains and other than one particular one in WV, it never comes out of OD! The lack of gauges concerned me, so I installed some, I will be headed south again in March so it will be nice to see whats going on now! Every truck I ever owned had issues with one thing or another, so far mine are trouble free! I don't know where your located, but your welcome to hook something up on one of mine and see what I'm talking about!