Relibility?

[rblomquist]

How reliable are the 3rd Gens compared to 2 Gens?



I'm about ready to bend over and take it like a man and get a new truck. I'm not thrilled about some of the relibility issues with the 2nd Gens and I have to say I work with some guys that have trucks with the "F" word and they've had none of the issues like I've had to deal with. My neighbor beats the living crap out of his F-350 towing insane loads and has no problems for 80k. I know the Fords have problems but the guys I know that tow hard have had good luck.



I love the TDR and I like my truck when it's running right but it's been a struggle financially at times dumping money into fixing problems then still having more problems. Not to mention hard potential problem issues like lift pumps, 53 blocks, VP44s. I may stick it out with my 99 but I'm frustrated and starting to think about getting a new truck, leaning toward Ford but may consider another Dodge, only if they've made significant improvements

 

[Jeff Clark]

potential problem issues like lift pumps, 53 blocks, VP44s.

Those problems have all been addressed and they seem to have been cured. I think you'll be happy with a 3rd Gen.

 

[jnelson]

98,000+ miles in 11 months.



The fit and finish on the 3rd Gen trucks is above and beyond that of the 2 gen.

I really enjoyed my '01 I put 433,000 miles on, but I enjoy this truck even more.

 

[Tim]

Hit up www.thedieselstop.com if you think Fords with the 6. 0 are problem free.

 

[Grizzly]

I had a 95 Dodge/Cummins for 10 years and many miles and never had a problem with it. If you decide on a new Dodge, make sure it is made in Mexico. My 95 was made in Mexico and I told the dealer when I ordered my 05 that if it didn't come from Mexico, I didn't want it. If you are thinking Furd, Tim's right, check out TheDieselStop.com. That'll learn you. Grizzly

 

[rblomquist]

Hit up www.thedieselstop.com if you think Fords with the 6. 0 are problem free.

I know, I've heard some bad stories but none of the guys I personally know have had any problems.



I'm just real real disappointed with Cummins and Dodge with what transpired over the 2nd gens. (rear brake issues, 53 blocks, lift pumps, cracking dashes, stereo speakers going out, poor auto trannies, cracking manifolds, manifold bolts backing out... ... ..... ) I've had about all of them and the worse part is those are all "common" design/supplier problems. Like I said, I'm almost ready to bail, right now it's just the TDR keeping me in the game (besides the huge cost of switching).



The last thing I want to do is shell out serious coin for a new Dodge and have my neighbors laughing at me for getting another one (if the new ones have issues too).

 

[klenger]

I had an 01. 5 and now an 04. 5. I don't put a lot of miles on them, but they have both been trouble free. If you don't mind the styling, it looks like the 06 might be the one to get, especially if you are thinking about an auto because word is it will be approved for an exhaust brake.

 

[EB]

I have an 03, (ck sig for details) I'm now up to 218,000+ miles. No really major problems considering what I do with it. It is constantly overloaded and pulls daily. As far as the Fords go, two guys where I work got rid of them, couldn't keep them out of the shop. They were strong for the first 100 - 125,000 miles then the problems started. I have had a few problems, but considering the miles I run and the abuse the truck takes working the oilfields, it is nothing unusual.

 

[macdaddy]

RB

I went through the same sole searching you are doing with my 99. Between the damn thing not wanting to stop, and all the lift pump thearpy the 05 was a no brainer. The 3rd genners at least this 05 is light years away from the 99.



Oh yea I forgot about the "53 under the hood, no telling when it was going to show it's ugly head.



mac

 

[rblomquist]

if you are thinking about an auto

No Way! I've had such bad luck with autos in this truck I'd never consider another one.

 

[RJOL]

... it looks like the 06 might be the one to get, especially if you are thinking about an auto because word is it will be approved for an exhaust brake... .

Good one Ken... That's what Chrysler said in 2000... 2001... 2002... 2003... 2004... 2005...

 

[EBottema]

Definatly the 3rd gen is more comfortable. 24V second gens had the fuel problems, all years of auto trannys had their problem. Some went 250k without a rebuild, what more can you ask. 12v's had fewest problems of the 2nd gens depending on year. If your looking to keep your truck for 10 years+, a 2nd gen is a better choice ... to many extra bs and electrical stuff to deal with. More stuff = more problems.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I would say you should go with the Ford. It seems like you are inclined to do so and have friends who have had good experiences. That way you, and we, won't have to listen to "if only, shoulda, coulda". If it doesn't work out, come on back. Afterall it's only a truck and they are like cats - they come and they go.



At this point, according to issue 47? - the one out early in 05 - the reliability of the 3Gs presently exceeds the reliability of the 94-98 12vs. Personally, I've had 3 CTDs and had only a few very minor superficial problems with each. Nothing that I wouldn't expect from a vehicle. Albeit, I am keeping an eye on my 04 balljoints. But I would rather change ball joints and/or u-joints to quality aftermarket replacements than have an engine that was a crap shoot.



I have to say the most persuasive argument for me has been the simplicity, DIY engine compartment room, the excellent advice on TDR, fuel mileage, and comparative reliability to DX and PS. I supposed if I was king, I would have a 12v in a 3G . However, overall imho, the improvements on the 3Gs outweigh the truck wrapped around the 12v.



Good luck on making the right decision.

 

[p-Bar]

Let me tell you abount first Genner Ford. What a piece of junk constantly replacing glow plugs . The firewall was so thin I tore the slave master . Went thru clutches left and right. Ate up batteries water/fuel seperator sucking air , Injector pump failure with the plastic part that would desinegrate. Leaky rear main seal, Rod thru the block at 111,000 mi 2nd genner motor still ate up glow plugs and batteries, vavle job for exhaust "whistler", finally broke the bell housing at the fork arm R. I. P.

 

[rblomquist]

Some went 250k without a rebuild, what more can you ask.

That is a bad argument. What percentage of them do you think did that 1/100th of a % ???? Some (like my truck) had 2 trannies in it before 69k (before I owned it) and another one before 80k that I had to put in. This is all with at the most 240rwhp, double deep pan, synthetic fluid, put in neutral at stop lights etc etc.



I have no brand loyalty, and until some company pays me to drive their product I will look hard at ALL my options. I do have loyalty to the TDR though, and some great folks that have helped me over the last few years.



What keeps me scratching my head is why when anyone posts that they might be thinking about any other brand as an option the thread goes south faster than a new englander heading to Florida in December. The best part of the TDR is getting level headed feedback from you guys, not the "yeah I think you need to go out and get a Ford today so you can deal with a... ... " comments.



I value you guys' inputs that's why I posted. With the B. S. I've been through with my truck I think I'm not being unreasonable to seriously think about whether it's smart to continue with them.





Respectfully,



Rich

 

[EBottema]

That is a bad argument. What percentage of them do you think did that 1/100th of a % ???? Some (like my truck) had 2 trannies in it before 69k (before I owned it) and another one before 80k that I had to put in. This is all with at the most 240rwhp, double deep pan, synthetic fluid, put in neutral at stop lights etc etc.





Respectfully,



Rich

Rich, I do agree with you. The reliability percentage of the dodge transmission is pathetic. 3rd gen or 2nd gen, they are subpar. The reason partly goes with adding electronic devices to a mechanical item. GM never had transmission problems until the mid 90's when their transmission's were stuffed with electronics. Sure, consumers wanting better mileage and tow haul modes and on the fly shift modes forced the manufacturers to go electronic. But, at what cost? Weaker trannys. My dad's truck had 200k on it, 96 auto. Never been rebuilt, still works. Fluid changed ever 20k miles. He was lucky. I've known others with the same luck. I've heard horror stories too. If a stock transmission would go 150k miles, i would feel i got my money's worth. I don't personally have any brand loyalty. I am loyal to cummins though!



Erik

 

[BHolm]

I started with a first gen, '92 model, only decent part of the truck was the Cummins. The brakes, suspension, manual transmission(five of them :{ ) all JUNK. My father in law bought a 2nd gen. He had a bunch of issues, I stayed away. I now have three 3rd gen trucks. The '03s are work trucks. I drove them both last week, the dually has 82k miles, has needed ball joints, and u-joints, thats it. The truck has all towing miles, big loads. I have been happy with the 48re auto transmission so far, happier than I was with the two Allisons I had. The '03 QC has 70k miles on it, still drives like my new '05, just a hair louder. It needed a transmission replacement at 67k. Dealer said fan clutch switch failed causing it to run hot and fail eventually. Replaced under warranty, no other problems ever. I have a regular mechanic (independant) that does all the work on these, and he keeps close tabs on what they need. I have been very happy with all three.



I looked at Ford when I bought the '05. I would have gone with a V10 over the diesel, that thing just scares me. Great trucks though, I have a '99 7. 3 with 252k miles on, never a lick of trouble.



I still think that Dodge is offering the best rig going right now. The GM trucks are way to carlike, the Ford diesel is a liability, simple as that.

 

[EMD-Run8]

I read in a trade magazine somewhere that the main problem Ford had (has) with the 6. 0 is Ford's insistence on using proprietary (their own) electronics. Navistar's electronics supposedly worked fine. I also read on the dieselstop when I was shopping (sort of) of problems like crankcases full of fuel, porous blocks/heads and all kinds of REALLY weird electronic gremlins. I drove a CC/Torqshift one and it was pretty impressive though it didn't have a lot of low end grunt-------and then I opened the hood!! Scary under there!! Really though, the Cummins has plenty of service room under the hood. I crossed my fingers about the electronics too and I still have thoughts looming around in my head every once in a while but Cummins DOES have the best setup there and is apparently heading for record numbers in reliability with it. But the GRUNT with a 6-speed is the thing. Dodge's auto's pretty much suck compared to GM and Ford. If only they'd get off their rears and put whatever Mercedes auto in the truck like they've been talking about. I'd probably still buy the sixxer (I think)... ..... uh but not the G56.

 

[sean3073]

First off I thank those of you putting down your honest thoughts. I am falling on some of the same thoughts as a few who have posted a comment on here. Is Dodge the way to go. I enjoy reading good's and bad's on vehicles, so thank you for those who post stats. Right now I am 2nd Gen owner with 69 thousand, and starting down the road of VP44. I am scared of the constant problems I could have down the road. But from the sounds of it Dodge is the best out of the three. On a side note, I owned a 84 nissan with a Izuzu diesel. 700,000 mile not ONE problem, sold it running... . Go figure. Once again though, thank you all for the great input. Sean

 

[JHardwick]

BHolm,



How did you get 2 '03 HOs with auto? When I ordered mine, the 6spd was the only way to get the HO. I've never been an auto fan anyway, so it didn't matter to me, just curious.