Looking for a used Cummins pickup

[69 GTX]

So I'm tired of shifting my 2005 Dodge 2500 4x4 4dr Big Horn
So I'm looking for a similar truck with auto trans. The reason I went with a stick back then was the auto trans had issues. So I'm wondering are the 5 & 6 speed autos better today?
I've been looking at 2008-2012s. I have 100,000 on my current truck and it runs like a champ still. I know the diesels are good to 200-300K. Any feed back or other issues to look for on the newer trucks? Thanks for the input.

 

[BeeKool]

pull the dipstick and look at the condition of the tranny fluid. Also if its a private sale take note of what the seller did with the truck.
Did they beat the hell out of it pulling a huge livestock or 30' flatbed trailer overloaded?
I've noticed that some folks like to beat the hell out of their truck just because it says Cummins on the side.
I also would avoid anything that has been "tuned" or "chipped" or has a larger than factory turbo.
These things come from the factory with all the torque needed to do as was intended. If one needs more power, get a Tractor.
If you go the dealership route, try to inquire about where the trucks been.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Mine, 99’ auto 4x4 club cab is all stock except for a FASS lift pump and a rebuilt VP44. It’s my daily driver, does everything I ask. The VP44 took a crap cause the stock lift pump can’t supply enough fuel. The vacuum pump needed to have a new seal installed and the rear speed sensor on the Dana went out. This truck has 138k on it and is the best damn truck I’ve ever owned.
When you do get another one, get the steering box stiffener, will keep your box from tearing up the frame.
The auto’s got a bad rap from people turning up the hp/torque to levels not meant for the automatic, hence the go to **** in a quick hurry. No different than running a 500 inch plus stroker and your stock 727, it’s not gonna live long.

 

[Bobzilla]

Your truck does not have all emmissions equipment on it. Anything newer than January 2007, I think was the build cut-off, will have emmisions equipment. I forget when they went to running DEF fluid. Still decent trucks, but yours is better, in my opinion. Some guys don't mind all the new stuff.
What we noticed was the newer trucks with auto trans and emmissions equipment will "learn" your driving style without a trailer and reduce the available torque, to save on fuel and emmissions output. Then when a heavy trailer is hooked up, it runs like it's underpowered for a while until it brings the power back on. Most noticable when taking off from stops or in hilly terrain. This was on a 2014 with Cummins. I have no experience with them from 2008-2012 model years.

 

[69 GTX]

Good to know Bobzilla

 

[moparwacko]

2011 2500 4x4 crew cab auto, last year for no DEF as far as i know?? Seems everyone into Cummins locally wants to buy it. Just landed in Carlisle towing a 5th wheel- no issues. I had an O2 sensor go a few years ago, but that's it.
But it only has 38k.......
Best tow vehicle I've ever owned hands down.

 

[69 GTX]

I didn't know diesels had O2 sensors.

 

[moparwacko]

Yup 2, before and after Cat

 

[5.7 hemi]

My 99’ has no cat or O2’s. Luv it!!

 

[73HEMI_RR_GTX]

I have a 07 Dodge 2500 Mega Cab 4x4 6.7 Cummins Auto 6 spd. Bought the truck new and have not had a issue with it. Just turned over 70k miles towing my Hemi RR and 20ft carhauler trailer 2300 miles to Carlisle. Averaged 13.5 mpg on the trip. This is my 3rd Dodge truck with a Cummins and auto trans. I have not had one issue with any of them. I like the 6.7 Cummins the best because it has the electric exhaust brake which is very handy when towing. Really saves the brakes. The only down fall of the 6.7 is gas mileage is not as good as the 5.9. I would get 20mpg from the 5.9 and the best I can get from the 6.7 is about 18mpg.

I never had any transmission issues with any of the Dodge Cummins Trucks that I owned.

 

[5.7 hemi]

The best I can get with my 99’ is 15, should be better.

 

[mopar 3 B]

The best I can get with my 99’ is 15, should be better.

Over drive not working?

 

[5.7 hemi]

Everything works perfectly. I get 12 in town, 15 highway. Might be time to adjust the valves at 138k.

 

[74charger07ram]

my 07, 6.7 four door long bed gets 21 in town and highway. EGR delete

 

[5.7 hemi]

Forgot to say that I’ve got 33’s and 3:54 gears....so I bet my computer should be tuned for that and I’ll get “actual” mileage.

 

[69 GTX]

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=cEZoZ2Q1NFc5VXNRbWdKS0VVcUMyeVFUbk9fZGhR

Well bought a 2014 Ram 3500 Laramie/Big Horn over the weekend. Now I just gotta figure out all the bells & whistles.

 

[Bobzilla]

After you get some time and miles on it, and tow with it, please let us know what you think. Definitely curious how it compares to your old 2005.

 

[69 GTX]

I already like that it cruises at a much lower RPM. My 05 ran @ 1750 @ 55mph (6spd Manual)
I had this thing at 80mph and it was 1750. Rides about the same. Quieter interior, more back seat room. But it is about a foot longer. I have only 6" front & back, with the hitch in, to fit in the garage. Also taller overall. I may have to carry a stool to get in the back! Towing the camper this coming weekend so that should be good.

 

[69 GTX]

I'll probably leave it stock for awhile to see if I want to delete the EGR or DEF.