Fellas,
I am in he market for a new truck. I have had a couple powerstrokes, and tired of messing with them. I really want a cummins, i have never had one nor spent much time driving one. MY MAIN GOAL IS TO HAVE A RELIABLE TRUCK. This is want i am looking for

2003-2009 Ram 2500, 4x4, short bed, manual transmission, all stock (no power adders, or lifts).

Whatever i do get, i will delete and tune if needed. Main goal is longevity and fuel economy.

I have been down the big HP road of chipping and tuning, intaking....and may do all that to this truck later down the road, but not now. Just need a "get er done" truck. 90% of the truck will be just highway miles, i occasionaly tow but not much.

Reason for 03-09 year models, i need a full 4 door truck for the kids (nips 02 and earlier) and i don't care for the looks of the front end of the 2010+ trucks and want to stay under $40k..I have found a few used 08 & 09s for sale in the style I have mentioned above, acutally more of them than the 5.9s.

What is the overall consensus on the 6.7 once deleted? Fuel mileage? Is there much difference in the 6.7 vs 5.9 once emission stuff is removed.

I just want a rock solid powerstrain that will do whatever i need when i need it and gets better than 15 mpg...and not have to worry to death "when is this SOB gonna leave my family on the side of the rd because its puking coolant and blowing white smoke...."

I am new to the forum. I have also posted this in the 5.9 threads - just want to get it out there in front of the audience. I am getting in a time crunch on getting a new truck and would like a little input from you experienced folks before i end up buying the worst year model with the worst transmission with the one that had all the recalls and tires just fell apart. Seems like all manufacturers (ford, dodge, chevy, honda....) all have 1 year that was just a flop....

Luckily, i found 3 trucks that i am interested in at the same dealership. All are 4wd, manual trannys.

2002($12.9K, 180k miles): : 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Base For Sale In Coleman TX 76834 - Casey Ray Inc.

2003 ($17K, 148k miles): 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 ST For Sale In Coleman TX 76834 - Casey Ray Inc.

2006 ($25k,120k miles): 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 ST For Sale In Coleman TX 76834 - Casey Ray Inc.

Thoughts/opinions?

 

i would go with the 03 if i had money for either of them

 

Why the 03 other than price?

Also, how well does the 5.9 compare to your 6.0 PSD?

one more question, can you still see a big difference in tuning with the manual tranny? i know an auto would benefit more..but would also tear up.

Thanks

 

on an auto if you plan on adding a lot of more power it will rip it apart, unless you spend 5k for an ATS transmission, a manual can handle any power just change the clutch, flywheel, and adjustable hydraulic assembly. i have an 03 that has 224,000 miles and i just got done hauling a 2002 dodge 1500 4.7 4door and a 2003dodge 1500 2door and i couldnt tell they were even back there! im getting around 17 to 20mpg but i cant keep my foot out of the pedal though either but look below and you can see what all i have done to mine. the only thing that isnt on there is the cold air intake. but other than that i havent had any major problems, just neglect from the previous owner......