Trying to buy my first diesel...
 

Hello, looking to buy my first diesel Dodge. I hope this post is in the right place. I took a used 05 5.9 for a ride. It has 110,000 miles, $21K asking price. When I shut the motor off, the truck seemed to shake a little and the motor did nt sound "happy". Is this normal? It also seemed to shift very quickly to a higher gear when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Finally, any other things I should look at? Thanks. All thoughts are appreciated. There are not alot of diesels in my area for sale, so I don't have alot of choices, or time. They tend to go quickly. Thanks again. :argh:

Welcome aboard! :c:

Yeah, the shaking thing when turned off is totally normal for the Cummins. There's a lot of heavy stuff swingng around in there (the crank-shaft alone wieghs 126 pounds!). Don't make a habit of shutting a Cummins-powered Dodge down with the doors open... it'll wipe the door hinge bushings out.

The trans shifts quick on these mostly because the engine makes it's power really low in the RPM power-band. Peak torque is reached at only 1600 RPM's and theengine "redlines" at 3200. Using "tow/haul mode" on the shifter will change the transmission shift points when you have a load in the bed or trailer on. Engine RPM's will climb a bit highet before shifting gears and OD will be locked out.

Thanks for the response. I wanted to be sure. I am familiar with the suspension issues as I have owned numerous gas Rams. But I decided to step up to the Cummiins and want to be sure I get a chance to run it for awhile before I have any issues. Any other thoughts or hidden issues I should look out for? Thanks again. :tu:

I am looking at models identical to the OP and I too have questions.

I am new to Diesel and do not have much of an idea what to look for in a used diesel.

At 100K what should we be worrying about? the trans(Auto),Suspension,Transfer case?

Thanks

My 01 has 175000+ on it. I just changed a drivers front factory ball joint two weeks ago also changed the lift pump on the motor. Stock tranny and rear gears