OK so looking for a diesel.

Here is what im looking at

2004-2007 Cummins has to be a 5.9
2003-2006 Duramax

I just want some info on these

I know a few things

Cummins have lift pump issuses. and the interiors are . I hear everybody complain abpout the transmission but think its all about how you take care of it.

Durmax have injector problems. I hear confliction things. once they are fixed they are good right??? haha Also the front end is IFS i have had several trucks with that and they suck. They eat through ball joints, tie rods, and cant keep it aligned.


What are your takes on these. I want a truck that will be my daily driver. But its got to go for a long long long time

I most likly wont modd the truck. Just the usual intake and exhaust.

please help! Thansk!!

 

I've never had either model that new, I had a few issues with the computer controlled waste gate on the 05 and backfired through the intake and blew air cooler lines apart. Bone stock. 100k miles and not a dealership could figure it out. My 02 eMac went 260k before egr started sticking. My dads 01 dodge has 305k and eats power steering pumps, never done anyhing else to it.

 

The cummins from those yrs are great motors some injector problem some tranny probs but it is all how you take care of your tranny, the injector problem to me have a lot to do with the ulsd fuel that the epa and government require everbody to run. The dmax in those yrs are nice as well the early yrs had injector problem if they have replaced under warranty you should be good the 05 dmax had overheating issuses not sure if they have found a permenant fix or not may want to ask the guys in the dmax section, the 06 went to the 6spd auto in the dmax both are great truck ifl your take care of them. Good luck with your search and choice

 

They all have there good and bad points points. IMO its all what brand you prefer. Im a dodge guy just because of the cummins engine I like chevy's for the way they drive and ride. So its all in what you wanna do

 

i am the same as scott. chevys drive good and ride good. i like the cummins motor. my brother bought a 03 duramax new and has not had any problems.

 

I like the cummins motor, since you're not going to mod it, the dodge tranny will hold up

 

The Duramax you put as a choice has Excellent all around performance. Those are the trucks that are hard to beat in competition right now. I am sure you will chose whats right for you.
Good luck and scrutinize every truck you get near.

 

Also, Just a few random questons.

I have heard short trips are rough on diesels. this true. I only drive about 10 miles to work everyday. I dont want to hurt the truck

Also i would do a leveling kit. and would like to fit 35s( i have a brand new set)

With a leveing kit can i fit those on either truck

I know lift pumps go bad on the cummins.

all the ones i have heard of just quite one day and it gets fixed and no problems. But i have heard they can slowly go bad and run the motor lean and BOOM!

 

Short trips on any motor isn't good.
Probably going to need more than a leveling kit for the dmax to clear 35s.
03-04 dmaxs have injectors problems.
05 dmax have overheating problems, but can be fixed pretty easily.
06 is a good solid motor and better tranny w/ 6 gear.

 

What are a few things i should look fo in diesels of those years. Any small things i should watch out for.

Most trucks im seeing And want have under 100k and are priced anywhere from 18-25k

i have bought several cars and now what genereally to look for