[Mope]

I am thinking about upgrading to a diesel, and was wondering if any of you know of something that will tell you what tranny/motor horsepower ratings were for that year. I am looking at all trucks from 98 1/2 to 2005. If not could those who have them please tell me what you know about them. Also if there are any known problems for a particular year please share. Also could you tell me what the best tranny/gear ratio combo is. Sorry its so long.
Thankyou.

 

[bobem12]

sometime in the future i will be getting a 2nd gen cummins. from what i've driven, seen, heard, i think that they are the best trucks built. the pre-2003 cummins trucks were i believe rated at about 230 horses and 400-450 pounds of torque. i do know that a 2001 or 2002 six-speed is the H.O. engine which was rated at 245 horses and 505 ft. lbs. The manual is the better tranny however there are many upgrades for the autos to make them bulletproof. the 2003 model year introduced the pilot injection and the H.O. engine was 305 horsepower and i don't remember the torque but it was around 550-575 i think. 2004.5 model year started the cummins 600 engine with 325 horses and 600 ft lbs of torque. hope this helps

 

[Mope]

Yes, it helps alot Thanks for the info. I have been shopping today and have not really been able to find any used ones. I found a 2003 with 24,000 miles for 29.500. But looking at the trade in value on my truck, I don't know if I can afford that much. Do you know how much it would cost to make a good 2nd gen. tranny?

 

[Meierznutz]

Trans can be made to hold up but the torque converter is the cause of most issues. If the TC lock up is off, the fluid will overheat and ruin the internals. Install a temp gauge asap, if it runs over 265 for any length of time, change the fluid. Look to Banks or ATS for further info. Good Luck... Chris

 

[Ram3500Dually]

I would stay away from the pre 2003 diesels. They are noisy and have half the power of the newer ones. I had a 98 12 valve and a 2000 24 valve and they couldn't shake a stick to my 2003 SO or my 2005 HO. 2003 had two CTD's, the SO which was 250 HP/460lb.ft. and the HO which was was 305HP/555lb.ft.

 

[Mope]

thanks! You guys are being so helpfull! I found a 2003 H.O. for 27,000. Do you think thats a good price? It has 58,000 miles. Also what are your thoughts/experience with waiting until about October when they really want to move out the current year vehicles. Is this a good idea?
Thanks

 

[Ram3500Dually]

I got $33,000 canadian on trade for my 2003 with 78,000 km on it. They sold it 3 days later for $36,000