Dodge 2500 Cummins

Dave98 · 08-14-2006, 04:23 PM

Need some feedback.

I have been a Ford guy for a long time. I am needing a new truck. The Ford will not fit in the garage (any F-250). The Chev and Dodge will in certain configurations. The questions are: Has Mercedes-Benz been good for Dodge? Have they helped with quality control? What do you think about the 6 speed tranny when it comes to pulling a boat?

The Dodge is being considered at the moment because of price. I think I can get a fairly nice 2500, 4 door, 4 wheel drive w/ a Cummins for about $31.5K

Thanks for the help.

JPD Motorsports · 08-14-2006, 04:58 PM

Have that same truck but auto and long bed. Also have a 2003 gmc cc dualy with ally and duramax. Drive the crap out of the dodge in the last 3 months have put put 15k on it and not in the shop once but for regular maintenance. Rid is comphy drive it 9hrs straight every 10 days, have loaded the crap out of it with pallets of thinset and tile and it tows like nothing is back there loads of carpet and pad. I have been getting 16mpg on the highway run and roll around 75-80mph but the truck is not broke in yet still tight like it was when new. This rig all stock as well no adds for performance yet to it. My friend pulls a 308 track hoe with a 2006 dodge dually and works his 1000 acre farm with it as well, (he kinda rough on trucks) and has no troubles neither his is a 6 speed, and he has had 3 dodge trucks now with the six speed.

hp500efi · 08-14-2006, 05:07 PM

Had a Ford 7.3PSD, now have a GMC LBZ, never drove a cummins. I can tell you the GMC is by far an overall nicer truck than the Ford or PSD. The LBZ and 6-speed just pulls and pulls in stock form.

I read where Cummins is coming out with a new motor and tranny so it will be good to see some comparisions.

wardy7238 · 08-14-2006, 10:06 PM

I love my dodge's i have had a 97 99 and 05 all with cummins and i love them. they get better every year. as far as the 6 spd it was the best thing that could happen. the old 5 spd had a big jump between 3 and 4 but the 6 spd filled the gap. my old man is on his 7th ford with the powerstroke this one an 05 with his first auto. and he says my truck is the best pulling that we have had, and we use them for pulling up to a 42 ft gooseneck

scottie150 · 08-17-2006, 10:22 AM

Have 04 3500 Dodge with a 6 speed- love it. Unloaded running 60 I get 21-22 mpg, with my 30 foot enclosed trailer with a car in it I usually average 15. The boat is the same way. I do have mine modified, makes a huge difference. If you want a automatic- I think I would look at the GM or the Ford, I don't think Dodge has got a automatic capable of handling a hopped up Cummins, but the Allison is more than capable. I was a die hard Chevy guy and was hard to go Dodge, but do not regret it one second. Good luck!

never enuff · 08-17-2006, 12:46 PM

I have an 04 2500 4X4 Dodge Cummins and I couldn't be happier. This is the third Dodge I've had and am very happy with the Cummins. 18 mph in town and 21 on the highway. Last week on vacation I got 15.6 pulling our 04 275 Baja. Never had trouble with the automatics but I don't hot rod them much. If you go to a diesel I would recommend that your first purchase be a set of gauges--trans temp-EGT and boost--they will serve you well. If you decide to "chip" your diesel, depending on the product, be careful of your transmission(or clutch) and your turbo.IMO

TROUBLE MAKER · 08-17-2006, 02:48 PM

If you get the Dodge...get the manual transmission!!!!!

fountain1fan · 08-20-2006, 08:37 AM

2003qc4x4shorty 6 speed2500 and love it would not have any thing eles . i had 13,800 lbs be hind it 2 weekes ago and it did not know it was there yes i love my truck and the 6 speed . robbie

bglz42 · 08-21-2006, 08:05 AM

I've owned two automatic Dodges, pulling HEAVY loads (12.5k+) and have never had a problem with my transmissions. Just maintain them, and they will do just fine.

bglz42 · 09-06-2006, 03:14 PM

Thanks, but my tranny is doing great. I had it serviced again and it still looked new on the inside. I regulary towed HUGE hay loads with my '96 Cummins singlecab automatic and it was still on it's original tranny when I sold it at 217k miles. I think it has a lot to do with regular service, and backing off the accelerator when the transmission shifts.