Any info on what year 5.9 or 6.7 with A/T single R/W Quad cab or Crew has the LEAST problems. Would like to find one with 75000===100000 mi. ,But have read lots of different stories on Trans ; Front end ; Etc ,Problems. Want to tow 10,000 -- 12,500 lbs. 5th wheel. Thanks for the Help
CHEERS AW

1998 with the 12valve engine is the best. The only problem that year has is a dowl pin on the front of the engine that is a cheap and easy fix. If you are looking for any make truck with that many miles and an auto, if it has towed alot, will have a weak tranny. A stick would be better for that weight, IMO.

Stay away from 03-04!!!! They have their own set of issues! The early of 6.7's have all kinds of trouble, actually all of them do...under heavy load (such as towing) it will kick in to a re-gen cycle to clean out the DPF, this robs power and is all around inconvenient. People fix this by removing the DPF, EGR, and other smog equipment, but that voids your warranty and is also violation of federal emissions law. Cummins has made the 5.9 forever it's a bulletproof engine! Like "Run em hard" said, the 12v is a solid engine (so is the 24v for that matter) but the power compared to the Common Rail 5.9 in the new trucks is wayyyyy low. Also, the 12 and 24v have a problem with the fuel system, the VP44 injection pump is a flawed design and if/when it goes bad it's an engine killer. If you find yourself wanting a 12 or 24v it's cheap insurance to install a fuel pressure gauge, that way you can see if it starts running low, and fix the problem early, although it's not a cheap repair to make. I've owned a 96, 98, 01, and now my 05. My 05 is the most solid truck I've ever owned, with the exception of the tranny. I've blown all the auto trans and rebuilt them with billet parts. If you get an auto trans you'll have to drop a few grand ($5-7k and you'll never have to worry about it again) into it in order for it to be reliable for any sort of heavy towing, or performance parts. The manual trans is a lot more reliable and power delivery issues are fixed with a better clutch.

Thanks Run em hard and boogy 886
So it looks like either an ' 98 or ' 05 have the best motors . What about "O/D" on the '05 auto ? CHEERS AW

The 24v era are great motors. Don't let anyone tell you different. The only thing is, like boogy said, the VP44 CAN be a problem. It is a $500 fix. It just needs a new lift pump, thats it. I have owned 2 VP44 trucks and they are fantastic. After I bought both, within 2 days I put a FASS pump on them. Great motors. Also when you hit 2001.5 they converted the rear to disk brakes.

The "O/D" button for tow mode? I'm unsure on your question...

And some 06's and I believe early 07's (don't quote me on the 07's) still had the 5.9 available so keep an eye out for those too. Although I'm still debating whether or not I like the 06 facelift.

Yes, FASS or AirDog are the 2 big names in the aftermarket for fuel pumps, well worth the money, and you don't have to worry about your VP44 anymore.

You'll need 4.10 gears towing that much weight with the auto tranny. I owned a 2003 3500 with the 4 speed 47RE and 3.73 gears. It was a lazy shifter with only 5000lbs behind it. The 68RFE behind the 6.7 is a better transmission but I recommend an aftermarket torque converter just to be on the safe side.

Here's a 5th wheel hitch that's worth the money;

http://www.yourtrailerhitch.com/html/5th_wheels.html

I have a '98.5 24V 5speed and a '05 6speed. I love both of them.

The motors arn't the problems in any of the Cummins powered trucks, all of them are good- just stay away from 53block trucks. They are a poorer casting and somtimes crack along the passenger side up by the top of the block. Its due to the block being thinner in that area- not all crack, but its a known problem- found on 24v trucks mostly 98.5-01, I think (I've heard rumors of a 12v 53block, but have never seen it). My 98.5 is good- tough mexican block here

Trannies could have been better in the older trucks, but if you don't mind upgrading the trans a little- you can't go wrong with any of them, except the 53block trucks. As already stated- if you buy a 24v get a decent lift pump.

Link about block identification- its easy: http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

Forgot about the ol' 53 block. Good info!

boogy886 I was asking if the 05 had an Overdrive for NON-TOWING use. The Fass pump is a no brainer and I would think air filter and exhaust upgrades would be worth the time and $$ . If you buy a used '05 or'06 you would have plenty of $$ to spend on up-grades INSTEAD OF MAKING PAYMENTS on a $50,000 new truck.What about front ends and rearends and brakes on these years. And what about a Suncoast Trans and converter or some other trans builders products ? Any body have experience with aftermarket products for these trucks ? CHEERS AW