I'm thinking about giving the Dodge a try. What year is the best? I drive for a living and need the best fuel mileage possible. Any ideas?

I would pick the '97 model with the 12v Cummins. The P7100 mechanical injector pump is the Holy Grail of pumps. Only issues I know to look out for is the Killer Dowel Pin (KDP) and the 5spd locking nut. Both are easy to fix.


MikeyBEdited by: mikeyb

If fuel mileage is what you want definitely go with a 2nd gen. I've come across a good number of people with 24Vs ('99 or so) that report 22 mpg on the highway. One guy I talked to had a 1-ton dually and was still getting that mileage.

Don't know enough to tell you 12V vs. 24V. I've seen both last forever. Only thing is that you'll have a hard time finding a low-mileage model. People use these trucks. The new ones are certainly more powerful and (in my opinion) nicer, but even the best reported mileage falls a couple mpg short of the older ones.

I was told by a dealer mechanic that the 03 was by far the best! Fuel mileage, auto trans, and power were great according to him. Hopefully this will stir up a few more responses.

I would Get an early 98 Cummins with the 12 valve, they are hard to find as they were only made for about 6 months, but they have the awsome 12 valve engine with the monster p-pump, and being a 98 it has the new interior, and 4 door if you want quad cab. You will have less problems with a 12 valve, cause they are not electrical controlled like the 24v's, and you gan get a ton of power for free by sliding the plate forward in the pump, adn it will cost nothing. 24v's performance chips start at around $400http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

If you want an automatic I would suggest an '03 or newer. Manual and it probably doesn't matter what year. Each year has its' pro's and a rare con. They all have a version of the Cummins.

I'm selling mine. Its an 04 305/555 (03 motor), 6 speed, sport group, 20,000 miles, SLT, 4x4, every avail option except roof lights.


The only problem I had, but is fixed was a binding noise, which was taken care of by spraying the transmission mount with silicone.


I'm asking $32,000 which is waht I owe.

Out of curiosity, why're you selling it?

I'm selling because its too big for me. I originally bought this truck to replace my 03 Toyota Landcruiser, which was getting poor mpg with the 200 mile commute I have each day.


I like the truck allot, but I cannot get it into parking garages with ease, or drive on parkways.





This is an awsome powerful motor, and with the 6 speed tranny it gets very decent mpg. I average 19mpg at 80 mph with A/C

Yeah, I can understand that. These trucks aren't exactly easy to shove into parking spaces. I've got it down pretty well, though.

I'm from New York City originally. Try driving one of these things on the Interboro! Oooh boy that's gonna be fun when I go home...

(For those who aren't familiar, the Interboro Parkway is this little parkway with 2 lanes each direction, and the lanes are about 2/3 or 3/4 the size of standard lanes... plus there are plenty of hard, blind turns)

98 12valve no doubt. My buddy has a 1 ton flat bed and it will tow a house down, and get better fuel milage than mine. But, good luck finding one!!