Hey y'all. I'm looking to buy a used 3/4 ton in the next 9 months to a year. I know it seems like a long time but want to be educated when i do it since it will be used prob between 2002-2007 and hopefully on the newer side.

Here are the few i know to stay away from:

-98 ish dodge's. Tranny was bad and i think i heard the fuel pump would go too.
-2003-2004.5 Ford 6.0 L.
-Mixed reviews on the newer 6.7L Cummings but I'm not the biggest fan of the look and prob out of price range.
-No way would i go with a 6.4 L Ford currently. plus it would be out of my price range.


Ideally i would get the Dmax and Allison combo but if other good deals come along I would go with a Ford maybe doge if I could trust there product.

There really isn't one that is flawless, you can find something major that is common to go wrong with all of them.

Buy the one you like, if you must have a diesel.

I understand that you could buy new anything and as you drive off the lot they engine could blow up. But there have been major issues with specific diesels in the past which I would like to avoid if possible. ie the new 6.4 L PS seems to be a good engine but fuel economy is way down even for a big diesel or any of the other problems i listed.

Just trying to think ahead so i don't post something about me buying a specific truck and get a "Hey FYI watch out for this in the next 10K miles"

Watch out for the 01-04 Duramax. They have injector problems. Id stay away from them.

Watch out for the 01-04 Duramax. They have injector problems. Id stay away from them.


I wouldn't. I've had 3 LB7's and an LLY. I still have 1 LB7 and don't regret it.

Honestly, of all diesels, I'd stay away from the 6.0 PS as you mentioned, and most brands from the 90's or earlier. Not that there were big problems, but technology has come a long way. The 12v Cummins 97.5-earlier had the KDP issue (killer dowell pin-do a search), 6.5 GM's really weren't powerhouses by any means but pretty good engines (PMD failure every 100k or so, and oil leaks after a while), 7.3 PS' were decent power for their time and pretty long lasting in stock form, with the occasional injector problem. 97.5-up 24v Cummins were good, but had a lot of lift pump failures-especially the first few years. Their transmissions were never the best, and Dodge has always had the "death wobble" front ends. For a "what to stay away from" answer, well it depends on what you intend to do with it.

Personally, I'd be a bit scared of the 6.4 PS, but time will tell. It's going to take a lot of time for me to trust Ford/Navistar to produce something halfway decent again, but that's JMO. I'm obviously a big GM fan, but the newer Dodges seem to be holding their own. But I still don't see myself owning a Dodge anytime soon!!

If you want a dodge get a manual tranny also early 98 cummins were 12 valves and they are the ones to look for. 98.5 and newer are 24 valves and the factory lift pump is pure crap and when it goes it also takes out the pos vp44 injection pump. The 03 and newer dodges have a lot better build quality than the older trucks. The injection pumps are also a lot better but the auto trannys are still trash imo. As for the the fords, I would rather drink battery acid than own a ford.

oh yeah, 98.5, not 97.5..........thanks.

Lift pump. thats it. I remembered that now. Yeah, this is the info i'm really looking for. I wasn't aware of the injector problem on the 01-04 Dmax's. I really want to know if worse comes to worse what I might be facing. I have heard that on the 6.0 L fords they have to pull the whole cab off to service the engine and that it's a G minimum. True?

Watch out for the 01-04 Duramax. They have injector problems. Id stay away from them.

Hell no. LB7 is the way to go, especially for the year your looking to buy.
Get the 03-04 LB7 Duramax.
GM covers both years to 200K miles on the injectors.
That was their only weak point and thats covered.

Make sure You do a vin check on here before You buy it and see what she's had replaced.

Lift pump. thats it. I remembered that now. Yeah, this is the info i'm really looking for. I wasn't aware of the injector problem on the 01-04 Dmax's. I really want to know if worse comes to worse what I might be facing. I have heard that on the 6.0 L fords they have to pull the whole cab off to service the engine and that it's a G minimum. True?


That's the new 6.4's, although the 6.0's are no walk in the park.

Definitely stay away from all of the 6.0 Fords. On a Dodge avoid the 47RE trans or find one that has been recently rebuilt. On a 7.3 look for a rebuilt AT or get a stick. You really can't go wrong with a DM if you can find a good deal on one.

Nick

Watch out for the 01-04 Duramax. They have injector problems. Id stay away from them.

Are 100% warrantyable injectors that're still very unlikely to fail really that much worse than an unsolvable overheating issue or complex harness rub issue?

My '04 LB7 had injectors done before 100k; It's now got 130k+ on it with zero issues since.

I go WOT all the time, regularly set cruise at 85mph, idle for extended periods, romp on it offroad, etc. No issues. My front end took a hardcore beating, but somehow survived until 120k+ on factory pitman&idler, inner+outer tie rods, ball joints, etc without any issues until I finally replaced it all with Cognito shit. Keep in mind, this was with running 285's up until last summer when I switched to 315's.

I beat on it like a red-headed stepchild, and I've yet to have a serious problem with it. Factory tranny, never repaired once. Factory transfer case, no issues at all. No headgasket issues. No water pump issues. Knock on wood...

01-04 lb7's obviously injector issues no denying that, 04-05 lly overheat issues in some cases (no big deal unless it's your truck;)), 06-07 lbz poor mileage is the only one I know of but there seems to be some issues just starting to come to light. LMM's have some problems with the DPF and mileage also. The allison has not proven to be the end all of auto's and can not handle much more than stock power levels like all the others.

Dodge's, 98-02 24 valves, poor original lift pumps (in tank replacement is reliable, but no good for performance improvements) VP 44's were no good, but replacements are doing 95% better. Auto's were OK stock but leave 0 room for performance mods. Death wobble, not really common on stock trucks, but does seem to be a problem with lifts or oversized tires.
03-07 5.9's, no real common issues when left stock (unless you are a died in the wool chevy guy , in which case they seem "cheap" with crappy interiors). Early 6.7's had some problems with the DPF, and mileage.


Ford's, 7.3's are decent reliability wise although do use cam position sensors, trannys hold up fine for stock power. 6.0's 03-04 had some serious teething problems, not real sure if they have them solved or not. 05-07's most seem just fine, but have the legacy of the early 6.0's haunting their reputation. the 6.4's are doing fine other than the DPF and mileage.

Like I said, they all have their problems, that no one can deny no matter how brand loyal they are.

Forgot to mention "pump rub" on the Chevy's transfer case. I've never heard of it or seen it except for on this site. One of the respected vendors here says that it will happen to all the transfer cases on the chevy, just a matter of time when it does. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it, as I will most likely trade up around 50,000 miles anyhow.

The 7.3 Powerstroke is the best diesel I've ever owned/driven. But they're in older trucks and have higher mileage than what you're looking for. But I tend to buy vehicles for the looks and accept whatever diesel engine is available for that truck.

I've got a 98 12valve dodge 3500 (for sale btw) and it is one tough truck. The engine doesn't have any problems. It has pulled every load I have ever hooked to it. Gets pretty good mileage (18 @65mph). And is very cheap to get extra horsepower from (got a screwdriver?)

The only 3 things wrong with a 24 valve truck are these: 1. Lift pump sucks at life, buy an airdog and you will never have another problem. 2. Code 53 blocks can crack for no reason but it usually takes some high cylinder pressures before they decide to go bad. 3. It's still a dodge and wont feel/ride anything like a Chevy or GMC.

I have a 05 and I love it I have only had one problem out of mine it was the # 7 injector harness connector came lose. And the guys on this site help me fix it with out having to go to the dealer.

01-04 lb7's obviously injector issues no denying that, 04-05 lly overheat issues in some cases (no big deal unless it's your truck;)), 06-07 lbz poor mileage is the only one I know of but there seems to be some issues just starting to come to light. LMM's have some problems with the DPF and mileage also. The allison has not proven to be the end all of auto's and can not handle much more than stock power levels like all the others.

Dodge's, 98-02 24 valves, poor original lift pumps (in tank replacement is reliable, but no good for performance improvements) VP 44's were no good, but replacements are doing 95% better. Auto's were OK stock but leave 0 room for performance mods. Death wobble, not really common on stock trucks, but does seem to be a problem with lifts or oversized tires.
03-07 5.9's, no real common issues when left stock (unless you are a died in the wool chevy guy , in which case they seem "cheap" with crappy interiors). Early 6.7's had some problems with the DPF, and mileage.


Ford's, 7.3's are decent reliability wise although do use cam position sensors, trannys hold up fine for stock power. 6.0's 03-04 had some serious teething problems, not real sure if they have them solved or not. 05-07's most seem just fine, but have the legacy of the early 6.0's haunting their reputation. the 6.4's are doing fine other than the DPF and mileage.

Like I said, they all have their problems, that no one can deny no matter how brand loyal they are.

The 05-07 6.0 may be a little better than the earlier ones, but thy still have a lot of problems. I have two friends with 06's that have had lots of problems; they seem to eat injectors.

Nick

Are 100% warrantyable injectors that're still very unlikely to fail really that much worse than an unsolvable overheating issue or complex harness rub issue?

My '04 LB7 had injectors done before 100k; It's now got 130k+ on it with zero issues since.

I go WOT all the time, regularly set cruise at 85mph, idle for extended periods, romp on it offroad, etc. No issues. My front end took a hardcore beating, but somehow survived until 120k+ on factory pitman&idler, inner+outer tie rods, ball joints, etc without any issues until I finally replaced it all with Cognito shit. Keep in mind, this was with running 285's up until last summer when I switched to 315's.

I beat on it like a red-headed stepchild, and I've yet to have a serious problem with it. Factory tranny, never repaired once. Factory transfer case, no issues at all. No headgasket issues. No water pump issues. Knock on wood...


Although I'm on your side :), the overheat issue is easily solved by Coolmyduramax (I never had an overheat issue, and I use my truck), and the harness rub is not complex whatsoever, it's a simple fix (that I should probably do sometime, huh?). Headgaskets were a select few LB7's, and mainly 01's, so I doubt you'll ever have that issue, and knock on wood, I'm on my 3rd 4wd Dmax among a few gassers, and have never witnessed pump rub yet;).

As far as miles and wearable parts, my 01 was used HARD as a farm truck for the first 175k of it's life. From then till 225k, it's been a plow truck with a Western 8.5 V plow (which is highly not recommended by GM). My buddie now owns it/plows with it, and is still on all of the original front end parts...........cv's, pitman, idler, tie rods, brake pads/rotors, ball joints, etc. Contrary to the "other brands" way of thinking, these trucks are unbelievably stout, and front ends reeally don't wear out quickly or break as some seem to think.

Thats how I see it too. My dodge had a lot more front end parts replaced at 120k than either of my dmaxs. Ford and dodge guys just think i.f.s must be the same parts they use in the impala and it just isnt the case. Neither of my trucks have had pump rub either.

The 05-07 6.0 may be a little better than the earlier ones, but thy still have a lot of problems. I have two friends with 06's that have had lots of problems; they seem to eat injectors.

Nick

Injectors have never been an issue with the 05-07 6.0's, I have a friend that has had 3 sets of injectors put in his lb7 Duramax and one friend who is on his second motor before 150K, but I don't classify them as junk. I think the previous owner could have alot to do with a used diesel and a newer 6.O can still blow a headgasket with a heavy enough load and a hot enough tuner. I would definately go with the 05+ on the 6.0, 05+ on the duramax, and 03 up on the Dodge just because you get the newer body style. They're all great trucks and can all get a job done and pull the ladies at the same time.;)

Lift pump failure is no reason to not buy a particular brand of truck. It's so easy to upgrade and many do anyway.

the 2003 6.0 was fine since they didnt use the torque shift trans, dodges are fine IF you get a manual trans

sounds like you should be looking for an early duramax or a 7.3l powerstroke.

both of which i like very much

the 2003 6.0 was fine since they didnt use the torque shift trans, dodges are fine IF you get a manual trans

sounds like you should be looking for an early duramax or a 7.3l powerstroke.

both of which i like very much

Are you on crack??!!

Not only is the reason that 6.0's have issues totally not related to the transmission, the torque shift is probably better then the allison. Also didnt know that the turbo, egr, headgasket and other issues could be traced to the trans.:rolleyes:and the 03 6.0 is known to be one of the most problematic of the 6.0's, and they did have the TQ shift.:eek:

Are you on crack??!!

Not only is the reason that 6.0's have issues totally not related to the transmission, the torque shift is probably better then the allison. Also didnt know that the turbo, egr, headgasket and other issues could be traced to the trans.:rolleyes:and the 03 6.0 is known to be one of the most problematic of the 6.0's, and they did have the TQ shift.:eek:


Damn dude, breathe :D! J/K. But true, if I were to get a 6.0, it wouldn't be an 03. BUT, IMO, the 03 7.3 is the best Superduty to get. And as far as the TQ shift better than the Alli, now who's on crack!?!?!?!?

When I bought my duramax, my decision came down to the whole drivetrain, not just the engine. the allison transmission was 50% of my reasoning for getting the duramax/allison combo.

If it doesn't have a bulletproof tranny behind, what good will it do?

Now, I am talking about stock transmission, no hot roding or racing. Just a reliable, well built tranny that will last a guy like me forever w/ no problems.

I think the Allison is great if you buy the truck and leave it alone. If you start modding then its time for a new one. The torqshift does alot of the same stuff as the allison but its a little more easy going when you add the extra power.

Damn dude, breathe :D! J/K. But true, if I were to get a 6.0, it wouldn't be an 03. BUT, IMO, the 03 7.3 is the best Superduty to get. And as far as the TQ shift better than the Alli, now who's on crack!?!?!?!?


:D

I can pick on ford as much as the next guy and often do, but dam talk about uninformed.

listen pal, thats what i was told by a buddie of mine, i know nothing about fords and plan to keep it that way, didnt know i would ruin your day for being wrong

my truck has a 146,000 original injectors no pump rub only water pump replaced

at work we have an 01 dually 160,000 2 sets of injectors no pump rub

an 04 LB7 153,000 miles 2 sets of injectors

it seems the higher the mileage with the original injectors the better. trucks that need injectors usally need them more than once before 200,000 miles

I might as well weigh in on this. Have had 4 diesels on the place since '86 so have some insight.

The '02 Chevy Dmax on the place has been a very good and dependable pickup. It turns in very respectable economy and has not failed to pull whats been hooked behind it- and I will admit to being abusive in this area!

The neighbor who helps me out is on his 3rd Dodge. The '02 seemed to get the best economy but he chickened out when the lift pump cratered out the injector pump. The 2005 was also a good pickup. Had an issue with a sticky 1-2 shift, warrantied. He got goofy and traded up to an '08 in December. So far this one is a real powerhouse, decent economy (actually better than the 5.9 at the same miles showing) and the 6 spd auto is very nice.

I drive a '94.5 F250 powerstroke. This pickup has been very reliable. 1 injector, 1 water pump, 1 idler pully, 1 cps, have upgraded the clutch/flywheel, and 1 trip thru the front end (twin traction beam front-yuk...) in 150K of farm/ranch miles. The boy has had a '97 powerstroke since July, and no sweats other than a needed brake job and 1 cps. The 3.55 gearing in this outfit really shines; he can post 21.5 mpg at 68mph coming home from college.

The original diesel on the place was a '85 6.9L. Took a clutch about every 50K miles, several sets of tires and 1.5 brake jobs. Burned to the ground in '96 and the old man about cried...!

All in all, the posts above pretty well cover it IMO. I hold the 6.4L Ford in suspicion yet, as well as the newest Dmax (LLM?) and the 6.7L Cummins, mostly due to the ever-increasing complexity and decreasing economy. Spit, for $45K+ I want to be able to afford to drive the thing! But, best of luck in your decision! Be a sport and post along as you decide so we can all hassle you!! :-)

my truck has a 146,000 original injectors

Wow, mine only came with 8 original injectors.:think: :D

I wouldn't. I've had 3 LB7's and an LLY. I still have 1 LB7 and don't regret it.

Honestly, of all diesels, I'd stay away from the 6.0 PS as you mentioned, and most brands from the 90's or earlier. Not that there were big problems, but technology has come a long way. The 12v Cummins 97.5-earlier had the KDP issue (killer dowell pin-do a search), 6.5 GM's really weren't powerhouses by any means but pretty good engines (PMD failure every 100k or so, and oil leaks after a while), 7.3 PS' were decent power for their time and pretty long lasting in stock form, with the occasional injector problem. 97.5-up 24v Cummins were good, but had a lot of lift pump failures-especially the first few years. Their transmissions were never the best, and Dodge has always had the "death wobble" front ends. For a "what to stay away from" answer, well it depends on what you intend to do with it.

Personally, I'd be a bit scared of the 6.4 PS, but time will tell. It's going to take a lot of time for me to trust Ford/Navistar to produce something halfway decent again, but that's JMO. I'm obviously a big GM fan, but the newer Dodges seem to be holding their own. But I still don't see myself owning a Dodge anytime soon!!

If you want a dodge get a manual tranny also early 98 cummins were 12 valves and they are the ones to look for. 98.5 and newer are 24 valves and the factory lift pump is pure crap and when it goes it also takes out the pos vp44 injection pump. The 03 and newer dodges have a lot better build quality than the older trucks. The injection pumps are also a lot better but the auto trannys are still trash imo. As for the the fords, I would rather drink battery acid than own a ford.

Lift pump. thats it. I remembered that now. Yeah, this is the info i'm really looking for. I wasn't aware of the injector problem on the 01-04 Dmax's. I really want to know if worse comes to worse what I might be facing. I have heard that on the 6.0 L fords they have to pull the whole cab off to service the engine and that it's a G minimum. True?

Fords pay for a lot of things I own they are 75% of the repair work I get.
Yes ive done an 06 Dually f350 4x4 Engine (cab came off) 24 hours lab 6.5 k for used eng and lab
Yes Ive done an 05 F250 4x4 gasser (cab off) 24 hours lab 8k was the tab

Even my tech buds at the dealler dont drive fords (whats that tell u ?)

Dodges have electrical problems and front steering problems, the auto trans is crap, the cummins is good get a stick and all you have to deal with is an ugly truck that rides like a turdd :D

I have an 01 dmax. I bought it last march with 82,000 miles. Shortly after I got it, I had to replace the nsbu switch. I went through a car wash and did the undercarriage pressure wash, it took the switch out. They are susceptible to water damage. The newer version of the switch is tan, the original is black. In october I had to have the water pump replaced, I'd have done it myself but I needed the truck for the weekend. I had to replace the head gaskets recently. It wasn't warming up (or so I thought) so I lifted ip the plow and straightened it out so it would heat up faster. All of a sudden the temp sky rocketed and came back down to normal. It was a pretty stupid move. I don't know if the t-stats were bad, if there was air in the cooling system, or if the plow just caused it to heat up too fast.
Most of the summer I was towing a skid steer on the highway every weekend. I'm refurbishing a house up north. It's a 120-130 mile trip each day. I also took a trip to GA. I wouldn't say I abuse it, but I don't baby it. I don't attribute any of those problems to it being a chevy, it had high miles when I got it, and then I put 30,000 on in 11 months. I'd have no problem getting another of the exact same truck. I love this truck, but I was very apprehensive about buying it. I was always a Ford guy, but couldn't find a Ford diesel in my price range. I'm very happy that I "settled" on a Chevy.

BTW It cost me about the same to have the dealer replace the water pump as it cost me to do the head gaskets, and I used ARP head studs.