I know a few people might shoot me but!
I am really thinkin about buying a 2004 Dodge Cummins CC Short bed, Black w/ tan cloth interior, Rhino Liner, Intinity System, power everything, 13,004 miles......all for $31,000ish

How do you all like your trucks? any issues? I have heard that dodge dosent have to good of a body or interior (durability) But what is everyones opinions?

I just hope its a good decision going from a D-max to a cummins. :(

Thanks all :ro)

only paid 32800 for my 04.5 + title tags tax for mine brand spankin new 4 miles on it......... you should be able to do better depending on what mods it has.

The body is just as good... or should I say bad? Nothing falling off my truck at 30,000 miles. Matter of fact she is as tight as new with no squeeks or rattles. The third gens are a big step up from the second gen as far as refinement is concerned.

The only thing I noticed, that you forget in time is the Cummins is a slightly cruder running engine. Remember it's a six not an eight and you can feel it. I personally like the big diesel feel. That comparison ride the GM boys tell you to take is a good thing but you've owned one so you know. Yes the GM feels nicer. No sale for me though. I'm looking at cost longer term and reliability.

Forget all past comments from the GM side. Most only repeat things they hear among themselves. The truck is a good truck. The auto is much tougher than years past... believe me. Mine has been holding up without a wimper and NO limps. The axles are AAM, same as in the GM HD's but with a better traction control rear. The rear axle also is rated higher GVW. All good stuff for longevity.

Did I mention they are gravy to service? Plenty of room to get to the oil and fuel filters.

5.9 L as opposed to 6.6 Dmax but the crankcase holds two more quarts of oil .... not like the International(Ford) PSD that uses the extra oil to compensate for the injection system using it as hydraulic oil. The Cummins uses all twelve quarts for the basic engine/turbo. These are the types of things that give this motor it's reputation for work.

Power is excellent. Boxes available for an easy 450-500hp rear wheels if that's your desire. I dynoed 425 RWHP and 900+ tq.... just a box. It's no wimp.

Dash and interior seems sparse but is actually so simple it makes you wonder what GM has all the busyness for in thier dash. Simple and effective... the whole truck.

People shoot you....? Be yourself. Peer pressure is for kids. Take your time, make your own choice.

Thanks hoot & mikmaze, you really helped me. "shoot me" I mean jumpin from the d-max to the cummins.
How does your truck do off road? Thats the main reason I am leaving the frame draggin dmax and going to the cummins.
Rough ride and rougher engine is fine with me "Its a truck!"...they get pretty quite once you start moving dont they?
The dash seems pretty simple and looks pretty clean to me. I love the drilled look on the door handles.
How is the back seat? I know you only use the front seat, but what do people who ride with you think of the rear seat? How do you like the lugage rack in the rear? Is a Off road edition any diff from the others? I will check around expecially if you bought one brand new for $1,800ish more than this used one.

Anything I need to look for when looking at a new truck?

Easy to maintain! I love it! I am the kind of guy who likes to do it my self so I know its done right and/or if something goes wrong I learn from it and know what to do next time.

Sorry for askin so many questions, you have been a great help. I will most likely have more Q's.

Nothing wrong with jumping fence. It's not for everyone. It would be nice to see a write-up comparing the two if/when you do. Good luck with your research!

Most definatly, I will post the pros's and cons's to this little adventure.

You need to remember that Cummins is a power house designed for pull'n stumps so you won't have the kills that you do with you Dmax. :think: :lol: Once you own a Cummins and find out about all that power bottled up just waiting be unleashed you'll never go back.

2004 with 14000 miles and no leather (so its not fully fully loaded) for 31000???? That price seems way high to me... Thats really not THAT much less than I got my new 2005 Dmax for...and my truck is an LT with everything except a sunroof...id look closer at the price...good luck with your decision tho.

---Ben

with the rebates and employing pricing I would think you could do a bit better on price.I know when i was looking last year you could not get a duramax for no where close to that price they were way to proud of them.Thats when I started looking at a dodge and i love it.But to tell you the truth its not he best 4wd ive had in the mud or soft ground the thing likes to sink like a rock so when im going into some mud its hammer down.I dont know how the duramax does in the mud.My old 77 blazer would flat get through it for sure.

The weight of the diesel up front will reduce float capabilities in mud. That's the difference between a Dodge CUmmins and a 77 Blazer.

Ride isn't rough in my opinion but it is rougher than a GM HD. Not a lot but noticable.

The frame.. nice and high. Like a 4x4 is supposed to be.

Back seat sucks. Better than an extended cab since you have the regular opening doors but the seat is too primitive for long trips.

Luggage rack? You mean the fold flat floor? If so it's great. Lots of versitility when loading the back.

I paid 35,000 for mine brand new a year and a half ago without employee pricing.

"Power is excellent. Boxes available for an easy 450-500hp rear wheels if that's your desire. I dynoed 425 RWHP and 900+ tq.... just a box. It's no wimp."

Pretty sure hoot is at the limit of what the stock turbo is going to handle. Maybe he will correct me if I'm wrong. He has the box for the CR cummins. What hoot dynoed is about all you will see from a stock turbo CR, from what I have seen from the boards.

hmmm I think I am going to look around. Its got the power driver side seat, Infinity sound, rhino liner, 20% tread on all-terrains (gonna need new tires quick!) no scratchs or dings, stupid barb wire pin strip, interior is cloth with ZERO stains...but thats about it.
I hear they are great in the mud (cummins)...but the 1000lb engine makes the front end sink pretty quick.
Hoot: Have you had any problems related with your truck?
"bottled up power" so if I chip this cummins, I will mainly have more low end torque?? Will I be able to beat a modestly chipped Duramax?!? I aint worried about no furd either!! lmao
Thanks for the help all, feel free to keep postin

I will post a pic of the truck in a few mins

Ok here it is, sorry it isnt the best pic...I couldnt back up much further with out getting Furd PowerJoke cooties! :eek:

...it isnt lettin me post it...let me try again!

Its sayin I am exceding the limits of this site...how do I fix this? :confused:

This is probably a really bad pic, I took another pic of it off my computer screen..hope you can make it out.
Went I come home I will take another pic.

Why don't you buy a new one?

I happen to think my Duramax is the best truck in the world for me. I have been doing a bunch of trans mods to the new Dodges and have to say I am impressed. Dodge would be my second choice. Nice trucks.
mike

I happen to think my Duramax is the best truck in the world for me. I have been doing a bunch of trans mods to the new Dodges and have to say I am impressed. Dodge would be my second choice. Nice trucks.
mike

Mike I think Dodge stepped up with the last revisions to the auto. You rarely hear of issues in stock form.

"Power is excellent. Boxes available for an easy 450-500hp rear wheels if that's your desire. I dynoed 425 RWHP and 900+ tq.... just a box. It's no wimp."

Pretty sure hoot is at the limit of what the stock turbo is going to handle. Maybe he will correct me if I'm wrong. He has the box for the CR cummins. What hoot dynoed is about all you will see from a stock turbo CR, from what I have seen from the boards.


Yes I probably am at the limit for the stock turbo. It's just right.. even a bit much power for the trans so I have to be conservative overall. I'll tell you what the lock up on this torque convertor is pretty amazing.

Dodge has stepped up the trans pretty well in the '04-'05 valve body wise raising pressures where they belong. The torque converter still leaves a lot to be desired. I installed a Precision multi disc converter in my friends '04 Dodge duali and took .5 off his quarter mile time with no other changes. There was nothing wrong with his stock converter ( 10K miles) as we read 0 slip on the data stream. Truck really responds well to this mod. Now that he is running some big power, I think the converter helps even more.
mike

Dodge has stepped up the trans pretty well in the '04-'05 valve body wise raising pressures where they belong. The torque converter still leaves a lot to be desired. I installed a Precision multi disc converter in my friends '04 Dodge duali and took .5 off his quarter mile time with no other changes. There was nothing wrong with his stock converter ( 10K miles) as we read 0 slip on the data stream. Truck really responds well to this mod. Now that he is running some big power, I think the converter helps even more.
mike

The stock convertor is really inefficient when unlocked. I hate first and second gear when I punch it.

I second that HOOT, makes me wanna go in and check to see that all the bands are to spec and then wonder what use a valve body would be, but in the end I know how expensive the converter is and sheesh, while in there shafts..... does it not end? is there no mercy for the wallet?

I didnt get a chance to stop back by and check on the Cummins...I dont know boys...I might just stick with the truck I love most (duramax)

This is some of what the dealer told me today: "Dodge rates their horse power from the rear wheel, so take what the duramax has and subtract 60horses and 100lb-ft/tq and you will get the TRUE rear wheel horse power of the duramax. It takes 60 horses from the fly wheel to turn the tires" I did the math. 310hp and 600 lb-ft/tq = 250HP and 500 lb-ft/tq...yeah right!
"cummins will hold better value when you decide to trade it in for something newer" is that why I can buy a 2004 dmax for $32000 and buy a 2004 cummins for $28000????

I think I am just gonna keep my truck...I love the sound of the chipped duramax anyway!

I second that HOOT, makes me wanna go in and check to see that all the bands are to spec and then wonder what use a valve body would be, but in the end I know how expensive the converter is and sheesh, while in there shafts..... does it not end? is there no mercy for the wallet?

My suggestion for you '04 Dodge guys; leave the valve body alone ( it is pretty damn good). Buy a name brand multi disc converter ( ATS, Suncoast, Precision, any other brand and you are on your own). You need nothing else except a good synthetic fluid and let her rip. You are goma like it a lot.:ro) :D
mike

This is some of what the dealer told me today: "Dodge rates their horse power from the rear wheel, so take what the duramax has and subtract 60horses and 100lb-ft/tq and you will get the TRUE rear wheel horse power of the duramax. It takes 60 horses from the fly wheel to turn the tires" I did the math. 310hp and 600 lb-ft/tq = 250HP and 500 lb-ft/tq...yeah right!
He was feeding you a line of B.S., the engine data plate on the L/F of the engine is the HP rating that cummins sets each engine at. And I'm willing to bet if you pop the hood and check it will say what they advertise, not 60 more. Had a salesman tell me that once and I popped the hood and showed him. Shut him right up.

I didnt get a chance to stop back by and check on the Cummins...I dont know boys...I might just stick with the truck I love most (duramax)

This is some of what the dealer told me today: "Dodge rates their horse power from the rear wheel, so take what the duramax has and subtract 60horses and 100lb-ft/tq and you will get the TRUE rear wheel horse power of the duramax. It takes 60 horses from the fly wheel to turn the tires" I did the math. 310hp and 600 lb-ft/tq = 250HP and 500 lb-ft/tq...yeah right!
"cummins will hold better value when you decide to trade it in for something newer" is that why I can buy a 2004 dmax for $32000 and buy a 2004 cummins for $28000????

I think I am just gonna keep my truck...I love the sound of the chipped duramax anyway!

32,000 -vs- 28,000 how much do you want to spend? The $4000 difference could bite you. Do you think it's gonna make the truck $4000 more reliable.
Really though you would have to be more specific as to the difference between the two trucks to compare... options, miles.

Trade values ar real important to people planning on trading.

One last bit of advice. Never trust a car salesman. 99% tell you what they think you want to know and most are like lawyers.... how you can tell they are lying ....? when their lips move.

Good luck on your quest.

If you are going by there resale value you need to know how much the chevy sold for new and what the dodge went for new.When i was looking last year the chevy was any where from 6 to 10 grand more.

ya one day my roomates ford 5.4L had to go into the shop so i went and picked him up from the dealer and while i was waiting i was bsing with some no brainers for salesman. they gave me that same line about the 6.0l, that they are measured at the rear wheels, thats why the numbers are lower than the d-max or the cummins. i was like really well if that is so they should stomp a mud hole in any other pickup and ive driven one and they aren't that impressive like everyone says they are.

DURAMAX FOR SNAX


Hoot Piss off,misery luvs company IMO. Dodge it's so simple so rough and feels like a real diesel,I don't mind,who needs anything more :rolleyes:

I hope your reedy in September to EAT your typed words,Mr I can't do a burn out,my tranny is slipping I can't bump up my levels! I will blow my turbo and tranny and my wife will kill me :D

Hoot Piss off,misery luvs company IMO. Dodge it's so simple so rough and feels like a real diesel,I don't mind,who needs anything more :rolleyes:

I hope your reedy in September to EAT your typed words,Mr I can't do a burn out,my tranny is slipping I can't bump up my levels! I will blow my turbo and tranny and my wife will kill me :D


Maybe I aint got the freedom to rebuild my drivetrain 3 or 4 times like you :lol:
Makes sense to be a little conservative, huh?

I won't make it up there this year. Too much going on. Got a building going up, selling some equipment, want to get in some surf fishing and helicopter flying.

I did IRP2005 and we did a big West Virginia/Virginia/Kentucky driving vacation last month.

I jumped last month from an 04(LLY) to an 05 CTD. I wouldn't go back if you paid me! Dodge rear seats wouldn't be great for long trips, but my kids have no complaints and the fold flat is a great idea. I'd rate the Infinity and Bose even (Sirius is better than XM). The center console is light years ahead, the under seat is great for my SA.45. I like the firm ride of the Dodge and the motor just pulls better IMO. No squeaks or rattles yet, no trips to the dealer either.
In 04 it came down to the GM and the Dodge when I shopped for a new truck and I chose poorly. Fortunately I was able to get out of the GM even and make up for it in 05.

Maybe I aint got the freedom to rebuild my drivetrain 3 or 4 times like you :lol:
Makes sense to be a little conservative, huh?

I won't make it up there this year. Too much going on. Got a building going up, selling some equipment, want to get in some surf fishing and helicopter flying.

I did IRP2005 and we did a big West Virginia/Virginia/Kentucky driving vacation last month.



:blahblah: !

I sold my 04.5 Dodge 600 auto for $28,000 I think and it had 15,000 miles on it. I will never buy a Dodge with a auto in it again. My trans went at 14,000 miles with just a Bully Dog 130 hp down loader on it and I was pretty easy on it. Get the 6 speed if I were you.

I sold my 04.5 Dodge 600 auto for $28,000 I think and it had 15,000 miles on it. I will never buy a Dodge with a auto in it again. My trans went at 14,000 miles with just a Bully Dog 130 hp down loader on it and I was pretty easy on it. Get the 6 speed if I were you.

You took a killing on that. 130 hp is a lot to put on a stock tranny. Also depends on how you drive them. Put 130 over stock on any stock auto and you need to be easy on how you drive. The 48RE is much improved. Beat the Allison and it will cry too. Especially at 130 over. Would have been much cheaper if you simply had the tranny done up for power.
What are you driving now?

:blahblah: !

You're a mean one

I jumped the fence the opposite way. I just sold a '99 Dakota a few months back. I LOVED that truck, and never had any major issues with it. It was the little things that drove me nuts. Had numerous electrical issues: switches, wires and connectors going bad. Also had suspension and brake issues. Like I said, it was nothing major, but I got tired of thinking that I got everything done only to have something else pop up. I understand that Dodge has made strides to correct some of these issues, but it was enough for me not to buy another. I'm not telling you to not buy one, just some food for thought. It was a tough decision for me to make, but I really believe the GM trucks are made better overall. Not slamming Dodge, that's just my opinion.

I think this thread was a troll

a troll??? fake?
No, I was serious about the cummins that "would be here tomorrow " and still sets on the lot. I dont know I thought about it but I am gonna keep the ole dmax expecially since I added Diablo. Who knows tho I might buy a cummins one day. Before I do tho I am going in without a bias (Sp) of any truck. Drive them and way the options. Then buy it.