Pros, cons and advice-V6 full size truck

Blasphemy…Cummins engines are amazing…the truck around them though can be questionable at times. So I guess you are halfway right.

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I like your spirit

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All I can say is I never had a diesel F350 or GM 3500 leave me on the side of the road. The Dodge I had in the oilfield did that over a half dozen times before Chrysler decided they’d just replace ALL of the def system. Going into limp mode on the interstate with 24,000+ pounds behind you is not fun. That truck had 14,000 miles when the problems started.

Now, the mechanical 5.9 Cummins is a different story. I’d love to have one.

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@DisplacedTexan I currently have an early 04 (pre catalytic converter) 5.9 with roughly 110,000 miles and am liking it. Have put a fortune in other stuff, but no problems with the engine.

My father in law has a 2018 Cummins 3/4 ton, much quieter and has had no problems with any of it yet. I know Dodge struggled for a bit with the def system when it first came out, haven’t heard much as of late. Who knows

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The truth is that the big three are all about the same anymore. They’re all overly complicated and entirely too expensive. They all perform about the same. It’s basically a beauty competition nowadays. Buy what you like and enjoy it is my advice. Now, the Nissan “Cummins” is just a wannabe truck.

That is the truth.

I have been fighting a vibration in this Dodge that is really starting to make me angry. Have spent thousands chasing that down. Decided to try a custom aluminum driveshaft, put that in today and it took about 80% of the vibration away.

Test drove a 2015 3/4 ton Duramax the other day…might just go that route.

@SurfaceTherapy did you have the driveshaft balanced? They all have to be balanced much like a wheel

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They tack weld little weights on them

Yes that was the first thing that happened. Made no difference. From there all hubs were replaced. All u joints replaced, wheels and tires taken from another truck put on, drove without front driveshaft, inspected front differential, all brake rotors changed, rear differential gears and bearings replaced (had a whine to it anyways)

After a ton of google time some people had luck switching to an aluminum driveshaft. Called Driveshaft Specialist of Texas and they said it would most likely fix it. It mostly did I guess…

I am so twisted. One day I want to buy a diesel and trick it out and the next day I just want a basic no frills one ton regular cab gasser. I’ve always loved the work truck packages. Less stuff to break.

It’s amazing how one small dent in a driveshaft can throw things out of whack.

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Chrome stack through the hood or you’re a poser.

I would rather put a lift on the front and drop the back and have it drag its rear around like a dog on carpet.

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@SurfaceTherapy I would also check transmission cross member mounts and engine mounts also? They effect driveshaft angle depending on how clapped out they are. It’s all a rubberised link all the way to diff, anywhere along there should it not be aligned would put driveshaft at a minuscule lean causing vibration. Just a thought.

@MuscleMyHustle it is a strange vibration. It starts at exactly 65 mph. If you search low frequency vibration on google it seems to be somewhat common in the 3rd gen trucks for some reason. Some people even got Dodge to buy them back when they were under warranty.

Just something I have had to deal with for now…bought the truck at a dealership 7 hours away from me. Drove smooth for the first hour and a half since speed limit was only 55. As soon as I hit the interstate I knew something wasn’t right. They all but told me to kick rocks. Sucks but it is what it is.

I know the transmission mount has been checked out. Will have to look into the motor mounts.

:rofl:

@SurfaceTherapy driveshaft issues generally shudder/vibrate when they are accelerating more so than driving at a constant 65 you’ll hear it through the cabin then it will go away as you let off the gas and sit at 65. Have a quick look at the transmission and engine mounts first, you’ll know if engine mounts are crap when you turn off ignition and engine shakes to a stop

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@DisplacedTexan don’t laugh at his dodge :joy:. She’ll be up and running sweet in no time.

I wasn’t. I was laughing at the dog dragging his butt comment. I hate that look lol

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I run out of a 2010 Sprinter van and love it! 14’ from the bulkhead to the back door (172” wheelbase), and tall enough inside to stand straight up in. No chem/gas odor problems because I vent it out to the bottom rear corner. Helps having a solid bulkhead behind the front seats and big black and yellow containers for gallon chem jugs. Best part is maneuverability and not having to park way out in a parking lot. They make a dually 3500 Sprinter as well, though I may go with the cheaper gasser Chevy box truck route later this year if I hire a 2nd tech. Much cheaper and easier to work on and get part for than a Benz.