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2005 Ford or Dodge Diesel only?? - READ ONLY

25 messages,  Last post on Dec 31, 2004 at 9:37 AM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Ford F-250 Super Duty, Diesel, Truck

Messages Page 3 of 3

#16 of 25 by 2manytoys

Nov 20, 2004 (8:12 pm)

I just traded my '03 Duramax/Allison truck for a Dodge with the 48re. Don't buy into the hype of the Allison tranny. On my '01 Chev I actually had a rep from Allison come out and ride in my truck and take readings with his laptop. They devised a software update based on that. It wouldn't tow heavy and stay in fifth gear. Then my '03 had burnt fluid at 25k miles. I am not impressed, not one bit. I have 2 '03 Dodges with HO Cummins engines and 48re trannys. These are work trucks pulling 15k lb trailers daily. They are up over 120k combined miles now with no problems at all. I just bought an '05 for myself and love it.
 
As for the decision between a Ford and a Dodge, tough call, both are good trucks. I went Dodge for the quieter more powerful, and certainly less problem prone Cummins. I also found that the Quad cab long box 3500 Dodge was smoother riding than even the new '05 CC LB Ford F350. The GM trucks have the nicest interiors but the Dodge and Ford are a wash IMO. I had poor luck with the quality on my last two Chevy trucks. I have done well with a 99 Ford and the new Dodges seem to be extremely well put together, a nice package.

#17 of 25 Question for Dodge Tranny Experts by tschux

Dec 13, 2004 (7:38 am)

Hi Folks, Yesterday I test drove a 05 Ram 3500 SLT Quad cab 4X4 diesel with the 5 speed automatic. My question is, in regards to dependability and durability, is there any advantage of the manual 6 speed over the 5 speed automatic tranny for 05 Dodge HD trucks? I will be puting a heavy load on this truck, and making long hauls. Thanks for your help, this is a great forum!

#18 of 25 Re: Question for Dodge Tranny Experts [tschux] by kcram HOST

Dec 13, 2004 (7:08 pm)

Replying to: tschux (Dec 13, 2004 7:38 am)
If you drove a diesel, then you had a 4-speed automatic (48RE). The 5-speed auto (545RFE) is only used with the Hemi.
 
As far as durability, both transmissions are of equal durability for the most part. If you are ordering, you will get the G56 6-speed manual (built by the Mercedes commercial vehicle division, not Getrag as early rumors had mentioned) instead of the NV5600 that has been used for the last 5 years. The G56 is a true medium duty tranny that will actually be overkill for the Ram application.
 
As far as which to order, it depends on you and how frequently you maintain your truck. If you need a truck that punches a time clock daily for a hard day's work, go with the 6-speed. If you're more diligent on maintenance and are willing to get the 48RE serviced regularly, then the automatic will be just fine.
 
kcram
Host - Wagons

#19 of 25 Re: Question for Dodge Tranny Experts [kcram] by tschux

Dec 14, 2004 (11:38 am)

Replying to: kcram (Dec 13, 2004 7:08 pm)
Thanks for the automatic tranny clarification, that's what I get for asking a salesperson what I thought was a simple question. Thanks for answering my question, I will be going with the manual 6-speed when its time to order.

#20 of 25 Re: 2005 Ford or Dodge Diesel only?? [kcram] by will28

Dec 17, 2004 (8:05 pm)

Replying to: kcram (Nov 16, 2004 7:45 pm)
I want to know where you got the info on the new dodge transmission. I have looked at all of the brands and have decided on a ram 2500 diesel. I want to purchase a truck this month. There is a teaser about the wonderful new transmission in the 2005 brocher but is says late availability. I told my dealer I wanted the new transmission and he said that was a misprint and buy the truck on the lot. Please let me know where I can get this info to take to the dealer. It I am going to spend 40K on a truck I should get the best Transmission???

#21 of 25 by kcram HOST

Dec 18, 2004 (2:57 pm)

Will, all dealers get regular communication from DaimlerChrysler on what options are restricted or cancelled. (A dealer staff member I know passes on such information regularly - the report is issued several times a week as restrictions change at the various DC factories.) If your salesperson tries to order a Ram diesel with the 6-speed (option code DEE) right now, it will be rejected. The new 6-speed (option code DEJ) will be available soon after the calendar year change. The previous 6-speed is wither on the lot or in the pipeline; the remaining supply has all been accounted for.
 
Sounds like he'd rather sell you one on the lot to get his sale in before the end of the month and end of the year. An ordered vehicle doesn't count as a sale until it's delivered.
 
If you want the new transmission, stand firm and wait for it. When you're spending as much as these trucks cost, you should certainly get the truck you want the way you want it.
 
kcram
Host - Wagons

#22 of 25 Re: Question for Dodge Tranny Experts [kcram] by dustyk

Dec 19, 2004 (4:05 pm)

Replying to: kcram (Dec 13, 2004 7:08 pm)
>>>If you drove a diesel, then you had a 4-speed automatic (48RE). The 5-speed auto (545RFE) is only used with the Hemi.<<<
 
    I'm pretty sure the 545RFE is also the only automatic for the 4.7 motor, as well. Bests, Dusty

#23 of 25 Re: Question for Dodge Tranny Experts [dustyk] by hemidudeaz

Dec 23, 2004 (5:22 pm)

Replying to: dustyk (Dec 19, 2004 4:05 pm)
Hey Dusty,
How often should the auto tranny be serviced and also the oil changed on the 2500 Cummins under normal use ie. back and forth to work and occasional towing, some stop annd go? Thanks, Hemidudeaz.

#24 of 25 Chevy Headlights... by bigfur

Dec 28, 2004 (1:13 pm)

are completely ugly i agree. That leaves my question at if GM has a very good engine and tranny combo....why not look at a GMC??? Same drivetrain but much less ugly. My two cents for you.

#25 of 25 Re: Question for Dodge Tranny Experts [hemidudeaz] by dustyk

Dec 31, 2004 (9:37 am)

Replying to: hemidudeaz (Dec 23, 2004 5:22 pm)
Hemi, I don't have the maintenance schedules for a RAM diesel. My guess would be that the transmission (47 or 48RE) would be 25,000 miles under heavy use, 36,000 under light or occasional heavy use. This is only a guess.
 
I think the engine oil change is 7500 miles on the Cummins. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
Bests,
Dusty

Messages Page 3 of 3

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