Dodge Ram 2500 - Diesel

[Gulfcoast]

Just bought a used 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummins 5.9 Diesel engine (24-valve, I think). It has a little over 100,000 miles on it and is in excellant mechanical condition.

My question is... what type of oil do you guys use in these engines and please give any other service recommendations that you have to offer on this truck.

It has to last me a long time.

Thanks for your help.

[Slowmover]

Have had my 2004 555 ten years now. $500 repairs in 215k miles. Original clutch and one brake job. Tires last 100k.

The most fun is fuel mileage. Still can't believe a four ton pickup is well into the twenties on the highway. 21-mpg AVERAGE last 60k, all miles. 15 average with 35' TT. (sig)

I use T6 Rotella 5W40 as it turns over easier even in hot Texas. Baldwin filters.

2WD has the genuine advantage of IFS plus rack & pinion steering. With a Bilstein shocks, a rear anti-roll bar and upsized front, it's a sports car compared to my work KW.

With a Hensley hitch it may as well be a sports car among other towing trucks. Low COG on both vehicles, truck weight equal at all four corners, okay, it's still not the A38 Dodge Police Polara Pursuit (Monaco trim) Grandad ordered in 1967 to pull his very similar Streamline, but it is impressive out on the road.

It's handling, braking and steering that matter in towing. The truck is already overpowered for an 18k (max) rig.

Work on details as mentioned above and never let 'er go.

.

[crcr]

Gulfcoast wrote:
Is this the filter set that mounts on the frame?

I think you are thinking of this one. I'm going to install this kit on my Ram 5.9 in the next few weeks. It also includes a water separator. I've watched utube vids of the install. It's a nice, well-designed kit.

Re transmission rebuilds, I just had our 48RE trans rebuilt for $2600 by a local 48RE specialist. Among other things, it included a new beefier torque converter, a valve body kit with some custom tweaks the builder has figured out, fix for the OEM shift detent that always wears out, 6 clutches instead of OEM 5, apply levers, etc etc to increase line pressure, and so on. It shifts very clean and precise now, but not harsh. He also replaced the rear main seal in the engine while the trans was out, because he said, "it's always leaking, so I always replace the $10 part when the trans is out."

[Gulfcoast]

Is this the filter set that mounts on the frame?

[garyp4951]

Check out Glacier Diesel Products fuel filter systems for adding a 2 micron filter between the oem filter and the pump. This will insure longer injector life.

[Gulfcoast]

Thanks guys... sure hope my 2004 transmission will last a while longer.

[campingken]

We had out 47RE trans re-built. Including a new and heavier duty torque converter it was about $2500 tax included.

[john_bet]

Gulfcoast wrote:
Just bought a used 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummins 5.9 Diesel engine (24-valve, I think). It has a little over 100,000 miles on it and is in excellant mechanical condition.

My question is... what type of oil do you guys use in these engines and please give any other service recommendations that you have to offer on this truck.

It has to last me a long time.

Thanks for your help.

It will last a long time with proper maint. I have an '04.5 with 210K and counting. I us Rotella T-6 and Mopar oil filter from Wal-Mart MO-285. Trans was rebuilt at 154K with heavy duty parts and a triple disc TC. No other engine work has been done. No extra fuel filtration nor have I had to change the lift pump. Trans and rear fluid changes at about 30K. I tow a 5th wheel and it is my daily driver, thus the miles.

[IdaD]

ib516 wrote:

Gulfcoast wrote:
Have to ask... simply planning ahead. How much does it cost (on average) to rebuild a 48RE transmission? Thanks

To stock form? About $3000
To make it able to handle more power, about $4000.

Canadian?

[ib516]

Gulfcoast wrote:
Have to ask... simply planning ahead. How much does it cost (on average) to rebuild a 48RE transmission? Thanks

To stock form? About $3000
To make it able to handle more power, about $4000.

[Gulfcoast]

Have to ask... simply planning ahead. How much does it cost (on average) to rebuild a 48RE transmission? Thanks

[crcr]

Me Again wrote:

Gulfcoast wrote:
Why did the transmission go out? curious

All though the 48RE(late 2003-2007) was an improvement over the earlier 47-RE, custom tranny builders can make both much better than the factory build.

Chris

^^ what he said ... I just had mine built better than OEM by a 48RE specialist who does nothing else but build Ram truck transmissions. What an amazing difference!

[Me_Again]

Gulfcoast wrote:
Why did the transmission go out? curious

All though the 48RE(late 2003-2007) was an improvement over the earlier 47-RE, custom tranny builders can make both much better than the factory build.

Chris

[john_bet]

Gulfcoast wrote:
Why did the transmission go out? curious

Wear, pure and simple. 1st gear was starting to slip. According to most people it lasted twice as long as it should have. It Last way longer than two in the Chevy truck was given to use as a service truck at the company I worked for and it did not tow.

[Gulfcoast]

Why did the transmission go out? curious