TLC on UsedVictoria thread... (ongoing)

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Not a TLC, but still interesting:

Cheap cummins. Probably a maintenance nightmare, but Cam would be the guy to talk to about these trucks. I'm constantly tempted by stuff like this as I'd like something more suitable for occasional towing an RV. Not sure I could afford the maintenance though. :confused:

$6,000 · 2004 DODGE, QUAD CAB, CUMMINS,AUTO, 2WD

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/2004-DODGE-QUAD-CAB-CUMMINSAUTO-2WD_24793988

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03-04.5's are the simplest of the common rails. They get the best milage as well. That truck ^ is a California model so it has less powerful engine and has more emission control stuff that will hurt milage a bit. That fancy hood might help gain some of the lost power back though.

Maintenance would be no big deal, just the usual minus the 4x4 stuff. I buy pails of Rotella 15w40 when they are on sale and oil changes aren't too bad. 11.4L every 10,000k and a filter. Milage on my truck is around 15l per 100k but its 4x4 and not even close to stock with a 6speed manual..... so apples to oranges with the above truck.

Mine has been a good vehicle but I'd trade it for a 6 speed diesel Tacoma in a heartbeat.
 
slowandsteady BJ said:
03-04.5's are the simplest of the common rails. They get the best milage as well. That truck ^ is a California model so it has less powerful engine and has more emission control stuff that will hurt milage a bit. That fancy hood might help gain some of the lost power back though.

Maintenance would be no big deal, just the usual minus the 4x4 stuff. I buy pails of Rotella 15w40 when they are on sale and oil changes aren't too bad. 11.4L every 10,000k and a filter. Milage on my truck is around 15l per 100k but its 4x4 and not even close to stock with a 6speed manual..... so apples to oranges with the above truck.

Mine has been a good vehicle but I'd trade it for a 6 speed diesel Tacoma in a heartbeat.
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Good info, thanks Cam. I know you don't like auto, but relatively speaking, are the autos in these pretty good and tough? Also, can the emissions stuff be pulled, and the engine tuned to match the high output 5.9 CRD? Hood would be first thing to go...

I hear ya on a diesel Tacoma. I wish Toyota could bring something like this over (not that I could afford it...): http://www.toyota.com.au/hilux/spec...Double-CabCab-ChassisTurbo-DieselManual_Specs Only 5spd, but I could handle that.
 
GTSSportCoupe said:
Good info, thanks Cam. I know you don't like auto, but relatively speaking, are the autos in these pretty good and tough? Also, can the emissions stuff be pulled, and the engine tuned to match the high output 5.9 CRD? Hood would be first thing to go...

I hear ya on a diesel Tacoma. I wish Toyota could bring something like this over (not that I could afford it...): http://www.toyota.com.au/hilux/spec...Double-CabCab-ChassisTurbo-DieselManual_Specs Only 5spd, but I could handle that.
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The auto's are not tough. They can be with some $$$ though. I think the ad said it had a rebuilt trans. Id want to see the invoice and depending in whether it was an up-grade or not I'd be really carful about winding the motor up.

That truck could hit 450hp with just a tuner (Smarty)
Yes all the emissions can be removed.

Smarty is the way to tune these trucks as EFI Live isn't supported on these platforms. Smarty's aren't cheap but you could sell the big exhaust tip to Ryan.... he loves those things.
 
slowandsteady BJ said:
The auto's are not tough. They can be with some $$$ though. I think the ad said it had a rebuilt trans. Id want to see the invoice and depending in whether it was an up-grade or not I'd be really carful about winding the motor up.

That truck could hit 450hp with just a tuner (Smarty)
Yes all the emissions can be removed.

Smarty is the way to tune these trucks as EFI Live isn't supported on these platforms. Smarty's aren't cheap but you could sell the big exhaust tip to Ryan.... he loves those things.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the info!! That is some big power; hard to comprehend...haha.
 
GTSSportCoupe said:
Thanks for all the info!! That is some big power; hard to comprehend...haha.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't let the auto be a deal breaker for you. That's a great power plant for a good price. Adjust the bands, throw a new shift solenoid and a double-deep trans pan/amsoil with a gage and you'll be more than fine. I've got an '06 dually one ton for work with over 330K kms and twice the idling time on it, original trans and tips the scales consistently at 14K lbs, smarty tune, bounces in and out of mine sites every day. You'll be hard pressed to find a heavy duty mechanic that runs a stick in his truck, can't keep clutches and flywheel from burning up. Used to be a "cool" factor with a stick, not so much anymore with new autos rated for higher torque and pulling capacity.
My real world experience and .02$
 
Rigpig said:
I wouldn't let the auto be a deal breaker for you. That's a great power plant for a good price. Adjust the bands, throw a new shift solenoid and a double-deep trans pan/amsoil with a gage and you'll be more than fine. I've got an '06 dually one ton for work with over 330K kms and twice the idling time on it, original trans and tips the scales consistently at 14K lbs, smarty tune, bounces in and out of mine sites every day. You'll be hard pressed to find a heavy duty mechanic that runs a stick in his truck, can't keep clutches and flywheel from burning up. Used to be a "cool" factor with a stick, not so much anymore with new autos rated for higher torque and pulling capacity.
My real world experience and .02$
Click to expand...

Thanks Rigpig, I'll keep that in mind. The truck above sold already, but it's good to know the autos can be just fine. Not suprising it went so fast; was a really good price.
 
I believe the front end steering components on those suffered somewhat prematurely because of the weight of the engine as well...my old boss had an '06 Crew with Mega cab and full size box, not dually but still a 3500 and it went through front end stuff a couple times only a few years apart. I think one time it was warrantied though. Anyways, something to look for (or listen for) if another pops up that grabs your attention. Nice rigs though...
 
I've always been a fan of sticks. That said, I'd buy a truck like that without giving it a second thought. Autos are way better these days being 4+ speeds with locking torque converters and other doodads :D
Our old Ford has an Auto behind the 7.3 PSD. It isn't the original trans, but the truck weighs 9k, has 400k+ Kms on it, and over 15k hrs on it. Also, for first 250k Kms it was driven hard frequently... And besides, I'm getting older and have a 108 year old left knee.
 
Thanks for the info on the front end PeeZed. Sounds like a front end refurb is something I'd have to learn how to do if I bought one of those trucks.

bikersmurf, sounds like your Ford is holding together well. Sounds like you made a good buy there.
 
GTSSportCoupe said:
bikersmurf, sounds like your Ford is holding together well. Sounds like you made a good buy there.
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It has been very good. I've just been given a truck load of spare parts... Including all the front end, fuel tank, exhaust, heating system, + more.

Anyone have a recommendation of a Ford dealership? It has a couple outstanding recalls from 07 & 09).
 
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