truck opinion

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

Wouldn't a certified master tech know that Ford resolved the spark plug issue when it went to 3V heads in 04-05???

With this being said, if you are towing heavy and regularly, go with the 5.9. Otherwise, I see no reason to trade. Keep in mind that the 5.9 rides in a Dodge.

you read all that and didn't see that I'm no longer in the business? When they went to 3 valve heads, they went from blowing out plugs, to plugs you can't get out. The tool kits to get the broken plugs out of the heads arrived at the dealers before the new trucks did. What does that tell you?

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Buy the Dodge 5.9, rr retired

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by davel1971

you read all that and didn't see that I'm no longer in the business? When they went to 3 valve heads, they went from blowing out plugs, to plugs you can't get out. The tool kits to get the broken plugs out of the heads arrived at the dealers before the new trucks did. What does that tell you?

I did see that you said you retired from that business, but your statement said I AM a Ford Master Tech. Plus, as stated above, you seem to have known that the 05 and up trucks didn't have issues blowing plugs, but you stated it anyway. IMHO, the 05 and up 5.4L is a good power plant and tows quite well for what it is(small block V8), is generally very reliable, and gets decent fuel mileage. I see no reason to go to an older Dodge just to get a 5.9 UNLESS he will be towing heavy and regularly.

Edit: I also went back and read another part of your post that was mis-informative. You state the 5.4L will use twice the fuel, which is a very exaggerated statement. A 5.4L will typically get 18-20 HWY MPG unloaded whereas most 5.9 owners I've talked to claim anywhere from 22-25. Loaded heavy, most diesel engines will get 12-14 MPG whereas the 5.4L will get 8-10. You therefore use ~20-25% more fuel unloaded(but as much as 40% more loaded) that is ~10-20% more expensive. Just to reiterate- the 5.9 IS the way to go if hauling heavy and often, otherwise, I'd stay with the 5.4.

[avolnek]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

I see no reason to go to an older Dodge just to get a 5.9 UNLESS he will be towing heavy and regularly.

Many other reasons to own a diesel! For the added security of having a much heavier and most likely longer than his current truck. The higher potential resale value, which can be argued due to the higher buy in obviously. Don't forget the shear fact that some people just WANT a diesel and don't need a reason to own one other than they want it... Which is my case, I drive a mile to work and I tow a 37' travel trailer nearing 10,000 pounds in the summer with some misc trailers in between. I went with a diesel mostly because I wanted it! secondly due to the safety factor of having a heavy rig to help steer the trailer rather than my trailer trying to steer the truck...

To the OP be aware that diesels do take more work to maintain to an extent. I am not going to say they are a lot more work, but they do seem to require some more general maintenance than a gasser counter part, but well worth it in my book!

[whj77372]

An F150 gas can't be compared to an 2500 Dodge diesel. Of course the 2500 Dodge diesel would be much better. The things that I like about my 2011 F250, diesel, longbed, CC, RWD are; much less noise and no dirty black smoke. Good luck

[bignugget]

I have a 2006 with 90,000 miles on it. The only problem I have had since new was ball joints. Had them replaced at 50,000. Mine is a 6 speed Manuel. One of these guys said to check for blow by. There are some videos on YouTube showing what blow by looks like. Good luck.

[avolnek]

Originally Posted by whj77372

An F150 gas can't be compared to an 2500 Dodge diesel. Of course the 2500 Dodge diesel would be much better. The things that I like about my 2011 F250, diesel, longbed, CC, RWD are; much less noise and no dirty black smoke. Good luck

The noise, and moderate black smoke is exactly why I WANTED a diesel!

[AquaMan]

I enjoy the noise and the smoke at a drag strip, but I wish the ones that have the open stacks and insist on running in low gear all through the campground, just to hear their turbos whine, would go elsewhere. There is a guy in our seasonal campground, that he and I are going to have words this year.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

I enjoy the noise and the smoke at a drag strip, but I wish the ones that have the open stacks and insist on running in low gear all through the campground, just to hear their turbos whine, would go elsewhere. There is a guy in our seasonal campground, that he and I are going to have words this year.

That's why I detest diesels, smoke, noise and the owners don't know how to shut them off, so they just let the noisy, stinky things idle. Same way with diesel pusher MHs.

[Iwannacamp]

OK... If I were serious about the truck I would take to a shop/trans shop I trust. Pay the $75-100 and have the trans inspected serviced(of course you will have to get permission from the seller). If it checks good then you should be ok. If it's questionable, then negotiate half the cost of a new trans from the seller. IMHO
The trans IS the weak link on all the newer crap.

[AquaMan]

I think the transmission is the weak link on all the older diesels (any brand), but I think they have all got much better in the newer models. Cummins being the engine to compare to, and Allison being the transmission.

[Chewie]

The 5.9 is a great diesel. You don't see anyone putting a PSD or Dmax in a dodge, it's usually the other way around installing a Cummins in a ford or GM.... Stir pot... Just my $.02.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by Chewie

The 5.9 is a great diesel. You don't see anyone putting a PSD or Dmax in a dodge, it's usually the other way around installing a Cummins in a ford or GM.... Stir pot... Just my $.02.

Very true. Ask yourself why they'd go to the trouble of putting a CTD in a Ford or Chevy instead of leaving it in the Dodge, though…...

[Talonman]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

That's why I detest diesels, smoke, noise and the owners don't know how to shut them off, so they just let the noisy, stinky things idle. Same way with diesel pusher MHs.

Hey my diesel does not smoke, make noise and gets shut off whenever I sit for more than 2 minutes. I think you detest some owners and models, your not alone.

[IColeman]

for towing it will be perfect! just check for front end wear on the tires as well as play in the steering wheel. If the trans fluid smells burnt it will need a trans.

[jevanb]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

Very true. Ask yourself why they'd go to the trouble of putting a CTD in a Ford or Chevy instead of leaving it in the Dodge, though…...

lol but true, who wants the wrapper when the good stuff is inside

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by jevanb

lol but true, who wants the wrapper when the good stuff is inside

I agree as long as I don't have to ride in the wrapper!!! I'm just kind of picking on the Dodge. I don't think the rest of the vehicle is really that bad.

[jlbreaux]

Originally Posted by rr retired

does anyone have a good or bad opinion of 2005 dodge 2500 5.9 automatic. has 105500 miles, thinking about trading my ford for it,
thanks in advance for any thoughts

I would make sure it is not chipped or had a chip in it. Performance chips wreak havoc on torque convertors. If it is stock go for it!

[avolnek]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

I enjoy the noise and the smoke at a drag strip, but I wish the ones that have the open stacks and insist on running in low gear all through the campground, just to hear their turbos whine, would go elsewhere. There is a guy in our seasonal campground, that he and I are going to have words this year.

I can't agree with you more there! I love the sound of my truck, but when I am at a campground I want it to be peaceful and I am mindful of that for others. I do not start mine up early in the morning to sit and idle and wake everyone up nor do I rod it around the lot.


I wouldn't stray just because it has or has had a chip. If done properly a chip can actually improve the engine and trans, especially EFI Live which is only for the 2006-2009 models. It will add power very safely while keeping things clean and shifting smoother than stock will allow.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Talonman

Hey my diesel does not smoke, make noise and gets shut off whenever I sit for more than 2 minutes. I think you detest some owners and models, your not alone.

True, the new DuraMax's are quiet, then the Fords and the worst are the Dodges and mh's. The last two don't seem to know how to shut the damned noisy, stinky things off or they start them 30-45 minutes before they move them. Same with loud exhausts on gassers