I want a Dodge Diesel 4x4 2500 or 3500. What is the best year from 1999- 2003?

The 2003 Common Rail engine is not vastly different from the older 24valve engine, aside from the common rail fuel system. There were very few bugs if any that needed to be worked out. I have owned one 2003, a Standard Output (250hp engine) with a 5 speed NV4500 manual transmission. The only problem I had with the truck was a lift pump that went out, which is one of the very few issues with Dodge trucks. The Cp3 Injection pump on 2003+ engines is also leagues ahead of the VP44 pump that is on "boogie's" 2001 24v who answered earlier in this thread. Note that he is on his second injection pump? Yeah...that's the VP44 for you, and it fails even with a strong lift pump at times. If you are looking for a truck for towing, go with the manual transmission. Also, install a pyrometer and boost pressure gauge to monitor things. The boost pressure gauge isn't really that necessary, unless you modify the engine. The manuals are very strong and usually get better mileage. My 03 never got less than 20, and was usually around 22-23 mpg. Oh, and I also had modified it for over 500 rear wheel horsepower. And of course, with the modified engine I also installed a South Bend clutch to hold the power better than the factory clutch.

If you get an automatic and plan to tow with it, it will do well if you leave the engine stock and don't abuse the truck. It would be wise to install a transmission temperature gauge along with the aforementioned pyrometer and boost pressure gauge. If you buy the auto and plan to modify the engine, be prepared to spend some money to upgrade the transmission too. I am now on my second 2003 Dodge Ram/Cummins, my last was lost in an accident. My current 03 is an auto as well, as I will be using the truck on a the drag strip at times and an automatic transmission is much better for a track.

I will add that the 2003 truck is built much better and of a bit higher quality than the 98.5-02 24v trucks. Rust along the bottom of the doors and various other areas are common on the older trucks. Also,it is cheaper to modify the 2003 Common Rail than modifying a 24v. I spend about $4000 in my 5 speed for 500+ rear wheel horsepower. The 2003+ injectors and injection pump are capable of supporting well over 500 horsepower pretty reliably before needing upgraded, whereas the 24v injectors and injection pump will need upgraded to go well beyond 300 rear wheel horsepower reliably.

Again, I have not owned any other Cummins than 2003 Common Rails, but I have several friends who own all years and I have extensively researched the 89-93 12v, 94-98 12v, and 98.5-02 24v to know quite a bit about them all. The 94-98 12v and 2003+ CR engines are the better engines out of all the different years.

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RE:

I want a Dodge Diesel 4x4 2500 or 3500. What is the best year from 1999- 2003?

I know reliability varies from year to year, which would be the best one to own. Also do you recommend a manual or automatic tranny?

Not the '03, because it was the first year of the common rail. First year of a new design so it had some issues.

The '01-02 would probably be your best bet. 99s and up are all 24valve motors, and had the VP44 electronic injection pump. All of these motors have some lift pump issues, if they lift pump fails it will kill the injection pump. They all do it, just keep an eye on it and you will be fine, if the truck suddely feels like it lost power and may blow some white smoke (air in the fuel lines).

Some of the older 24V motors had block issues, I just can't remember what block code it is... That is why I say go with a newer year. There is also a Killer Dowel Pin (KDP) on the cam shaft of the older motors. Reasearch it and read about it.

As for trannies, the auto are sufficient for a stock motor, but if you plan on hopping it up plan on it failing. The 5spd or 6spd manual are good. The 6spd has the same 1st gear ratio and the 5th (5 speed) and the 6th (6spd) are the same ratio, you just get one more gear in between, which is good if you plan on towing with it.

2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel

the 03,s did have a few issues with the rails but that was the beginning of a good idea ,when getting anything in the first year you can expect to have some problems from them,if you found one now all the problems would probably be worked out and you would probably get a pretty good vehicle,03 would be the year to go with ,try and find one that doesn't have to many miles if at all possible,good luck.

definately the 03 with a manual trans. the 03 was teh first year for the common rail engine.