Cummings Powered, what years to avoid

Posted By: Copper Dart

Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/08/15 03:19 PM

i have been considering buying a Tow Truck/occasional driver with the Cummings engine. what are the years to avoid and what are the transmissions to avoid. i would prefer auto but thats barely worth mentioning because stick would be just fine too.
ideally and extended cab short bed 2WD light colored truck.

What say you?

Copper

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/08/15 05:45 PM

There's no g in cummins. Get that part straight before you do your google searches.

The early 24v engines had some with an engine block issue. Google dodge cummins Brazilian block.

Also the 24 valve trucks had a notoriously poor vp44 lift pump. When the lift pump goes you can keep driving but it will kill the injection pump. If you get one of these trucks, a pressure gauge for the lift pump is a wise investment.

If you're going for an older truck with the 12v mechanically injected truck or a newer truck this won't be an issue.

Every Cummins truck with the auto I've seen has puked the transmission by 200k miles so find one thats already been rebuilt.

Posted By: RUNCHARGER

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/08/15 05:50 PM

I think the older the engine the better it is and the newer the automatic trans the better it is so you have to find a balance I suppose.
I like my 05 but I change the fuel filter at every oil change and still watch for any sign of injector problems. I was told the Torque Convertors go away and fill the trans with junk and take it out. So I changed the Torque and the guy replaced a few clutches in the trans that showed slight colouring at 100,000 miles. That cost me about $2k but I think the truck should run for another few hundred thousand miles without any trouble.
I would go 06 and older if I was to buy another one, the newer trucks have nicer cabs but don't get the fuel mileage and there's way too much junk hung on the engine in the newer trucks. We can thank the ecologists for wrecking a really good thing.

Sheldon

Posted By: chrisf

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/08/15 06:35 PM

first generation 92-93 were the hands down best. I sold my first gen and bought a 07 5.9 expensive to repair and generally a crappy truck. hard to work on too.
2003-up have broken ring issues. shop down the road from me did 350 2003-7 5.9's last year. 1 a day.

Posted By: Polarapete

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/08/15 08:41 PM

My only experience with the CTD was with my 2002 QC Short Bed 2WD. I was the 2nd owner and it had a new South Bend clutch matched to a 6 speed manual and the HO (for the time) 5.9. It also had a complete set of gauges, Boost, EGT and Fuel Pressure at the VP44. I would still have it but, I wrecked the truck in October 2012. The air bags never deployed? It was totaled by State Farm???WTF...I bought it back and sold it 4 months later with all the extra wheels/tires and accessories that I had acquired over the years, to a young man that rebuilt it. It was a good deal for him and he is still driving and loving it. During the time that I owned it, I changed the VP44 injector pump for a rebuilt, relocated the OEM lift pump to the frame, changed that lift pump to a FASS DDRP, put a short shift kit in the transmission and put in a 4" MBRP Stainless Exhaust system. I did all the maintenance myself. I would have rebuilt it and kept it, but my wife could not drive it (Ergonomics all wrong for her) and I had to have new knee after the accident, so it would have sat for a long time in my driveway

I would recommend the 24 valve 98.5 through 2002 models for the most performance for the least investment.

Attached picture 8453503-100_2355(2).JPG

Posted By: Copper Dart

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/09/15 02:06 PM

Thanks for the schooling.
Cummins powered tow/driver.
I'm not looking for all out performance, just reliability and ease of maintenance to pull a 28' inclosed. The truck will sit parked a lot till show/race time or the usual homeowner run to the hardware store.
Early trucks, what would be the best transmission? I have a limited budget so newer trucks are out.
What's the first years inter-cooled
Any bad manual trans to avoid?
Thanks to all chiming in

Copper

Posted By: 69HemiGTX

Re: Cummins Powered, what years to avoid - 03/09/15 02:36 PM

The intercooled 1st Gen appeared as a 91.5 model. The manual trucks used a Getrag G360 transmission. It's a solid performer if you don't bomb the crap out of it. For autos, the early trucks got non-overdrive 727s. Since they had no overdrive, they got Dana 61/71 diffs with 3.07s front and rear, respectively. The overdrive trans came out around the same time as the intercooler. I'm not 100% sure of the timing, but I know it's close. There are a lot of little differences between the trucks, too. A lot of 1st Gen guys will combine parts from each to get what they say is a better product. I haven't researched those claims too much, so I have no idea if they're true. I do know that some guys will swap the ultra tall gear diffs under an intercooled truck to make a sweet highway hauler, but they obviously give up some grunt for towing.

I own a 91.5 with a G360, but its drivetrain is going into my 78 crew cab. I also own a very early 98.5 24V, and it's been a super reliable truck. As mentioned, the lift pumps suck, so they need attention.

Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: Cummins Powered, what years to avoid - 03/09/15 03:05 PM

ALL transmission are to be avoided behind a Cummins except if you do the Alison conversion...

Posted By: Von

Re: Cummins Powered, what years to avoid - 03/09/15 03:55 PM

What is a cummings?

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: Cummins Powered, what years to avoid - 03/09/15 04:31 PM

The mid 90's style trucks with the manual trans and 4x4 had the NV4500 which has an issue with losing 5th gear. There is a fix for it but it is something to be aware of. 2wd doesn't have the issue IIRC.

Having owned and/or driven each of a 1993 (first gen cummins ram), a 1997 generation and a 1999 generation, I can say each generation is an improvement in comfort and ride quality over the previous. The 1993 was fairly rough riding, noisy, vibrating interior, typical of your 1980's style construction. Great looking trucks, however the extended cabs had the sideways facing jumper seats instead of a rear bench. The 97 was quieter, smoother riding and more comfortable. Having the rear bench was a nice plus. I bought another 97 recently that I will be setting up as my tow rig. The 99 had my favorite cab as it had the flip open rear doors which are awesome and it had a much more modern looking dash. Otherwise it rode about the same, maybe a little better. It also had the 24 valve computer injected engine which makes a little more power and definitely easier to modify. Howver the 12 valve engine had the simplicity and a little better mpg. The 03+ generation trucks with the common rail engine leaps and bounds quieter and more refined but I don't like them.

Posted By: srt

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/09/15 06:12 PM

I checked out this site
before purchasing our '03 cummins. Don't worry about the "g" thing, many have made the mistake, then become spell checkers.
I ended up with the 'o3 BUT if you go auto trans look for one with the 48re not the prior 47.
Although both are modernizations of the 727 the 48 is superior.
The lift pump can be problematic stockers last about 70k and can be sourced at any local parts house, easily replaced by removing left side inner splashshield.
I've replaced 2, and am about to buy a fass system.
Other things to watch is front susp. wear track bar, steering box, steering shaft (heavy engine).
Also, get some good shocks (bilstein yellow/blue are a decent moderately priced option).
There is a GA based nline parts store Genos, that is a good source for info about things that are consummable as their catalog has write-ups in it.
I don't make it a point to buy what they carry, (i.e. deep trans pan) as others are as good and cheaper.
I think early 3rd gen (pre-cat converter) 'o3-'o6 can be found that are not wore out or kid modified at a fair price.
Whatever you buy make sure it isn't someone's tow rig, maintenance records a big plus, AND follow all recommended maintenance intervals.
edit--> Injectors are fairly expensive, many cite 170k life and then rebuild time. Easy to know when: hard starts when warm. Some will replace one or two at a time, others figure do them all and be done with it.
I use a fuel conditioner (power services) because the original owner used it since it was new and I think it's been helpful in keeping our truck going trouble free. Other thing, bleed off fuel from filter canister regularly (esp. road trips) to keep water from accumulating and if at install a trans temp sender in the line going to the radiator.If you see the temp go over 230 when climbing grades or towing, get the fluid changed. It's burnt and will shorten trans life, lastly when changing trans pan adj. bands.

Posted By: SomeCarGuy

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/09/15 07:18 PM

Not sure what guys are doing to say all the auto trans are junk. I know of at least three off the top of my head that went over 200k without a rebuild, two pulling cars, one was loaded with tools at grossed about 8k all the time. The two oulling cars were turned up. Not 500 hp, but more than stock. 1st gens.

Posted By: DPelletier

Re: Cummins Powered, what years to avoid - 03/09/15 07:34 PM

Quote:

ALL transmission are to be avoided behind a Cummins except if you do the Alison conversion...

NOPE....just like I told you before the NV5600 is THE strongest transmission ever used in any pickup truck in any brand....far stronger and more reliable than the 1000 series Allison used in the GM diesels.

Trucks;

- early 12V's (gen 1 trucks) with the rotary pump are reliable but output is weak and getting more out of them will require the swap to the inline mech pump at the very least. Gen 1's are pretty solid but the ride and build quality are iffy. Getrag is only an OK 5spd. 727 is...well a 727.

- Gen 2 12V trucks are also pretty bulletproof; P7100 inj. pump is better than the rotary. NV4500 is decent, 47RE is weak.

- Gen 2 24V trucks; VP44 is very susceptible to failure due to low lift pump pressure but if you monitor that they are easy to boost output and pretty reliable compared to other years. #53 casting blocks had some cracking issues (used around '98- '99 or so). All Gen 2 trucks had some minor issues with rear brakes (until disks at 2001), steering boxes, track bars, etc. Still using the weak 47RE, the NV4500 5spd (OK) and the very strong NV5600 6spd.

- Gen 3 trucks; common rail solves VP44 issues but the injectors are a bit more complicated. Steering and Quad cab are much better. 48RE is debuted but some early 2003 standard output (250hp) trucks still have the 47RE. The 48 is stronger but still lacks features that brand X and Y are starting to add. The NV5600 is in use until (IIRC) 2006 when it's replaced with the G56....the G56 is an OK trans despite the dual mass flywheel garbage. I think one year (2004) used an intercooler with plastic end caps which sucked. 2006 up also use the TIPM computer which is a total POS.

Best years? 1994 - 1997 12V 5spd; 2001 - 2002 HO, 6spd (ETH/DEE), 2003 and pre-jan 2004 built NV5600 trucks.

I've had issues with my 2006 and 2008 that would prevent me from buying a newer one. For my money the 2003 6spd is the best of the best.

Dave

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/09/15 08:04 PM

Quote:

Whatever you buy make sure it isn't someone's tow rig

Very tough, considering that's what everyone buys them for. Just try and find one that's not totally used up like most of em are.

Posted By: srt

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/09/15 10:40 PM

tough, but not impossible.
I look for things like worn front suspension, wear in the receiver, signs of rear spring bushing wear. Also, a log book is nice to browse through. If owner notes down where service or fueling is done, and it's all over the map...
Another thing to look for is if the truck had gauges/tuners added. Not bad in it's self, but could indicate a kid hot-rodding, or someone trying to maximize tq/hp.
On the autos (I bought a 'o3 w/ 48re after asking q's here and on the forum I linked), if used for towing learn how/when to NOT use o.d. and when to lock the converter.
If you don't mind shifting get the nv, and others may not agree, I think the 'o3 early 'o4's would be the prize to look for.

Posted By: Silver70

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 01:42 AM

Mine apparently was used for long commutes and wasn't used for hauling trailers. So they are out there... I know quite a few people who don't use them like they should.

Anyways, I have an 01, my biggest issue is it leaks oil. There are quite a few places they are known to leak from. I already resealed my vacuum pump, not on to the tappet cover. Had to replace a caliper, clutch, power steering pump and such, normal stuff.

If I were to get another I'd get an 03-05 with a 6 speed. I like the looks, ride and so on over my 01.

Posted By: dvw

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 03:14 AM

I've had my 1995 since new. 5 speed manual 2 wd dual wheel. 5th gear nut did come loose, easy fix. There's a bulletin for it. Happened twice 34k, then 60k never happened again after the last fix. Broke the center out of the clutch disc at 125K, the disc wasn't anywhere close to worn out. Installed a Southbend 13' clutch. I added a cam plate and governor springs to the pump which REALLY woke it up. I replaced the A/C evaporator, power window switch, brakes, batterys, exhaust, lower ball joints, pinion seal. That's it. All it's ever been used for is towing my racecar. Currently 32" tri-axle and a slide in camper in the bed. Just under 20K lbs total. It has been a very good truck. The head gasket is seeping a bit so I'll replace it this spring. 190K miles. Been running 35 psi boost the last 55K miles.
Doug

Posted By: Triggerfish

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 03:17 AM

If you go with the 24V Cummins, look for one with a manual trans & then
do the FASS pump conversion & larger 4" exhaust. I love my 2002 & it towed my 24'enclosed like it wasn't there, but the auto trans was the weak link.
Had to rebuild it at 100K because dummy me didn't read the manual & towed in overdrive. Trans shop did 12 mods that he said were the "weak link" & never had an issue after that... except when the 1 gen Edge controller I installed shorted out the electronics. Took out the PCM & ECM modules which caused the injection pump to go. $7K bill. So go manual if you can. A lot of guys like the 12 valve versions (1998 etc) seems like you can get a lot more power from them by turning up the fuel pressure.

Posted By: cudaman1969

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 03:39 AM

I have an 06 3500 auto. What lift pump should I get to replace the original(90.000 miles)

Posted By: Copper Dart

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 04:03 AM

I'm finding lots of autos. Few manual trans trucks around here unless you opt for 4X4

I need to study up on what auto trans to look for or just wait

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 04:24 AM

I don't know how it is in FL but here you have to practically give it away if it's a 2wd. Good for buying, horrible for selling.

Posted By: 1DGEMAN

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 04:30 AM

I have 2 Cummins powered Dodges that I have put hundreds of thousands miles on. Mostly loaded down with a large camper and towing a 28 ft triple axle enclosed race car trailer.

My first one is a 92 club cab dually it is a custom conversion and has crew cab doors and club cab.The worst thing about it was the Getrag trans it blew apart. Truck was a little low on power but it would still get up to 70 and tow. 1st gen trucks also have a wider turning radius.

My second truck is a 97 club cab I have hot rodded it ported head, bigger turbo, camshaft, 4000 rpm gsk, different inter cooler. The worst part of it was the nv4500 trans 5th gear comes loose and tore it up. I put the NV5600 trans and a dual disc clutch in it now it is bullet proof. This was an easy bolt in with factory parts. The NV4500 I rebuilt with the 5th gear fix and it is in the 92. This truck fully loaded with trailer will accellerate up an 8% grade.

I like things mechanical. I would never buy a truck run by electronics.

Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 05:06 AM

The only trans I haven't had the pleasure of driving, or destroying is the NV5600. I will have to give one my torture test soon!

Wasted 5, yes FIVE NV4500's in a 99 2WD dually, 2 G56's in an 07, 3 48RE's in an 04, and just 1 auto trans in my 96. Haven't lunched the trans in my 93 club cab ramp truck yet, and managed to keep my 92 dually auto trans right on going though it was like riding on a buckboard!

Anyone have any luck with the AISIN trans?

Posted By: 65Fury440

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 06:06 AM

I bought a brand new 93 4x4 W250 singe cab with an auto. I had it in for 3 new transmissions, converters, and flex plates , 19 times in the first 2 years. I hired a lemon law layer.
Ma sold me a new 96 loaded club cab with a 5 speed for around 10k on a 30kish sticker.
I towed a 20k lb dozer around with it, along with other heavy loads for 429k miles, when I sold it. In that time, I replaced one clutch, along with front suspension pieces.I mostly sold it because of rust issues.I sold it to a guy I know who does body work.
I seen him at the bank about 6 months ago,in the truck. He said its still running great with over 500k.
Best truck I ever owned.
Keep the oil and fuel filter clean is my advice.

Posted By: DPelletier

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 05:06 PM

Quote:

The only trans I haven't had the pleasure of driving, or destroying is the NV5600. I will have to give one my torture test soon! Wasted 5, yes FIVE NV4500's in a 99 2WD dually, 2 G56's in an 07, 3 48RE's in an 04, and just 1 auto trans in my 96. Haven't lunched the trans in my 93 club cab ramp truck yet, and managed to keep my 92 dually auto trans right on going though it was like riding on a buckboard! Anyone have any luck with the AISIN trans?

Try the NV5600; I doubt even YOU could break one. Oooh and get a Southbend Clutch from Peter too.

Dave

Posted By: an8sec70cuda

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 05:18 PM

Quote:

I don't know how it is in FL but here you have to practically give it away if it's a 2wd. Good for buying, horrible for selling.

Nobody around here wants a 2wd diesel. You can find some really nice trucks for cheap b/c they are 2wd. My '01 is 4x4...I don't like getting stuck on wet grass.

I like my '01 quadcab 4x4 cummins auto. Pulls good, but desperately needs a tighter converter. That and the fact that it isn't a crewcab are my only gripes about it. Once you take care of a couple quirks they have they're good trucks. Get a good lift pump, fuel pressure gauge, rebuild the front suspension, and add a steering box brace.

Posted By: DPelletier

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 05:23 PM

The 2003 offers the following;

- common rail cures the VP44 failure issue
- no post injection event, no catalytic converter
- available NV5600 6spd
- good brakes and steering
- superior quad cab with rear seating for adults.

it doesn't have;

- plastic intercooler tanks
- TIPM totally integrated power module....so you have to spend $1,200 to fix a burnt out headlight
- urea injection
- variable geometry turbos...another complexity that you don't need, expecially when they get all sooted up due to the exhaust gas recirc.
- dual mass flywheels....just a crappy idea all way around.
- catalytic converters that need to periodically regenerate and get hot enough to rival the surface temperatures of a white dwarf star.

....I have several diesel trucks, many gas trucks and I've owned dozens more that I've sold off or traded in. I could buy or drive any truck I like but my 2003 is the oldest and best in my small fleet....I truly think that due largely to environmental regulations that the newer diesels are fraught with issues....it isn't Dodge's or Cummins' fault...they still make the best diesel truck out there but they are getting far too complicated for me to consider keeping one past the warranty period.

My 2003 has a 4" exhaust, Southbend ConOFE clutch and a Smarty reprogrammer. No issues other than common wear issues in 12 years. Truck has gotten a high of 20.5mpg and averages 16mpg in mixed driving...and it's an 8338 lbs, dually, 4x4 quad cab. Output is dependant on the programmer....between the stock 305/555 to over 400 hp and almost 800 ft lbs of torque. I tow regularly at a GCWR of 20,000 + lbs.

My "runner up award" goes to a 2001.5 ETC/DEE HO 6spd ram with the rear disk brakes....even with having to keep an eye on the VP44 and dealing with the vague 2nd Gen steering, this is an awesome truck.

Dave

Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 06:56 PM

Quote:

Quote:

The only trans I haven't had the pleasure of driving, or destroying is the NV5600. I will have to give one my torture test soon! Wasted 5, yes FIVE NV4500's in a 99 2WD dually, 2 G56's in an 07, 3 48RE's in an 04, and just 1 auto trans in my 96. Haven't lunched the trans in my 93 club cab ramp truck yet, and managed to keep my 92 dually auto trans right on going though it was like riding on a buckboard! Anyone have any luck with the AISIN trans?

Try the NV5600; I doubt even YOU could break one. Oooh and get a Southbend Clutch from Peter too.

Dave

I am starting to look for another truck, might just have to do an NV5600 this time. As far as SB clutches are concerned, NEVER AGAIN!

I blew a clutch on the 07 while at the Mopar Nats, found a shop very close and overnighted an assembly from SB to Columbus, OH. It had issues from the get-go. Even took the truck TO the SB Clutch plant in South Bend and they told me it was normal.

It didn't last long after that.

Posted By: crackedback

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 07:07 PM

Quote:

Quote:

The only trans I haven't had the pleasure of driving, or destroying is the NV5600. I will have to give one my torture test soon! Wasted 5, yes FIVE NV4500's in a 99 2WD dually, 2 G56's in an 07, 3 48RE's in an 04, and just 1 auto trans in my 96. Haven't lunched the trans in my 93 club cab ramp truck yet, and managed to keep my 92 dually auto trans right on going though it was like riding on a buckboard! Anyone have any luck with the AISIN trans?

Try the NV5600; I doubt even YOU could break one. Oooh and get a Southbend Clutch from Peter too.

Dave

Had a few trucks and whenever they needed a clutch, I call Peter at South Bend. Never an issue with any of them. Any that have a dual mass flywheel get a solid piece. Some of the best money I've spent on driveline parts.

Posted By: DPelletier

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 07:49 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

The only trans I haven't had the pleasure of driving, or destroying is the NV5600. I will have to give one my torture test soon! Wasted 5, yes FIVE NV4500's in a 99 2WD dually, 2 G56's in an 07, 3 48RE's in an 04, and just 1 auto trans in my 96. Haven't lunched the trans in my 93 club cab ramp truck yet, and managed to keep my 92 dually auto trans right on going though it was like riding on a buckboard! Anyone have any luck with the AISIN trans?

Try the NV5600; I doubt even YOU could break one. Oooh and get a Southbend Clutch from Peter too.

Dave

I am starting to look for another truck, might just have to do an NV5600 this time. As far as SB clutches are concerned, NEVER AGAIN! I blew a clutch on the 07 while at the Mopar Nats, found a shop very close and overnighted an assembly from SB to Columbus, OH. It had issues from the get-go. Even took the truck TO the SB Clutch plant in South Bend and they told me it was normal. It didn't last long after that.

Which one did you go with? I've had several ConOFE's and never a problem....even at full hp levels.

...starting to think it might all just be you....

J/K

Dave

Posted By: DPelletier

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 07:50 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

The only trans I haven't had the pleasure of driving, or destroying is the NV5600. I will have to give one my torture test soon! Wasted 5, yes FIVE NV4500's in a 99 2WD dually, 2 G56's in an 07, 3 48RE's in an 04, and just 1 auto trans in my 96. Haven't lunched the trans in my 93 club cab ramp truck yet, and managed to keep my 92 dually auto trans right on going though it was like riding on a buckboard! Anyone have any luck with the AISIN trans?

Try the NV5600; I doubt even YOU could break one. Oooh and get a Southbend Clutch from Peter too.

Dave

Had a few trucks and whenever they needed a clutch, I call Peter at South Bend. Never an issue with any of them. Any that have a dual mass flywheel get a solid piece. Some of the best money I've spent on driveline parts.

My one G56 truck now sports a proper one pce flywheel and a Southbend clutch.

Dave

Posted By: Copper Dart

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/10/15 11:36 PM

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/cto/4832655487.html

I'm not sure I really need a dually so I'm considering this one..
Wondering how much it would cost to fix third gear?

Thanks for the Super answers guy's..

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 12:37 AM

Smoker vents on the windows? If 3rd is grinding at 149k miles, 30k after a rebuild makes me wonder what's going on inside.

Are you capable of rebuilding a transmission yourself? If not, expect to crap out a few grand to have someone do it for you.

Posted By: cdstl

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 01:28 AM

Quote:

Are you capable of rebuilding a transmission yourself? If not, expect to crap out a few grand to have someone do it for you.

The NV5600 weighs the better part of 500 pounds. A Mopar guy that does these transmissions locally uses an electric fork lift to get them out.

Posted By: 71yelladustr

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 01:55 AM

The truck listed has an NV4500 5 speed. 3rd gear grinding is common. The problem is likely a worn-out blocker ring not the gear itself. The blocker ring is cheap but you will have to remove the mainshaft from the trans to replace it. I fix them all of time.

Posted By: DPelletier

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 01:55 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Are you capable of rebuilding a transmission yourself? If not, expect to crap out a few grand to have someone do it for you.

The NV5600 weighs the better part of 500 pounds. A Mopar guy that does these transmissions locally uses an electric fork lift to get them out.

That 2001 is a standard output with a 5spd, NV4500.

Dave

Posted By: dvw

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 04:06 AM

I find it hard t believe some people kill the 4500 trans when I've been towing close to 20K lbs for nearly 20 years with the same one????????????? Yes I've had 5th gear come loose but didn't damage anything.
Doug

Posted By: Fat_Mike

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 04:21 AM

Quote:

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/cto/4832655487.html

I'm not sure I really need a dually so I'm considering this one..
Wondering how much it would cost to fix third gear?
Thanks for the Super answers guy's..

That truck ain't from around here (looks to have MN plates). Look it over real good for rust issues...

Posted By: HotRodDave

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 04:33 AM

Quote:

Not sure what guys are doing to say all the auto trans are junk. I know of at least three off the top of my head that went over 200k without a rebuild, two pulling cars, one was loaded with tools at grossed about 8k all the time. The two oulling cars were turned up. Not 500 hp, but more than stock. 1st gens.

The trans usually dies for lack of professional maintenance. I say pro because even swapping fluid and filter is not quite enough, bands need adjusted and it don't hurt to turn up the line pressure a tad as the spring loses tension over the years.

Posted By: Copper Dart

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 02:07 PM

Quote:

Quote:

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/cto/4832655487.html

I'm not sure I really need a dually so I'm considering this one..
Wondering how much it would cost to fix third gear?
Thanks for the Super answers guy's..

That truck ain't from around here (looks to have MN plates). Look it over real good for rust issues...

Yes it's been there but as a 2wd, he never used it in the snow/salt environment (he said).
I'm not looking for a show piece and a good look at the undercarriage will show if it was regularly exposed to a salted road. I think it's still factory paint.
I do have a lift and heavy duty trans jack but lack the refined skills to feel comfortable in rebuilding the transmission myself. He said the transmission shop that did the rebuild had a good reputation and he is very surprised it's giving him this trouble.
Options? A salvage trans with warranty? Up grade to what? Try and fix it myself?
They did install a new clutch and friends during the visit too.

71Yelladustr, how difficult is the fix? Special tools? You visiting south Florida any time soon?

Copper

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 03:27 PM

Quote:

Yes it's been there but as a 2wd, he never used it in the snow/salt environment (he said).

Be skeptical of that. We have a lot of rotted out 4x4s up here, and we have just as many rotted out 2wd's. A good indicator on these trucks usually is the rear wheel well lips, front fenders behind the front tires, and the bottom/backside of the doors. Rust will show there before anything of consequence shows up underneath on the frame.

Posted By: Copper Dart

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 03:48 PM

Thanks for the guidance DT. I will look closely at those areas especially.

Posted By: srt

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 05:06 PM

I would keep looking and don't be in a rush. I took 3 months to find the right truck.
I don't know your budget, but checked c/l (using searchtempest) and found several cal/nv/az trucks with low mileage, some nicely optioned.

Posted By: Copper Dart

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/11/15 07:57 PM

Quote:

I would keep looking and don't be in a rush. ............

That's some of the best advise yet! (And the hardest for me to follow) lol

Posted By: Copper Dart

Re: Cummings Powered, what years to avoid - 03/22/15 03:57 PM

Gave a deposit on a '96 x cab 3500 auto A/C. 175k miles. It seems ( to a semi un- trained eye) stock. Stock air filter at least. I will be starting a post on what to do for some MINOR performance up-grade advise from you Diesel guru's. Hope to get advise on some stock tweaking of the fuel system without going crazy.