School me on '04 ram 3500 5.9 Cummings turbo diesel

I'm looking at a super clean '04 dually w/63k miles. I've never owned a diesel & would like to know the ins & outs does & dont's & maintenance procedures for this truck. It's an automatic, fully loaded. 5.9 Cummings turbo diesel, I drove yesterday, no smoke, no surging, didn't feel like anything was wrong, in fact I could hardly feel engine running, tranny shifted crisp. It's equipped w/special tow package, so I'm assuming 4.10 gears but I'll find out. Any & all advice is appreciated. Thanks Dave SS/ea #1355

First of all, it's a Cummins...

There are 2 different engines for the 04 model year. Earlier versions have a 305hp engine and trucks built after 1/04 are equipped with the 325hp version. In my experience the 305hp engine will provide the best fuel mileage and durability. The 04.5 to 07 325hp engines seem to have more injector problems than earlier 305hp models. The lifespan of both are directly related to how they are maintained. I would highly suggest adding a 2 micron fuel filter setup to the truck to maximize injector life. This is by far the biggest issue with these high pressure common rail engines. The trans should give you good service if the truck remains at stock power levels. Adding a programmer that increases the hp over 50 to 75 hp and you will be testing the limits of the torque converter lock up clutch. Frequent kick down band adjustment is also necessary on these vehicles. Also check the front suspension and steering components for wear. Ball joints and tie rod ends are common to wear out.

I second every bit of what he said. I just put the Cat 2 micron filters on my 06. While under the truck I checked the d-shaft, bad, replaced both joints. Next up replacing the front b-joints, again! Also installing steering box stabilizer. Trans done at 50,000 miles, 104,000 now. Engine hammers everything to death. My 92 did the same thing. But it PULLS great.

I third everything that was said above. I had an 04 305 for 10 years and loved it until I had injector issues and threw a rod. Maintenance and filtering is the key to any common rail engine. I also had injector issues with an 05, injector went dead and killed the engine.

I have a 04 that I bought new with the 325 5.9 engine 2 wheel drive dually. I have 275,000 miles on it. Automatic trans rebuild at 200,000. it was shifting in and out of gears at low speeds. Water pump , replaced twice., upper and lower ball joints/a arms at 250,000 . front and rear brake pads a number of times. Transfer fuel pump, replaced at 180,000 and the dam muffler rusted out . Also replaced the shocks front and back. I will replace them again this summer. Haven't changed the u-joints I just conceder what been repaired normal wear I'd buy one again.