New to forum; seeking advice on impending Ram search

[CmP]

Hi All,

I've just recently decided that it's time to get ready to race my Spec Miata with the SCCA beginning next spring. I currently use it for time trials and HPDEs. In order to race (and get it home if I get wrecked), I'm going to need to tow the car to the track. Some other recent life changes have prompted me to begin looking for a truck.

I'm going to need to be able to tow a combined enclosed trailer/Miata/spares weight of about 6000 pounds. I'd like 4 doors so I can seat people in the rear and with kids are on the horizon, I'd like the extra space offered by a quad cab. I'm a gasoline turbo guy and know how easy it is to modify engines equipped with a snail, so I'm gravitating towards turbo diesel power despite the higher fuel costs. I also like to row my own gears, so a manual transmission-equipped truck is preferred. Living in New England, 4-wheel drive is a necessity.

Based on some advice from friends and my budget, my current list is comprised of one vehicle so far:

-2003 Dodge Ram quad cab short bed with the 5.9L Cummins and a manual transmission

What I'm not sure about are the various equipment packages and trim levels. Should I be looking for a model with the factory tow package? Are there any other factory-installed options that should be on my radar based upon my intended use? My daily commute (which this truck will be used for) takes me very close to Mass Diesel, so I was planning to touch base with those guys soon. Are there other local (south of Boston) shops that are recommended? Any advice on this purchase would be greatly appreciated from this noobie. I can do most of my own wrenching, so installing add-ons like oil coolers, exhausts, turbos, etc isn't a big deal. Thanks.

[jdc753]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a very good search. I am a Ford guy so I will let the Dodge guys chime in on the trim levels and packages.

I would suggest searching in AutoTrader (use the advanced search to narrow down the diesel, manual, 4-door, and 4x4) Ebay should show a few too. I know back when I was searching for my truck ya had to expand the search out pretty far to find the right truck.

6,000lbs should be no problem at all. When the kids get older ya can get a bigger trailer and take 2 cars to the track for some friendly competition :)

[Jim]

Hi and welcome to the forum :HoleShotHolset:

http://www.dodge.com/en/ may help you with your exact trim package questions. The laramie is the king of the hill with leather, fake wood trim inside, chrome bezels on the dash etc. SLT's are a step down with cloth, a little less flashy overall.
2003 is a nice choice, maybe find a truck with 4.10 gearing in the rear to make towing easier. The modification ability of the newer trucks is incredible a 03 with a smarty programmer, exhaust and intake upgrade will only start you down the slippery slope of mods.
soon you will sell your scca car and will be racing the 1/4 mile and sledpulling with your diesel.:smilielol:

[sooter]

soon you will sell your scca car and will be racing the 1/4 mile and sledpulling with your diesel.:smilielol:


all of that AND still being able to tow or get the groceries!:exactly:

[jdc753]

soon you will sell your scca car and will be racing the 1/4 mile and sledpulling with your diesel.:smilielol:

Meh, why sell it, just race it against the tow truck and see how they do...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eJFQn0hvfE


Took me forever to find that video but I knew it was out there lol.

[PToombs]

If you search on e-bay, watch out for the guy in syracuse ny, "the realdiesel dude". Have someone look at the truck for you before you make a trip. He has some really nice trucks, and some crap that looks really nice.
An early '04 would be the same as an '03 also, pre cat converter.

As for trim options, I don't really know, my truck didn't have any! :idea:

[12PACK]

You'll have better luck looking in CT for a 6 speed. I had to go there when I bought mine new.

There were two Cummins engines offered from the late 90's to 2004.5. The high output (6 speed available) and standard output (5 speed) are their standard transmissions. Check Craigslist in CT, too, in addition to Auto Trader, where I sold my 95 Ram gasser.

If I come across anything, I'll let you know, as I'm sure others on this site will.

Welcome to NETDP! :HoleShotHolset:

[CmP]

Thanks guys. I'll hop on a plane and drive it home if I have to. I did that for my current daily driver, 1000 miles down to the Orlando area to get it...between hurricanes in September of 04.

Good info on the High Output versus Regular motor. I didn't know the difference. The 6-speed will obviously be easier on fuel on the highway. I just noticed on a customer's truck yesterday that these things have monster Holset turbos on them...much larger than my "upgraded" turbo on my car.

[12PACK]

The 6-speed will obviously be easier on fuel on the highway.

Actually, it isn't. 1st gear and top gear (5th in the 5 sp, 6th in the 6 sp) are about the same. The 6 sp (NV5600) gives you an extra gear between 1st and the top gear compared to the 5 sp (NV4500).

Top gear is .73, but in the auto (48RE) it's .69 iirc, so actually the 4 sp auto will turn less rpms on the highway than either stick. The new 6 sp auto, available since 1/07, turns even fewer rpms.

I'll still keep my NV5600, though. :exactly:

I just noticed on a customer's truck yesterday that these things have monster Holset turbos on them...much larger than my "upgraded" turbo on my car.

Welcome to where the big boys play. :HoleShotHolset: :smilielol:

[CmP]

Nothing of interest within 1000 miles of me right now on Autotrader. Time to start browsing Craigslists in states within a few hundred miles I suppose. Are there any shops in MA, CT or NH that may have "special knowledge" of trucks for sale in the vicinity? This is how I found my race car donor...

[95Cummins]

Just keep your eyes open, stop by a local dealership maybe an tell them what your looking for. Sometimes they can help out.

Off topic, You ever race at Lime Rock Park?

[CmP]

I was at Lime Rock a few weeks ago with SCDA :) This vid is at the "new" recently repaved LRP. I was running low 1:03s, which is progress after the 5 days I drove there earlier this season on the old pavement.

Click (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iel9zG9gNM)

[95Cummins]

Nice! looks like they did a real good job on the track.

Look for me while your out there, I live in Falls Village and work at the garage in town.

[CmP]

My buddy Greg owns Autofirme in Amenia, NY just over the border from you; Audi/VW experts. He instructs with several clubs that I run with.

I'm glad that you local truck guys are unbiased and welcoming to us car aficionados. Some forums are SO territorial. I'm a member of a great fantasy NASCAR community as well. I think I've found a new (future) 2nd home :ptown: :eek:

Back to the search for the tow vehicle...

[95ctd]

My buddy Greg owns Autofirme in Amenia, NY just over the border from you; Audi/VW experts. He instructs with several clubs that I run with.

I'm glad that you local truck guys are unbiased and welcoming to us car aficionados. Some forums are SO territorial. I'm a member of a great fantasy NASCAR community as well. I think I've found a new (future) 2nd home :ptown: :eek:

Back to the search for the tow vehicle...
I speak for myself but I'm sure a buncha guys on here will agree with me. I have nothing against the cars themselves a lot of them are great, its just the meat heads that drive their Civics or Jettas with the coffee can mufflers think its the fastest thing on 4 wheels :97DodgeCTD: they are what I have the problem with.

Other than that welcome to the site :HoleShotHolset:

[CmP]

Thanks man. I hope to be a valuable asset once I get into the swing of things truck-wise :) I can get all you guys parts, but I'm not yet sure of your advertising rules here so I won't push my luck at this time.

[95Cummins]

My buddy Greg owns Autofirme in Amenia, NY just over the border from you; Audi/VW experts. He instructs with several clubs that I run with.

Oh yeah I think I've heard of him. Younger dude? I would hate to specialize in those two makes..... :falldownlaugh:

[Big John]

If you're not afraind of travel, there's ALOT of trucks available in Texas, now that I think of it, you might want to check them closely as they may be storm damaged, but hey it's worth a shot!! Welcome by the way, most of us around here are pretty well relaxed about the car/truck thing, if you ever get down to Derby, CT for coffee night ask 'em about Jerry Garcia....:HoleShotHolset: :smokin:

[CmP]

I'm willing to fly up to 1000 miles if it's the right truck, so TX is out. I've got some time to look, so I plan to keep an eye on Autotrader, Craigslist and Vehix during the next several months. This appears to be a rare combination, as I don't think people are buying trucks with manuals these days...

[95Cummins]

I'm willing to fly up to 1000 miles if it's the right truck, so TX is out. I've got some time to look, so I plan to keep an eye on Autotrader, Craigslist and Vehix during the next several months. This appears to be a rare combination, as I don't think people are buying trucks with manuals these days...

Your right, they really aren't. :dunno:

[nfkfirefighter]

alot of nice ones in arizona.. phoenix mostly though..

[jlkinney]

The way the bottoms of our dodge doors seem to be rotting out up here from the salt maybe the extra mileage to tx or az might be worth it. :popcorn:

[CmP]

I stopped into Mass Diesel the other day and they told me to stay away from the 03 and early 04 Cummins models due to injector issues and a problem with the oil squirters for the #6 piston.

[sooter]

I stopped into Mass Diesel the other day and they told me to stay away from the 03 and early 04 Cummins models due to injector issues and a problem with the oil squirters for the #6 piston.

damnit!

at lunch today my truck stumbled pretty bad. was fine when i went home.:poke:

(early 04)

[PToombs]

And if you buy '04.5 and up it has a catalytic converter on it. :ThrowUp:

[dieselnomad]

My '98 doesn't stumble or have kitty, it's awesome :woohoo:

[sooter]

And if you buy '04.5 and up it has a catalytic converter on it. :ThrowUp:



they also come with cats if you buy the early 04 in a california model http://www.competitiondiesel.com/forums/images/smilies/banghead.gif

[95Cummins]

And if you buy '04.5 and up it has a catalytic converter on it. :ThrowUp:

Sawzall and a 4 foot piece of 4" pipe helps that situation.

[12PACK]

Sawzall and a 4 foot piece of 4" pipe helps that situation.

As long as you're in an emission free state. For those who aren't.....the man may give you a :nutkick:.

[atc250r]

Glad to see you found the site Cy. I don't know if I can really welcome you since I've only got like two posts over here myself. :smilielol:

When I was looking for my CTD around this time in 2002 I was pretty specific too. It had to be a 96-98 12 valve, 5 speed, extended cab. I ended up finding mine about 150 miles away and although I wasn't crazy about the color (red) it only had 26,000 miles on it so I couldn't walk away. Take your time and you'll find what you want. The place I got mine from was called "Kressley's" and they're near Allentown, PA. They specialized in diesel pickups and had a huge inventory back then. Also, try looking on www.truckshopper.com for one. I don't know how the smog nazi's are in Mass but in NY they don't test diesels and don't even check them for a cat. My 96 had one from the factory but hasn't had one on it since a couple of months after I bought it. If they only do a visual on diesels you could always pull it off, gut it, and preferably put a straight pipe inside it.

John

[12PACK]

I don't know how the smog nazi's are in Mass but in NY they don't test diesels and don't even check them for a cat.

Here's what my first inspection was like: http://www.newenglandturbodieselpower.com/Forums/showpost.php?p=5960&postcount=5

Full thread is here: http://www.newenglandturbodieselpower.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=395

My truck's still stock, but I've had it three years and they've yet to look under it.

[atc250r]

Yeah, my county in NY is supposed to do a visual for stuff like a cat but when it comes to diesels so many of the inspectors don't know which one had it and which one didn't that you'll never have a problem. If the "professional" inspection station is confused you can just imagine how uninformed a cop or a judge would be when it came to that sort of thing. The 2nd gen Dodges switched back and forth at least once, and IIRC it may have been twice as 1994's might have been catless. Then the 3rd gen's have also gone from catless to with cat. I wouldn't let that weigh on my decision as to which truck to buy at all. There are other factors that are infinitely more important than that. I guess NY and MA are similar in how they handle diesels.

John

[CmP]

Watching an 04 in NC. Price has dropped $1K in the last 4 days. Planning to lowball the used dealer during the last week of the quarter/year. Hoping that an all cash offer will help.

[jlkinney]

My local dealer has an 08 loaded quad cab with msrp of 48500 he is asking 32500 :popcorn:

[BelgianMagic]

alot of nice ones in arizona.. phoenix mostly though..


CAPITALIZE that "SMARTY" in your signature !!

I MISS MY SMARTY !!:97DodgeCTD::97DodgeCTD::97DodgeCTD:

[sooter]

If the "professional" inspection station is confused you can just imagine how uninformed a cop or a judge would be when it came to that sort of thing.


..unless you're pulled over by :warpig: haha

[CmP]

Jeez, this thing is proving to be rather hard to find. I'm still looking for an 04-05 Ram 2500 TD, 4X4, shortbed, 6 speed for under around $16K. Don't care on the color or trim package. I guess people don't like to row their own gears, at least not within 1200 miles of here...

[turbo246]

Jeez, this thing is proving to be rather hard to find. I'm still looking for an 04-05 Ram 2500 TD, 4X4, shortbed, 6 speed for under around $16K. Don't care on the color or trim package. I guess people don't like to row their own gears, at least not within 1200 miles of here...

tell me about it me and my cousin and a buddy of mine have all been lookin for standard, any year for a decent price for YEARS

[jdc753]

Just be happy your looking for a Dodge with a 6-speed, try finding a Ford with a 6-speed in it. Ended up giving up after looking for about 3 months and settled on what I have now. I still got dreams of dropping in a CR and a 6-speed one day so I can build the truck I want.

Knowing my luck now that I said this there are about 10 Fords in the area matching what I would like lol :doh:

I have seen a bunch of Dodges around lately with SCCA stickers on the back window and keep thinking you found a truck but I guess not.

[95ctd]

tell me about it me and my cousin and a buddy of mine have all been lookin for standard, any year for a decent price for YEARS
I was lookin for a auto, went for a drive one day, 3 miles from my house here was this 5 spd 12V with all the options I wanted, needless to say It was in my driveway 4 days later:HoleShotHolset:

[killed300ex]

http://maine.craigslist.org/ctd/993737357.html

Something like that????? :popcorn:

[sooter]

I was lookin for a auto, went for a drive one day, 3 miles from my house here was this 5 spd 12V with all the options I wanted, needless to say It was in my driveway 4 days later:HoleShotHolset:



musta been the firestiks!

[12PACK]

Jeez, this thing is proving to be rather hard to find. I'm still looking for an 04-05 Ram 2500 TD, 4X4, shortbed, 6 speed for under around $16K. Don't care on the color or trim package. I guess people don't like to row their own gears, at least not within 1200 miles of here...

I posted a link to an 07 like that. It was in Autotrader. An ST for $19K. Maybe they'd take $16K if it's been there for a while. :dunno:

Those of us who have what you're looking for aren't done with them yet. :smilielol:

I know what you're going through. I wanted an 03 or 04 before I bought mine new. Of the couple that I found, they wanted more than what I could get a new one for.

[CmP]

Think I may have found one, but it's 950 miles away in the midwest. However the link above (truck in Maine) has me perplexed. I haven't been looking for a 3500 (but rather a 2500) and I don't know anything about them. What's the difference? I'm thinking a 3500 may be overkill for a daily driver. I'm only looking to tow a Spec Miata in an enclosed 24ft trailer eventually, so roughly 6500# loaded.

[95Cummins]

On the 3rd gens, there's no difference between a 2500 and a 3500 Single Wheel, other than the 3500's having overload springs on the rear leafs. The 3500's also come standard with clearance lights, where the 2500's you have to order them.

[killed300ex]

Dave dont the overloads raise teh rear gvw? But there is no such thig as overkill :stirthepot:

[95Cummins]

Yeah it does help the GVW. I think its like a 500 lb difference or something.

[1JP]

An 87 Toy pickup should do you just fine :HoleShotHolset: http://www.clipartof.com/images/thumbnail/1241.gif

[CmP]

Finalizing the asking price with the current owner right now :woohoo: It was a fleet truck for a Chrysler executive for 18 months and then this guy bought it. It's in good shape and is exactly what I'm looking for. Looks like I'll be doing some traveling this week :HoleShotHolset: Thanks for the helpful comments all.

[1JP]

Good luck, hope it all works out..seems like a great grab :HoleShotHolset:

[mattg4x4]

An 87 Toy pickup should do you just fine :HoleShotHolset: http://www.clipartof.com/images/thumbnail/1241.gif

22re 5 spd 4wd:woohoo: I got one for sale:poke:

[CmP]

Got it home and registered today. 15 hours drive time in mostly all snow Tuesday and Wednesday from Indiana (slept just east of Cleveland on Tues night). The thing handles pretty well when it's sideways at 70mph :eek: I got 21+ mpg over 900 miles in 4WD the entire time.

Ordered an intake and brakes for it today. Looking forward to a long, healthy relationship with "Farley."

[killed300ex]

Got it home and registered today. 15 hours drive time in mostly all snow Tuesday and Wednesday from Indiana (slept just east of Cleveland on Tues night). The thing handles pretty well when it's sideways at 70mph :eek: I got 21+ mpg over 900 miles in 4WD the entire time.

Ordered an intake and brakes for it today. Looking forward to a long, healthy relationship with "Farley."

Glad you got it home safe now :worthless:

[Jim]

Yeah what evan said get some pics up!

[CmP]

You guys have a picture poster on this forum?

The truck is a Laramie with every available option including a factory tonneau and step bars. Only things broken are the driver's lumbar support, a cracked taillight and the left stalk on the steering column is flakey (sometimes it doesn't work, others it'll engage the opposite blinker from the one selected).

I feel like I'm driving a bus compared to my other cars, but some seat time should cure that feeling.

Oil: what's recommended? With a 15qt capacity, I'm thinking dino oil because of cost...especially if I'm going to be changing it every 4000 miles. It's got new Amsoil fluid in everything else.

What's the preferred software tuner you guys use here? I can get Hypertech, BullyDog and Jet at cost, but I'm not convinced that these mass market tuning devices are all that great.

[95Cummins]

Hey Cy, congrats on the truck! Sounds like you got a good one. If I were you I'd look into the Smarty Jr, its nice for towing and good for economy, while providing good power.

Also, for oil I use Mobil Delvac 15w40. Also, go with 12 quarts, your motor wont be real happy when you put 15 in :poke: :HoleShotHolset:

[killed300ex]

if ya want send the pictures to my email I can upload them for ya m3752@yahoo.com

[12PACK]

Congrats on the new (to you) rowboat!

I buy Shell Rotella T at Wallyworld. It used to be $8.88 but it's $10-11 now. Pour one quart in the new filter first before screwing it on and if you don't have one, get a cap wrench for the filter. Makes changes much easier.

I also put a 1 gallon Zip-loc bag over the old filter before removing it. Makes things much neater. Just zip it up and toss it.

Geno's has the 4/2/1 filter kit which is nice. They also have cap wrenches (which is probably better than the one I bought from NAPA :mad:)

My last order I picked up one of these: http://www.genosgarage.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FTP-F104N-A which should also make oil changes easier, plus Geno's supports NETDP.

Good to have another row boat captain. :exactly:

[CmP]

I'm very happy with the truck after 8000 miles. I've installed new rotors and pads, changed all the fluids throughout, added a K&N cold air intake, new shocks and steering stabilizer, tint up front, HID kit in the factory housings (BIG difference), bright backup lights, backup camera for trailer easy hookup, and a roll-up tonneau cover. I'm adding boost, fuel pressure and EGT gauges this weekend.

I've towed my racecar several thousand miles this season to tracks all over New England and the truck tows wonderfully. Cruising at 75-80 is no problem.

Thanks for the initial input and advice guys back when I was looking for this truck!

[Jim]

Kinda wondered how its been going. Thanks for the update:HoleShotHolset: