Hey guys, I'm looking at a used Dodge 2500 4x4 w/diesel and an auto transmission. What's the word on the reliability of the auto? I have ZERO intentions of modding the engine. Just need something that will get me up the hills faster than 25-30mph pulling my K5 :doah:
What year are we talking? I will rule out pre '94 trucks and venture to say you are interested in a 1994 and later. The 47RH that is behind the 12v engine from '94-98 is not all that great of a transmission, from what I've read. The later 24v trucks from 98.5-2002 used a 47RE. From what I know improvements were made to this tranny and isn't all that bad. Some people have terrible luck, but the majority hold to normal conditions. They are like the 700R4, a bad rep but the actuall failure percentage is much less than it sounds. I would not be afraid of the auto equipped truck you are looking at one bit. especially if you plan on daily driving the vehicle. I have 110K on my 2001 and not one problem with my auto.
Well I hate to tell ya the ZERO intentions of modding the engine can and will be overcome by the ever popular sharp tooth BOMBING BUG rotfl waytogo so with that warning go prepaired
Ah, an '01. The best year of the 2nd gen 24v'ers. Reason being ( no, not because mine is an '01) is late '01 trucks recieved rear disk brakes and have all of the special interior parts like the passenger handle grip, vanity lights.mirrors, and most importantly the trip computer that lets you get information on fuel mileage, trip clock, hr meter, temperature, direction...all at the touch of a button. For some reason they removed most of those parts in 2002. I would think the 235HP/460ft lbs rating for the '01 auto trucks would be adequit for pulling a moderate load like a K5 and tandem bumper pull trailer. Regardless, an Edge EZ and good exhaust would provide more power than you could use. The tranny in that '01 should last fine with stock power numbers, as long as it's been operated and treated correctly. Regardless, if you should have to go into it one day, there are aftermarket converters and valve bodies that would make it PLENTY strong for anything that it sounds you would put it through. I wouldn't buy a new Dodge, they pretty much dissapoint me. Stick with a good 'ol 24v 2nd gen for half the money and twice the truck. waytogo
