Dodge diesel years to avoid

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Gr8bawana

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So I'll be in the market for an upgrade in pick-ups next year. I've had very good reliability with my 1997 1500 4x4 with the 5.9 engine. It's got 268,000+ miles now and still runs great. But it's time for a replacement.
I'll be looking for 4x4 diesel for better towing and I'm wondering if there are some years that were not good as far as reliability in the 2013-2017 2500 models.
Anything that I should avoid?
 

mtnrider

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I would shoot for a 14'-15' minimum. There were some changes around 12 or 13 (DEF fluid etc.) can't remember exactly but seems the 15 and up range gets better mileage and is a little more dialed in. They are all pretty much the same truck along those years with just minor tweaks so reliability is pretty much the same. The 14' and up 2500 went to a coil spring rear as well. Check weights of what you will be towing and make sure a 3500 isn't better suited for your needs as well.

Do NOT buy a deleted truck. More then likely you will inherit someone else's problem child. Seen it a hundred times.


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Power247

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Of the current generation trucks, 2013 is the one I would avoid. That was the change over to DEF the 2500 & 3500 trucks and also a major change in the electronics. By the time the '14s came out most of that stuff had been resolved. Personally, I wouldn't avod a deleted truck because I've seen plenty of trucks 100% stock and still beat to hell. Instead, I'd focus one getting atruck that is mechanically and cosmetically in your price range. And if it is deleted, use that as a bargaining chip for a better price with the seller if they don't have the stock parts.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | MM3 tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310
 
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Gr8bawana

Gr8bawana

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Ok guys on the thread about how many miles you have on your CTD, a lot of you have 150,000+ miles.
My TT only goes about 8000lbs so it's nothing for the diesel to pull. I'm hoping to get a lot of trouble free towing miles in.
I really like the longevity and pulling power of these trucks.
My question is how many have had trans problems with only mild towing like I would tow?
 

mtnrider

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I don't have a ton of miles on my 16 (30K), the only transmission issue I had was a shift solenoid that failed me (at the worst time it could have). It was an easy warranty fix but still left me stranded on a cross country trip towing a 20ft enclosed trailer.

Now if we are talking complete transmission failures needing rebuild etc. I'll be honest I believe in stock form you don't have any worries. I'd say 99.9% of those type failures I have seen or read about were on tuned trucks. If you go that route with a stock tranny pretty sure you are going to kill it but stock power you should have no issues.


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Power247

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My '12 is just about to turn 80k. It has been deleted and tuned since it's first oil change. My daily tune is 90hp with the occasional bump to 120 just for fun. Our camper hits at about 9000 lbs. I typically tow on the 90hp tune unless pulling the camper through the mountains, then I drop to the 30hp tune. Knock on wood but no trans issues yet.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | MM3 tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310
 
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