Proud New Cummins Owner!

Welcome to the forum.

You might want to edit your post and your profile just a little bit. It's a "Cummins" not a "Cummings" and there's some members here who will have a LOT of fun with that terminology.

MADDOG said:

Welcome to the forum.

You might want to edit your post and your profile just a little bit. It's a "Cummins" not a "Cummings" and there's some members here who will have a LOT of fun with that terminology.

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Good looking out!

MidnightRiderSi said:

Now for the questions.
On the deal page it refereed to my truck as the HO 24V i6 Cummins Diesel, but no where do I see this on the truck itself. Is there a fail-safe way to find this out? I even pulled a "free VIN Check" and no mention of the HO.

How do I find out my axle ratios and tow weight capabilities for this truck?

Will lifting it affect the tow ratings of the truck? If so what can I expect

Is the 04 problematic compared to prior or future years?

Will the stock tow receiver pull the max load from the tow charts (13,350 lbs) or do I need to get an aftermarket one? If no how do I find the rating for the stock hitch receiver?

Thanks in advance for any help.

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1. Truck equipment and build sheet info can be retrieved from Dodge here:

https://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/dodge/

Click on the "Equipment Listing" link on the left side of the page, then enter your VIN where indicated.

2. Axle Ratios are on the build sheet. Tow capabilities are found here:

http://dodgeram.info/2004/pdf/2500_3500_Tow.pdf

3. Yes, lifting a truck can affect load ratings but you'd have to talk to the lift manufacturer about any derating that would occur based on their design.

4. I know a 2004 truck is an older truck and is the second year for the 2500 refresh. As you may know, maintenance is key. If it was well maintained it should keep going just fine. I'd spend some money to replace the fuel filter system with a good aftermarket system such as AirDog or FASS. They keep air and water out of your system. Other diesel system maintenance should be performed. I'd just change all the fluids for now and then monitor operation. As far as 2004 being problematic I'd say it's no more than any other year diesel truck.

5. The OEM receiver is probably a class IV, which has a 2" square opening and is rated up to 14K distributed weight and 1440 lbs tongue weight. It might be a class V which has a 2-1/2" square opening and is rated up to 17K distributed weight and 1700 lbs tongue weight. I'd go measure the receiver opening and see what you have. There may also be a label or some info stamped on the hitch assembly.

MADDOG said:

4. I know a 2004 truck is an older truck and is the second year for the 2500 refresh. As you may know, maintenance is key. If it was well maintained it should keep going just fine. I'd spend some money to replace the fuel filter system with a good aftermarket system such as AirDog or FASS. They keep air and water out of your system. Other diesel system maintenance should be performed. I'd just change all the fluids for now and then monitor operation. As far as 2004 being problematic I'd say it's no more than any other year diesel truck.

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First off thank you for the great information!

This is my first Diesel engine, so while I am familiar with general maintenance upkeep on vehicles, I am not familiar with anything specific to Diesel engines.... If anyone could elaborate on that.

Thanks