GREAT TIMMING IM LOOKING AT 06 WITH 98000 ON IT THANKS IM COMING FROM A DURAMAX SO KINDA GOT BASICS ON DIESEL JUST DONT KNOW THE CUMMINS & DRIVETRAIN ON IT

I love this my dad passed away and I’ve always loved his truck so when he passed I got it, I’ve been watching all kinds of videos to help me keep it up. I’ve always been that Tom girl who helped dad work on hot rods and trucks so this is my way of keeping him here🖤🖤

Thank you. My 03 crew cab long bed has been by far the best truck I've ever owned. Over 400,000 miles and still on the original injectors. It's not a pavement princess either it works for a living.

If your interested in this truck...first, you are buying a very good truck. The 5.9 motor is amazing. The issues I had with mine were all wear items. Ball joints, control arms, sway bars, carrier bearing, had to replace the drivers seat, changed all the fluids, brakes and I over hauled the transmission with better parts. Sounds like a lot. But in the grand scheme of things. Its nothing compared the 80k trucks they are trying to sell today. It's all the truck I need for under 20..this includes all the repairs and upgrades. Make sure the motor has no blow by and the injectors are solid. You'll be happy you got the 5.9. Amazing truck. The one thing I dont like is the air condition seems weak on really hot days. I paid 13500 for my mega cab with 123000 miles and put 5000 in what I felt need to be done. I'm happy with the results and the truck.

I have a 04 6 speed and I have found that changing oil and keeping fuel filter changed on schedule the truck will run forever, I don’t have no performance but strength pipe, I feel they r great trucks

I bought my 03 5.9 dually 3 years ago at 16 years old with 230,000 miles and I've done routine maintenance and any repairs myself and still starts like new. Love the 5.9 Cummins

This is the best video I have seen that is able to cover all the issues with these great trucks in such a short period of time

I got a 05 2500 4x4 conversion from auto to manual g56 all Dealership fixed 170k miles. New trans case rebuilt front and rear diffs new clutch new all around suspension new computer harness replaced rebuilt motor new turbo 5 inch turbo back. 4 inch lift. So many upgrades. Runs stronger than the day it was built.

Very informative, thank you for taking the time to post this.

As an owner of ALL versions/generations of 5.9 Cummins trucks on my farm since they came out, I have to say this video is loaded with great tips! 👍

Another great job by thoroughbred diesel

Thank you for the info! I watched your video last night and actually purchased a very nice 2005 today. I used your tips to ensure I was getting a good truck.

It's always nice to see an honest review. I took delivery of my 2005 Ram 3500 in April of 2005. It's been a great truck, and I continue to invest in it to keep it on the road. It remains my daily driver to this day, approaching 17 years, and I'm planning to push that to 20 years, and possibly to 25 years depending on how the push toward EVs plays out. Mine is a 2005 5.9 Cummins / G56 six speed setup, Laramie trim, quad cab, long bed 4wd, black exterior, taupe interior. Major problems I've had include: 1. Driveshaft - carrier bearing sacked out at 75k - covered under Dodge's drivetrain warranty. 2. Water pump - froze up and busted in a rare arctic blast in the midwest, est. 90k. Minor problems I've had include: 1. Power steering gearbox - sacked out seals. I replaced it with a reman unit from Delco. I'll be replacing it soon (five years later) with a Redhead unit. 2. Spray-in bedliner post-purchase - sheet metal has rotted out beneath nicked areas. Maintenance has included the following: 1. Tires - 80k (factory Michelins) 2. Clutch, pressure plate, flywheel - 140k (slipping/shot) 3. Tie Rod Assembly Replacement - 140k (loose) 4. Wheel Bearing Replacement, front end - 140k (loose) 5. Ball Joint Replacement, upper and lower - done at the same time as wheel bearings It has 185,000 miles on it currently. I'm dealing with typical stuff - replacing window sweeps to prevent rust in the doors, peeling clearcoat on the black paint, etc - but it's been a great truck. I'm a long-term guy - I just don't sell stuff until the worth is scrap value, which I know is rare, but... - these trucks are worth keeping on the road.

Really appreciate this video guys. As a younger person who just bought their first diesel this was very informative and helped a bunch with buying my truck. just bought a 2004 3500 dually with a 6 speed transmission. I'm already addicted! lol

20 year experience tech here. Just some things I've seen. TIPM issues, electric fan clutch (can take out A/C compressor), evaporator cores leak. Just to add a few. This guy did a great job on the review.

My 05 Dodge Cummins has absolutely bulletproof directly from the factory, 400000 Kim’s and no problems whatsoever. Best truck I’ve ever owned.

My 04 had intermittent front passenger power window problems. I finally found the driver’s window control circuit board had a solder joint cracked all the way around the pin. Resoldered the joint with a little extra solder for strength and no problem for about 7 years now.

This is my favorite platform

I have owned my 04 since early 06 and have 378k miles on her. Problems have been somewhat normal considering what it has been threw all these yrs. I drive it everyday and it still has the original cp3 and injectors! I contribute this to running an after market fuel pump with a 3 micron filter and Lucas fuel injector cleaner every other tank! Keep the oil changed regularly and do NOT change to synthetic! The oil pumps are not engineered to pump thin synthetic when it gets hot or you will get 0 oil pressure and idol! Great truck love it!❤️

Got my first Cummins the other day. 06 2500.5 (3500 Conversion), your videos have been helping out.

Had on 06 diesel 4x4 srw. Loved the sound, power and no traction control. Best thing I loved is when you got behind a slow poke in the fast lane and they look up see that big ass front end in their rear view. They move over immediately.

Bought 2004 in 04 3500 4x4 dually 6 speed 161k on it. Still like new! Love it! Put an aluminum flat bed and Alcoa like wheels. Looks great and runs great. Changed water pump, clutch and throughout bearing. It has a regular fly wheel not the dual mass. Love to drive it and I get complements on it all the time.

The injectors themselves are fine it’s the lack of proper filtration that kills them. If you’re willing to drop $600-700 for a lift pump then do it. A cheaper route would be a cat filter kit or even cheaper which will be a replacement drop in would be the Baldwin PF7977. Which is the best drop in replacement filter for these trucks. Just maintain these things and they’ll treat you fine👍🏼

Always informative 👍🏻🙌🏻

This video is great! My 05 has had a couple problems, but overall it’s been great. Right when getting the truck we put a new clutch in it. Performance wise, an exhaust, k&n air intake, an exhaust, and a smarty tuner. Without a doubt, the front end of the truck and the transmission are the weak links. Even before the new tuner, the input shaft of the transmission literally exploded. With a few upgrades, the truck runs great and always will.

Great video!. Only forget to talk about the fuse box and the FCM (front control module) wich is attached to the fuse box. When that box get bad you radio, air conditioner, airbag and light start making all kind of problems.

Just wanted to say thanks . Will be looking at my first diesel tomorrow ! Being a 2006 it falls right in this group !! Since I am of the " older " generation id rather drive it than work on it .

Thank you for all your help...I drive a 7.3. But you have always been there to answer my questions. I am 56 yrs old worked on alot of bikes/cars/trucks/boat's....still don't know everything..

Good info as always! Thank you!

I respect you for knowing so much about trucks, Julian Mora here,

Nice channel no bs intros w load music, just meat & potato's information 👍

Appreciate the honesty.

Great video, I've a couple of these trucks and daily drive a 3500 dually. I know you are talking about common failures but I wish you would have talked about the driveline vibration issues these trucks have. Thank you!

tre diesel in va makes a good trans for all cummins applications!!! GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.. cummins is the only way to go.

This came out at the perfect time as I am looking at an 04 that's got a lot of the problems already fixed

Awesome video with great tips. I’ve been looking at a 2005 ram and will be doing a test drive with it on Monday. If all goes well I’m looking to buy it for my transport business.

I've owned one for 6 years I run the hell out of it 260000 miles . Electrical wires suck, your transmission will need work . Keep an eye on your drive line. Ball joints other than that it's a tuff truck made for work.

Also with this model (at least on the gassers) you can turn the accessory on the ignition on to off 3 times and it will display whatever codes from the engine light are being thrown in the mileage display.

I bought my 03 a couple of years ago, no issue with the motor, had to repair the Overdrive housing, and typical front end work, guy did a good job covering up the rust it had with plastidip that came off when I washed it a month later

This channel has steered me away from so many bad deals, it's not even funny. Keep up the good work guys!

I’ve had two of these trucks an 03 and an 06, on both I added a frame mounted lift pump with auxiliary fuel filter and a bypass oil filter system, and a tuner. Both went well over 500k miles before an accident or a natural disaster took them out of service. Both had a 6 speed manual and I did have to change several clutches and master cylinders over the life of the truck. That was a weak area. Interior starts to degrade long before the engine does. I always used rotella synthetic in mine with bypass oil filtration and treat my fuel with conditioning agent.

My 04 3500 was the best sold it with 400 thousand miles and ran like new ! Liked it way more than my 18 3500 aisin ! Miss my old truck

Just got my 07 5.9 done. First diesel and its a beast. 90hp injectors, fleece cheetah 63mm, fast fuel system, built trans all Suncoast parts now, afe cai, straight pipe and efi live. To end that, everything but the fuel system came from thoroughbred

I’ve owned a 2005 2500 w Cumins 5.9. Replaced injectors @ approximately 216k rebuilt transmission approximately 230k. Have 244k now and only tow boat and drive to deer camp, duck blind. I have changed oil religiously and engine does not use oil. Wheel bearings in front have been replaced, front end was redone with Moog parts then replaced for free due to warranty, paid labor. Amazing truck, I’ve taken care of it it’s taken care of me. All work has been documented. No DEF needed!!

I got real lucky. Some people buy the first truck they see. I bought the first truck I didn't see. I bought a 2003 Ram Cummins 5.9 from an auction, sight unseen. I have no visible blow-by from the oil cap, engine cold or hot, and my transmission ran fine, but I adjusted the bands anyways.

I didnt know you were a you tube superstar Wade I need an autograph the next time I see you ..... lol

Appreciate this vid, thank you sir and have a blessed day

Great video and full of real helpful information for a new buyer.

I appreciate this video. I’m about to purchase an ‘06 mega cab with 230000 miles on it. Water pump went when I test drove it. I’ll definitely be checking for this thank you

Very well done, thank you and spot on. I would like to add. Chryslers' TIPM (totally integrated power module) acts up too and is very expencive to replace. Other than that, and the fuel filter upgrade mentioned above, it's a million mile engine.

NV5600 manual transmission was used through 2005. I have a 2004.5 with a NV5600. Just wanted to set record straight. Good video! Thank you!

I'm currently in the market for this platform.. It's in my price range.. I really don't know much about diesels and found this information invaluable.

Best years and engines ever made! 2 @ 500k and still runnin. Maint is the key for these powerplants.

Make what to look for on a 4th gen dodge diesel vid! :)

Great review, honest and concise

I have an early '04 3500 AT. 218,000 currently. Replaced water pump 3 times, fan clutch once, multiple stock lift pumps(finally spent the money on an Air Dog, awesome pump!), recent turbo. Haven't had any injector probs yet. Change your fuel filter at oil changes and run quality(Amsoil) oil. Trans has been strong despite HEAVY use. Expect normal life out of all components except the ones mentioned. I do not baby this truck! It is a daily driver, construction work truck. Hope this helps.

If the seller says something has been done motor or trans wise ask for the paperwork that is proof of the work, even injectors ask to see the documentation

Greetings from Brazil! Excellent video! Specially for me, because I'm buying a 2006 Dodge RAM 2500. And you guys gave me a lot of tips to look out my future RAM. Regards!

I bought the Rudy’s cat filter adapter for my truck and it’s doing amazing I now run CAT oil and fuel filters on my truck

I’m looking at getting a Cummins in this model year very helpful thank you

Great truck for me but I have rebuilt front end and built 48re. Been the best truck I ever owned 04.5.

I got 97 12 valve 5 speed 245000 miles and love it.

I just bought an 03 dually quad cab with only 60,000 miles and I have did alot of research on these way before I bought this one but this is a great video

Have a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab Cummins with 225,000 miles. Owned it since it was new. I have had many of the issues you mentioned. Back door wiring, seat, broken blend door. I now have a tach that no longer works. I will have to remove the dash to repair the tach and the blend door. A few years ago while i was towing an RV, smoke started to come out both sides of the truck near the wheels (check engine light did come on). I pulled over and opened the hood. Diesel fuel was everywhere. The #4 fuel rail broke. I was told that this was a common problem. Only #4. So after replacing it with a new "redesigned" one, I have had no other fuel problems. I am also very happy that the salesman suggested getting lifetime oil changes for the truck for as long as I owned it. I think I paid $1500 for it. Must have saved thousands! Love this truck.

Great video...one problem you failed to mention is a wiring issue. The tail and turn sig works on the back but only one brake light. It is a common but expensive fix!

2003 standard output cummins have 250 hp and get paired to a 47RE or nv4500 for 2003. they have smaller piston cooling jets and a different compression ratio,

Bought a used 3500 '03 Laramie, black and shortbox like your sample truck... with 80k kilometers on it, plus it had airbags installed on rear, camper hold down bars and 7 pin trailer socket from original owner. I've been driving it with a camper on the box and pulling a boat on trailer, used it to haul flatbed trailers loaded with rebar and iron scaffolding, daily driver/grocery getter etc. I live in BC Canada .. there arent many flat stretches of road here, but there are numerous mountain passes between every point "A to B". Recently had "Oil Analyzers" run test on my engine oil and it results came back as "no abnormal findings" and the detailed chart indicated wear materials as typically neglible to very low. Analysis is worth the $45.00 bucks for knowing overall engine internal wear. Ive owned pickups since the early '70s, Ford/Mercury, Dodges, GM/Chebbys and a few Nissans ....the 5 star winner is my 20 year old Ram 3500.

Excellent video. Blend doors are still an issue as is recirculation door (updated housings and couplers in late 05 iirc). Tach may read low at idle- fix is re solder 2 chips. In some countries wiring insulation has to be biodegradable, so harder feeling less silicone/flexible wires. Little crack in insulation causes flex focused on one spot.. many makes seem to have increased wire breaks to rear hatches and doors.

I bought a 05 in August and it drove fine when I test drove it. I haven’t beat on it but now it’s starting to shift a little harder than usual. I’ve been looking to upgrade the transmission . Before buying this year truck if it has a plastic bed liner take it out before you buy it, I just took mine out a month ago and found two softball size holes in the bed. I never thought to look but now I gotta buy a new bed.

First off I want to thank you for being honest and forth coming about the truck in general. I have learned a lot from your experience with them. I own an 2004 5.9 had it since new. I do not abuse the truck, currently 376000 on it. Touch wood the motor has been excellent, but recently have had shifting problems when coming off a highway run and come to a stop. It pulls away fine but sometimes does not want to shift. I replaced a solenoid in the trans worked great for a while but has started not shifting right twice in about 7000 miles. I was going through u joints until I switch to mogue joints, no problems there since the last 125000. I am not a Dodge lover but love the Cummins.

Above 450 horse power I would recommend 3 stage torc converter or you’ll be buying a lot of transmissions

Owned several of these as a Dodge mechanic . Your video is accurate n true

Great video as usual guys. You know you’re in KY when you see Ale8 in the console! I’d like to see one of these videos for the 4th gens as well. Lots of folks shopping for the older 4th gens because they’re about the same price as some of these 2nd gens 🤣

I bought it 06 a few years back body and paint looked real nice, long story short I took it on a road trip about six months after I bought it blew an injector on the way back luckily I was only about 5 miles from home took it to the shop when they checked the injectors looked like someone swap them out with some old ones they found laying on the Shelf and they were mixed matched. Needless to say that costed me 6 injectors and a cylinder head because one of the valve seats came out on that bad injector from the Heat, I had to take out another loan just to get my truck fixed that suck😢😢😢, fast forward four years she still running like a top can beat the 5.9 when it's taken care of👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Is that a smarty touch mounting pod for the dash?? Is so where can I get one?

Subscribed. Thank you sir! Great info

Thanks for this video

I like how it says “03-07”, however the problematic years for blow by are from 04.5-07 due to their injector change for emissions. Have seen no issues with early (03-04) 5.9 common rails other than owner neglect. Proper pm intervals, and eventually injectors. Best thing these year of trucks can use is upgraded fuel filtration.

My dads 5.9 had almost 300000 on it when it died. The funny part is the stock transmission lasted longer.

I have a 2004 1/2 3500 4x4 I have a short in it and it's been a nightmare I'm 64 it is my dream truck there's so much more to fix my issues I can't seem to get anyone to help everyone tells me to get rid of it. I have way to much money in it and I'm a do it yourself. It's now become my bucket list only thing on it!

This video is amazing! Straight to the point no bs.... Looking at 5.9 for emission craziness and nailed in terms folks can relate to! Insta subscribe.

Have a 08 3500 with the 6.6 lmm, i cant see myself going a way from the lmm gen. Only issues ive had is bad fuel dumping into the injectors and exhaust filter ruining them and the flywheel has been missing teeth since 80,000 almost 400,000 now and shes running strong ive gotta get rid of the egr though. Throws codes for exhaust sensors and egr. Worst part about a chevy is the suspension tirerods are the size of a pencil. I have an 08 350 dump and holy shit the tirerods are the size of an oak tree.

One thing to consider is adding better filtration to help your injectors last longer. Dodge didnt not take Cummins recommendation and only installed a less than adequate filter.

All this is very true. My friend had an 06. And I helped him do his dream build. And it had all the problems 😂. But ended up being a sweet truck, bored out to a 6.0 or 6.1 (can’t remember) forged internals, 88 mm bladerunner, and CTS2 edge evolution.

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

Good video. Thank you. I have a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L and the only problems I have had were with the windows. You mentioned that there are lots of products for the 48RE. What were you referring to?

Watching this video after buying a truck... I gotta go check some stuff. 😧

I’ve had my 07 5.9 Cummins for 4 years and I’ve put about 8 grand into it for driveline components as well as a new exhaust. I got to replace the front axle u joints again. That said, it’s a beautiful truck and I plan on keeping her forever.

Great information.

A Tick in the Motor... it has Solid Lifters will be Noisy 💥🤔💥

My2003 have been graet. Don't let him scare you off of these years. Oh and the NV5600 is bullet proof. FAR stronger trans than the G56.

Good company. I bought an Autocal from them and had an issue. Whomever I called at 9:00 pm Tennesee time took a few minutes to guide me through the install. Many thanks.

Great video, great advice

My son bought a 2003 that had dropped a exhaust valve seat at 96K miles. 5 injectors were bad, including 1 that was hung open ( usually from contaminates ) We tore into it, and ended up rebuilding the engine, due to some cylinder scoring. Spent close to 7 grand , including a Fass fuel system, new injectors,, fuel tank sump mod. Fuel filtration is the weak link. The Cummins heavy diesels all use primary / secondary filtration. Why Dodge thought a single filter would be ok, is a mystery. These are very expensive trucks to maintain !

2004 with 386,000 miles here.Runs perfect,gotta do the maintenance.

I bought my 2005 2500 5.9l cummins SLT 4x4 new in 2005 and still driving it after almost 17 years. I just purchased the 2nd set of batteries since new. No problems only routine maintenance. I have the 48RE 4spd tranny with 0 problems. I have performed all the required maintenance myself. I have 157,662 miles as of today. Truck is used to tow my landscaping tractor, 2nd Travel trailer weighing 5700 lbs. This thing tows in mountainous terrain like a beast. Say what you want I love my Ram !

Had an 03 put 400th miles no problems 1 clutch 2 transmissions pulled trailers daily 20thousand plus gross

engine has very good power to mpg ratio

IT'S GREAT 👍 TO SEE SOMEONE EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE PURCHASE OF USED RAM TRUCKS.

I have an 04 last weekend was driving from Casper WY to Las Vegas and states to get black smoke at an idle found out the injectors usually go out at 120,000 so that was fun