1996 Dodge Cummins Opinion

[RavensRoost]

BIL has a 1996 Dodge with Cummins, auto trans, and 4x4 with 75K miles on it (!) that he is likely going to sell as it does not get much use. I know from reading that some years of some trucks had issues -- all makes, not just Dodge -- but as I am not familiar with Dodge Cummins (except for driving his), I am looking for feedback as to whether or not '96 was a good year for them. For instance, would have preferred manual trans, auto seems fine, but how did they hold up to "normal" mileage and use?

If 96 was not a good year for Dodge Cummins, what is the best year range (used/affordable)?

Thanks.

 

[jayste]

RR, it seems there has been some saying that the Dodge transmissions aren't known to hold up too well. I think I'd measure out the odds because one thing is for sure, you know the truck and you know your use of it. Very low miles and probably taken care of.

Maybe later some of our "Dodge TBN Bretheren" will chime in with more useful info!:thumbsup:

 

[silvertramp]

My '96 1500, 5.9 gasser went thru a tranny every 38-40K. Warranty was 36K. Towed approx. 2K lb. 6K/yr.

 

[RollTideRam]

The 96 has the 12 valve cummins. It will get the best mpg of any cummins truck. I get 20 on the road with my 24 valve. There are some things that you will need to check, like if the Killer dowel pin has been taken care of. The auto will do fine if you treat it right, I have 114k on mine towing up to 8k. I pay to be a member of TurboDieselRegister and have gotten my moneys worth for the 8 years I have been a member. You can read alot there, just have to be a member to post or search. JC

 

[Diamondpilot]

That is a sweet motor, probably the best diesel every put in a pickup. The main issue is the 53 blocks. Not sure if that year has them but if so run. Just google it, there have been tons of problems. The killer dowl pin is also a issue but not a big one. It would not scare me away from a Cummins.

Around my part of the world the Dodge trucks of that era rust the worst. Mainly the wheel wells, tail gate bottoms, and front quarters. Fixing rust is impossible so now you are talking new sheet metal. Not sure about your area with rust but that is a concern.

The auto tranny is also a issue on Dodges, especially a Cummins powered truck. I went through 2 on my 2500 series in 68,000 miles before I gave up and my old work truck, a 96 Dakota, had 2 also and traded with a bad one 1 year ago at 125,000 miles.

Chris

 

[om21braz]

That truck around these parts with no rust issues would bring a premium price. A gent I work with has had a 1994 since new - approx. 160k on it with no major problems, but it has a 5 spd. tranny. I would rather have the truck you are looking at than newer as they are not as complex and typically get better mpg.

 

[bglz42]

My 96 Cummins was the best truck I ever had. No tranny problems ever, but I maintained it. Also didn't hotrod it. Ran it to 200k. Traded it for my '99 3500 just because I needed 4wd... I still miss that 2500!

Jim

 

[Egon]

I got a 96 4x4 extended cab, cumins and auto transmission with 230 K kilometers on it.

My only complaint is a lousy paint job.

Most of the mileage has been towing a twenty foot bumper pull trailer loaded up to 14k with a camper on the truck. No transmission problems!!:thumbsup:

The fuel mileage is usually 14 when towing, 18 with only camper and maybe up to 25 empty.

The DODGE TRUCK part has held up well with only a few rust spots. Painted and undercoated the bottom three times so far.

 

[Mighty Dodge]

I have a 97 2500 4wd auto with 143,400. No mechanical issues, however the paint's not holding up on the roof.

M.D.

 

[medicshawn]

check out www.dieseltruckresource. Lots of good information and free. Turbo diesel registry is good but I didn't ever feel like I was getting my money's worth.