Looking at Dodge 2500

[MESSMAKER]

In the market for a new work truck. Found a Dodge 2500 club cab 4x4 with a 5.7 v8 in it. It has auto trans, and is clocking about 100k. I think I can get it for about $8500. What is the deal on this setup. What to look for? Anything to avoid?

It is a 2005 model.

 

[foreman Etexas]

I have a 2013 with a Hemi its just a half ton but the motor has plenty of power. I also have a 2011 dually with a cummins,its been a great truck,its also a auto trans. You didn't mention the year...

 

[Diamondpilot]

Gas hog. I had a Hemi 2500 and it would barely do 12 mpg. I also had major mechanical issues. 2 trannys, first a factory rebuild at 40K then a Jasper. I traded it at 68K with it acting up again.

I replaced the radiator cooling fan 6 times. The bearings keep seizing. AC compressor, power steering pump, and a few other odds and ends.

Chris

 

[MESSMAKER]

Gas hog. I had a Hemi 2500 and it would barely do 12 mpg. I also had major mechanical issues. 2 trannys, first a factory rebuild at 40K then a Jasper. I traded it at 68K with it acting up again.

I replaced the radiator cooling fan 6 times. The bearings keep seizing. AC compressor, power steering pump, and a few other odds and ends.

Chris

I was afraid I would hear the transmission problem.

 

[dodge man]

Don't worry about the transmission, its not worse than any other brand. Drive it and if it shifts good, it will be as good as any other 100,000 mile truck. For that model year, I'd check for rust, usually around the rear wheels and the rocker panels. Also make sure it drives straight. The front ends will wear out, but probably less likely with a Hemi than a Cummins. Ignore everything DP says except the fuel mileage, it will not be good, expect 12 mpg, or worse if towing.

 

[Code54]

Had a 09 dodge and only had the tires, wipers and battery replaced, otherwise nothing but oil changes. A little newer than what you are looking at but a great truck overall. Look close for rust in the wheel well area like dodge man said and check the front end close, ball joints, rod ends, etc....
If the previous owner had a solid maint. plan the engine could be good for a long time.
Heat kills those tranny's so checking the fluid for a burnt smell would be a good idea

 

[Diamondpilot]

Don't worry about the transmission, its not worse than any other brand. Drive it and if it shifts good, it will be as good as any other 100,000 mile truck. For that model year, I'd check for rust, usually around the rear wheels and the rocker panels. Also make sure it drives straight. The front ends will wear out, but probably less likely with a Hemi than a Cummins. Ignore everything DP says except the fuel mileage, it will not be good, expect 12 mpg, or worse if towing.

Really. I had rust also but did not want to mention that. Mine was at the inside bottoms of the doors and tailgate. Too soon on a 4 year old truck.

I am not bad mouthing Dodge. They treated me more than fair. Much better than GM did. They sprung for the Jasper Tranny after the rebuild failed in under 20,000 miles. I had to pay for the extra cooler kit Jasper REQUIRED with that tranny but that was fair. They also replaced the cooling fan twice out of warranty since I had the same issue four previous times. I would gladly buy another Dodge product if it fit my needs and was the best in its segment in my eyes.

Maybe he should ignore everything you say.

Chris

 

[FredH]

2006 dodge 2500 SLT club cab , 4 wheel drive with auto transmission and bigger of the 2 hemi's . 14 to 15 mpg just going to town and back , ( 14 or 15 miles one way ) , 17+ almost 18 mpg going Elk hunting everyday here from the house , through town , then up towards Crater Lake National Park , 80 to 100 miles daily . That's even idling and packing around a aluminum ARE canopy that sits about 6" higher than the cab . I can live with it , main thing is the heater works a heck of a lot better than my old '84 Ford 4x4 with a 460 in it :thumbsup: . With the addition of a new Carter AFB on the 460 , it jumped from 10 to 11.8 regardless if empty or hauling 4000#'s of sand/gravel cement mix up to the house .

Fred H.

 

[HHR]

Expect 12 mpg empty and 8 mpg towing 5,000 to 9,000 pounds.

 

[dodge man]

Chris, what year truck was your Dodge? Was it a 2003 to 2009? I've owned two of them of which I still own one. I didn't take the name Dodge Man lightly. If he asked about Fords I would consider you more of an expert. And we already know, your third cousin on your mothers side also had transmission problems with his Dodge.

I know it seems unlikely, but I try to give a neutral opinion based on my actual knowledge of what the OP is looking at. Another thing for the OP to look at, it's common the blend doors fail. Make sure you can switch the air between the vents, floor, and defogger.