2001 Dodge cummins 5.9

We keep hearing about the weak trans also. We just did 4,000 mile trip with wives new to us trailer, 30 feet 8,000 pounds. 2001 3/4 ton auto trans 77,000 miles.

I carry the usual stuff along, (filters, extra belt etc.)


Pre-trip bought a tonneau cover from Geno's garage. Surprised how good it worked. But somethings are taller than 19 inches (top of pick up box), so the room in the bed disappeared fast. And I brought way to much stuff. Not only a hassle to carry around, also makes it hard to find stuff.

I went from the mode of: I'll bring it just in case. Somewhere that changed into, if this part breaks, I've already have one at home so I'll bring, so I won't to have to buy another. Weight added up quick. All my fluids and filters were serviced already. But did step up changing the brake fluid. Also batteries were over 11 years old. Got them tested and installed new ones.

During the trip

Had 2 problems: (that were not my fault)

One was a brass plug blew out of exhaust brake port at the exhaust fitting. Makes a big racket that you would think the world is coming to an end. Burned a hole in the insulation above trans dip stick.

Second was ABS light came on when we were going up hill not down. Turned out some ABS wires that come together right above the diff had wiggled the connection loose, sending a signal to dash light. (Thanks for reminding me, I need to fix it right. Zip tie probably not going to last all that long).

That trip was the first time I've heard the fan kick in many years. Around 100 degrees that day on the hills to Las Vegas from LA area.

No other problems and saw many same vintage, and one over 400,000 miles. Never had the pyro over 1200. Just fell in with the trucks when it got close to 1200 on the long but not so steep hills. Watched all those with mega horse power beat me to the top of the hill.

Post trip Trailer made rear end squat down about 2 1/2 inches. No big deal I thought but I am going to install air bags. Trailer is "wide body" some rain spray and a few rocks are hitting front of trailer, going to install something, not sure what yet.

And going to spend the money and get fixed what our old safety director called "just more driver distractions" things like the A/C that hasn't worked for more than 5 years and getting a new radio. Old one was stolen long, long time ago. Might even upgrade to CD versus cassette tape:B

Hope this helps, enjoy your trip

kountryparson wrote:
I have a 2001 Dodge cummins it has 129,000 miles on it. Runs good and I have kept it serviced. I serviced the transmission at 100,000 miles had to replace solenoid, transduce and filter. I have only driven it 29,000 miles should I change fluid and filter again. Did that back in 2010. I've heard that the transmission is the weak point of the truck. I've changed lift pump and replaced enjector pump about 1,000 miles ago. I'm thinking about traveling out west this summer. I pull a 2010 28ft. Coachmen Express some 5500 pounds.
Anything you think I should check.

I own a 2001 3500 dodge with 5.9 diesel engine but mine is a 5 speed manual transmission. I bought it new as cab and chassis. You mentioned you replaced the lift pump and injector pump. In my opinion the weak point on my truck was the lift pump. If the lift pump gets weak and puts less than 5 psi fuel pressure to the injector pump it will destroy the injector pump. I had a fass fuel system put on with a fuel pressure gauge mounted on the steering column so I can monitor my lift pump fuel pressure. My injector pump is original, never replaced. Since injector pumps are a $2K plus cost I would make sure you have something added to monitor your lift pump pressure or you will be buying another injector pump in the not too distant future. My 01 now has about 130,000 miles on it.

Fluid temp is ultra-critical. I use ATF-4 in the toad even though MoPar says it is optional. It's pretty hard to "wear out" transmission fluid if it hasn't been overheated. Time, by itself is not a big deal. I like to do a dipstick smear on a piece of white paper. Then place a smear next to it with same brand, new fluid. If the dipstick smear is the least bit darker or shade of color different then I schedule a service. My oil pan has a neodybdium magnet stuck to the bottom. Transmissions are mostly aluminum with bronze bushings. Steel shavings are a sign the pump is giving out. I want to know beforehand. I don't like to receive breakdown telegrams on a remote roadway.

A trip out West in the summer means heat. Be sure all rubber items are up for the trip. Tires, hoses, belts, Ac fully charged, engine cooling system clean and using proper mix of coolant. New radiator cap of proper pressure rating.

kountryparson wrote:
I have a 2001 Dodge cummins it has 129,000 miles on it. Runs good and I have kept it serviced. I serviced the transmission at 100,000 miles had to replace solenoid, transduce and filter. I have only driven it 29,000 miles should I change fluid and filter again. Did that back in 2010. I've heard that the transmission is the weak point of the truck. I've changed lift pump and replaced enjector pump about 1,000 miles ago. I'm thinking about traveling out west this summer. I pull a 2010 28ft. Coachmen Express some 5500 pounds.
Anything you think I should check.

I had 1, drove it 157,000 miles, never a problem, changed the lift pump on re-call, brakes every 50k, the tranny was making noise, we changed the tail stock bearing and cured it.

I wish I had it back.

Enjoy your trip, drive more worry less. :)

The transmissions got a bad rap because people would add lots of power (which is so easy) and tear them up. Your trans will last just as long as any other if it's taken care of and not overpowered.
Servicing at 30K miles intervals is not a bad idea and I would use ATF+4 (synthetic) fluids and if you've added power, you need some upgrades to it.