After talking to a few friends who own newer Ram 3500 and since I am wanting to save money on my TV, they suggested looking into a 1998-2001 12V Cummins as opposed to a later model 24V.I am looking at two trucks both have 200,000 miles1 is a 1998 Ram 3500 with 12V CumminsThe other is a 2004 ram 3500 with 24V CumminsBoth a DRW and in very good condition. Problem is both are high mileage and about $8000 difference for the 2004.Given the mileage, which would make more sense and less overall trouble towing. The newer model, or buying the 1998 and planning to rebuild trans/engine before I retire and start towing fulltime?

Couple years ago I went from a 1994 with 235,000 miles to a 2005 with 108,000 miles and have been very pleased. Now have 140 K on the 2005 with no problems . Good mileage and lots of power. Probably depends on how they are maintained.

I would go with the 04 but really don't like either choice due to high mileage for fulltiming.If only to stay local it would be ok.

No comparison, the 04 is a far more advanced platform and will get the same or better mileage.

Well your are talking a Cummins engine, I bought mine with 234,000 miles and currently have 260,000 still pulling strong with an 11,000# 5er in tow.I have done some maintenance and upgrades, but the engine has been fine, uses less than a quart of oil in a 10,000 oil change interval.Worry more about the condition of the truck, body and interior, the engine will likely be fine, diesels are made to work.

What do you consider high mileage? Regardless I'd go with the 2004 hands down. Personally I have an 03 Ram DRW and love it. Tows beautifully whether it's a small 5000 lb TT or a 14,000 lb 5er.

2004 Dodge Ram high mileage 24V vs 1998 12V | Good Sam Community

45 Replies

jwduke
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Magnum164 wrote:
Made the decision. Brought home the 2004 model today.

Nice looking truck, Magnum! I wish mine was a dually! I have had few problems with mine. Only thing I've really spent any money on was new ball joints & unit bearings... Ball joints are a weak point on the 3rd generation Rams. I think the Cummins has something to do with it.
john_bet
Explorer II
Jun 16, 2013
OOOpppss double post some how.
john_bet
Explorer II
Jun 16, 2013
Magnum164 wrote:
And looks like it says 325HP so sounds like it is a 2004.5 build date was 3/4.
It is in fact a '04.5 with that build date. Mine has a build date of 1/04 and has 325HP/600tq.
jwduke
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Magnum164 wrote:
Engineer9860 wrote:
Duramax/Allison.

Why would I want to ruin two perfectly good trucks by putting one of those in them? :h

Why do you want a transmission, that the computer has to defuel the engine, just so the tranny can shift??
Magnum164
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Engineer9860 wrote:
Magnum164 wrote:
ib516 wrote:
Magnum164 wrote:
Engineer9860 wrote:
Duramax/Allison.

Why would I want to ruin two perfectly good trucks by putting one of those in them? :h

Ooooo...burn!

All in fun:)

You would be ruining a perfectly good engine/transmission combo by putting them in a Dodge........

All in fun, right? :P

:E Now I wish I had known how to convert that GMC above instead of putting a 383str in it, putting a Duramax. I still cry because I left my ex-wife talk me into selling it.
Jarlaxle
Explorer II
Jun 16, 2013
Stefonius wrote:
I'd want to know about the transmission. The automagics used on the 5.9 tend to self-destruct if you add power to the engine.

A high-mileage truck will probably have had the trans rebuilt or replaced by now.
Engineer9860
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Magnum164 wrote:
ib516 wrote:
Magnum164 wrote:
Engineer9860 wrote:
Duramax/Allison.

Why would I want to ruin two perfectly good trucks by putting one of those in them? :h

Ooooo...burn!

All in fun:)

You would be ruining a perfectly good engine/transmission combo by putting them in a Dodge........

All in fun, right? :P
Magnum164
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
larry barnhart wrote:
That is a nice truck. Red is the best if you didn't already know it.
chevman

Thanks.. Yes, Red is the best. Both trucks were red as well. Next color to Red is Yellow...

Below is the last truck I towed a 16ft trailer for my model airplanes before I had neck surgery and could no longer safely fly them... I put a 383 stroker with 420+ft/lbs of torque..

Of course anything with flames is high on the list:)
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
That is a nice truck. Red is the best if you didn't already know it.
chevman
45Ricochet
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Magnum164 wrote:
Auto. No CAT and it will Roll Smoke! New 150psi Injectors and Edge Tuner (older model). Diff is 3.73 assuming they were not changed. Only mods I can tell other than the obvious, aftermarket bumbers and a B&H frame mount gooseneck. Which if I understand, I can simply mount a 5th wheel attachment to it.

Nice deer catcher :B Does it have the winch also?
Should be 325HP/ 600TQ stock but a nice tune will pull down 425 ponies easy with those injectors. Not that your tranny will last though. I run the little tune without any issues as of yet, but I'm aware of the possible problems with the tranny.
Good Luck and please post back your experience towing.