I have owned two pickup trucks back in the day, but never a diesel. I am looking to buy a diesel PU as a second vehicle for now, and possibly a fifth wheel in a few months. I am looking at 2006 to 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 SRW short wheel base, 2WD, and AT. A few questions:1) I see 5.9L and 6.7L engines. Any preference for towing? Is one better or are there any big problems with one or the other?2) I see 5 speed AT and some have 6 speed AT. Is there a preference? Again, does one have any big problems?3)I had a 75 Dodge 4WD PowerWagon, but don't need 4WD this time. Most used PU's have 4WD. Are there any towing advantages and is there a sacrifice in fuel economy?

Out of the years given, I would go with an early 2007 with a 5.9L if you can find one. You get the pluses of the 2007 chassis upgrades, but not the first years of the 6.7L which were not too great as with any diesel having to abide by the 2007 emissions.

If your just towing on paved roads there's no need for 4wd. If you intend to get on steep gravel or dirt roads it may come in handy occasionally. One thing that often gets trucks stuck, particularly if they aren't towing and have nothing in the bed, is wet grass. As dumb as it sounds I once go a 2wd truck stuck in my yard on a slight incline with wet grass and had to pull it out with a 4wd.Around here it snows and there are mountains. I'd say 90% or more of trucks here are 4wd. You can't find a 2wd on a dealers lot and you can't hardly sell one if you try; basically nobody buys them. So, resale value might be a bigger factor than anything.As for a MPG penalty, there probably is one because of the extra weight but it is likely so insignificant you couldn't measure it.

No such thing as a 5 speed RAM/ Cummins auto trans. Great truck would be a early 07 5.9 with 6 speed stick.

Cummins12V98 wrote:No such thing as a 5 speed RAM/ Cummins auto trans. Great truck would be a early 07 5.9 with 6 speed stick.^ This.But if getting an auto truck for towing, I wouldn't even consider a 5.9 only because of the 4 speed trans. Makes an otherwise great engine and truck into something that shifts and drives like it's still 1993, lol.6.7 with a 68rfe trans and delete it if you have any trouble with the early emission systems, otherwise think hard about 2014 and newer for better emissions design or at very least , not 07.5-09 as those were the first years of tier IV emissions.

I am a 4WD fan for towing, you don't need it often but when you do you will really miss it. Wet grass, big muddy puddles, grades all found in CG can call for 4WD. It also expands your touring range greatly out west. I assume it is an advantage in snow but have minimal experience consisting of pulling a fellow out of a snow bank in the WY mountains. I think you need 4 sets of chains tho.4WD is heavier and will supposedly reduce mpg by 0.5 to 1 mpg. It also makes your truck higher by a few inches.

Need help with a few questions, re: buying first diesel

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 03, 2019
Grit dog wrote:
Not until the vgt turbos on the 07.5s. Another reason to go 07.5 or newer for a Cummins/Auto trans truck.
2 more forward gears and exhaust brake.

Thanks!
LanceRKeys
Explorer
Jul 03, 2019
To “delete” you remove all emissions devices. Simplifies the system and can make it more reliable and possibly add power.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jul 02, 2019
Not until the vgt turbos on the 07.5s. Another reason to go 07.5 or newer for a Cummins/Auto trans truck.
2 more forward gears and exhaust brake.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 02, 2019
Grit dog wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:

Later 5.9's had a EB from the factory.

Negative ghostrider. At least if you're talking about 5.9s in Dodge pickups in North America. I can't speak for the rest of the world though.

No 5.9's came with an EB from the Factory? If so I confess i'm CRACKIN.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jul 02, 2019
Cummins12V98 wrote:

Later 5.9's had a EB from the factory.

Negative ghostrider. At least if you're talking about 5.9s in Dodge pickups in North America. I can't speak for the rest of the world though.
donnyB7
Explorer
Jul 02, 2019
All really good info and this helps a bunch. A few mentioned they would "delete" their truck. What does that mean?
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 02, 2019
The newer 4 speed auto's are good. You would want 3.73 or 4.10's.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 02, 2019
Durb wrote:
The 6.7 Cummins had exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter. The 5.9 had neither, which is a plus. The 6.7 had the 6-speed transmission, the 5.9 a 4-speed. The 6.7 has more torque and horsepower plus an exhaust brake is standard. You have to add an exhaust brake on the 5.9. I tow a 11,500# GVW fifth wheel with my 5.9; don't know if I would want to go much heavier.

Later 5.9's had a EB from the factory.
wanderingbob
Explorer II
Jul 02, 2019
I pulled/delivered trailers several hundred thousand miles with an 07 . 5.9 auto and had no complaints . My new 2014 has the jake brake and I love that brake !
Durb
Explorer
Jul 02, 2019
The 6.7 Cummins had exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter. The 5.9 had neither, which is a plus. The 6.7 had the 6-speed transmission, the 5.9 a 4-speed. The 6.7 has more torque and horsepower plus an exhaust brake is standard. You have to add an exhaust brake on the 5.9. I tow a 11,500# GVW fifth wheel with my 5.9; don't know if I would want to go much heavier.