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dodge ram 3500 advice

O

Old Hickory

Active member
hey guys,

Have a chance to pick up a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500, 4x4 dually, 4.10 rearend, turbo diesel, with 38K miles for $20k. Looked around a bit online and I see comparable 2003-2005 models with asking prices in the $23k to $30k range. Are these trucks really selling for this; or are they just setting on the lot? Just want to make sure I don't over pay while in the midst of the current economic climate.

I'll be rigging it w/ a cabover and will be pulling my 83 enforcer; It will make a bullet proof tow/camping rig. The catch is, I won't be able to hagle because this truck belonged to my late father-in-law Doyle. My wife was a little disappointed in the price, but would really like to have her dads truck; and I'm inclined to buy it just for sentimental reasons. However, I don't want to look back and feel I paid too much for it.

Just trying to step back and be a little more objective, because I would like to have it for many of the same reasons. Thanks guys I look forward to hearing your response.

Hick
 
I have not priced trucks in awhile but my buddy was looking at a Chevy D-max sticker was 49,900 and the dealer told him 36 would take it home. Sorry to say this but a Dodge has the worst resale over Ford and Chevy. And this is comming from a Dodge guy.

It sounds like a good buy but if you take 20 grand and do some real shopping you would be suprised what you can take home. Car lots will drop major coin off the sticker price on new and used just to sell something. Dont be scared to low ball anybody right now. Used car lots or people with title in hand are the weakest right now for the low ball offer. Take advantage
 
from what I've been told, the engines are great...the auto trans are pretty much junk and do not hold up in those...in general..Rob
 
Well, looks as if we are going to buy it. We may be able to negotiate the price some......however, I'm leaving that up to my wife....it's her mother. Not going to get caught between those two. LOL. once we get it I'll post some pics.

Hick
 
Behind the ball here, but I have to agree with these guys hick, the 20k might be a fair price, but right now truck prices are rock bottom for new and used. Between the economy, and the memories of gas prices last summer people dont seem to be buying trucks anywhere near what they are worth. know a bunch of guys that have recently bought trucks (although than this rig) for way below blue book. Its amazing what the piling up of vehicles in warehouses and at dealerships will do to prices. Must suck for anyone in the industry, but good for a guy like me whose vehicle is breathing its last.
 
Old Hickory said:
hey guys,

Have a chance to pick up a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500, 4x4 dually, 4.10 rearend, turbo diesel, with 38K miles for $20k. Looked around a bit online and I see comparable 2003-2005 models with asking prices in the $23k to $30k range. Are these trucks really selling for this; or are they just setting on the lot? Just want to make sure I don't over pay while in the midst of the current economic climate.

I'll be rigging it w/ a cabover and will be pulling my 83 enforcer; It will make a bullet proof tow/camping rig. The catch is, I won't be able to hagle because this truck belonged to my late father-in-law Doyle. My wife was a little disappointed in the price, but would really like to have her dads truck; and I'm inclined to buy it just for sentimental reasons. However, I don't want to look back and feel I paid too much for it.

Just trying to step back and be a little more objective, because I would like to have it for many of the same reasons. Thanks guys I look forward to hearing your response.

Hick
Click to expand...
in 04.5 they chnaged the motor to the common rail which has 300hp and 600 ft lbs

www.Cumminsforum.com
www.turbodieselregister.com
any Q's you have will be answered

and since you are in franklin,tn which is 15 mins from me, I suggest taking the truck to get looked at by cedar city diesel in lebenon,TN
 
Also the tranny's in all the 2003 on up rams has been rated phenomenally. It rates higher than the ford or the chevy, it derives from the fammed AMG mercedes transmission. I work at a dealer part time that sells the big "3" and we rarely see tranny problems from newer the dodges and fords. We see more problems with the GM trans's (Non-allison although they have a normal slip in them which scares people totally normal) than the ford or dodge. imo. Just some friendly advice. I have a 2003 with 98,000 miles and have had 0 problems with it, My father has a 2003 with 92000 miles on it with only having to replace the ujoints in the front, My buddy has a 2004 with 94000 miles and has had 0 problems (He came from a GM 2500 6.0), My wifes durango has 140000 miles and has had to have the upper ball joints replaced once and the brakes done 2 times, my brother has a 2003 with 75000 miles no issues other than a squeaky front suspension hes got 35" tires (tie rods I believe), I could keep going, as my neighbors have bought dodge just because ive had such good luck, and they love them also. Dont always believe the hype own one and decide for yourself I did. And for all those who said the older dodges had trans problems (which they did if they werent taken care of like towing with the o/d off, that was the cause of 50 percent of the falures) I have a 1996 with 222000 miles all original including the trans. Drives like a dream yet. ONly had to do brakes a handful of times, intake pan gasket, rear end gears once, and a water pump 2 times. I know there is always people who are brand loyal which I can say I am, but I say drive what you like. Dont discourage people if youve never owned one. They are all good!! A great example of this is a Ford owner told me when I had to replace my rear gears in my 1996 that those dodge rear ends dont hold up to anything. I find that funny since his ford f150 had the same dana 60 rear end as I did, once again false information. Long narrative, but just my 2 cents. I say buy it you will LOVE it.
 
well we bought it; brought it home sunday. I'll have some pics posted by tomorrow. Ratio is a 3.73 per the window sticker. Brought the camper home as well. If it wasn't for the sway you'd never know it was on the truck. Have some work to do to improve mileage( removing some of the emissions crap ) All in all we are very pleased. I'll probably get a computer and replace the tires before long and will do some work on the suspension in order to reduce the sway from the camper. This is one big truck:thumb:
 
If you want more milage you need a programmer. We have several of these trucks in our group and some make 400+ hp and get 23mpg. You also need a straight exhaust 4" from Jegs. Airbox. And with the programmer you can change the shift points in the Slush box trans. If you need anything let me know.
 
My friend has a 1992 that has spent much of its time pulling a 5th wheel. The manual trans failed at 200K but the motor is still going at 300K. Must be pretty good engines.
 
paston1 said:
If you want more milage you need a programmer. We have several of these trucks in our group and some make 400+ hp and get 23mpg. You also need a straight exhaust 4" from Jegs. Airbox. And with the programmer you can change the shift points in the Slush box trans. If you need anything let me know.
Click to expand...

All good; just have to decide what programer I need to go with. Joined the http://www.cumminsforum.com and noticed real quick I have alot to learn. plan on doing the mods you suggested; but in due time. Got to get my Enforcer done first:thumb: Here's a few pics of the beast:D

dodge3.jpg

dodge2.jpg

dodge1.jpg
 
Nice looking dually, you've picked up.:bigthumb: I noticed someone is a Arkansas razerback fan, gotta love the SEC.:D
 
cmpulse170 said:
Nice looking dually, you've picked up.:bigthumb: I noticed someone is a Arkansas razerback fan, gotta love the SEC.:D
Click to expand...

All of my wifes family are from Arkansas as well as mine. I grew up in the midwest callin' the Hogs and ended up playing one year for the Razorbacks under Lou Holtz; that was a very memorable experience:banana:The plate came with the truck and will never come off :thumb:
 
Old Hickory said:
All of my wifes family are from Arkansas as well as mine. I grew up in the midwest callin' the Hogs and ended up playing one year for the Razorbacks under Lou Holtz; that was a very memorable experience:banana:The plate came with the truck and will never come off :thumb:
Click to expand...

I met Lou Holtz when he coached for the University of South Carolina "Gamecocks". His one liners are off the hook.:bigthumb:
 
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