'09 Dodge 2500, 4X4, Diesel????

[carver 1]

I was very interested in purchasing an 09 Dodge 2500 4X4 diesel Laramie until I read the March issue of Consumer reports and they listed the "07,09 Ram 2500 and 3500(diesel)" as "Used model to avoid". I would be interested in any advice from people with this vehicle.

Thanks,

>>ron<<

[Tincampers]

When I was researching diesels, it seems the favorite was the Duramax LBZ

History of the Duramax Diesel Engine - Diesel Power Magazine

[xrvr]

Never trusted CR since they were caught lieing several years ago. So many of their evaluations are misleading at the very least. Jim

[wvstreamer]

Ron,
I have a friend who has one in that catagory and his biggest issue has been oil leaks. I am kinda partial to the 5.9 in Dodge. Certain Duramax years were a little better like the LBZ mentioned . Other than injector issues, I have not heard too many bad Duramax stories. Now for Ford, it's hard to beat the old 7.3. My dealer says the recent 6.7 is doing well with exception of some turbo issues. For now I will continue with my old 7.3 F250. It still pulls like a mule, uses no oil, and gets good mileage. It's been cheap to maintain too...a Motorcraft oil filter at Walmart is 9.97! After 25 years of diesels, when I shop, I may look at a gasser or be very selective on which used diesel as a new one does not fit the budget. Who knows my 20 yr old one may just keep going for a long time. If you have a good 7.3, shop carefully.
Dave

[21Airstream]

I had a 2009 Ram Bighorn 3500 QCSB SRW 4x4 for three years and never had a problem with it. The only reason I traded it was I wanted a crew cab (rather than a quad cab).

[PaulnGina]

Ditto on CR.

Is your PowerStroke still in good shape? How many miles are on it?

My 1995 only has 107K miles on it. Runs like a top, pulls well. I have added a bypass oil filter (for excellent filtration, not extended oil change intervals), a large transmission oil cooler, and a magnetic in-line filter for the trans fluid. All I want to do now is add an exhaust brake.

It'll take a LOT for me to part with my 7.3L!!!

[r carl]

I've had 2 vehicles that CR said they were a POS and to avoid, but they were the most reliable vehicles I've owned.

[Craig Schrader]

I bought new and still own and tow with 09 Dodge 2500 Diesel. (Not a Laramie package). No issues yet. Put new batteries in last year. I change the oil, filter, and Fuel filter every five thousand miles. Changing the fuel filter that often is cheap insurance I hope.

[slowmover]

Use TurboDieselRegister and CumminsForum to investigate your particular model. I read both weekly to keep up with repair and maintenance problems. Mine is an earlier model which was spec'd to avoid problems (2WD, manual transmission) as well as maximize fuel economy. Best vehicle I've ever owned.

Good luck.

[crispyboy]

Carver1,
I own an 09 Dodge CTD. I don't know what CR said about this vehicle but here is my take.
The truck is very solid but has an area of concern - emissions. In 2007.5 a new engine was installed into the Dodge truck - 6.7 Cummins tuned to meet the next round of emission standards (2007 thru 2012). The emission equipment allows excessive exhaust gases back into the motor which can allow the variable geometry turbo charger to soot up. My truck had this problem at 40k miles. It was an expensive fix with a rebuilt turbo and second hand diesel particulate filter. I had the trucks computer reflashed with the latest software from the dealership and things have been fine since.
If this is the truck you want to pursue make sure that all the emission equipment is in place and operating correctly. I suggest you pay a dealership or diesel specialty shop to perform a pre-purchase inspection. Many diesel trucks get hot-rodded where you will find legacy problems caused by this abuse.
Many people have removed the emission system (feds do not like this) if they live in an area that doesn't have strict emission inspections etc.... This essentially removes the problem area of the truck.
This particular emission system was used from 2007.5 thru 2012. In 2013 Chrysler went to the emission system that uses DEF fluid and it is considered a better system due to less problems and it allows the engine to perform to a much higher level. Ford and GM also use this DEF-SCR emission strategy.
I don't know what your budget is but if buying this particular brand of truck I would get the 2010 or newer (4th generation) because the creature comforts were much better than those of the 3rd generation (2003-2009).
Also in 2007.5 and newer Chrysler put a 6 speed automatic or manual transmission with integrated exhaust brake. These work very, very well towing a heavy load. The transmissions are considered very reliable at stock power levels.
You may want to check other internet forums or PM me for more info.

[carver 1]

I only have 180,000 miles on my 7.3. Recently had to replace the Turbo, which was a major expense. Looks like I'll keep my 7.3. I admit that the Jake break is on my wish list. Thanks for all the responses.

>>ron<<

[tjdonahoe]

I have a 2007 dodge with 6.7 ,90000 miles, just replaced the water pump,no other problems, I don't use it for a grocery getter ......

[LeeJ]

Originally Posted by carver 1

I was very interested in purchasing an 09 Dodge 2500 4X4 diesel Laramie until I read the March issue of Consumer reports and they listed the "07,09 Ram 2500 and 3500(diesel)" as "Used model to avoid". I would be interested in any advice from people with this vehicle.

Thanks,

>>ron<<

I have a 2003 2500 4X4 with 136,000 and it pulls my 1985 25' AS just great! No major issues, a small patch of rust on rear wheel wells.

[VT Wanderer]

I have a 2007 Ram, mega cab, Cummings diesel with 110,000 miles. From the get-go, I have been feeding parts into it. In the beginning it was covered by warranty, now it's all mine. Usually a thousand plus dollars a pop lately. Here are just some items - differential, exhaust, turbo issues, jake brake, axel seals, wiring harness for back door, entire radio system (inc. satellite radio), dash board lights, and the list goes on and on (in addition to the normal wear and tear of tires, brakes, oil changes that we all endure. We are now at the big question - keep throwing parts into the Ram or start with something new. If we go with something new, I will probably avoid the Ram because of my history with it. Do our Ford or GM readers have anything that I should consider?

[GCinSC2]

Individual results always vary but that is a commercial grade engine, it's built.

One caution is the TIPM pretty sure it's the Totally Integrated Power Module black box. If it takes a dump, weird power outages start happening. Sometimes attributed to connecting trailers with questionable wiring or maybe tapping circuits for power that you shouldn't. Not a reason not to buy just something to review.

Second investigating www.tdr1.com

[splintair]

We have a 2003 F250 with the 7.3. Recently our dipstick adapter to the oil pan began leaking, severely. Ford quoted $3200 + for pan replacement. Required cab and engine removal. We found a fix at Strictly Diesel, in Phoenix, for $300 plus o/n shipping ($38). Only problem we've had and 130k miles, just breaking in...I'd be hard pressed to replace this vehicle, but the thought of ADDING another TV to the barn has come up. Our choice would be a Chevy 3/4 ton diesel.

[KiraR]

I have a used 2014 Ram 4x4 Cummins diesel Big Horn. So far so good.
22,400 miles and I haven't yet towed my 30' A/S but it has been a dream to drive around. Getting 19-20 MPG and so far, so good.

Kira

[spclkaz]

I'm a GMC guy myself who only wishes he could afford a diesel... but I have a friend with a new Airstream and he swears that no Dodge diesel after 2006 should be purchased. He said that no only did engines and components after that suffer from expensive fixes, but that you also have to add DEF to the engines after that year...

He said he had to look high and low to find a good used one no older than 2006.

I say... do you own research... talk to alot of Dodge and other diesel owners and ...pay your money make your own choice

[GCinSC2]

Do some research, don't think Dodge started with DEF until 2012. We owned an '07 at work, no DEF.

[xrvr]

You are correct. A lot of misinformation here., intentional or not. Jim