With that said, I'm looking for owner feedback on a few issues:
1) I've read the 5.9L cummins (stock) can get about 18 mpg city, and 22 mpg highway. Is that accurate? Yes you can expect this. I have gotten 23 with my 94 and a 1k load.
2) Besides possible injector failures, are there any big issues with the 2005-2007 cummins? The 48re auto transmission is weak. 2007 1/2 trucks had the much better 68rfe transmission. Wheel hop can be an issue. A two link kit will help quite a bit.
3) Will this rig be able to go down most 4x4 trails and roads, despite its size and weight? I'm not looking to turn this into a dedicated rock-crawler, but at the same time, I want to be able to get through/over restrictive terrain. You should have no real problems unless you go with a long wheelbase.
4) Any issues with this engine starting up in cold weather (-25 C and below) in stock form? I know the engine relies on a block heater instead of glow plugs. Do people in cold climates usually get aftermarket heaters for this engine? The engine uses a heater plate in place of glow plugs.
I'm willing to live with the maintenance and reliability of a 10 year old truck. My biggest concern honestly is whether its size and weight (especially the added weight of the cummins) will hinder my ability to explore and drive remote roads and trails. I'm getting this vehicle to explore and camp, among other reasons, so if it can't go where I need it go, then I might have to reconsider.
Edit: I forgot to ask - 5) Is it pretty much a given that I'll need to upgrade/swap out the front suspension and steering components? I've heard that the Ram 2500's prior to 2013 had an issue known as the "death wobble." Death wobble is attributed to worn bushings and front end components. Should not be too much of an issue as long as the steering components and bushings are in good shape.
Thanks for the detailed response.
I have a 2006 3500 diesel, look at the 3500 because of the extra 1000lbs payload. Still srw short box. 210000 miles. Front end every 100k, drive shafts every 50k. Lots of people claim 20mpg, if you drive 60 you'll get 18. Empty. 24mpg is 800 miles a tank. Maybe 550 to a tank is realistic. So for problems lots of electrical problems, if it's never been chipped the transmission and injectors should be fine. Just the front end wears out and needs a rebuild, same for the front drive shaft.
I had thought about the 3500, but as far as I could tell, the only difference between the 3500 and 2500 for that generation was a slightly beefed up rear suspension (a few more leaf springs). Is that accurate? If so, I think the 2500's setup will suffice for my purposes, but if I need to carry weight, I could probably add more leaf springs via the aftermarket.
There is nothing wrong with the G56. The aluminum case becomes a factor when high hp is sought out but there is a strengthening kit for it. It does have a dual mass clutch which is prone to problems but nothing a new clutch doesn't solve.
Never had a problem with mud or track width. Only problem off road I have ever had was my own fault. Hunting up in the hills in the winter on bald tires and slid off the side of the road. With good tires these trucks go places they shouldn't.
Thanks for the info on that transmission, I had thought, for whatever reason, that the G56 was the more desirable one to get, but maybe I should take another look at the NV5600.
As for the Ram's off road capabilities, that's good to hear. I imagine 90% of my driving will be on paved or gravel roads that are somewhat maintained, but I would like to be able to explore more rugged and remote roads without having to switch into another vehicle. Based on feedback from you and others (though some posters disagree) the Ram should be plenty capable of doing that.
The only reason I asked about track width is because I know certain routes (for example some of the famous Alpine routes in Colorado) get very narrow and I wasn't sure if a Ram would be able to tackle some of them. And I asked about the mud because I had read that heavy vehicles tend to suffer in very deep mud...I'm not looking to go mud bogging, but there are some trails/roads in the northeast and northwest that are just inherently muddy due to the prevailing climate. I wasn't sure if the Cummins' added weight over a gasoline engine would be an issue for some of those trails.
