should I buy a cummins or a hemi
- Thread starter mesha
- Start date
LT.
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Los Alamos, New Mexico
The auto in your 04 will be a 48re tranny. Not a bad tranny but, it will only handle about 75 hp over stock. Also, be ready to put money into the tranny at some later point. All autos behind any of the big three diesels are going to give you issues at some point down the road. A upgraded valve body and converter usually will do the trick as long as you keep it near stock levels.
LT.
LT.
- Location
- Smithfield Utah
I've had owned many auto's and although they can have a bad reputation behind diesels there is a lot you can do to prolong its life. It wouldn't hurt to have the fluid changed (without use of chemicals!!!) within the first few days you have it that way you can keep you own records of its service history. Next (I'm assuming your truck will already have one but if not) you should look into a trans temp gauge and never let it exceed 240* for very long. Read up and understand (if you don't already) how a torque converter lockup works and why it's important. And last but not least don't lug it while cruising with a load. Your engine needs to run at 1800RPM or higher to maintain enough pressure to keep that transmission happy even if that means kicking it down a gear or two.
The 48RE's are a big improvement over the earlier tranny's behind the Cummins but if you do for whatever reason have issues down the road there are a lot of option out there for building a solid new one.
You're really going to like the Cummins :greg:
The 48RE's are a big improvement over the earlier tranny's behind the Cummins but if you do for whatever reason have issues down the road there are a lot of option out there for building a solid new one.
You're really going to like the Cummins :greg:
bd power makes a pressure lock that fixes the lock up issue and performs very well
scoutabout
None
I'd agree with both. The 48RE's are ok, but expect to do some maintenance soon. When mine started going out around 120K miles, I found that it's pretty common for them to start taking a dump around 115K-125K. When you have the unit rebuilt, the transmission shop will upgrade the components that are known to be weak and you can expect the new trans to last a lifetime. If you want to "juice up" your Cummins, you'd better invest in an upgraded transmission. There are a lot of aftermarket components to beef up the 48RE during a rebuild.
By the way, I have an '04 2500 quad-cab Cummins and I love it. Enjoy!
Maverick
old-school
- Location
- Anywhere, thanks to my geeky droid
You'll love it.
Pick me up some jalapeno dijon mustard at the supermarket/truvalue/radioshack in Roosevelt. Thanks!
- Location
- Fruita, CO
I just picked up a low miles 06 Cummins last night. I love the 5.9s.
And don't forget there is 2 04 5.9 setups. One was 49 states and one was 50. I know a few things about them and if you can, the early 5.9 is the better one.
Things about a diesel:
Cost more to buy, but much better resale.
If you go through vehicals like some people do there Shorts! LOL! And if that is the case, go with a gasser!
I've had 2 Cummins and I've loved them to on end!
I've sold more than I can remember and I've never had a customer come back and say they thought it was junk. I have taken alot of ferds and chebbies in, but the Dodges have always been the best.
I'm running a 04 555, 6spd, edge chip, MBRP piping, Full K&N cold air intake.
Things about a diesel:
Cost more to buy, but much better resale.
If you go through vehicals like some people do there Shorts! LOL! And if that is the case, go with a gasser!
I've had 2 Cummins and I've loved them to on end!
I've sold more than I can remember and I've never had a customer come back and say they thought it was junk. I have taken alot of ferds and chebbies in, but the Dodges have always been the best.
I'm running a 04 555, 6spd, edge chip, MBRP piping, Full K&N cold air intake.
- Location
- Smithfield Utah
The trans will already have an automatic lockup torque converter. Once engaged the trans is basically locked to the engine (similar to a manual transmission) this is a nice feature because the trans will build far less heat and it lets you use engine braking to some degree. The reason I recommend towing at 1800 rpm's or higher because once you are cruising at that speed (or higher) the torque converter should be locked and the transmission will have plenty of fluid pressure. Some choose to modify this by installing higher pressure valves and a manual override for the lockup that way they can fine tune it to their driving style. When I had an auto I used a manual override and it was really nice to have, but you will not find it useful unless you really get serious about hauling a lot of weight. Once you drive this truck around a bit you will notice it locking and unlocking especially in fourth gear. I hope this made sense
For now I would have a reputable diesel shop change your transmission fluid and install a temp gauge if your truck doesn't have one.