I'm wondering what the consensus is on these automatics. I know the 2nd Gen's were notorious for shittin the bed...but what about the 3rd Gen's?

More specifically, I've been looking for a truck to use as a partial-DD and tow rig. I saw a nice '04 CTD with 56k miles on it at the upper end of my price range.

I know lots of people on here have '04+ CTD's...so what do you think of the auto's? They strong? My planned towed load will be around 7-8k lbs a couple times a month. Sometimes heavier.

Behind the 03 HO (and newer), you'll find the 48RE... 4 sp auto... I think you'll find them very reliable. I've had 3 trucks with that tranny and they all performed great. Only 1 problem with a sensor on my 05 2wd.

Towed travel trailers and car hauler ranging in weight from about 4k to 10k pounds. Not a problem one.

Once I got the 5th wheel TH however, I did trade it in on a 6 sp manual. I did this NOT because of any reliability issues.... I did it because we lived in a hilly area and at 16K pounds loaded, I felt like I didn't have quite enough gear at launch. On the highway with the TH, my 6sp manual (6.7) performs identically to my 4sp auto did (5.9).

id say its hit and miss. i bought mine used (06 with 33,000miles on it see sig for details). at first it was great but now with 55,000miles and occasional towing (apprx 8000lb and less) my torque convertor is already starting to slip. it could be gov press solenoid but i doubt it. it no longer takes to hammering down with good shifts and when towing on hills it takes forever to accelerate. rpms climb but forward momentum is lacking so im a little disappointed. i do keep regular maintenance but i cant say how the previous owner treated it. it did have 33000miles after the previous owner had it for only 9 months. but other than that great engine. good luck.

nik

Simply put, the 4 speed torqueflites used behind the Cummins motor were designed to take the stock power and do it relatively reliably. There are lots of second gen trucks (with the trannys that you say are "notorious" for going out) with over 200k miles on a stock automatic if they have been taken care of. You only hear about the whiny bitches who wreck theirs and then complain about it.

If you elect to put a chip or programmer on the truck you will be building a transmission at some point whether it be sooner or later.

Regardless of whether or not you plan on doing any power upgrades I think you will find it to be in your interest to upgrade at least the converter and valve body. The stock converters are fairly loose and you will benefit quite a bit from going with a good aftermarket replacement. With a valve body and converter an otherwise good tranny will handle some good power too.

I have an 03 HO with 103k, and the trans has not given me any problems. The engine is totally stock. I have a 15K goose that I pull with it, once to Moab. I am very happy with the truck.