Inspections just were implemented here in California.

Of course, modding the emissions equipment also voids the warranty, which if something breaks on a diesel, it can add up fast.

Personally, I would not buy a modded truck. I just figure it has been abused.

Michael

Wow, my brain hurts now from some of this "info".

Diesels threads on this site ALWAYS end up like this. OP, I suggest checking out some actual diesel sites for the brand of truck you're interested in, or a generic diesel site covering all brands. Who knows, you may end up deciding on something you didn't originally think you wanted.

I have been tossing around the idea of selling my 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi for a 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel (5.9L). I won't be pulling a lot, but maybe a 2 horse slant load trailer 3 times a year and 1 dirt bike to the track on the weekends. I know what to look for in a gas truck, engine wise, but when it comes to diesels, it's a new game. What should I look for when shopping around? I do know, like a dirtbike, to stay away from the hopped up trucks w/ large amount of aftermarket parts. lol

I really feel for you guys out there in Cali. Down here in louisiana you can just about get away with murder. My old 89 dodge 12v is proof. I LOVE my old mechanical Cummins.

its obvious who here knows diesels & who dont.. i infer only what is fact ..i called no name here.. you can read & tell who has what in these posts..no one cares about what anyone knows about those big diesels.. its not a truck.. though i commend your skill, why you feel you need to justify it or assume you were singled out evades me.. i would be more concerned about buying a lifted truck, with huge tires.. i have an 05 powerstroke crewcab 4x4 .. it has alot of modifications.. including a tuner, which i stated has never been set on anything but the xs mileage economy setting.. i do turn the speed limiter off.. the truck got 12 miles per gallon stock .. it now gets 21 miles per gallon.. based on that , only a moron would down talk modifications that net high fuel mileage & by no means hurt the vehicle..anyone who thinks its o.k. to run the fuel filters on a diesel truck today 20 to 30k , is obviously in a fantasty world, unless they dont mind paying high shop bills.. oil/oil filters & fuel filters will account for the life of your parts.. neglect, you pay .. shop bills a very high on diesel trucks, theres to many here that speak with no knowledge of what they speak of.. that scares me as some poor soul may actually listen & believe.. i wouldnt suggest any new diesel owner buy ANY used diesel truck that wasnt still in warranty, less they had a good mechanic { that works on specifically diesel trucks } go over it for them.. it is very common for guys to chip these things & tear them up .. i see it alot , but that doesnt mean all trucks with tuners are taboo .. BUT is it smart to be leary of a truck with a tuner.. WELL HELL YES.. its too easy to get burned & these trucks arent cheap.. as you all well know.. but anyone who thinks modifications including tuners that will net you 9 more miles per gallon are all bad , just arent real educated on these things.. these are the same guys that will be looking for ways to get better mileage themselves & will look to tuners.. a tuner alone wont get you that kind of fuel mileage , so a truck with a tuner alone i would TOO , be afraid of buying.. it is best to get a stock truck & do whatever mods. yourself.. dont rely on someone elses ability & driving habits.. ANY GOOD DIESEL MECHANIC, can give you good direction as to whats best for your brand truck in the way of modifications.. each brand has its own issues, none are perfect.. an idiot with a tuner is a recipe for disaster..I AGREE WITH what you all say in this regard totally.. every motor in every diesel truck made was used in another application prior to being used in daily driven trucks.. most or all their problems arose from the big three & their emmisions add on stuff.. i have a very good factory ford diesel mechanic, who works in a big dealership that helps with my work.. you will find & i recomend that you talk to mechanics for whatever brand you buy.. many do side work & can save you a ton of cash , plus direct you properly on the things to look at modifying, that will help your truck extend its life.. fact is my mechanic told me i was the first person he had ever seen that used a tuner in a manner that was actually doing good for their truck.. most guy WILL ABUSE a tuners ability.. but you cant condemn tuners for the actions of their owners.. i can promise you wont find a one that will tell you to run a fuel filter 30k though.. the pump fuel it just to shitty.. most dealers have fuel additives they recomend.. ford recomends a cetane based additive.. dodge may too.. you'll have to do your homework , but that is the key.. do your homework, beware of lifts, & ANY TRUCK THAT HAS JUST A TUNER ON IT.. a tuner alone wont help much for mileage , so anyone stating they added a tuner alone for mileage , i would watch out for.. it takes a combination of THE RIGHT parts to help with mileage.. you have obviously thought about this switch alot.. dont stop thinking.. ask questions , but forum boards arent the best place to ask.. TALK TO DEALERSHIP MECHANICS.. they work on these trucks everyday , they see the failures & shortcomings.. they will have the best info. for you bar none.. its not uncommon for guys to gang up on anyone on these boards who contradict their infinit knowledge .. the ones who know it all & feel they must show everyone how smart they are are usually the biggest dumbasses on a board.. i'm not into to misdirecting folks, just making sure they ask the right people & stay informed before spending their hard earned money.. so brother after you weed thru all the bullshit & ego's here make sure to talk to some of the TRUCK mechanics, & if whatever you buy is out of warranty have it inspected..