Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2002 Dodge Cummins pros and cons ?

[DVolk]

i got a guy wom wants to trade me a 2002 quad cab long box auto with 317K
Body has a few body wounds . He wants my 92 gen 1 4x4 nv4500 with im not sure 200 plus K miles odemeter uit for a spell and the cab has its issues water leaks headliner sag etc .

So what are the pros and the cons except the lift pump issue . and steering brace issue and track bar issue .

has ranch hand bumpers on it , i have yet to see more than just pics im told it just had new stering pump and box put on it etc .

Id appreciate any words of thought thanks !!!!

ps im told the dash has a crack is this common ?

 

[jgillott]

Pros

2002 has the 4 wheel disk brakes. It will feel like it stops light years ahead of your '92.

Interior is much more comfortable than the 1st gens (and I would even argue the 3rd gens)

Cons

At 300+K, you are looking at a VP-44 replacement and potential issues with the 47re if they haven't been addressed already.

 

[SnoKing]

2002 lost the front axle CAD(center axle disconnect) so mileage would be slightly less and steering heavier than the beat of breed 2001.5's. You can install a 4 low kit on the units with the CAD. The 2001.5 gained the 4 wheel anti lock disc brakes and still had the CAD. I would still the 1st gen and by a lower mileage 2nd gen. SNOKING

 

[SAndreasen]

i wouldn't trade a manual trans for an auto .

 

[DVolk]

Thanks for the in put I have yet to here from the guy yet

 

[JR]

Does he have receipts for any maintenance work?

Check the front end thoroughly as at that mileage who knows what it may need.

Ask how many miles on the VP44. It's probably already been replaced at least once.

Injectors are capable of 300k+ so these could be OEM, I would ask about them too.

The auto Trans is a big crap shoot. They can be made to be as reliable as any other auto or manual but costs a pretty penny to get there. I'd ask if/when it was rebuilt, what mods and how many miles.

A truck with that many miles is a real crap shoot. On one hand 320k miles isn't much for these trucks if cared for and maintained properly. On the other hand if its been run into the ground you could be opening up a can of worms.

 

[AnOldBiker]

Take the offer like a grain of salt until he actually wants to deal.
Let him offer ... visually check ... then pay a good mechanic you trust to throughly check the truck, with a print out report and list of potential parts needed to make whole again.

Then get a drink and really really consider if you want this or not.

 

[Road Dog]

If it's a 2500 then you might be shocked how low the payload is. Especially if it has heavy aftermarket bumpers on it.

 

[DVolk]

Yea I have a bunch of questions I know the box is rough and it does look to have ranch hand bumpers on it

 

[JR]

If it's a 2500 then you might be shocked how low the payload is. Especially if it has heavy aftermarket bumpers on it.

The 2500 GVW is 8800 lbs. My truck weighs in right at about 7400 lbs with myself, full of fuel, tool box loaded with chains, binders, and misc tools and 285/75/17 tires which are substantially heavier than the OEM wheel/tire combo. That leaves 1400 lbs of payload.

With that being said, the weakest link on the 2nd gen trucks is the wheels and tires. Aside from that and the spring pack they share the same components as the 3500 DRW. Even if you've got the weaker D70 you will have overloaded your wheels and tires waaaay before you ever have to worry about hurting the axle.

 

[DVolk]

This guy missed the boat i offerd him the deal of a life time and i would on here if any one wanted to do a trade in stead of my 92 i offerd the guy my 83 suburban 1 ton 4x4 cumiins powed with a nv4500 also for his questionible 2002 , he said no i said his loss as i would also include a chevy pu cab so you could put the componets in a pickup instead of a suburban , id love to have a 98 quad cab with the p pump or ?