Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2002, which engine/trans, gear ratio???

[JTMcCracken]

I am suddenly thrown into the market for a 2002, 4X4, Cummins, Standard trans one ton truck due to the demise of our 1990 W-350. I have to be on a job in Los Angeles sometime next week so my time is short. Can anyone tell me from personal experience any or all of the following:

1) Advantages or disadvantages of a 5-speed motor vs. a 6-spd motor. I will be putting a fueling box on it eventually, does it mater which motor you start off with? I don't mind having a 5-spd, the truck will be a welding rig and weight about 10,000 to 11,000 lbs every day of its life.

2) 4:10 gear ratio for a 10,000 lbs. truck that tows a travel trailer on occasion? or 3:55?

3) What dealer incentives are out there?

4) The msrp on one of the trucks we are looking at is $36,000, what would you offer/pay?

a lot of questions I know, thank you in advance for any help. JTMcC,.

 

[tarussell]

I am sure that any combo has its problems,but since you actually use this as a work truck I would get the heavy duty stuff

( six speed ) . You get a 13" dia. clutch ( although it seems that the clutch needs to be upgraded ). If you do have to replace it an aftermarket 13" is better than a 12" as in the five speeds. The five speeds also have the O. D. gear problem. I got the H. O. because of the difference in the motor not just becuase of the extra factory power , for example;different pistons,electronics,inserts in the head for durability,bigger flywheel .

As for gear ratio I would go with the 4. 10's since it is a work truck.



I got my truck on the "Friends and Family Program-Green sheets"

so I got a nice discount but I would think that the dealers are trying to move the 2002's in time for the 2003's. Check the Dodge web site for DC incentives , my dealer did not admit to the incentives until I proved it on the Dodge web site.

Good luck in your search and get the most truck you can find.

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

I think either trans you will be happy with, in hindsight i am glad i did get the 6 speed, just don't get a california truck. I think it will depend greatly on what options you want on your truck, I looked around and mostly the only trucks i saw with the 5 speed had that ST trim package. I would have been happy with the 5 speed but couldn't find any locally in the SLT package so i went with the ETH. As for what you should pay. he he the dealer isn't gonna like what i am about to tell you



lets say sticker is 36k



36000

-10. 5 %

32220= dealer invoice

-2500 in incentives for buying an '02

-500 internet discount i got it not sure if it is still going

-300 since you have a business you should quailify or maybe not

+ 0-1000 1000$ is the dealer hold back, many dealers will not give this up but i would start out by asking for half of it.



If it where me i would offer to pay 29420 to start out with. Then maybe go up to 29920 but that is it, don't pay any more!!!!!! You may have to walk out on them, I did they tried to confuse me with a bunch of #'s and the next day the general manager called me back and i bought the truck. My buddy just got an '02 and i helped him get the same kinda deal i did above. Check for internet discount and enter the exact sticker price of the truck and you can come up with the exact #'s you need. need any other help feel free to PM me. oh yeah get the 3. 54 gears



good luck!!!!!!



Steve

PS thanks to other members of this sight who gave me this info kept me for taking it up the A$$ when i got my truck

 

[Sageair]

From my personal experience the six speed is really sweet the gear spacing is just right. As for the axle ratio it really depends . If you are doing alot of highway cruising I think the 3:54 are the way to go. In some respects they are even superior on the hills,you can drop down to fifth gear for a steep hill and still hold 65 m. p. h with the 4:10 you can probably hold sixth longer but once you do downshift you are gonna be quite a bit slower. Alsoif you get the five speed and have to go down two gears there is really long gap between 3rd and 4th.

 

[JTMcCracken]

Thanks, thats helpfull information, sticker on most trucks they pulled up on a 5 state search listed at 39,000 to 41,000. I have found one 4WD 5 spd that lists at 36,000 and I might make a run at it. Any additional information is appreciated. JTMcC.

 

[andrewkoperdak]

JTM,

I have a 2500 series with 3. 54 and a 5spd. I am happy with what I have. I would opt for the six speed though. 3rd revs up a bit at 30 mph and 4th lugs a bit at that speed. I live near the beach so there are plenty of slow speed limits. The six has a closer ratio between 3rd and 4th. The final drive for both xmissions is the same.

I have stage 3 injectors so that helps with the power. I just got done taking a trip to Seattle from San Diego. I stayed in cruise up and over the grape vine on I-5 at 60 mph with a total measured weight of 11550. I got 16 mpg over the trip calculated by hand.

The 4. 1 gear would launch better but I don't drive my truck like a rocket so 3. 5's do me just fine

 

[cullyguy]

I just bought a 02 2500(6/29/02) for $4300 below factory Invoice!

Forget starting @ MSRP! Call Dave Smith Motors in Kellog Idaho or visit their web site @ usaauotsales.com Good Luck There are other dealers that will step up to the dealing plate when they hear the Dave Smith name as Smith moves more Dodge trucks than any other single Dealer in the USA. 1200+ units month!

 

[NVR FNSH]

For a rig that weighs 10K on a daily basis I'd get the 6spd & 4. 10s - especially if you're going to be towing. I've never paid more than $100 over invoice for my trucks. All three trucks were special ordered.



Brian

 

[PBayer]

Go to www.nada.com or www.kbb.com

These site let you build you truck som you can equip it just as the dealer has. These prices on these sites match the dealer prices. I just sold my 2001 auto because I hated the auto. Got a 02 H. O. w/6 speed, 3. 54 gears. 110% better! Gear spacing is perfect. Good luck.

Paul

 

[RByford]

2002 Engine & Gear ratio's

TJ you did not say if the truck was a cab and chasis or a Dually.

If it is a cab and chasis you should be able to buy HO 6 speed in the $27500 range. I am an X Pipeline Welder and have had trucks with all three different transmissions. I currently have a dually with the HO 6 speed and it is by far the best combination I have had yet. With the 6 speed reverse is the same ratio as first, not so with the 5 speed. Also with only occasional travel trailer pulling you can get along fine with 3. 54 gears. If you have time to fly to Ok. to pick up a truck Chaprell Dodge in Ada Ok. will sell you a truck for dealer invoice less any incentives available. Where ever you buy your truck go with the HO 6 speed with 3. 54 gears you will not be disapointed. I hope this helps and good luck with the new job. Roy

 

[JTMcCracken]

Again thanks for the input. One more question, at what speed can you cruise comfortably with 4:10 gear? JTMcC.

 

[JSmith]

JT if time allows,go to carsdirect.com and you can build yourself a truck. If the truck is available near you,you car go there and pick the truck up. A co-worker drove 90+miles to get his truck because he could not wait for it to be delivered to his house. He saved over $5000. 00,compared to the local dealer.