3G vs 2G--check me out here...

[geusterman]

As the EGR date looms ahead I am trying to talk myself into a 3G because of the 4 doors (easier to shoot gophers out of ) , QUIET in town, one-ton SRW capacity and escaping the VP44. So check me on this: are the brakes on the 3500 SRW bigger (how much?) and is the frame that much better? What other values would the 3G have over my 2002 HO?



My HO has Kelderman air ride (would have to let that go--does not fit 3G, EZ (would sell), Rancho's w/air (have to leave), Rickson's (could transfer), steering box stabilizer (leave it). Gear Vendor could be transferred. I am thinking the FASS that Piers has would cure the VP44 problem. Luke's link cures the steering. I just don't want to step into new problems that are yet to turn up. But all my study on you 3G owners looks pretty good minus some weird ticking sounds... .



What you think of this decision here? Everybody happy with their moves? thanx, geusterman

 

[lmills]

I am very happy with my 03

 

[Fireman]

I've had mine just over a year now, it has over 20K miles, and I couldn't be happier.

Fireman

 

[jjdiesel]

no cure

Unfortunately, there is no "cure" for the VP44. Sure... . you can help it out some, but the weakness is inherent. It will never be as reliable as a P-pump or even the old rotary pump. In theory, the common rail ought to be the most reliable yet, a proven fuel delivery system and injectors (system) that have been used in gassers for years. The VP sure can perform... . its just not a long-term pump. MHO

 

[ralphr]

I love my 03, seems to be an improvement over my 2nd gen. HO , (stock), is awsume, 48RE much improved. I think you'd like the 03 / 04.

 

[MattSt]

Now that it's chipped, except for when I have to make the payment every month there is no way I would ever want the 01 back. It's just a better overall truck. After putting 65,000 on the 01 and tomorrow I will turn over 20,000 with this 03 since December I could not be happier.



Of the 3 people I have given rides to they were all impressed with the 03 improvements.

 

[Metalaram]

loving my 03

even though i have the ticking sound i still love my 03! i had a 01 HO and have not regretted trading it at all. no rattles or squeaks 4 full doors and more room. the best part (even with the tick) is the quiet motor i can hear my self think and have conversations with people with the motor running standing right next to it. also with the banks and K&N i can hear the turbo and exhaust. could not with clack clack of 01. the first few weeks you compare the old to the new a lot but it does not take long before you start to love the changes. if you do get a new one do consider getting a K&N or AFE and a good 4 inch exhaust banks or other it really does wake up a sleeping giant. good luck!

 

[wlowe]

If money was no object I would upgrade to the 3rd gen. I like the 4 doors and the SRW 3500. Unfortunately, I'm not wealthy and I am very happy with my 2nd gen. One big advantage I see in keeping the 2nd gen is all the aftermarket accessories that become available when people upgrade to the 3rd gen, so keep buying those new trucks!



Good luck,

Bill

 

[geusterman]

Thanks guys. By nature I tend toward the simple for reliability (my 02 with rubber matts and roll-up windows and would do same for 04!) so the new injection was a concern because of its computer and expensive (read complicated) injectors. But it appears that the system is proving reliable from what I can tell. Injector mods may be expensive but I have been happy with the EZ only on my 02 HO. Has the new system been reliable in your knowledge? Also, frame and brake differences? thanx--geusterman

 

[yogibear]

83K+ on my 03 now, will be 1 yr. old last week of Oct. , no major problems, cracked alt. mt. , p. s. line cracked on first trip, fuel guage was acting up, they installed whole guage cluster, flashed for check lights, thats all I can think of right now, the original tires are still on, I think they are going to make 100K, fantastic for badyrs. The shocks are shot, rears are leaking. My 00 had 215K on it when sold, I'm really glad I went with the 03, you will like it.



Larry

 

[SRadke]

Four wheel disks on the 03's are FAR SUPERIOR to the brakes I had on my 96. This thing will stop. Not sure about your frame question, if it does the job it's good enough for me. I love the 03.



Also, check into the Ricksons. I believe the backspacing was changed with the American Axles and they may not work as well as you would like.

-Scott

 

[DIESELMAN]

And... . where's CATCRACKER's comments????? Oh, wait, he didn't see this thread yet, he's over on the PSD 6. 0 site dreaming of Jet Engines and V8 Rumble (The rumble which I DO like).

 

[MattSt]

Originally posted by DIESELMAN

And... . where's CATCRACKER's comments????? Oh, wait, he didn't see this thread yet, he's over on the www.iwannabeaphatazzricer.com site dreaming of Jet Engines and V8 Rumble (The rumble which I DO like).

Fixed that for ya!

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by geusterman

Thanks guys. By nature I tend toward the simple for reliability (my 02 with rubber matts and roll-up windows and would do same for 04!) so the new injection was a concern because of its computer and expensive (read complicated) injectors. But it appears that the system is proving reliable from what I can tell. Injector mods may be expensive but I have been happy with the EZ only on my 02 HO. Has the new system been reliable in your knowledge? Also, frame and brake differences? thanx--geusterman

:-laf This dog don't hunt. Your reasons can't be justified from a $$ standpoint. You could replace your VP44 several times after the 100K warranty is up and still have money left over based on what your going to lose trading/selling your 02 to buy an 03. Plus your wife is going to think you are crazy even though she might let you waste the $$$. Now if you just dig the new 3G then say that you do and that it is going to cost you $$$ but you don't care. Plus if you are going to bend that frame on the 02 then your going to bend the 03 and if brakes are a problem buy an exhaust brake. The reason I can read between the lines is I do the same thing you are doing to justify buying vehicles all of the time. Takes one to know one. Good luck with your new 3G :-laf

 

[ralphr]

The money angle is what convinced me that now was the time to change to an 03. my 99 was going on 5 years (it was in good condition!), but I figured that either I traded her now and get a decent price or I would have to keep it another 10 years!



as I mentioned before no regrets! :--)

 

[geusterman]

Pitbull, if I wanted honesty, clarity, wisdom and transparency I would have asked for it! Now back to the obsessions... . geusterman

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by geusterman

Pitbull, if I wanted honesty, clarity, wisdom and transparency I would have asked for it! Now back to the obsessions... . geusterman

I hear you brother I've owned 3 trucks in the last 4 years Since the wife and I have been together (20years) I've averaged 1 new vehicle per year. I live in a glass house I would never throw stones at you. From your original post I could tell you already decided to buy a new 03, your just looking for ammunition :-laf



I love my 02 but I think the new 03 Cummins is a better and more bullet proof engine. From what I have read the frame is way better and the brakes are improved. I did not like the looks of the new trucks at first, now I like the 3G looks better than the 2G. I love the sound of the 2G Cummins but I have heard some straight piped 3G's and they sounded great. I would buy a new one if they made one that would fit in my garage. My 02 3500RC 4x4 fits with 1 inch to spare. My 2000 3500QC 4x4 would not fit and ended up with $3000 in hail damage, can't handle that happening to another truck. So I will suffer through life with my 2002 That also keep the wife happy.

 

[lmills]

Hmm, lets see:



The steering is far better



No vp44



More interior cab room with 4 somewhat real doors



Nice ride



I don't have to shut it off at every divethru(at least not the ones I can fit in)



Brakes seem to be better



Trackbar seems to be a better set up



Still has the same great Cummins, just a lot quieter.



Yeh, I love my new 03. I really miss my 01, but I must admit, the 03 is definitely a nicer vehicle.

 

[RobG]

I also traded an 01HO on an 03. I wouldn't go back at all. My 01 was a nice truck, but I was sick of shifting and even more sick of the ridiculously stiff ride. The rear springs on it were insane (it was a 3500 and so is my new one, DRW). I could put my 4500# Lance camper on that truck and it was barely level at that point. On the 03, it sags about 2" below level, so you can see a big difference.



My 01 was about as modded as your 02... I spent five days de-modding it to get it ready to turn in. I sold off most of the stuff but moved some of it over to the new truck. But the money I made from the mods covered my down payment.



Now when the new mods come out for the common rail setup (like the one from TST or Edge), I'll decide what route to take.



The moral of this post is that you will love the third gen if you decide to get one!



Rob

 

[geusterman]

Thanks boys. RobG, I am also a camper guy (BigFoot 9. 6) and the 3500 SRW is attractive. Are you saying that it will not pack what my 2500HO packs now? geusterman