Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 5 things I need to know before I take the plunge.

[lwickman]

Hello all.



Just an old Ford guy and looking to trade my '04 5. 4L gASSer for a used diesel.



Anyhow, found an '02 Dodge 2500 Quad Cab SLT Laramie 4x4 with 32K miles. Automatic transmission, 24 valve, unknown rear-end, looks like it has been used some but not tooo hard.



The fit and finish and the interior is a bit less than I would like but overall feels like a strong truck.



The front tirees are worn (evenly) and the rear are like new.



Dealer is asking $24, 971 and will give me $22,100 for mine (19,500 miles) similiarly equipped XLT.



I put 40K/year on my truck as a veterinarian.



Sorry for the long intro.



Can you give me 5 things to beware of/to check into?



Can you give me 5 things I will really like?



Twas a mistake to buy the gASSer, thought Id save a few $$$.



Used to have a 2000 Ford F350 7. 3L, liked it much but truck liked the shop towards the end and I need the darn thing every day. Hit 185K miles and traded "down".



thanks NLCowVet

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

1. Fuel pressure needs to be monitored, the lift pumps are known to go

bad and can take the injection pump out when they go.



2. Depending on gear ration that truck should get mileage between 14 and

20 mpg. If it has 4. 10's figure closer to the 14-16 range.



3. The price ins't too bad depending on the value of your truck. I bought

my truck when it was 11 months old with 24,000 miles on it for that

same price back in 2002.



4. The front ends do get loose on these truck but there are many fixes out

there, darrins steering stabilizer, new styles of track bars, etc



5. Might not feel as peppy as your Ford 7. 3 was in stock form but can easily

and safely be brought up beyond most Fords.



I love my 2nd generation Dodge, I now have 122,000 miles on it, I've had it slightly modified for over 70,000 of those miles and the truck has never let me down. If you want to make the truck quieter there are directions on this site, if you want to make it faster they are on this site also. Good Luck

 

[amnewsom]

I have an 02 and love it, buddy has a 99 and my brother has a 04 3500. Mine is a 5-spd, the 99 is an auto.



The first thing you will hear is the auto transmission is trash, will with proper care they are fine - lots upgrades.

The 02s have 4 wheel discs, you will love that. Rearend is a 70 by the way. Guages should be the first upgrade to monitor everything even if you dont plan on any power upgrades. Its a good thing the front tires are worn evenly but think about new TREs after another 20K or earlier if it starts to steer funny.



I dont think anyone can tell you the 5 things you will like, that is something you will have to figure out.



Ask them if they can check the fuel pressure at idle and under load - probably not but ask.

Grab all steering pieces and check for play.

Ask them if they will throw in a transmission flush/filter so you can start fresh.



Hope it helps.

 

[Hohn]

5 things to watch on an '02 4x4:



1) fuel pressure MUST be monitored.

2) Track bars wear fast and cause the truck to wander. There are aftermarket cures that do well.

3) I can't really think of anything else. Maybe balljoints, as some 02s go through the factory parts fast. Mine are gone at 38K.



What you'll like:



1) Four wheel disc brakes w/abs stop MUCH better than earlier (2000 and older) Dodges, and probably as good as the Ford you are parting with.

2) Headroom is great.

3) The coil spring solid axle design gives both strength and a tight turning radius. You Dodge will seem more maneuverable.

4) That SOUND!!!!!!

5) You can upgrade to insane power levels without hurting the engine.

 

[lwickman]

Thanks guys.



All good ideas. I'm headin south for the weekend. I hope the truck is still there when I get back so I can further investigate with your advice in hand.



Thanks for not being too hard on the Ford guy. Althought I CAN take it.



nlcowdoc

 

[24V-DSL]

Can you obtain service records? Responsible owner would have followed the warranty service requirements.



transmission fluid should have been changed at least once, hopefully twice.



Oil change intervals and type of oil?



Fuel filter changed at least twice?



Look at the oil filter. If it's a Fram, don't buy the truck. Prior owner clueless and likely ignored other important stuff. If it's a Fleetguard that's a good sign. There are other approved filter brands, but most of us choose Fleetguard. Dealer service would use Mopar (re-labeled Fleetguard).

 

[cyborg]

fender liners