Advice/opinions on trading to a R/C 2X4 6sp

[DZink24]

very recently, i have had thoughts in my head of trading in my '04 2500 QC 4X4 48RE, which i own outright for a similiar '03-06 truck in standard cab 2x4 and 6 speed manual. i am writing here to get the advice and opinions of fellow members, so that i can make an informed decision. i wish i was a TDR member in 2005 when i bought the truck, i wouldn't have made a few of the mistakes i did. . :{ .

my '04 has @ 68,000 miles, is essentially stock, no engine mods, and is honestly, in as good or maybe even better condition than it was when i bought it. but looking into the future, i can see some of the issues that it does have not going away. the 3 big ones are the front end on the 4x4 (hence my decision for a 2x4) the steering wander (are 2x4 vulnerable to this as well?) and the electrical issues in the 3rd gens (trailer lights specifically). KBB value of my truck in its condition is just over 22k to a private owner, and a little over 18k for trade in. it is me, the wife, and a young son, so the exrtra seat, while nice, isn't a must have, and considering our winters lately, neither is 4x4. as far as the 6 speed goes, lets just say if i would have gotten the NV5600 in this truck, we wouldn't be having this convo. . (48RE is fine, just would rather have the stick)

let me hear it. am i crazy? is it something you have done, or would do? i know this is the place and people to ask. .

 

[jgillott]

Wouldn't do it for a number of reasons. First, you mentioned that you have yourself, your wife, and your young son. I've owned regular cab manual trans trucks in the past. You simply are not going to have an option for three people in that thing, especially when your son is a little bigger. Second, even though our area had a really mild winter last year, we still live in the north east and it will come back. Remember 2010? Lastly, I've worked on the front ends on these trucks enough to tell you that they really are not that bad. Yes, ball joints and universals are a pain every few years, but I'd never give that 4x4 up in our area. I watched my father drive 2x4 trucks for 40+ years. He'd get stuck at least once a year or more. That has to get frustrating after a while. I'm sure that someone like my father, who always swore that he could go anywhere he needed to with cement blocks in the bed and chains with his 2x4 truck, will tell you that you will not regret it. Trust me, unless you are planning on moving south to Texas or south Florida, you will miss your nice, paid for, 4x4 eventually.

 

[rscurtis]

I agree. Update the front end with a free-spin kit and some premium ball joints and keep it. You definitely don't want to get away from the 305 engine, assuming that's what you have.

 

[S.Morris]

You will never be happy after going back to less room in the cab.



When you do the front end , do it once with prosteer or carli ball joints and greaseable axle joint and grease them, regularly. Grease the wheel bearings while its apart for much longer service life.



When transmission rebuild time comes , install better Torque convertor and beef up the stock bands/ valve body and you won't believe how much better it puts power to the ground.



Don't give up that 305hp engine... ... maybe I'm prejudiced

 

[Motorhead]

If you go to an '06 and later then you deal with TIPM issues that lead to trailer light issues without protection.
I second the opinion on beefing up the 4wd front end with better ball joints and free spin hubs. I have 60,000 on my '07, 5. 9 and it steers well with no wander. I am still on the original ball joints. I also installed a steering box brace about 6 months ago. The free spin kit that I put on about 4 years ago made the trucks steering a lot lighter.
I had a 2wd '01. 5 thinking I would be ok on most surfaces with a Posi rear axle. What a mistake that was. With a 1000 lb engine in front, it doesn't take much to get stuck.
Take the forums advice and keep your existing truck.

 

[Bill Stockard]

"the steering wander (are 2x4 vulnerable to this as well?)" . .

No, model year '03 and later 4x2 trucks are equipped with rack and pinion steering.



Bill

 

[JimB1]

Another geezer from the 2x4 "sandbags & chain gang" thinks you won't care for the switch.