Check this Out

[AHarris]

The guy who's storing my camper for me in the UP of Michigan has this 2002 Ram 3500 24-valve dually that he bought new in '02 and has put 23,000 miles on it. It is in showroom condition. Book is around 20K, I might be able to get it for $17K when we move back to the states next summer. I drove it and it is like driving a brand new truck--it's sweeeeeeeet!



It's hard to pass this one up for a new 2008 with a 6. 7 at $40 Grand. Here you have the proven 5. 9L CTD but my only concerns are the 47RE transmission which I've heard a few negative things about and I think it has the infamous VP44 injection pump.



Thoughts?

 

[MA2LA]

sweet, pick it up and spend a little money on a fuel systwm and a little trans work and you'll have no problems.

 

[tolmsted]

Just note that it does not have towing mirrors. In case you are going to tow!

 

[AHarris]

Yeah... I'll add towing mirrors and one of the FASS systems to the fuel system, as well as a DTT or ATS transmission build (when the old one poops out) as time goes on. I just have a 25' TT so I think I'll be ok with the mirrors for a little while.

This is the same trailer I pulled with a '99 Ram 1500 5. 2L gasser... I expect there will be a huge difference going down the road. The 5,200 lb (loaded) TT was too much for the little 318 and the 1500 rear end.

The only thing I don't like about this truck is the axle ratio--I was astounded when I checked the sticker in the glove box and saw "3. 55". However, the overhead showed 20 mpg running 65 and 1600 rpms. I would prefer a 3. 73 on a truck like this.

 

[jandtjil]

Are those recent photos? If so, it looks well taken care of.
As much as I love the quietness and power of the newer trucks, I like mine being paid off more. Despite 23K, be prepared for 7 years of maint catch-up. . new shocks, tires aren't out of the question, radiator hoses, new serpentine belt, a spare lift pump (to safeguard the VP injection pump) a new trackbar maybe. . plus some bombs pyro/fuel psi gauges, a DSS, towing mirrors as mentioned maybe.
Chances are you can do all of this and still be way ahead of $40K, plus lower insur rates!!
Do you know if it has 4:10 or 3:53 rear end? A 4:10 can almost eliminate any AT concern you have. Unless you are pulling farm implements (or Fords)!
I don't pull too often, but my 3:53 / AT combo has performed well, I follow some simple advice I received here back in 01 "when pulling keep it above 1600 rpms, If you cant, slow down & shift down. The pounding low rpm torque kills the stock AT in OD. JJ

 

[AHarris]

SO or HO?

One thing I forgot to ask when I looked at this truck was whether it was the Standard Output (SO) or High Output (HO) version? Was there such a thing in 2002 before they went to HPCR? Is there a way to know just by looking at the pictures in the engine compartment?



Can anyone tell me the torque/hp specifications for the 2002 SO and HO versions?



Since it's a dooley 4 X 4 I would assume it's the HO version if such an option existed in 2002.



Also, it has a 3. 55 rear end, so I'll keep the 1600 RPM rule in mind if I end up getting it and towing my 5200# travel trailer with it.

 

[HOBrian]

Auto = SO. The 6 speed trucks are the HO motors. Sweeet truckOo.

 

[DAN V]

sweet truck

that is one sweet truck. . I had the same year truck and you are looking at 235 horses and 460 ft lbs of torque. I got 20 mpg with mine FYI.

 

[tgordon]

IMHO I would not go for it, but I don't want a quad cab, or auto trans. If the options are to your liking and those are recent pics, jump on it. A trailer that light and a stock engine I wouldn't worry to much untill the load gets larger ot the engine is putting out more power.



troy

 

[AHarris]

Thanks for the info. He said he put a chip on it which was good for about 100 more hp/125 lbs of torque. I may be looking at a 5th wheel at a later time.

andy

 

[Jeff Knight]

Does it have gauges? The color of the turbo in the one picture looks like it's been warm. The transmission will need attention with a 100 hp chip. Jeff

 

[AHarris]

Different plan

My wife spoke up on this one and we're getting a new 2007. 5 instead.

 

[Grizzly]

My wife spoke up on this one and we're getting a new 2007. 5 instead.

I think that's a better choice. Get it equipped exactly the way you want it with towing a heavier 5th wheel in mind. Make sure it's made in Mexico. I don't know how far you will be to Kellogg, ID, but Dave Smith will make you the best deal.

 

[AHarris]

I think that's a better choice. Get it equipped exactly the way you want it with towing a heavier 5th wheel in mind. Make sure it's made in Mexico. I don't know how far you will be to Kellogg, ID, but Dave Smith will make you the best deal.

I already have one coming (see sig). It's getting ready to leave the factory. Starting in 2007, I thought all Dodge Ram HDs were made in Mexico