Consider trade 2001 to 2008

[Kingram]

Hey guys,



I am considering trading and just would like some advice from you that are experienced in what I am considering. I've search here on various topics and have found a lot of good, useful technical advice. Now, I'm needing more, well, fuzzy advice...



Currently, I have a 2001 Quad Cab short bed 2500. It has been a great truck. Oddly, the only real expensive repairs I've had to make have been to the engine (VP44 x 2) not the truck. I have only had to replace the front brakes, 1 set of tires, pinion seal and batteries (in addition to routine maint) in 175000 miles. Not even a single light bulb has burned out (knock on wood!!). I'm telling you this because I think I've had a good, reliable truck.



With 175k, I'm starting to think about some fairly major (to me) overhauls that will be coming up soon. I'm considering if I want to do that, or just trade it off. I don't mind the work, I just would like to avoid breaking down on the road if possible.



With my family getting older (children) we are starting to take more and longer trips with our 5ver. This summer, we are planning a trip from Va to the West (SD,MT,etc area).



At this mileage, from your experience, should I be getting concerned to travel that far with it having done no other replacement work to it? The engine I'm not worried about yet. Front steering/suspension and driveline (clutch, u-joints) I am starting to think about.



Also, I like the size of the short bed for most of my daily driving. It pulls our 5ver fine (11k gross, 1800 pin) as it has the camper option with helper springs. I also just plain like my truck. It is paid for, taxes and insurance is getting less (somewhat) expensive and I have it decked out like I want it.



However, with the trailer hitch taking up most of my bed, I have very little space for bikes and such when we travel. We also might be upgrading the 5ver in the future to a little heavier unit. So, I'm considering a 3500 (to get the extra springs) and maybe a long bed.



My next question would be:



For those of you that have moved from a short truck to the long one, do you have any regrets or advice? Again, it is a daily driver and we have to consider local commutes when we go on trips (parking garages, parks, malls, etc). I'm just looking for some practical experience and advice from anyone that has made a similar move up in size. A long bed quad cab will just barely (by 4") fit in my garage also. I'll have to park it and walk around and out the door and back in.



I know this is long winded. I'm sorry, I'm just trying to talk this out and get some practical advice from you guys. The TDR is such a valuable resource of a greatly varied experience and I just know someone out there has gone through what I'm faced with now.



Thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks in advance to anyone that has something to offer.



Chris in Va

 

[daytripper63]

I have looked at the new mega cabs as well but I think I would wait til the 09's come out just to give a little more time to get the emmissions bugs worked out.

Sometimes I miss my 98. 5 but not often, when I bought the 03 I had alot of concerns being first year of alot of changes to the truck but it has worked out great and I have no regrets.

 

[rbattelle]

Chris, it seems like you're really happy with the '01. I've never owned a 2nd gen (never even sat in a cab), so take what I'm about to say with a "grain of salt".

I think you should keep the '01. First of all, your mileage in the '08-up will be pathetic relative to the mileage on the '01. That really hurts when fuel is running $3. 50/gallon.

I think you could replace all those items you list (assuming they all need to be replaced) and still come out ahead in the long run.

The pre-emissions trucks are continuing to gain market value, and for good reason.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the 6. 7l trucks are "flawed" at all. They're just... different.

As for upgrading your camper and needing a 3500, stiffer springs aren't a good reason to move up to 3500. Dual-rear-wheels for stability - that's a good reason. But if you were thinking of getting a single-rear-wheel 3500, you can achieve the same thing with your current truck by simply adding helper springs or air bags.

Ryan

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Check the classifieds, I'll sell you the wifes 2006 and you can save quite a bit from new. It's an excellent truck, she just wants something smaller and lower.

 

[Boondocker]

Kingram,



I can really only sympathize with you. I love the Megacabs on the inside, but taking the rest of the truck into consideration, there's just not enough advantage for the cost of trading up. My rapidly rising 14 year old boy would appreciate the room, especially since his best friend's family has one. But I've removed the center console for leg room and a pillow helps with the not-so-comfortable rear seat.



The 6-spd auto trans is attractive to my wife, but not enough to buy a nearly $50,000 truck. If I ever upgrade, I would want a long bed, dually, which rules out Megacabs anyway. I think Dodge is about to wake up and make a proper 1-ton crew cab to compete directly with the C & F brands.



I've spent a lot of money on my truck because I wanted to (except for the fuel pumps). I can't say it's just the way I would like because I can still think of more ways to spend money At 86,000 miles, it's got a lot of life left in it. Even a brand new truck I would want to customize.



Sometimes I see nice "old" trucks on the road and think - that is so cool. Maybe I should just hang on to mine and someday I'll have a nice old truck too. Heck, the truck is the youngster in the family. The Camry is 9 yrs old, the Jeep ZJ is 12, and the Vmax is 16 (the only one not bought new). The longer you keep them, the better value they are. A new truck is nice, but not necessarily a good value.



I'm not trying to help you with your decision, just offering the thought process I've gone through on the exact same subject. If something bad happened to your truck, then you might have a compelling reason to buy new.



Good luck.



Neil

 

[BHolm]

That really isn't a lot of miles. There are many second gens out there with more. I would suspect it would remain reliable for a long time yet. I personally have never driven a second gen I liked the steering on. If it were mine I would go through the front end, and I would add a couple of the aftermarket parts to beef it up.



The third gens are light years ahead as daily drivers. I've been in enough of both to say that for sure, the new ones have much better steering, ride and handing. I've owned enough third gens to say that they are very durable, reliable trucks. I've had Fords and Chevys too. The 99 Ford was good, the '01 and '03 Chevys drove me to buy more Dodges:-laf I am pretty particular too, the various Dodges have lived beside many Mercedes and Porsches in my garage. Recently divorced I had to pick one vehicle to do everything for me. Could have been about anything. I have a quad cab long box, works for everything. I bombed it a little, it is fast. It gets good milage, it can tow or haul about anything, and it is pretty much dead reliable even with a heavy hand pushing it along day after day. I personally feel the '06-'07 5. 9L trucks are the current pinnacle. I agree with the concern over the 6. 7. The complexity of the emmissions system concerns me, as does the milage. I just wouldn't own one yet, though those with the new 6 speed auto rave about them. I had several 4 spd auto trucks, they work very well still. I love the six speed except for the short top gear. Seeking an '07 with the newer ratios would be about perfect as soon as you swapped back for the '06 tailights I wouldn't fear a used 5. 9 third gen period. I agree that $50k for a truck is rediculous. You should be able to get a lightly used '06-'07 in the low 30k range. That would be my advice. They are much improved and very satisfying. I really prefer the long bed. I live in a fairly small town so parking isn't normally an issue, though it is definately more hassle than a short box, I've had one of those too.



Good luck with your decision. I looked at second gens to get reliability and milage. I found that you can have them in a much better driving third gen.

 

[dpatt67]

I guess i must be the odd man out here, but I say; Go for it! There is nothing like a new truck. Spend that money, help Chrysler, and help the economy! Good luck on whichever you choose.

 

[Big A]

I've been through the same scenario as you Chris, and I decided to keep the '01. I'm in a little different situation because my truck only has 62k miles. I get alot of compliments on it, and soon it will be a rarity in this yuppie town. If you really like the new ones, go for it. But remember, there are 1000s of them, and yours is reliable. Take your time.

Big A

 

[Simplysmn]

I guess I will be the second odd man and say Go For It I have a 2500 qc longbed 08 with 6. 7 n auto and LOVE it drives like a dream .

 

[dclassens]

My vote, SAVE THE 01. If you look at my sig, I love 2nd gen. I cant break that shell and get into 3rd gen trucks. Then next one I get will be a 2nd gen. I know where every nut and bolt is and I know every issue. If you hit the issues you are worried about head on and do some maintenance I would bet you have another 175K at least. I always got around 20 mpg. Not bad for $3. 44 per gal.



Dave

 

[Kingram]

Thanks!

Everyone, thank you for the replies and your thoughts. I've enjoyed reading your replies and you have all made good points.



Everytime I think of giving up my old truck, I just don't like it. I really am concerned about the new emmisions and a new engine design. I really do like things I can do with my old truck, I can't with the new one (2wheel low, ease of service/access, etc).



However... ... .



I made the ultimate mistake and we went and test drove one today...



Oh well, they are working up a price to order one for me. If it comes in like it should, I guess I'll do it.



Drove a 2500 Quad/swb and a 3500 quad/lwb/dual. I did want to drive a long bed and see how it fits in the garage. I love the extra bed space, but for the few times I will need and use it, it isn't worth it (to me) to deal with all the rest of the time. Plus, it just doesn't fit in the garage too good. Also, the swb bed is only 2" shorter than my swb, so that is ok. The kids like the larger back seat and my wife likes the extra leg room up front. And it is very quiet and smooth and handles well. I like the exhaust brake also. It seems to work better than my jacobs (more braking HP).



A few things did concern me. It had a slight hesitation when accelerating and I managed to kill it when starting out up a hill. My old 24v is almost impossible to kill. It just fuels itself without me ever having to touch the pedal when I pull out. Is this normal for the new 6. 7's??



So I guess I'm looking at a 3500/quad/swb. We'll see what happens.



Thanks again to all who responded and had something to offer. I do appreciate it.



Chris

 

[dclassens]

Dont do it! Dont do it!. . Just Kidding, I hope your new truck is all your 01 is and I hope it is just as reliable. Good luck and congrats!!



Dave

 

[JVantreese]

My vote is to keep old reliable. Take the money you would spend on the newer model and add the savings in fuel milage every month. Put these dollars in a good mutual fund and retire early!

 

[Cattletrkr]

A long bed quad cab will just barely (by 4") fit in my garage also.

Do you mean a 2nd gen quad cab like the one you have only with a longer bed or ar you talkin' 3rd gen? IIRC the 3rd gen's quad cab is 4" longer than 2nd gen's.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

I refuse to even look at a new one, I stopped by the dealership to pick up some parts today and the sales staff swarmed me, trade that old thing in get something with warranty, blah, blah. I told them when MY 2011 rolls around (Fall, 2010) and I have about 350K on this old 2001, I might consider it, AND maybe by then the emission stuff will be mature, of course they didn't have a clue what I was saying.



I have over 200K trouble free miles (OK, I have replaced a few lift pumps) and am not afraid to take this truck 1000's of miles from home. With proper maintenance they will go a long ways.



Eventually it will wear out I suppose, BUT it will be hard to part with this old reliable 2001.



SHG

 

[Motorhead]

Chris, I sold my '01. 5 last year and bought an '07, 5. 9, late G56 4X4. I loved my '01, never gave me any trouble and yes, with DDII's, Edge EZ, HO turbo, I got as good as 21. 5mpg at 70-75mph. My '01 was an automatic which I had DTT build. I just didn't like the gap between 3rd and 4thOD for towing.
I REALLY love my '07. I never thought I would buy a six speed stick! (Drove UPS package cars for 30 years!)I get better fuel mileage in town then I got with the '01. On the freeway it isn't as good. Best so far was 19. 5 and that was with 3,000 miles on it. I like the roomier cab, the full rear doors and the larger rear seating. I never thought I would say this but I like the QUIETER engine. My suggestion, unless you are NOT worried about fuel mileage, is to go with a 3rd gen 5. 9.
But like others on this link, I would not hesitate to own another 2nd gen '01. 5 or '02.

 

[Kingram]

Thanks again!

Everyone,



I'm sorry, I've been out-of-touch a few days. Just wanted to say thanks again and update you. I also want to answer a few questions that you posted along the way.



Someone mentioned why I would get a 3500 over a 2500 if I didn't want duals.



I guess my thoughts on the 3500 vs 2500 is the fact the 3500 has the helper springs already. My old 2500 had the camper prep option which included the springs (and sway bar). It seems to help with towing my gooseneck and 5ver. Once the main springs compress and the helpers touch, it won't go down any further. I like that. I don't think I have enough pin weight or trailer weight to warrant a dual wheel and I really don't have the parking space I could be wrong. I really need to make the shortbed work for me though. Just want the helpers and the 3500 is only a few hundred more than the 2500 (comparing like models, single wheel).



As far as it fitting in my garage. I took a tape measure and measured a 3500 quad cab long bed dual wheel and the bumper to bumper length will just fit in the garage by 4". The 2nd gen's like mine that were the club cab long bed had a little more room. I guess the 4 doors is the difference. Just too big for my garage and I HATE to scrape frost!!



You have made some comments about the 6. 7 and emission complications and mileage. I agree completely and that is my main concerns.



You also commented on the old reliable, better mpg's of the 2nd gens and that it is kinda cool to keep them on the road. Again, I agree completely.



If I do this, I will miss my truck for sure. It seems like any time I replace something with a newer model (dishwasher, air compressor, vehicle, etc), the new model has about 1/2 the life of the old one it is replacing. That really does concern me and I think it should concern us as a society. Maybe I've just had some bad luck, but it seems longevity is not a concern any more.



I'm having some problems getting my local dealers down to an invoice price, so this isn't a done deal yet. As someone mentioned, I'm taking it slow and taking my time. So, if the deal isn't right, I'll work on it some more until it either works or we move on. .



I want to give a local dealer my money if at all possible because I've been fortunate to have been able to make a living in my community. Kinda a "pay it back". But I won't lose a lot of money in doing that. So we'll see.



Thanks again for all of the advice and thoughts. It has been enjoyable reading them and you have helped me see all sides.



I'll post back when and if I move ahead and if my truck goes in the classified section.



Take care,

Chris

 

[MMerlino]

Kingram,



I think rbattelle offered some good advice. I think for reliability your 01 would be much better! They are having a terrible time with the DPM filter clogging up. Also VERY IMPORTANT - before you take your long trip with the "Super-Glide" hitch please read the following post. It has a design defect which could probe disastorus for you and you family. It is an easy fix but you need to accomplish it. https://www.turbodieselregister.com...1465-super-glide-5th-wheel-hitch-concern.html



Good Luck

 

[salerno]

I tell you what Chris back in june of 07 I had a 1999 dodge ram diesel 4x4 slt 8ft bed automatic quad cab black full loaded with leather it got totalled on me!! I have a brand new 07 diesel 4x4 slt 8ft bed quad cab mineral gray automatic must say I miss my 2nd generation truck. Dont know what it is but I would trade my new one for my old one any day!!!





Mike