Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Found new 2002 2500

[TowPro]

I stopped buy the dealer today (sunday) and discovered a new 2002 silver long bed, QC, 3500. It is a sport Sport, SLT, loaded with everything except leather. (just how I would order a new one if I hit the lottery)



It also has an Auto and 4:10 posi (the only options I don't like)



Others of you who own this same truck (auto, 4:10's) what MPG are you getting empty?

towing a 10K 5th wheel?



that little guy inside me says "RUN" when I saw the auto, BUT how long should one expect it to last running stock? Will it hold up to a VA or a set of 275's (one or the other, not both). Now that I think about it, I sure would miss that BD Brake!



I can find a good guess on Dealer Cost (although its been sitting there since Jan 2002 by the looks of the inspection sticker)



Anybody know what kind of breaks is DC offering me to buy this leftover? I know it has a used value of 30K, and Dealer cost of 32. 9K

 

[Barry]

If you are buying a dually auto then the 4:10s are the perfect setup. 2000 rpm will give you 65 mph. I help a friend of mine order his and we set it up that was. After delivery, we installed a 4" exhaust and an EZ and he pulls his 15K Teton with ease.



My '02 cost me $28. 3 and it is HO/6spd. loaded but no cow hide. Good luck!

 

[TowPro]

Thanks Barry, My only fear is the Auto Trans. I relize this has the 7yr-70K so I feel I will be getting one trans for free.



Anybody with a auto, 3500 with 4:10's, what MPG are you getting.



Can I expect 18 at 55 empty? (after that long break in period )

 

[TowPro]

There has to be somebody out there that has one of these!



I Drove it tonight, The auto works fine empty, I could get used to it (I hope). In fact I can see where towing in the city/back roads would be nice with the auto.



If you can think of a reason I am going to hate this truck, speak up now, I may buy it tomorrow (in fact I told him its sold, depending on what he offers me for the trade tomorrow)



Barry already said "thats the setup" and Barry knows towing, just wondering what MPG to expect running it empty.

 

[damon]

the only difference between my truck and the one that your are looking at is mine is a 2500 and 4x4. Your extra wheels and my 4x4 would probably balance each other out as far as mileage is concerned, and I get 15-16 mpg running at 70-75 empty. Check my signature for the slight engine mods.



As for my feeling on the combo, it's geared a little low for the 75+ highway runs, but still acceptable. And it is awesome when towing or in mountain roads.



Not exactly what you are looking for, but it may help.

 

[damon]

one more comment, I have only towed with the truck during it's first 5000 miles, and the engine was definitely still loosening up, but with a 6k 5er I got 13 mpg at 65-70 average speed.

 

[willyslover]

I get 16 / 16. 5 on normal runs. . I'm 8740 lbs with extra 54 gal/fuel tool tank loaded with tools, and I'm a 4x4 6sp. 354's

 

[RobbyRam]

Mine is a Y2K 3500 Auto with 4:10 posi. I was dissappointed with the milage when I first bought it=13 mpg's avg Hwy/City. However after installing DD 2's, an "EZ", and DTT transmission and a 4" exhaust, my towing milage with a 26' Trailer last weekend was 16 mpg freeway, and empty I'm 18. 1 City/Hwy. Straight Freeway empty at 70mph avgs about 20 at the pump.