2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission HELP pick truck?

[blazd88]

I have a choice of two trucks. One of which I have been driving for over a month. It is a 98. 5 24v CTD 3500 ext cab dually 2x4 5-speed with 138k and some fuel problems. Runs great when hot but if its not warm weather its a terd. Wholesale buddy is willing to help with cost of fuel problem most likely VP44. On the other hand he recently got in a 2001 24v CTD 2500 ext cab short 4x4 6-speed with 220k also including replacement bumbers front and rear. The 01 starts and runs great no blow or smoke. I can get the 01 for a grand less than the 98 but should I be worried about miles if Im already having fuel probs with the 98. Im thinking that the 6 speed and 4x4 are my determining factors. I pull a large trailer daily but not enough I feel like to justify a duall. So you tell me! Which way do I go?

 

[Joe Mc]

4X2 is lower miles and a bit older, will get better mileage than the 4X4. You can haul more with the 3500 - 01 Ram sales brochure quotes "Ram 3500 4X2, CTD QC (3:53/4:10 rear) is good for Max trailer 13,450# and a GCWR of 20k". The 2500 4X4, CTD QC (only lists 4:10 rear) is good for Max trailer 11,400# and a GCWR of 18k.



That aside - the 6 speed trans is less problematic than the 5th gear nut issue, although the fuel problems may just be lack of maintenance i. e dirty fuel filter or sticky/dirty injector or two.



I guess the determining factor, since we are talking a grand in price difference, "could" be mileage, condition of body and do you really need a 4X4?



Tough decision . . .

 

[blazd88]

Body on the 98 is about an 8. The whole bed has been repainted, due to rear end collision, and not well. Orange peel is very noticable. But the body is straight none the less.



The body on the 01 is straight with no signs of wreckage. Overall 7 or 8 just due to typical TX dings and scratches.

 

[VHolloway]

go with the 01 and the 4x4 is good to have unless you live in NY city

and your a paper pusher.

 

[blazd88]

Thats what Im leaning towards. I get my hands dirty everyday.

 

[blazd88]

Hadnt actually stood next to the truck until Sat. I had only been sent pics. The truck is in good shape but seems to need a thing or two and also arises a few Q's. The truck has 4" exhaust all the way back as well as a Quadzilla box. Makes me wonder about how its been driven in the past. Also the transmission is a bit difficult to shift(of course so is the 98), gears grind a bit and its been making enough power that under hard acceleration you can smell clutch. So now I wonder will I spend less fixing the 98 or since Im getting the 01 for a grand less is it still the better deal even if I have to rebuild the transmission and buy an aftermarket clutch(which would come anyway)?