Keep 1992?? Or move up to 2002??

[AlK]

I purchased my 92 LE, 4x4, 5spd, regular cab in 1992 and now has approximately 107,000 Km ( 65,000 miles) on the odometer. Although my wife is an excellent driver she absolutely refuses to drive a stick shift. The truck is in excellent condition and the only reason I am thinking of replacing it is that I would like to get an automatic so that she can drive . I test drove a new 2002 auto short box 4x4 which would meet our requirements. So now I am in a quandary? Should I keep my reliable 1992 or move up to the 2002?

Cheers,

Al

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Ahhhhh mannnn... ... ... ... hey, have you taken a blow to the head recently or what??

Ok, go lift the hood on the new one, then try adjusting the valves, change the fuel filter, and if that don't work, let me know I can be persuaded to give you a blow to the head on the other side to even things up... ...

Geeezz what were you thinking. .



Ummmm, is that any help???



BTW, I sent you a PM on this too Al.



bob.

 

[DPKetchum]

Did you drive 2002. I know what i'd do but not the short box

 

[tarussell]

Come on over to the " OVER VALVED " world Al ... ... ... .

WELCOME !!! Actually I like all diesel trucks, especially the ones ( 1 Gen ) that started the big three diesel wars. Thomas

 

[RGT]

before you recover from the head injury I'd like to know what you want for it, I'm on the other coast but your truck sounds nice...



Roger

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by AlK



Although my wife is an excellent driver she absolutely refuses to drive a stick shift. The truck is in excellent condition and the only reason I am thinking of replacing it is that I would like to get an automatic so that she can drive .

Let me try to understand this?? You have this nice truck that you love and your wife can't/won't drive it. You want to get rid of it and get a new truck so she can drive "your" truck??? You did hit your head :-laf If you want a new truck go for it, but I would suggest a 6 speed, that way she still can't/won't drive "your" truck

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I've "been there, done that"



REALLY hated to part with the EXTREMELY reliable, faithful old '91 ~ it gave me absolutely the BEST service and value of ANY vehicle I've ever owned for over 10 years and 120,000 miles... Sure made it hard to decide whether to get a newer truck or not... BUT, I'm VERY apprehensive as to where the diesel industry is headed with the "new generation" of EPA dictated diesel design, and decided to stick my neck out, and get the last of the "real diesels" before all the new EPA high RPM stuff is ALL that's available.



NO regrets!



The new truck has BIG shoes to fill - but has done so this far in style, comfort and driving enjoyment the older gal just couldn't provide - here's hoping the 's keep on ing... .



AND, if you DO make the switch, I think you'll be as happy as I am with mine - they're really nice rides!

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

Have two, keep the 92 for fun and buy a 2003.

 

[RamAZ]

I have a 92 LE regular cab 2wd auto and will drive it till it won't go anymore. With only 109K on the drive train it will last as long as I want it to. Plan on upgrading the trans this next year to pull a 5th wheel.



The only money I put into the truck is regular maintenance items, brakes, tires, coolant and such. I really don't want to be saddled with a motor that is computer controlled to the extent that one thing wrong and no go.



I put a lift pump on at 90K just because I thought it was time. The TPS went bad at 65K and I replace it along with the speed senser, trans temperature sensor to make sure everything was good. Trans shifts great and stays cool when hauling my 2800# camper even during the hot desert summers.



The ease of working on a 1st. generation is very easy compared to the newer ones. I tried helping a friend of mine that has a 96 4wd a while back and it was a nightmare to get to anything.



If you want to sell it you won't have any problem getting rid of it.



Jim

Tempe, Az

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I did just replace my 91 Crew Cab with a 2001 3500 Quad Cab, and here is what I can tell you.



Bad Side

1. The front supension on the 2nd gens 4X4 is crap compared to the 1st gen.

2. Lift pump failures are common.

3. Need a degree in Computer Science to work on one(just kidding)

4. Insurance rates suck( mine went up $700 a year and I have no points)

5. Bombing suff is big bucks, I have spent $3K on just a set of injectors, S. S 4 " exhaust, Edge Comp box, and a OFE Clutch).



Good points

1. Quieter in cab

2. nicer ride

3. MORE POWER (guess that could be bad too ).

4. Nice options like heated leather seats.

5. Crank down spare.



Over all I have mixed feelings about my 2nd gen, I miss my 1st gen crew cab, it always turned heads. But I am getting use to the 2nd gen, its nice to push a button a get 450hp .

Kyle

 

[DieselBuzz]

Al,

Could you buy your wife a used Honda? She and all her friends could get in it w/o complaining and you wouldn't have to bite you nails when she left.

My 2 cents.

Art

 

[JTMcCracken]

In August I got a 2002 and unloaded my 1990. If my 90 had been in good shape I would have kept it but previous owners plumb wore that thing out. Have you considered swapping an auto into the old truck? The biggest and best difference between my old and new truck is brakes, these 4 wheel anti lock disc's stop my 10,000 lbs. welding rig faster than I would have thought possible, I reeeeeally like my brakes and I don't have to manually adjust them every month. The 90 had more power than a stock 2002, but in a much narrower powerband. JTMcC.

 

[AlK]

Everybody, thanks for your thoughts and comments.

I must admit that I sure am tempted to move up to the 2002. The 2002 auto that I drove was nice and smooth, a lot quieter and much softer ride than my 92, but I keep wondering will it be as reliable as my 92. The 1992 was my first diesel and I have been very pleased with it from the time I test drove it. Turn the key and it fires immediately. The only major repairs in 10 years have been, replaced the steering box and the RWAL hydraulic valve. As a result of the steering box problem I upgraded to the borgeson steering shaft. Other than some minor bombing I have replaced the battery and tires. Whether empty, loaded or pulling the boat, this truck just goes, has never let me down and has never failed to start even in -20 (without block heater). I get excellent mileage and have enough power, on those long steep mountain roads in B. C. , to make most other trucks adore the tailgate of my Dodge. Sorry, but this is getting a little long. But, as you no doubt will have gathered by now, yes I am very pleased with my FIRST GEN 1992 truck and that is why I am wondering will the 2002 auto be as reliable.



Since I am not really familiar with the 24 valve engines, are all of the 2002 engines the same or do they come with different horsepower ratings from the factory?





Ps. - BUSHWAKR, maybe I need a whack on the noggin.

---

Al

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Hey Al, just say the word and I'll go get my stick from BCaldwell and give a good wack



Keep in mind though, if you do sell it I KNOW it will get a good home if you talk to the fella I mentioned, assuming numbers work out of course. Besides, who else could POSSIBLY trick it out better than the guys boss... right

Ooooo, I'm getting goose bumps just thinkin about it...



Either way, you'll still have one of the finest pieces of machinery the good lord ever made... Ram On bud !!!

BTW, you do realize you'll need a "hall pass" to come back in here right. . :-laf :-laf



Bob.

 

[tarussell]

Al, we are waiting for Ya' in the land of to many valves. Life is good to have such desicions as to keep a ten year old excelant truck or buy a new excelant truck.

The 2002 auto's and 5 speed's all have a rating of 235 HP and the High Output engines w/the 6 speed are rated at 245 HP.

GOOD LUCK in what ever you decide, Thomas

 

[Midnite]

Wow Al--I've always thought my truck would be perfect if it only had the 5-speed instead of the auto transmission!



Considering our upgrades are darn near identical, maybe we should just trade!



Mike

 

[DPKetchum]

Was listening to Clark Howard on saving money etc on radio toady. Claims the biggest savings on autos in 20 years and the big three are hitting a stockpile problem at the dealer and yards. Huge incentive to buy now. Big deals and rebates etc.

 

[mgoncalves]

I'd say do whatever it takes to get both. That way you can switch back and forth and then the new truck never loses that "new truck" feeling.

 

[DPKetchum]

Hey that's the ticket keep old and buy a NEW. Won't go wrong that way. Can sell old anytime. Hey put a auto in old!!!!!!:-{}

 

[ggorremans]

Al,

I am working on keeping my '92 AND getting a new 3500 QC dually for the wife. Six speed HO too! Best of both worlds tho the talk about the front end on the 4x4 has me a bit worried.

Gary