2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission looking at a newer truck

[VolsFan]

I got my truck on the market, looking to move on to a truck with 4 wheel disc brakes with the two piston calipers and a manual trans. Saw a couple trucks at the dealers, specifically interested in 01-05 trucks. Not really wanting to trade the truck and get some ridiculous offer. Anyways, saw a 01 3500 4x4 on craigslist not too far from me. 6 spd, exhaust brake, gauges,heated leather seats, alcoa rims w/ bfg's, gooseneck hitch, looked nice from pics, 175k miles for 14k. Cant really do much til my truck is gone, but the 01 and up had 4 wheel disc and the beefier front end, right? Wasnt really wanting to get back into 2nd gens, but this truck looks sweet. Said it had an airdog pump too. Figured I'd ask on here to see what model year the better brakes and front end occured, w/out my truck being gone dont want to be just another tire kicker.

 

[Bob4x4]

The rear disc was mid year change

 

[NIsaacs]

If the truck you are looking at has drum brakes on the rear I would not pass it up, they can be made to work fine. As far as the front axle, I think the heavy duty ones are from 2000-2002, yet they say the ball joints are weak, that only one is weight bearing. However my '01 has 218k with all original parts. It is very rare for me to be off highway tho.



Nick

 

[HHhuntitall]

The heavier specs comes from the ball joints and NO CAD(center axle disconnect). IT's really not that much stronger mechanically, it's just always engaged in the front end. They're basically the same axles, only there's no housing for the CAD, which can be a weak link if you're jumping the truck or hard wheeling off-road. I've actually taken a front axle out of a 2002 and put it in a '98 to eliminate the CAD on a ranch truck where we primarily run off-road. The ball joints are very similar, but won't interchange... . I don't think it was an upgrade in that area. 4wheel ABS also became standard.

 

[NIsaacs]

I think -laf) that the 94-99 had a gawr of 4800# with 3. 125" axle tubes and the 2000-2002 were 5200# with 3. 5" axle tubes?



Nick