Looking for a new truck, what to buy?

[paulsmith]

I am buying a new truck! I have two 96 3500 Autos now, one with 315,000, and one with 200,000 miles. The 315k truck is going to be retired: Blown head gasket, slipping trans, leaking power steering, exhaust fell off, body beat up, paint peeling off, tailgate gone, tires wore out, and it has a salvage title... (but it still runs 92mph in the 1/4!)



Anyway, looking to replace it. I will use this truck to pull. I sell trailers. I pick up goosenecks loaded to the hilt with utility trailers and flatbeds. Weight is always over 10,000#, but the wind is the real problem. I run 60,000 to 100,000 miles per year.



I drive 65 to 70 mph. I pull big loads. I cant afford (or justify) a new truck, so I am looking at 2001 or older. I dont need 4wd. 12 valve or 24 valve? 5 speed, 6 speed, or Auto?

 

[klenger]

Man, with the kind of luck you've been having with Dodges, I think you'd better start looking at Fords. All you could get out of your old one was 315,000 miles towing all the time. :-laf



If you don't mind rowing the gears, a 2001. 5 or later 2nd gen with the HO NV5600 6-speed or a 3rd gen with the NV5600 should do the job nicely. If you prefer an auto, then I'd suggest getting a 3rd gen witht the 48RE. I would also suggest the 4. 10 axle ratio for towing all the time.

 

[paulsmith]

Hey, it still runs STRONG. I put 3000 miles on it last week. Added a gallon of distilled water at every stop, and just did not floor it! And Damn, I love that truck, seat is all broke in to fit me perfect. But, from a cost standpoint, I just dont think it will pay to get her fixed. If it did not have the salvage title... .



BTW, the front left coil spring mount broke off the frame in 1997, really messed up the truck, factory bought it back under warrenty, then sold it for junk. It was repaired, and it fine now. I bought it in late 2002 for $8000 with 160,000 miles.

It is a Mississippi truck, no rust, but it is beat up and ugly.

 

[MFalkinham]

I run 60,000 to 100,000 miles per year. I drive 65 to 70 mph. I pull big loads.

With that amount of windshield time, I'd recommend a 3rd Gen from a comfort and drivability standpoint. You can find used '03 or early '04 models with the high output 305/555 engine and 48RE automatic for not much more $$ than a used '01. You would then get the extra horsepower/torque, rack & pinion steering, smoother ride and better brakes than a 2nd Gen. Overall, I think it would be the best truck for your needs.

- Mike

 

[paulsmith]

Does the 2001 six speed have the high output engine? That seems to be the oldest model I can get and still get the best engine/transmission. I see examples of the 3500 ex cab with 100K to 150K miles running around $12,000. 00 to 15,000. 00. The six speed seems to be the way to go, and the high output would keep me from screwing with the engine for more power.

 

[KYLE4]

Yah the 2001 comes available in Ho. Do not buy an auto unless you want to be replacing it every 100k or spending 5 -6K building one that is bulletproof.

 

[paulsmith]

Yea, thats what I am doing now. The trans in my truck was put in at 220,000 miles, and that was not the first. As for my 200K truck, it is still on the orginal transmission!!!!! In fact it is all original, zero maint. issues, but really low on power, with no real explination why it is such a dog. Maybe 150 HP tops. That low power just makes it last longer.

 

[AKAMAC]

I'm with the 3rd gen crowd, bigger brakes and HP. Do you need the ex-cab? The reduced weight and length will make for easier towing with a standard cab dually. The only downfall of a used 3500 std-cab is that it will probally have been used as a hotshot. Try E-bay for pricing. Good luck in your search. Mike

 

[AKAMAC]

Some examples:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31831&item=4553820099&rd=1



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31831&item=4553653927&rd=1



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31831&item=4553621087&rd=1



My favorite because I'm prejudiced:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31831&item=4553575005&rd=1



I think you get the idea... ... Mike

 

[FATCAT]

With that weight and that much milage you consider a MD truck likethis .

 

[paulsmith]

I have been looking for a bigger truck, but I am not going the CDL route. Right now I dont have to scale, and my insurance and taxe/plate cost are low. Many of the larger trucks have a sleeper that is equipped to allow them to be called a RV, which is something to consider. I was looking at the "smaller" IH trucks at a auction yesterday, and all were 32,000# GVW, which puts you at a CDL (max 25,990#)



Also, $39,000 is a good price, but more than I am going to spend. Older (cheaper) trucks of this type may not have the air ride, in which case the CTD is a better ride.



The white 2001 is more my style. With a 6 speed I have to think that is a good choice for pulling.

 

[paulsmith]

Well, I bought a 2001, 3500 dually, 6 speed. Red 4 door extra cab. 145,000 miles,

$13,500. 00. I assume this is the "high output".

 

[RankRam]

Well, I bought a 2001, 3500 dually, 6 speed. Red 4 door extra cab. 145,000 miles,

$13,500. 00. I assume this is the "high output".

Yes it's the high output!



Congratulations. Oo. That is a nice truck.

 

[DBogo]

congrats on the new truck if you hadnt found something yet i would have suggested something like this here



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...d=1,1&item=4555333574&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT