Loony Bin or Mensa Society?

[Ol'TrailDog]

I posted the same thread in 3G. But since other hoary-headed prescient salts hang out here abouts, I thought I post it here also.



Well, after much cogitation I am on the edge of making a major decision. Therefore, I thought I would solicit the brethrens comments, advice, and even derision... . gently please.



Tomorrow I will trade down my 04 for a 97 3500 4x4 club cab.



I can not say enough good about how my 04 has been. The steering, ride, brakes, axle ratios, and 6 speed transmission are vastly superior to the 98 or 02 I previously owned. I have no complaints except for 2 u-joints. And of course the FUD about ball joints and injectors failing at any given moment - :-laf



I really liked my 98 12v figure another 12v is what I want to tinker with and keep running long term. I will keep the flatbed and put it on the 97. I will sell the Hellwig sway bar and DOR 3G bumper to fund a replacement.



The sole reason is to remove myself from the payment treadmill, hence becoming debt free, and sock away the payments for property - or build a new place on our current paid off property.



Secondly, I figure I would use the 97 for truck purposes, e. g. firewood, camper, hunting, and inclement snow condition, and purchase an older car that gets GOOD GAS MILEAGE. Of course I want a VW TDI. The fuel prices are not going to get any better, imho.



The only car I have ever had was my first $75 VW bug. So, it will be a big change driving a car. If my wife and I lived in the same location we could probably get by with my truck and her Subaru, but that isn't going to happen soon with the job situations.



What say ye?

 

[CSnyder]

Trail Dog, I believe you are making a great decision. I also wish to do the same someday as far as getting away from payments. I am sure you won't be dissappointed with your decision. Chris

 

[Mike Ellis]

I love my '97 3500 CC, I will probably stick with this truck for the long haul, the only thing I would change is I wish it had a 6-speed (and maybe a bit of BOMBing) and more solid steering. It has been a very economical and reliable truck and not having payments for so long has been nice. I have only had to repair nuisance items on it so far.



One thing worth mentioning on those year models is the paint system failure some of us suffer. If you buy a '97 look close at the paint and make sure there are not a bunch of tiny little "pimples", if there are the paint will start blistering and cracking soon - only way to fix is to remove everything down to bare metal and reprime.

 

[Hohn]

OTD-- you are right on the money. Good call and setting aside the ego and doing what's right.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

The 12V is great but I don't think the thing wrapped around it is even close to the quality of a 3G... I have spent plenty of time in a 96 3500 6spd cab chassis (great truck, very reliable and strong, but had the brake issues, steering, and electrical gremlins), a 99 2500 4X4 auto (very stout as well, had lousy brakes, steering wondered, A/C leaked to no end, trans had a main meal of various sensors and many band adjustments on the side) 02 3500 4X4 auto (like the others very strong frame and axles, much improved brakes and ABS, steering still sucks, A/C has yet to leak down , makes lots of creepy noises ) And then there is the 04. 5 3500 DRW 4X4 (I have only one complaint about it... The A/C is slow to get cold on start up, the steering is GREAT, the brakes are GREAT, no strange noises, in all the whole truck seems to be much improved and refined over the 2nd gens. And as for the injectors, I would not worry about them.

Injector issues seem to be very minimal...



In the end it is totaly up to you and what your wife want... I for one just don't like driving a 2nd gen after getting a taste of the other side



Don't know if this will help you much but it's my 2 cents.



CJ

 

[TPCDrafting]

OTD, I sure would like to tool down the road in a shiny new 3G with another gear and better handling and quieter motor and more stock power and more, more, more! But I'll trade all of them for NOT having a payment. I was just thinking the other day how my '98 needs a power steering fluid flush, coolant flush, new windshield, AC needs vacumed and refilled, it needs an alignment, my p-pump is leaking oil, the blowby is leaking more than it should and lastly I need to get more air for the fuel I'm putting to it. All this adds up to less than 2 months payments on a new one. Good luck in your hunt.

 

[The patriot]

I'm super happy with my 1998, I'm sure youre new 12 valve will serve you well.

I'm fortunate enough to not have a mortgauge on my house,cars, or camper.

I did have one on the 98, but after a few months of that I payed it off.

Eric

 

[KBennett]

I can understand your reasoning but I couldn't do it.



Good luck with the 2G.

 

[loncray]

I'm with KBennett - I understand the reasoning but there's no way I could do it either. I hope it works out for you!

 

[CFAR]

My 01' is paid off, and for some funny reason I feel no need what so ever to go out and buy a new one. 3. 5 years of payments was enough for me. Sounds like a good idea to me. You can always change your mind and buy another new one.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Well, here are a couple pics of the new old truck. Figured I'd better take a couple of pics before I turn the truck into a TRUCK, i. e. the flatbed install and rarely washed.

 

[Boomer II]

I like my 97, I did add a 6 speed though. The best thing is it's paid off.