2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Need 2nd Generation info.

[TWalley]

Hello 2nd Geners! I have an '06, but I am currently looking for a used 2nd Generation 2500. I would love your input on what I should look for and look out for. I am probably looking at getting a 2000 or 2001 quad cab. Probably 2 wheel drive, but maybe 4x4 if the price is right.

Are there any problems with the auto transmission with high miles? It makes no difference to me driving auto or manual. I will not be towing any heavy loads, only a light trailer occasionally. I drive a combo of freeway, country, and in town.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Graphic man]

i think the biggest problems with the 2nd gens are the VP44 and L/P... . trans are weak in all the trucks. i would try and find one with a Manual if you could.





Scott

 

[Mundgyver]

Read my sig. I have almost 200,000 now and still have my original VP. It gets fed a regular diet of #2 diesel with either 32 oz of Power Service or 32 oz of Marvel Mystrey oil.



I change the LP to a FASS 3 or 4 years ago.



Original clutch was replaced at 170,144 and the original front brakes and rotors were change out at 172,000.



Heaviest load I have towed is 23,000 lbs with no problem.



Only breakdown I have ever had is two flat tires. One at 9,400 ft in the back country of Idaho and the other up in Spokan, Washington.



They are a pretty good truck in my humble opinion

 

[Joe G.]

Get an older 2nd gen 12 valve with the P7100 pump if you can find a good one. No lift pump problems with those. Cheap to bomb too.

 

[TWalley]

Thanks for the info. guys. I'm not in any hurry. I'm going to keep looking until I find exactly what I decide I want.

 

[elandon1201]

Thanks for the info. guys. I'm not in any hurry. I'm going to keep looking until I find exactly what I decide I want.

If you really want a second gen I would go after a late 01 or 02

 

[Mundgyver]

If I am not mistaken, the 01 was the first year they offered the H. O. version. You got 245 hp with 505 tq, 6 speed and a Dana-80 in the rear end. With the camper package you got the overload springs and the sway-bar which were identical to the what was on the 3500 except you had single tires instead of duals.

 

[CTD 600]

Kind of funny you posted this. I blindly went out and bought a 1999 2500 4x4 single cab, auto. I've been reading about the 53 series blocks where they crack and such.



How can you tell which transmission you have when it's automatic???

 

[elandon1201]

If I am not mistaken, the 01 was the first year they offered the H. O. version. You got 245 hp with 505 tq, 6 speed and a Dana-80 in the rear end. With the camper package you got the overload springs and the sway-bar which were identical to the what was on the 3500 except you had single tires instead of duals.

Somehow I got the swaybar and overloads, but I didnt get the dana 80 or limited slip. You have a 47RE in the 99

 

[Graphic man]

Dana 80 only came in the 5 speed trucks... . auto's got the 70

 

[Ereynolds72]

Going to the '02 model year DC did away with the CAD (center axle disconnect) on the front axle. That means the front driveshaft spins constantly. That doesn't really change much though... I think the mileage difference would be negligible.



There's a lot of steering issues as well. Death Wobble is a common term used in the 2nd Gen forums but there's many causes and many more fixes. It's just something to consider when buying a 2nd gen.

 

[DNewell]

I have a buddy that helped me quite a bit. If you price range warrants a 2nd gen truck, the newer the better, such as an 02 compared to a 98. 5 and such. I would recommend the 24v motor as better overall performance in stock form and slightly quieter. DO NOT GET ONE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION UNLESS IT HAS HAD OVER $4000 PUT INTO IT TO MAKE IT BOMBPROOF. However, if your budget allows, go with anything after 02. 5 and get the HPCR truck. Just my two cents.

 

[Regcabguy]

2001.5 and up

Hold out for the 2001. 5 in order to get the rear discs. They actually stop.

 

[DWeiler]

Dana 80 only came in the 5 speed trucks... . auto's got the 70

My 01. 5 came with the Dana 80,and rear disc(they work very well),its a H. O. ,6er,but it does have the CAD system( Dynatrac front hubs to come one day)

 

[TWalley]

Great posts guys. Thanks!