new truck?

[jrob]

I am seeking your opinions. Should I buy a new 03/04 or should I keep my 02? Reasons? Pros and cons?

Current 2500/4x4/auto/3. 55

Looking at 2500 or 3500 SRW 4x4/HO/auto

Thanks for the help.

 

[DLeno]

you should review your intended use and see if the new one meets actual requirements that the old one doesn't. Or if you have the money and just want one, then don't even ask



the major mechanical changes in the new ones are:



SWB 3500 (short box) is a great option not available prior to 03. Essentially, it is an HO 2500 with a softer ride but tougher overload springs and so a greater payload capacity. the SWB 3500 GVWR is 1100 lbs greater than an 02 2500 SWB. 4WD that is. I sprang for it because you pretty much can't tow any 5ver with a bedroom slide behind a 2nd gen short box truck without exceeding the weight ratings. The new 3500 SWB truck allows that.



HPCR CTD. quieter and more powerful



they re-designed the front end that wandered so badly on the 2nd gens (trac bar)



The wheelbase is slightly longer and the wheels are slightly further apart. This is an advatage for highway towing, and a disadvantage for offroad wheeling.



more interior features check the dodge.com website for details

 

[DLeno]

oh I forgot: the new ones have a beefier automatic transmission in the 48RE that can take the HO engine

 

[ralphr]

to go along with the transmission the 03 TC. In MHO you should trade just for that alone! I don't know about you, but on my 99 the lock up or lack of it was terrible. you would be crusing down the highway @55 or so, in crusie control mode, and have to tap the break for someone, and it would could never get back to the same speed and RPM's without stopping and starting all over agin! (you would end up 100 - 200 RPMs faster, slipping??).



With the new 03, once it is set it does not unlock until your speed falls bellow 45 - 47 MPH. and then it will lock tight no slip!!Oo.

 

[sdbelt]

If you do get a new rig, seriously consider the 3500 SRW over the 2500. It's less than a $500 difference, and you get 1100 lbs more hauling capacity (9900 vs. 8800). That's totally worth it in my book.



I have an 03 3500 SRW HO 4WD 48RE, and it does work as adverstised. Very nice driving truck.

 

[timjones]

2500 is 9000 gvw

8800 is for 2500 gassers

3500 is 9900 gvw

 

[DLeno]

Originally posted by timjones

8800 is for 2500 gassers

or the 2nd gen 2500s.