2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Stick w/the Old or Buy a New Truck

[Ereynolds72]

I'm open to all comments on this subject but I'm debating whether or not to buy a new truck. Here are what I'm considering pros and cons to buying a new truck:

con - I have the pace system installed on my '02 and love it

con - Just put new E rated tires on it

con - nearly paid off

con - have kick *** stereo system installed

con - '02 last of the body style (very intimidating presence on the road)

con - only has 88,000 miles on it



pro - since lifting, I have a had front driveshaft vibration. So, do you sacrifice driveability to eliminate the vibration or keep caster adjusted positive to maintain excellent driveability? I am currently driving without the ront driveshaft.

pro - cruise works... sometimes

pro - had tranfer case replaced twice under warranty but still leaks (where halves bolt together) Probably needs to be rebuilt or replaced again

pro - now I am seeing a discoloration in transmission fluid where it slowly leaks from quick disconnect coupling near the cooler. An indication that the transmission is about to go I am assuming.

pro - since the truck is nearly paid off, I have positive "equity" in the truck for a good trade-in value

pro - I get a new truck!!! (which I'm sick of automatics and I would get a new 6 speed manual if I got one)



After typing all of this, I think I may have answered my own question.

I would probably put the stock springs back on for the trade-in purposes. I know a lot of you guys out there wouldn't give up on your old truck but with the drivetrain problems I've had and may be about to have, I think I'm ready to give up and buy a new truck.



I invite your comments. Thanks.

Erik

 

[nps]

con - '02 last of the body style (very intimidating presence on the road)

I ordered mine after seeing the 3rd Gen. I need more than the standard cab, but do not like the 4 doors on the 03+. But I feel your pain of an auto. Glad I got the 6 speed - I'll be keeping it for some time coming.



Good luck.

 

[Stamey]

I suppose it just depends on your desires. I love my 99 so much I bought a 96, just so I could try out the 12v that everyone loves so much. I'm falling in love with that one now too. Both paid for, and I have a spare truck when I break the other. If somehting breaks, I will have to pay for it as there is no warranty, but there is no payment either.

I guess we al have to weigh our own pros and cons.



Chris

 

[amnewsom]

Yes, I think we have all thought about this before, I am in the same boat, there are issues with the front end of mine and its driving me crazy - to the point of well, maybe its time for a change. Good luck either way.

 

[ASTAR]

I had to make the same decision about a year ago. I was just about to drop the coin on a new DTT transmission and FASS but thought about doing the new truck instead. One thing that really got me was the interior in my 01. 5. I hated it! It was that cloth with the multi-rainbow-flake colors embedded in the grey. I ended up keeping my truck and don't regret it at all. I had the interior fabric swapped out for KATZKIN LEATHER (pics) so that wasn't an issue anymore. Also, I was fed up with the driveability of it as well, (see truck drives like new again thread) but it's all dialed now and drives great! I keep putting stuff into my truck instead of a payment and I LOVE IT!



Another deciding factor for me was going to the 3rd gen forums and reading about problems with them like

-uncomfortable seats

-thinner sheetmatal ?

-rear end noise and sounds from the new AAM axles



I don't remember what else but there was more...

 

[Ereynolds72]

Thanks for the responses fellas... I have a lot to think about. Yes, I love the truck: especially with my suspension. A $3k transmission is still cheaper than a $40k truck. Maybe I won't give up on it afterall... . Outside of another Dodge CTD, I can't think of anything I'd rather have anyway.

 

[DAWG-1]

Yes

Keep it ! If you almost have it paid for these problems you describe will be easy to take care of. Where are you located? Sam

 

[Holzarbeiter]

keep the old.

Look at my sig, i went with a motor swap since the 53 got me.

I would do it again if i had to, for these reasons:

1- no more payments

2- it is now close to what i really want in a truck

3- i know someone who lost his entire warrantee for turbo and suspension mods, has since lost 2 injectors and the truck only has 15k on it

4- new truck = new problems

 

[Stamey]

keep the old.

4- new truck = new problems

So right!



Chris

 

[SnoKing]

keep the old.

Look at my sig, i went with a motor swap since the 53 got me.

I would do it again if i had to, for these reasons:

1- no more payments

2- it is now close to what i really want in a truck

3- i know someone who lost his entire warrantee for turbo and suspension mods, has since lost 2 injectors and the truck only has 15k on it

4- new truck = new problems

Like G56 and dualmass flywheel. SNOKING

 

[EBottema]

If it was me, I would keep your truck. Putting money into the transmission and a few other things will always keep the truck going. Heck, the engine only has 80k miles on it. Anything can be fixed. I wouldnt get a new 6 speed truck because of the dual mass flywheel in the g56. That is going to cost an arm and a leg and I bet will turn out to be a problem transmission. The 3rd gens, post 04. 5 also get worse mileage than the 2nd gen trucks. As long as your running a DTT transmission, or swap your auto for a nv5600, very easy job and run a FASS to keep the VP alive, your 2nd gen will last for a long time. It is a nice thing not having truck payments every month. More money to spend on other good things. Like guns and ATVS... HEHE



ASTAR-

How did you install that door panel leather? I know the piece is plastic welded on, did you have a shop do it? Costs?

 

[DigginDad]

You can buy alot of transmission's or transfer case or lots of atf for what it will cost you for a new truck.

 

[Holysmokes]

Great post Erynolds72! I have been "mulling" over the same issue in my head myself. I believe I've made up my mind on keeping my second gen. esp. with all the feed back I've read here and in the 3 gen forums. Newer truck doesn't equal fewer problems... just different ones. Besides that who wants to wait for a warranty period to be over. (yes,I am my own warranty station... but dang those parts are expensive) BTW... don't let that transmission scare you off. I've got 2500 in mine installed with sun coast triple disc. Thats the BEST upgrade I've done to date. IMHO Oo.

ASTAR NIIICCCCCCEEEE interior. I might have to get the particulars from you on that.

 

[Ereynolds72]

More great feedback... Thanks fellas. You do make a convincing argument.



As it turns out... the black fluid I was seeing on the cooler lines was coming out of the blow-by bottle and just appeared to be leaking out of the cooler lines. Fluid on the dipstick is nice and pink. She's got some life in her yet but I will start saving for a new transmission though.

I am still on the orginal lift pump so I may go ahead and do a FASS or AirDog.



I am just outside of Atlanta, GA. Can anyone recommend a good transmission shop in the area?



I will definately remember: "New truck = new problems"

 

[SnoKing]

More great feedback... Thanks fellas. You do make a convincing argument.



As it turns out... the black fluid I was seeing on the cooler lines was coming out of the blow-by bottle and just appeared to be leaking out of the cooler lines. Fluid on the dipstick is nice and pink. She's got some life in her yet but I will start saving for a new transmission though.

I am still on the orginal lift pump so I may go ahead and do a FASS or AirDog.



I am just outside of Atlanta, GA. Can anyone recommend a good transmission shop in the area?



I will definately remember: "New truck = new problems"

I looked at new trucks last fall and ended up spending 8K in a month to build my truck into what I wanted. Full DTT with Billett Input and 2nd gear cage, 89H TC, DTT smart controller, Banks 4" Exhaust Brake, DD1 Jammers, Comp, 3rd gen track bar and BHAF. I already had the DSS and Magnaflow exhaust. I could not be happier with the results. Gets the same or better mileage (if I keep my foot out of the turbo), tows the 5er like a champ now, hardly ever coming out of OD on the freeway.



Some of my pro's to keep it were:

1. DW

2. I have extra wheels and studded snow tires

3. Would have to Linex and remount 5th wheel hitch

4. It is not quiet!

5. It is a std cab and I like that. Note: Bad resale!!

6. Only has 36000 miles (now)

7. It is paid off, well it was paid for when I brought is home in 2001

(we are now in that mode for everything, as wife is retired and I will retire next June, so we do not want payments)

8. Did not want a quad cab LWB, which is what I would have bought.

9. 3500 SRW would have been maginal at fixing my overweight issue with 5th wheel.

10. Was not ready for a dually. Note to self and others, bigger 5th wheels should have a dually out front. If you want some fun come over the RV.net 5th wheel forum.



SNOKING

 

[jtwcummins]

If I go a few days without driving my truck then get in it and go I realize was a great truck it is. CTD reputation built on the 12 valve, newer emmission stuff still has to be proven. Smooth ride? Not really but for a heavy duty PU it rides great. Didn't buy a car but a truck that would run forever and pull almost anything. The truck is still rattle free and has been one of the best vehicles I have owned.

1. Paid for

2. Quiet diesel is an oximoron.

3. Paid for

4. Runs great, stops great, turns great.

5. Paid for

6. Can do new leather interior for a couple of thousand, seats are very comfortable.

7. Paid for

8. Engine oil used to cool and lube pump no vp issues

9. Paid for

10. Full DTT alot cheaper than new truck then rest of fun stuff, injectors, et al goes in.

11. Did I mention it's paid for and since it's a 97 the registration is lower than a new one.

 

[SCosgriff]

I contemplated the same question just a few months ago with my 95 12v. After weighing all the pros and cons and the fact that I don't drive the truck except to pull the 5er and haul a few things once in a while. I decided to stay with the old and build it into the truck I want and not start over. Plus by putting $ in the old you won't be dissapointed, but you may be dissapointed with the new and be stuck with the big payment and less truck