The $21,000.00 question.

[evldsl]

I want and can purchase a 2005 auto withthe 4. 10 rear fully loaded cummins qc but I just found a 2002 x cab 4x4 cummins manual shift fully loaded slt with 49,000 miles and it's clean. If I purchase the 2002 = no monthly bill. If any of you out there owned one is it worth getting the 2002, are there any problems with it, and can it be slightly lifted. Also can I bomb the engine?.

 

[DPKetchum]

2002 has the VP44 injection pump and prone to lift pump failure. BUT a pusher pump and a fuel psi gauge can help solve that issue. If its CLEAN I'd go with the 2002 and be NOTE free. Sure it can be lifted. Lots of BOMBS are available.

 

[Kry226]

Not only that, but it has the 16" wheels, and consequently, a plethora of tire choices that goes with it.

 

[bmoeller]

What DPKetchum said. The best part, NO DEBT.

 

[Bertram65]

Tough to compare the two as there are so many improvments in the 3rd gen trucks. If you can be happy with the 2002 then get it, sounds like a good truck. It's great to not have a car payment, there are so many things more important than a truck to spend money on.

 

[BIG BOB]

If the 02 is $21K, that's a deal! Go for it!

 

[tschwab]

Some things to consider going with a 3G:

Much improved steering, way better brakes, quieter (good IMO), much more refined, better ride, better looking (IMO). I had a 2G which was paid off, had a tough decision deciding if I wanted to upgrade, made the move and no regrets, really enjoying the '05.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Tough decision, I have experienced both. I really liked my 02. I decided to upgrade for several reasons:



Primarily I wanted a 3500 DRW.

Definately like the new steering.

Heard good things about the hydroframe (however some have had vibration problems).

I didn't want EGR or a cat (as it turned out they haven't resorted to EGR until 07).

Bigger brakes (but the brakes on the 02 were fine compared to the 98).

VP44 on the 2Gs are failure prone.



Bad things about 3G and good about 2G:

Monetarily it is best to by used. $21K seems like a good price.

It seems many of the 3G folks are on pins and needles waiting for the injectors to hose the engine.

Hear more about bad ball joints on the 3Gs.

No underhood light on 3G.

The 2Gs have a slight edge in styling.

Make sure the 3G is vibration free.

It seems to me you are looking at two very different beast drivetrain wise. Which will meet you needs the best? Personally, I vote for the six speed. If you are looking at a 4. 10 are you going to be hauling heavy? If so, might consider a DRW



I think things are going to change drastically with the 07 EPA regs. Which truck do you want to be running X many years down the road?



blah, blah, blah.

 

[jsimpson]

I would also look at used 03's. A year ago, I bought my 03 4x4 quadacb with 11000 miles for $30k and couldn't ne happier.

 

[barbwire]

Ol'TrailDog, as I was reading your post, it occured to me that to put an underhood light on your rig would be a simple and cheap bomb. There are many auto's sitting in the weed patches with mercury switch lights under the hoods. And all a person would have to do is unscrew it from them, screw to yours , run a wire from the fuse block, and WALLA, there it is. As a matter of fact, now that you brought it to my attention, I am going to do just that. Thank you. As a matter of fact, the people that crush the cars,are not allowed to have mercury switch lights left on the cars anymore. The shreaders do not want the heavy metals( like lead & mercury) in their yards anymore.

Not good for the environment ya know. So we should make good use of them. PS, if a person knew which cars had them, you could get a light with a recoil, so's you could pull it out to have light elsewhere, to say maybe to assist in changing a tire. I would guess that maybe the more "elite" models.

 

[tschwab]

Hear more about bad ball joints on the 3Gs.

This does seem to be a problem on 4x4's, but not 2x4's.

No underhood light on 3G.

Mine has the under hood light, don't know if that is an '05 thing or a Laramie thing.

The 2Gs have a slight edge in styling.

Matter of opinion, I give the 3G the edge.

Make sure the 3G is vibration free.

Vibration free and much more refined and smoother than my 2G.

 

[mconstable]

... voila ...

 

[Tomeygun]

I must say also, That if you ARE going with a 2nd gen, then the 2002 is the best, because of the rear disc and the advanced ABS with EVBP... At least you would have the lastest and greatest a 2nd would have to offer!!

 

[DGFoster]

That is a hard choice,its hard not to go new,I think the wise choice would be the 2002,no payment.