truck selection

[pdxkid]

so I finally located a bunch of manual trans. 4x4 extended cab trucks. now to pick one. my credit union will only loan on 10yr old trucks or newer, so no 12v! looking at a bunch of 99-02 and wonder about the 6spd vs. 5spd trans. I will be doing almost no real towing (a smallish chipper and or stump grinder here and there) so i know i don't want the towing gears. is the 6spd high output intended just for towing? any years stand out in this bunch as real winners? thanks in advance.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Go with newer 2001. 5 or 20002 they will have disc brakes all around.

The 6 spd is a heavy duty and will take added horse power.

 

[pdxkid]

thanks for the input missouri mule. are rear discs the deciding factor in this year range? any other attributes to look for in a particular year? i found two seemingly great 2002s and a good 2000.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Sometime in 2002 they did away with the CAD (center axle disconnect, at least I think that is what it means) for 4 wheel drve. Put new system on.

You will get away from the 53 block and KDP associated with the 99's.

 

[mberry]

I had an April built 2002 and it was a great truck. I only had a lift pump go out at around 68K miles. No other issues with the truck. If it were me, I would go with the 2002 model.

 

[Jdorfmeyer]

Get a 2001. 5 or newer with a 5 speed. I don't mind the 6 speed, but unless you are going to tow heavy the 5 speed with easily handle most loads and you don't have to shift as much around town. I drove a friends dodge with a 6 speed and thought the shifting the extra gear was a pain. Maybe just what I am used to though. Good Luck!

 

[macdaddy]

Sometime in 2002 they did away with the CAD (center axle disconnect, at least I think that is what it means) for 4 wheel drve. Put new system on.

You will get away from the 53 block and KDP associated with the 99's.

The 53 I knew about. I thought the Dowel Pin problems were only on the B9's?



Mac

 

[Missouri Mule]

The dowel pin (KDP) involved the B5. 9's from 89 to 98. It was only suppoosed to involve early 99 (ISB 5. 9's) but members up to 2001 have the KDP come out.

They came out with step cover some time in late 99 but who knows when they ran out of the old cover.



For piece of mind tab the KDP on your 99 I had my Freightliner (99) tabbed last year finally. (Yes med duty trucks are at risk also. )

 

[HBarlow]

In mid year 2001 Dodge changed over to rear disc brakes. A huge improvement. The six speed NVG-5600 is twice or three times the transmission the lousy old five speed was. You don't have to use the bottom gear unless loaded heavy but it is there available when needed. The six speed is more robust, more versatile, more durable, and won't lose top gear while cruising down the highway like almost every five speed did. The HO six speed trucks produced more horsepower, more torque, and with a set of Bosch 275hp motorhome injectors or a mild black box are very strong running trucks and remain reliable and durable also. Most of the problems with fuel transfer (lift pumps) and VP-44 injection pumps are exaggerated or self inflicted.

I would buy a 2002 over an earlier truck without any question.