Update: '02 2500 final decision

[ulhpilot]

This morning, I took extensive test drives in both an auto w/4. 10 and a HO/6 speed/3. 54. I have to say the HO w/6 speed , to me, is a lot better combination. Pick a gear to suit your needs and that's that. Rowing through the gears in traffic is not a lot of fun, but it's not the most labor intensive truck I've ever driven, either. Only two gripes. One: a lot of in cab noise. I'm used to driving a GM 6. 5L TD (indirect injection) that is very quiet for a diesel. Of course, the Cummins is a much more powerful engine, so it's not a fair comparison, but it will figure in to the final decision. Two: what's up with that steering?? Unresponsive and vague, to say the least. Again, I'm used to a truck with IFS that steers like a sports car. So again, not a fair comparison. Liked the interior, brakes, ride quality, just about everything other than the two items I mentioned. But, if I go with the Ram, it will be a HO/6 speed with 3. 54 gears, QC SWB (I have a utility trailer for the few times I need to carry material of lengths more than 6. 5 ') and either Garnet Red or dark Gray (Charcoal?). All the HD stuff, no leather. Met a fairly helpful saleman, but haven't talked $$ yet, so who knows. Thanks everyone for the input!!

Mick

 

[Pit Bull]

Good choice now go on the net and look up Melton Sales (they have their inventory with prices listed on their web site, they will also give you a quote over the internet for a truck you would like to order). They are a Dodge dealer outside Tulsa OK. They sell no dicker pricing $500 under dealer invoice. Also sign up with your local Farm Bureau and you will save another $500.



The noise you are hearing is because Dodge for 02 took out the insulation from the hood of the truck. Also the vague steering varies from one truck to another, kinda the nature of the beast.



Good luck

 

[RHamner]

I had a 94 that had sloppy steering. I put a Borgeson unit on and it helped a lot.



My 2001 (note similarity to your choice in sig) steers fine. 38000 miles now. Big Toy is right the steering seems to differ.

 

[Mallory]

my truck had 125psi in the tires and alignment was way out when I got the truck new in nov 2001. tell the dealer to check it before you go any further, it is amazing how some dealer attitudes change after the papers are signed.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I had to have both the track bar and steering box replaced on mine (before I hit 4,000 miles) before it steered correctly.

 

[Beast2B]

get invoice price

go to www.kbb.com or www.costcoauto.com to get invoice price on the truck and all options. Being well armed (with info!) when dealing with salespeople is a huge benefit.

Print a copy of the page you found to take with you to prove your info.

 

[Lsfarm]

Cummins can be quieted!

If you are concerned about the noise, don't let it affect your decision. The noise can be greatly reduced with a little bit of work and a few dollars worth of insulating materials.



I have managed to quiet my truck down considerably. It is much less tiring to drive long distances now, and I can order coffee from a drive-thru window without turning off the engine.



When you get your truck, email me and I will fill you in on what is required to quiet the Cummins.



Greg L

 

[klenger]

You will love the HO 6 speed. There is always the right gear available, and you don't have to shift all that often.



I was driving about 10 miles on I25 through south Denver today through what is now called the T-Rex (Transportation Expansion) project. The highway will be messed up due to construction for about 6 years. Anyway, traffic was stop and go for most of the 10 miles with speeds rarely above 20 MPH. I didn't have to shift all that often, and best of all, the average milage on the overhead computer was actually climbing as I drove.



Buy the way, your color choices are excellent.