What year to buy?

[JMiltier]

Want to know what you guess think is the best year of truck to buy i kinda want a dually with ext. cab or maybe a 4 door. And probally a manual trans because the autos sucks

 

[J.V.]

Best Truck

I had the '03 3500 with 6 speed. I think it will be the best truck I will ever own. Had an Edge EZ and pulled 18k 5th wheel RV for 65k miles. Never used a drop of oil. Got 13/14 mpg pulling and over 22 solo. Only problem was weak AC. It had single rear wheels so had to trade to get more rubber on rear.



J. V.

 

[RJOL]

There are a lot of variables. If your looking for one that is easy to work on, a late model 12V 2nd gen (up to 98 1/2) is a great choice. Not too many computers to fool with and straight forward. The later models have a lot more stock power but every year seems to add more computers, high pressure fuel rails, and emission controls. They run great, have plenty of power, but you probably won't be doing a lot of mechanical tinkering on one, unless you are a very good mechanic with a lot of tools. Find a good buy and have fun...

 

[IanF]

I wanted a 1st Gen. Boxy styling. No-nonsense interior. And most importantly to me MANUAL front hubs and no stupid axle-disconnect.



Other half: "Those are ugly... get one like [her brother] has... "



Guess who won...



The other issue is 2nd Gen models are more common and thus easier to find in decent condition for a reasonable price. The only 1st gen that met my specs (4x4, Club Cab, 5 spd, and in a color that doesn't offend the woman) sold on Ebay for well over $10K last year and it still needed some TLC. My recently purchased '95 needed some mechanical TLC, has some miles on it, but the body and chassis are solid, cost me $9000.



YMMV.

 

[JMiltier]

Well im a mechanic so working on them isn't a problem and i have worked on some 12vs before and we race the common rails in baja. Got a 7. 3L powerstroke now and just want to get something different to get easier power out of and something to tow with cause its not to efficient to tow with 36" tires lol. I was looking at either a dmax or 24 valve cummins just can't decide. I know dmaxs have injector problems, but everything has problems so need some help deciding. thanks for the help

 

[Missouri Mule]

If your looking at 24 valves the third generation would be the way to go.



The 98. 5's to 02's have failure problems with the lift pump and vp44 injector pump ( even though 01's and 02's are being sought after because of the 4 wheel disc brakes).

 

[RCarrillo]

97's RULE !

RikaRio

 

[Skydiver]

1996-1998 Enough said.

 

[JKinney]

Which ever one you can get a good deal on that is in good shape. I wonder if it is possible to find a second gen that does not have rust on the inide bottom of the doors. overall there all good! Except of course one with a 53 block... .

 

[pwknapp]

'96 dually ext cab with 305/85's and a few mods and it tows like a scalded ape.

 

[p-Bar]

03 H. O. Common rail, no third injection event. Better mileage.

 

[MCummings]

You should get mine, but it's a 2wd. Already modded out the wazoo, just needs a mechanic to give it daily TLC to keep it running like a top...





Merrick

 

[FDavid]

94-98 12 valve manual

 

[hummincummins2]

2002 2500 24 valve automatic

 

[fkovalski]

Think about a 2001. 5... the half year model had the rear discs... . they were generally past the 53 block... . Only issue on mine was the LP... . look for one with the snow plow prep, trailer and camper package and you will have most bases covered... (kinda' wish I never gotr rid of mine )

 

[AKaiser]

I wanted a 1st Gen. Boxy styling. No-nonsense interior. And most importantly to me MANUAL front hubs and no stupid axle-disconnect.



Other half: "Those are ugly... get one like [her brother] has... "



Guess who won...



The other issue is 2nd Gen models are more common and thus easier to find in decent condition for a reasonable price. The only 1st gen that met my specs (4x4, Club Cab, 5 spd, and in a color that doesn't offend the woman) sold on Ebay for well over $10K last year and it still needed some TLC. My recently purchased '95 needed some mechanical TLC, has some miles on it, but the body and chassis are solid, cost me $9000.



YMMV.

If you were just going to use it around the farm or local haul, the 1G trucks are good trucks. If you want to go any distance, the 1Gs will wear you out. 2/3Gs are much more comfortable. If you're going 2G, get a 1G engine w/12 valve P7100 pump, 95-98, IIRC.

 

[JMiltier]

is the first gen the trucks with the rotary pump or the p-pump?

 

[MCummings]

The only Dodge trucks that have not had a rotary pump have been the '94-'98. 4 trucks. They had an inline pump. '89-'93 have a rotary, and so do the '98. 5 - '07's+, except the '03's+ have had what is called a "high pressure pump" instead of an injection pump.



Merrick

 

[PKnight]

Red Ram

I think you will find the 97 Model to have the least re-calls and the most dependable.

The paint stays on too.

 

[JMiltier]

thanks mcummings. I know what year trucks have what i was just wondering if the first gen group is considered to be the 89-93 years or the 94-98 years? thanks