2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Whats the best year/engine to get?

[AKAMAC]

EB,

The CA. emissions only apply to new rigs. This is a factory EPA rule. There is no smog check on used or new vehicles that run our flavor of fuel.

I had to pull stuff off my truck to keep the 47RE intact until I can do the costly up-grade on the transmission.

What ever you decide be sure to align the front end with a minimum of -3. 5 deg. caster. This will save you alot of dollars chasing the death whobble with after market parts. Mine rides on rails with 73,000 on it.

Welcome to the TDR. Mike

 

[SKargo]

I am reading this thread with great interest.

I have been selling Dodge trucks for the past 8 months, and am not only a newb to selling vehicles, but also to CTD's. I sell them, and drive a ton of them. I also sell used one's, and have driven some nice 24V's. We don't get too many 12 valves on the lot, due to the age and mileage issues.



I had a car blow up on me, and needed a vehicle quick, so I bought this 2000 2500 with a 360.

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While it's a great truck, damn do I want a diesel. I am putting it back on the used lot consignment style next week. I should probably get more than I paid for it, since the dealer wholesaled it to me.

Once it's gone, I will be looking for a diesel . I am not sure what way i want to go, but am leaning toward a 12 valve, since they seem to be more bombable according to the great pages here.



I do really want a quadcab, but there aren't to many of them around I'd imagine.



Can anyone talk me into a 24 valve?



Sorry for the lengthy post, but I think about this issue all the time. I subscribed to TDR a month ago, without even having a truck. I sell enough that I feel I need to be more informed anyway, so it's money well spent.

 

[RBratby]

i have the same question as bottema. what was the years they made the 53 block. where can we find out what block it is.

 

[RT66DOC]

AKAMAC -



Does that min. -3. 5 degress caster apply to my '96? TIA

 

[rkressg]

The brakes on the 01. 5's and newer are far superior. I had a '99 and it had the worst brakes in the world. As many others have mentioned, it is less expensive to bomb a 12v. Also, if you get a 12v, make sure you check for the KDP syndrome.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

I'm being lazy and not reading this whole thread, so I'm sure this has already been said.

1998 Quad Cab (the one with the suicide doors) 12 valve. You get the 12 valve, the newer interior, and the suicide doors. Not to be confused with a 1998. 5.

That's my vote, as I am sure others.

 

[DPelletier]

Sure the '98 Quad Cab 12V, 5spd is a desireable truck. Good luck finding one. I would look for a 2001. 5 or 2002 HO six speed, myself. I'll buy the argument that the 12V is cheaper to maintain due to the VP44/lift pump issues, but the rear disk brakes and NV5600 are worth more to me than the P-pump is. As always, it depends what you are going to do with the truck and how much money you want to spend. IMHO the '01. 5/'02 HO six speed is the pinacle of 2nd gen development.





Dave

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

A 98 12V Quad Cab is what I wanted also but when I found a 2001 Quad Cab SLT (with leather)4X4 3500 with 70,000 miles for $19000 in Sept 2003 I jumped on it . I had been looking around here and the same truck was selling locally between $28 to 32K. By the way the last two trucks I have bought has been from a dealer listing web site www.Getauto.com .

Kyle

 

[Duluth Diesel]

DPelletier, I see your points. I should say that I am very happy with my '02 and also believe that the 2002 is the best of the 2nd gen trucks. I am definately keeping my '02 6-speed H. O.

 

[DPelletier]

Thanks Duluth,

If I had the foresight to buy an '01. 5 3500 DRW 6-spd HO, instead of my 2500 SO auto, I'd still be driving it. Don't get me wrong, I like my 3rd gen truck too and it has some nice improvements, but I would have been happy as a clam with a similarly equipped 2nd gen.

Cheers

Dave