2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Which to buy '02 or '03 model

[tractorman]

Looking at used 3/4 CTDs... . What are the main problems with '02's versus the '03's? I'd prefer the '02, but I don't really like all the problems with the lift pump/injection pump. . what else should l look out for? What pressure should be lift pump be at? Injection pump pressures? How much does a FASS system cost?



I don't know much about the '03's except some had a vibration issue. What else should I look out for, or rather what should I expect to fix...



This truck will be my daily driver and pull my tractor hauler trailer on the weekends...



thanks

 

[JKinney]

Which ever one you can get the best deal on!

 

[Fishin Guide]

Every model of vehicle has it's quirks.



I chose the '02 when I bought it new as I was afraid of the "new technology" :-laf



Dave

 

[cyborg]

I'm not bashing 3rd gens.



on the '02: Dana axles , a real oil pressure gauge, suicide/hidden rear doors, lift pumps be damned (don't I know it),.



This has always been like asking whats better, synthetic or dino?

 

[DiTrani]

I've been following 3rd gen progress pretty closely as I'm always on the fence about trading in (hate the noise of my truck some days). I'd say you are probably about even in terms of fuel system reliability. True though, that the VP is an expensive failure point.



Personally I think the 2nd gens are generally tougher trucks (with a couple of exceptions like the auto trans), but the 3rd gens are a lot easier to live with (noise, ride quality, etc. )

 

[Dkuhlman]

First, I'd go with the best condition and price. All equal between the '02 and the '03, I'd go for the '02 for the reasons mentioned above. An '04. 5 and newer would get my attention though.

 

[SnoKing]

Best of breed! Actually the 2001. 5 is a better deal. It has disc brakes on the rear, and still has the CAD on the front axle. Most still had the underhood insulation and rear finder liners.

02 seem to have a high VP44 failure rate also. Where is the wood to knock on???



SNOKING

 

[2broke2smoke]

we've got one of each ...



get the '03



hands down better truck all the way around

 

[DBogo]

i would get the '02 just because i am not really a big fan of the 3rd gen trucks it seems like the 2nd gens are just tougher trucks overall besides the VP44 and the autos the rest of the truck is great with the 03 you still got to worry bout the transmission and i aint too sure of the fuel system on them common rails

 

[EBung]

see sig.....

 

[Todd F]

First, I'd go with the best condition and price. All equal between the '02 and the '03, I'd go for the '02 for the reasons mentioned above. An '04. 5 and newer would get my attention though.

Interesting, I always figured a 03 or 04 would be a better truck then the 04. 5s and up. Just thinking that a truck with less emissions crap on it would be a better choice. Do the 04. 5s and up have a better fuel system or something, or is it just because of the 48RE transmission

 

[Dkuhlman]

Best of breed! Actually the 2001. 5 is a better deal. It has disc brakes on the rear, and still has the CAD on the front axle. Most still had the underhood insulation and rear finder liners.

02 seem to have a high VP44 failure rate also. Where is the wood to knock on???



SNOKING

Whatta ya mean the '02s have a higher VP44 failure rate!?!?!?! :{



<knocking on wood> Over 80K so far on the stock VP and lift pump with some of that with the EZ hooked up. Oh yeah, the stock 47RE is hanging in there so far as well.

 

[Dkuhlman]

Interesting, I always figured a 03 or 04 would be a better truck then the 04. 5s and up. Just thinking that a truck with less emissions crap on it would be a better choice. Do the 04. 5s and up have a better fuel system or something, or is it just because of the 48RE transmission

Nah, they came out with the 48RE in 2003 although they've made improvements along the way. It was 2004. 5 when they introduced the 325 hp/600 ft-lbs HO along with the automatic option or a standard 6 speed.

 

[SnoKing]

Whatta ya mean the '02s have a higher VP44 failure rate!?!?!?! :{



<knocking on wood> Over 80K so far on the stock VP and lift pump with some of that with the EZ hooked up. Oh yeah, the stock 47RE is hanging in there so far as well.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135030&highlight=poll



OH! wrong link. Sorry (on Edit)



Not claimed to be scientific!



SNOKING

 

[jkidd]

try posting this in the 3rd gen forum and I'm sure the results will be different.





We sure are loyal to our trucks and either way 2nd or 3rd I think it is a good choice.

 

[Dkuhlman]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...?t=66346&page=1&pp=15&highlight=cracked+block



Not claimed to be scientific!



SNOKING

Yes sir, I forgot about the "53" block to watch out for. Good catch!!!

 

[Boondocker]

How 'bout them Quad Cab doors? There are a lot of things you can change about any truck, and a lot potential plusses and minusses, but the cab configuration is what it is. How important is having 4 independent doors and another 3" of leg room in the back? My 12-yr old boy is starting to make the back seat of my '02 QC real small. I love my truck and can't stand the thought of giving it up, but I've begun to entertain thoughts of a 3rd gen Quad Cab, or heaven forbid, the Mega Cab.

 

[Dkuhlman]

But are kid is growed and it's just the two of us. We love our quad cab and wished they still offered them. Is there really 3" more room in back of the '03s? It sure doesn't seem like it.

 

[Hohn]

It's a tough call. The 3rd gen is probably better all around (bigger cab, HPCR engine). But the 03s had teething problems with 70mph vibes, injector failures, and such.


I'd probably choose the 02, just because the devil you know is better than the devil you don't.

jh

 

[SnoKing]

Like I said, get a 2001. 5 and have the front CAD. Allows 2 wheel low kit, less wear, better mileage, and steering is lighter. Did I say 2001. 5 was best of breed??? SNOKING