Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Which years to avoid??????

[kking]

I need a bigger truck and am trying to avoid dropping $30k+ on a new one. I have 1994 - 2500, 5spd now and it has been a perfect truck, just need 1 ton now. I am looking at 1 ton-duallies with manual shift, which year or years should I avoid.

Thanks for your input

Ken

 

[DPelletier]

I don't think any year is particularly "bad". Things to consider, however;



- 53 block - prevalent from '98 up until 2001, but most common in '98. 5 - 99's

- NV-5600 availability started in 2000, but recieved a larger input shaft in 2001 and is a more desireable transmission (especially for towing) than the NV-4500 which has the 5th gear nut issue as well as not being as strong.

- 2001. 5 debut of rear disk brakes makes the 2001. 5 and 2002 trucks more desireable.

- late 12V trucks ('96 - 98) with the 215hp P-7100 inj. pump are highly sought after though you lose the NV-5600 and rear disks weren't available yet and unless you get the 98 12V then you get the ext. cab rather than the Quad cab.

- as far as third gen trucks go, there aren't any bad years IMO. You'd want to run it up to 75mph to check for vibration, there was a TSB for a revised pwr. steering hose to combat buzzing in the steering wheel and/or pedals and very early '03's had some clutches with springs that were too short leading to noise (not a performance issue though).

- You can do a search and read lots about the comparison of the '03-'04 305/555 engine vs. the '04. 5 and '05 325/300 or 325/610, but I don't think you can go wrong with either truck.



Depending what you want to spend, my favourite 2nd gen is a '01. 5 or '02 3500 dually HO with the 6spd. The 2001. 5 still had the CAD (center axle disconnect) if you care.



Good luck,

Dave

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Nice post DPelletier. If you want to get real technical the 6-speed became available for '99, but there are few '99 ETC/DEE rigs running around (Rob Hanson on NW Bombers has one and he's had no drivetrain problems, despite being quite BOMBed and has towed it heavy).



kking if I was in your boat I'd lean toward a 2001-2002 with the 6-speed. The 12-valves are great but you get a 5-speed manual with the big 3-4 upshift RPM gap. But then if you're a handyman you could get a '96-'98 12-valve with a 5-speed and swap in a pre '01 6-speed.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Most of the 12 valves are getting old and worn. The 24 valves have the issues with the VP44 and lift pump. Condition probably matters the most in a used Ram. With the DC incentives and aggressive pricing that has been noted on this forum, a new one might be an alternative. A used 3rd gen might cost almost as much as a new one with fewer options on it.

 

[SnoKing]

Most of the 12 valves are getting old and worn. The 24 valves have the issues with the VP44 and lift pump. Condition probably matters the most in a used Ram. With the DC incentives and aggressive pricing that has been noted on this forum, a new one might be an alternative. A used 3rd gen might cost almost as much as a new one with fewer options on it.

Then you can fight the drive line vibrations, right? Each Gen seems to have their warts! SNOKING