2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Why haven't you traded for 3rd gen?

[work2muchplay2little]

Still haven't got my '99 quite right... But at some point the technology and performance advantages will become compelling enough to make the change, it just hasn't happened yet. I think when it is feasible to have a streetable 1000hp... maybe with twin VGT's, a 10 speed auto trans... .

 

[Kalaehina]

If I could-$$$ I would, but I can't so I won't. But I can't complain about my 96 5 speed.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Heh. . . I sold my '03 and replaced it with a 351,000-mile '96 12-valve :-laf



I liked my '03 though, I mainly sold it because I was planning to buy a new house. I liked the smoothness and power, good mileage, and it was very trouble free. The things I didn't like was the shape of the cab, thin sheetmetal in places, and the lumpy acceleration.



As old and crude as this '96 is in comparison I find it very gratifying in a lot of ways and even though I've had some issues I don't regret making the trade. The only thing I might have done different is buy a nicer 12-valve to begin with, but now that I've driven this one all over the USA last fall I'm likely going to keep it awhile for nostalgic reasons



Vaughn

 

[bighornram]

I traded my 2000 short box diesel for a 2002 long bed. I intended to get a long bed as had plans to get a fifth wheel and would prefer the long bed. When I learned that 2002 was the last year of the G2 style I made the switch then. I prefer the G2 style, have never been in a G3 but the BIG killer for me are the rear doors. I like the added space of the rear seat but don't want a "family car" for a truck. I like hearing my cummins! At only 21,000 miles it is not even broke-in yet! I love my new 2002 RAM and plan on keeping it for a good long time.



Oo.

 

[DWeiler]

I'll keep the 2nd gen,if i want to ride in a 3rd gen i call the brother inlaw,he bought a 03 3500 dually. When we put both of them side by side i still get wet looking at mine ,but hey i'm biased i guess ,DW

 

[robert4570]

I just got my 05' and love it i would have preffered not parting with my 99 3500 but needed the money for the new one. Unfortunately the primary reason we are seeing these diesels gettin' more electronics is due to the EPA and the ever tighttening noose around manufacturers neck to comply. I really miss and regret the loss of the

12 valver that was the last of the true simpler to work on diesels.

My 05' acts off to the dealer i go , such is life.

 

[Joe G.]

I think the proper question is "why in the world would you ever buy a 3rd gen if you have a 2nd gen already?" I almost have my '95 just like I want it. A couple more things and I'll quit modifying it. (Is that an instance of "famous last words"?) Once I get it started I can throw the batteries overboard for all they have to do with it running. I don't think the check engine light even works. I can fix almost anything on it. Runs great. I expect it to run great for many more years.

 

[NPloysa]

One thing is for sure, I am keeping my 99. The stuff I am planning for it, custom air ride for one, is not worth spending all the time and money on just to sell. Does not mean I won't get a 3rd gen. Maybe, but I think I would probably get a 97-98 12V or an 02 HO.

 

[Horsepuller]

Great question. I plan on sticking with my '02 for a while. I like the way the 1ton dually looks over the 3G. I like the fact that the engine is louder. And I have a 6 speed and HO in a 2G body. But the most important reason is that I don't like buying newly introduced vehicles. For the first couple of years, it seems they are always working the bugs out of new models. I would rather buy the last production model year. That is why I was happy with my '93 and then sold it for my '02. I figure the last production year of a model is probably the best. So far I haven't been disappointed.

 

[RAndrae]

no way

After working on several 03 and newer trucks... . no way- Dodge got cheap. . I mean it was bad enough when they deleted the hood insulation, wheel liners, rear seat cup holders, paint on radiator ect on my 02 but the 03 and newer are horrible EG: black tape over the body holes under the cab... ... .....come on... . plastic throttle lever... . just IMO

 

[EBottema]

I feel bad for anyone who buys a 3rd gen. What a worthless pile of an electronic mess. I will list the reasons of why I would take my 96 12v over a 3rd gen... .



-Less valves

-mechanical injection pump

-lower maintaining costs b/c of simplicity

-no major on board computer controling whole truck

-has a throttle cable

-thicker sheet metal

-comman dana axles

-less dodge parts to break, such as plastic parts, sensors, extra doors.

-last but not least, a manual 12v truck can still run in a nuclear fallout :-laf



Only positives to a 3rd gen are 4 doors for a family, the stonger bed, and better factory front 4x4 suspension and brakes. However, you can always put a nice hauler or faltbed on a 2nd gen or upgrade the front suspension and brakes. The 2nd gen is really a forever truck, 3rd gen won't be.

We can debate for days but I can bet in 2014 that there will be less 2004 models still on the road than there are 1994 model 12v ons the road right now...



good luck, don't get sucked in. buy a 3rd gen but keep your other truck, can't hurt having 2 trucks around. Especially when that drive by switch breaks on the gas pedel and the new electronic rats nest wont go anywhere. That ole' 12v will come in handy... :-laf Oo.



my 2 cents

erik

 

[yogibear]

Well Erik, you didn't dazzle me, but you sure "Baffeled" me!! :-laf



Larry

 

[EBottema]

Yogi, Don't get me wrong, a 3rd gen is a nice refined new truck. Comfy and all. It just reminds me of a family truck and not a real truck. For people who want a beast, a 3rd gen is not for them

 

[Neibe]

I'll buy a 2004 in 2010. Seriously my next truck will have about 100,000 miles on it when I get one. Besides I can't wear out my 97 why do I need a new one.

 

[yogibear]

I don't know Erik, I turned over 200K on Dec. the 24th. About 140K of them are towing hard and heavy, from coast to coast and Ca. to Mexico, that sucker sure sounds like a beast to me, course I've never had a dragster or puller, nor a 12V, so maybe I'm just ignorant! Had about 230K on my 00 when I sold it, and thought it was great, but like the 3 gen. better. T each his own i guese. Look at OTRPU, down time is killing him, I don't want to keep one that long, but as old as I'm getting, this might be my last one, I think I'll keep this one till I quit! My stock LP lasted for 198. 5K, then run for 1377 miles with 0 fuel press. before it quit, thats not bad!! (not smart on my part, just wanted to try it out)



Larry

 

[Crash&Burn]

Like the Quad cab arrangment, no one ever rides back there but I have stuff, rear doors are easy to use. Every previous pickup I have owned has been a standard cab so the quad is still a treat... .

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

Lets see, the profit goes to Germany. The truck is made in Mexico very cheaply and those savings are not passed on to me. The plant I work at, DaimlerChrysler sold 2 years ago. So I am not thrilled with that. Also I like the looks of my truck better.

 

[wcjp]

Wish my 96' had electric pedals so the wife could reach. Life without payments isn't so bad.

 

[AKDrifter]

My TDR grill emblem is liquid nailed to grill..... now it's too late!



I won,... . I got a "53" to boot, it's a few pounds lighter in the front end and therefore must go faster.



My 2001 helped me stop drinking coffee... . The anticipation of the door alarms going off at anytime keeps me on my feet and alert!



Helps me judge the age of city girls down here in the lower 48 and the ones to say hello to... ... . age determined by counting wrinkles on the ones that snivle at you(there not the ones to say hello to),... . and the ones that smile is a good sign.



Paul

 

[Joe Mc]

@ 135k I've just about worked all the bugs out and learned to live with the one's I haven't yet. Also - it's paid for too :-laf . . . and I don't have to worry about ruining the warrantee.