2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Your 2nd Gen Cummins Status

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Those of us still driving 2nd Gen rigs have trucks that are getting up there in years and mileage. The first ones started rolling off the assembly line over 21 years ago, and came to an end 14 years ago. The 2nd Gen, 12V and 24V forums are definitely quiet compared to 10 years ago, many have moved on to newer trucks, but it's good to see a lot of these trucks still on the road.

So do we still have a few that are designated daily drivers? I'm curious to know what your trucks' current roles and designations are, let's see how this poll turns out! I actually own two 2nd Gens, the '98.5 is the primary daily driver and has 181,000 miles. The 96 is now the rarely used backup vehicle with 483,000 miles, it's pretty tired, but I don't have the heart to let it go.

 

[JR]

I'm on my 2nd 2nd gen. Bought my 98.5 In 2011 with 67k miles. It cleared 120k last week. I run it 3-4 days a week, haul a trailer on average of about once a week. Mostly under the table side jobs to bring in a little extra cash. The truck is in excellent condition mechanically and the body is about an 8 out of 10. I spend a lot of time every fall treating the underside and body to keep the road chemicals from turning it into a pile of rusted iron. It's a constant battle around here.

 

[MLee]

I'd love a new one, progress has been made to achieve a very nice vehicle. Over the years I have watched the recalls, reflashes, repairs, and the good ole 12 valve has had a few recalls done but still serving me very well. Yes its still a little noisy than most but I refer to it as the SOUND OF POWER. Truck-on
Unless I am the winner of the PCH, the 12 valve will have to do.

 

[Ram4Sam]

There should be a choice in the poll for us dum basses who sold a good, low mileage 2nd gen.....and wish they hadn't As much as I like my new one, I regret selling my 01' HO and should have just shoved it in the garage........I'm an idiot......:{

Sam

 

[LHastings]

Ordered it new it my daily driver, Sunday go to meeting vehicle, hunting fishing and firewood gatherer. 250K and still going no thoughts of getting rid of it.

 

[mwilson]

Spare, sits most of the summer with a dump run or two mixed in. On standby for foul weather use in the winter. 230,000 miles showing on the clock, had a plow before I got it so you can probably add half that much again to the odometer.

Megacab gets parked in a cozy garage sans batteries from November to April.

The '97 can sit for a month, will fire right up. Pop it in Neutral to pump the transmission up for a minute, haul it into Drive and off you go. Park it close enough to the garage so an extension cord will reach in the event of some cold, cold weather.

Wife does not mind driving the '97. She has never been comfortable driving the Megacab so the '97 keeps everybody happy......

Mike..

 

[SnoKing]

Mine is getting broken in at 115K on the clock! Tows my 12K+ trailer like a dream as they say on RV.net! Can afford a new one anyway! SNOKING

 

[dodgesst]

94 2500 with about 200,000 miles. Really just sits around even though a friend borrowed it for a few months and drove the wheels off of it.

 

[RBeard]

01' Bought new 8/2000, with 245k on it now, use it to do part time hot shot with 24' GN and any hauling that i need to do. Can't justify a new one, this one is still running strong.

 

[BarryG]

My 01 has approx. 320k on it. It was my daily driver for quite a few miles. However a few years ago I bought a little Honda for my work commute and the truck is relegated to doing just truck stuff towing/hauling whenever needed and if the weather is bad in town I use it if I think the little car will have trouble. It still gets driven 10k year or so. I looked at new ones a couple months ago and was drooling all over the place until I saw the prices of the new ones. They sure looked nice and am sure they are but the 01 is still in decent shape so I stick with it.

 

[GrantP]

There should be a choice in the poll for us dum basses who sold a good, low mileage 2nd gen.....and wish they hadn't As much as I like my new one, I regret selling my 01' HO and should have just shoved it in the garage........I'm an idiot......:{

Sam

Agreed, I do miss my 97.

 

[Nigel]

My 00 2500 goes out about once or twice a month and tows the RV on vacations. It has about 450,000 km and still brings a smile to my face every time I take it out.

 

[GAmes]

You also should have included primary work vehicle. Bought the truck new and don't plan on selling or trading it.

 

[Tractorat]

Mine has never been a daily driver. I use it to go camping, hunting, fishing, etc. I also drive it periodically just to drive it. Or when it snows. Or when I just need a pickup. Just went over 108k.

Unless you live on a farm, or need it for work, Im not sure why someone would drive one of these as a daily driver (unless then had to).

I dont know what all the neg fuss has been about 2nd gen rams. I love mine and wouldnt trade it for anything.

 

[Smokin' Larry]

Yes I drive mine daily and love it. It's my first diesel pick-up ever. It's about to click 266000 miles. Have you guys seen the price of a new diesel 4X4? Oh and you can't beat that pin you back in the seat torque. It's like driving my big block Chevelle around but much better mileage.

 

[DavidC]

Guess I am lowest on the totem pole so far. My 99 mainly gets used to haul the 5ver with the occasional joy ride. Bought new and has spent most of it's life in Arizona and has 82k miles on it now.

Dave

 

[Bob4x4]

94 bought new in dec 93,some hard miles,some easy,show and shines.drags,sled pulls,trailer towing and daily driver.down for a bit now too busy and hot to pull the trans for repair. Daily commuter for the most part now

 

[JR]

If you don't drive many miles to work it's not all that out of reason to drive it everyday. For the cost of another vehicle, insurance, registration, and maintenance you can buy a lot of diesel fuel. I've been down that road and got rid of my other vehicle because the only time I drove it was for work and I found myself in my truck the rest of the time. We are now down to 3 vehicles (4 including a Mustang that might see 2k miles a year). A family vehicle, my truck and a VW TDI that the wife drives because she has a long commute. I work a lot of oddball hours so if she is home I drive the TDI, if not I drive my truck.

 

[JRBurton]

Ordered my 01 2500 in Feb of 2001 and took delivery in April. I have 137,000 miles on it. I drive it 3 - 4 days a week as well as tow my 5th wheel. Somtimes haul heavy with it. The only thing I regret is getting a short bed. Been thinking of a frame stretch, just not sure what to do at this point. I hate to part with it as it runs really well. Just started with the rust on rear fender wells, but I'll take care of that when I get home frpom the sand box. All in all I don't ever regret my purchase, it is 100 times better than my 7.3 I used to have. I think I'll keep her after the sticker shock I got when I considered a 2015.

John

 

[BMelhuish]

I bought mine used in 2000 with 11,000 miles on it. It was a daily driver until 2008 and 105K. Now it is used primarily as a tow vehicle and has 145K. I do drive it regularly to keep it exercised. Still going strong.

Last year I looked at a new truck for both daily driving and towing. $65k! Insane. The new trucks are nice, but they don't do anything better or different. So, mine sports a new paint job. I also went completely through the truck and fixed everything from A/C to headliner. It's never run better.