i'll make it short: I wanted to get a 04 Ram CTD 6spd 4x4. I found one virtually identical to what i want, but it's a 2001. Given the $13K price difference, I now wonder if the upgrades from 2nd to 3rd gen are worth the $$$. Are there more issues resolved like better cold weather ops/fuel effeciency/durability that i don't know about? The used ram's got 40K miles on it, and seems to be in really good condition. What do you guys think? I won't be hauling cows around or other such manly activities depicted in the commercials, mostly just my dogs and a dirt bike (and all my junk for the tri-yearly move to another AF base). I would love for this truck to be the last one I ever buy, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to splurge for something new.

 

The lift pump and VP-44 injection pump problems in the 2nd gens is something to think about.

The 2nd gens have more BOMBing stuff on the market for them (for now).

The 2nd gens are LOUDER.


The 3rd gens have problems with vibrations and rear end howling, probably because of the change to American Axle.

The 3rd gens common rail fuel engines have a lot more electronics on them, and are a LOT quieter.

It's all a matter of choice....

 

get the third gen and don't look back ... it does everything better ... you fly an F-15 ... you won't be happy with second best

 

I must disagree with you 2b2s.I just dont trust a quit diesel and the pulsed injection on the new ones creat way highe egts. So that means less hop up mods and that the second gen will be the ram in front of the pack.Plus i love my 2nd gen very much and am not ready yet to consider a new on



My thoughts and opinon JIM

 

Eagle Driver- check the engine for the dreaded #53 other than that ,liste to the other ,as they are very wise

 

The way I see it, the newer 2nd gens should have most of the kinks worked out (may not be the case for the LP), but for the most part the 2001's-2002 should be a near perfect truck. I personaly like the new looks and new engine, but things are always improving and i would like a chance for the bugs to come out and be fixed before i get any serious ideas

 

You say it's an '01.... mid way through the '01 model year, they changed from drum brakes on the rear end to disc brakes. It's a small point, but the disc is a great improvement.

Personally I have never been able to make myself take the "instant depreciation" hit on buying a new vehicle. If I'm looking for a current model year, I'll try to find a program car with ultra low miles on it or something. As long as it's been titled before and someone else absorbed that hit.......

 

yeah, my buddies 2nd gen is great... Not too excited about the depreciation off the lot for a new one. I guess I wonder about how the motor was treated in the first 40K miles of it's life. What kind of maintenance would be expected as a minimum for an 01? Another thing to consider is, if that maintenance is expensive, I could save money there too by buying a truck that's already had it done. I've driven an 03 6spd that was a little rough shifting, should I expect the same thing out of an older (01) manual trans (6spd)? Do they break in over time at all, or is it normal to have a tight tranny on a new/older truck? Keep in mind that my other vehicles (which I consider to have great trannys) have been a 97 Ram (gas) and a 97 Accord (apples vs oranges, i know).

 

no prob jimjawz, maybe i should have made a better case, we have both and from a driving standpoint the third gen does everything better .... motor upgrades to block and crank (i think) for more strength, 600 ftlbs, stronger automatic, stronger, smoother transfer, stronger axles (from what i've read in magazines ... no more clutches or axle disconnects), better mileage, stiffer frame, more interior room, bigger brakes ... etc and as far as mods go there are injectors box's and turbos for the third gens, with the big boxes coming soon,
so if anyone wants to trade a similiarly equiped third gen even up for my 2nd gen ...

 

Another overpaid flyboy......J/K

I would go with the '04. The HPCR will prove to be the most flexible fuel system, capable of huge power and low smoke and emissions. Not to mention it should be very reliable.

I bought my '02 when the '03s where already available. Part of me thinks I should have bought the 3rd gen. The other part says not a chance EVER do I regret getting my truck.

Have fun, and may your vertical stabs remain uncracked for many flights.

1LT Justin Hohn, 21R3 AFSC

 

Besides oil & filter changes, the fuel filter should be changed every 15K or sooner. Auto trans should have a fluid change @30K. 6-speed is "lifetime lube" but I would change it anyway about 30K.

The 6speeds can have rough shifting, but switching to redline MTL like I did seems to help a lot. The tight tranny a new truck is normal.

The nice thing about the 6-speed is that you have such a low first gear that you won't regret getting the 3.54 axle ratio. The 3rd gen w/ a 3.73 is geared the same when you account for the taller tires. Both will be at 2K rpm @72mph.

Anything else? The 3rd gen with a TST powermaxCR would be a NICE setup. Add the t-rex suspension and you are golden......

Justin

 

If you ask me,as long as its a Dodge with a healthy Cummins in it its a sure bet!

 

So what's up with all the vibration problems and ring and pinion failures with the 'new' American axles on the 3rd gens?

NEVER had any of these problems with the 2nd gen DANA axles....

Makes me think of waiting for the '05's to come out and they get all of the wrinkles ironed out.

 

Check out my 01 for sale in the classified section of this site, bet it beats that one with 40K on it. Mine is still under both factory warranties! Don't forget mine is an HO, 6 speed with the rear disc spoke about earlier. To a good home only.

 

Well, I ended up with a brand new 04 Ram 2500 CTD 6 Spd... After driving both the 2nd and 3rd gen's, I decided that the ride comfort (noise) was better with the 04's plus I got exactly what I wanted for under invoice. I LOVE MY TRUCK!!! Any things I should know about my new diesel in its infancy? I'm a new diesel truck owner (had a jetta diesel, but....), and would appreciate any ideas to ensure it's health in the long run. Thanks for all the inputs btw, these forums helped me buy with confidence (which is crucial when spending hella coin!).