Looking for a 3500, need input
01-16-2003 | 11:55 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
From: Idaho
Looking for a 3500, need input
My boss told me to get on that web sit I belong to and ask around about 2nd Gen. 3500 4x4's, so here I am. He wants a one ton CTD 5 or 6spd 4x4 and wanted to know if there was anything to look out for with these trucks. It took me the better part of a year to convince him that his powerjokes wern't cutting the mustard for our work trucks, they keep falling apart, big suprise 
. We really work these trucks, hauling and pulling WAY to much with them. He is a logger and none to easy on his stuff so he is going to buy a real truck now and stop messing around. What should we be looking for in the way of specs, good stuff and bad stuff with these trucks.
. We really work these trucks, hauling and pulling WAY to much with them. He is a logger and none to easy on his stuff so he is going to buy a real truck now and stop messing around. What should we be looking for in the way of specs, good stuff and bad stuff with these trucks.
01-17-2003 | 08:20 AM
#2
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Waller Co. Texas
Re:Looking for a 3500, need input
The biggest problem with the 24v isb's would IMO, be the electric lift pump. Easy fix to add a pusher pump, and install gauge to watch the pressure. I have 61000 on one truck and 31000 on the other, they seem to be doing fine ;D
01-17-2003 | 09:00 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:Looking for a 3500, need input
Tx ram is right about the lift pumps in the 24valves, starting around 1998ish I believe. Also, be careful with the 5 speeds. There has been some trouble with the 5th gear nut coming off and piling up gears. The 6spd rectified that problem. Other than that, you can pretty much abuse the &%@# out of these things, just do regular maintanance.
01-17-2003 | 12:19 PM
#4
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Montana
Re:Looking for a 3500, need input
The camper package will get you the 11,500 GVW rating with a overload spring and rear swaybar. They quit building the front axle disconnects mid year so some will have it, some won't. I would look for one with the disconnects. the LS axle option is also nice with a dually. I find myself in 4 wheel drive more oftern than with my last SRW truck. The leather seats are a real backsaver if you travel on rough roads a lot.
01-17-2003 | 04:47 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:Looking for a 3500, need input
The chassis model has an enclosed box frame from front to end. The bed model has a "C" frame from the front back to the rear axle and then an enclosed box frame to the end, up to the '02 model year. In '02, they extended the box frame from the end to the front of the bed.
So if you're hauling and pulling, you might consider the chassis model or the '02.
I second the camper package and the limited slip rear diff. It makes a difference. All 3500 4x4's have the NP241 HD transfer case, which has a heavier chain and bearings than the 2500's (where it's an option).
Expect to replace the 235 street tires with 255-85's if you're logging and off-road.
GP
So if you're hauling and pulling, you might consider the chassis model or the '02.
I second the camper package and the limited slip rear diff. It makes a difference. All 3500 4x4's have the NP241 HD transfer case, which has a heavier chain and bearings than the 2500's (where it's an option).
Expect to replace the 235 street tires with 255-85's if you're logging and off-road.
GP
01-17-2003 | 05:06 PM
#6
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, South Carolina
Re:Looking for a 3500, need input
I know a guy that had a 3500, 4x4 ext cab, long bed. It was a 97 and only had 29,000 miles. His email is, brad@lenzauto.com<br><br>I know nothing about him or his dealership. I just know he had this truck and I spoke with him about it. Seemed like a decent rig.<br><br>gary
01-17-2003 | 08:14 PM
#7
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 1
From: Kerrville eastern new mexico, west texas
Re:Looking for a 3500, need input
If you are going to haul a lot of weight get a exhaust brake. As you can tell i'm on my second one. Be sure to use load range E tires. The best ones i've had luck with is michelin xps traction. Change the trans fluid about every 40 to 50 k if you tow a lot. They are the only truck that i can use for my hauling and for the job sit
Trending Topics
01-21-2003 | 12:02 AM
#9
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Squamish British Columbia
Re:Looking for a 3500, need input
If you're going up and down logging roads like they do up here I'll agree with the exhaust brakes and you will notice that the incredible low rpm torque is great on real hills (15% or more) that you don't have to rev the snot out of them like the V8's
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Joe Diesel
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
1
11-12-2007 09:59 AM
BMH95
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
2
01-16-2006 12:44 PM
snowsdog
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
5
07-10-2005 02:41 AM
HammerMTB
Performance and Accessories 2nd gen only
5
11-10-2003 07:24 PM