Doesnt matter. My 02 had more low end than my 07. That was with 3.55's and 4.10's. Both manual trannies. When I hit 10,000 miles, the smarty will hopefully fix that. Just want to keep the stock clutch.

 

**** you guys are great!
I expected maybe one response.

I appreciate all the help. It makes me want a dodge diesel a bit more knowng I have some real support for any issues that may arise.

Heres a little history and goals for you guys.

I currently own a 97 4.6 ford expedition with 138K It has towed a bobcat, race car, boat and jet ski almost everywhere it has ever gone!

It has only had a alternator and a coil pack to date.
The rear is starting to make some noise and I don't trust it towing 6 hrs+ anymore.
Its now my work truck.

My wifes mother has a 2005 dodge 2500 hemi and after towing with it I started looking for a dodge but soon decided . I needed another turbo in my life(like a hole in my head LOL)

My drag car is 900 HP with a T88 ball bearing so I like power a bit.

I want to tow 100+ mph when ever I want up any hill.

I have a 1 yr old so back seat is necessity.

Bad transmissions and towing race cars are a bad situation. Lots of $$ in the trailer I'd like to get to my destination.(They always break down in the hood for some reason)

Also racing leaves me with a small (yeah right small) cash flow problem so The cheaper I can buy a reliable powerful truck the better.

I do construction in the north east so 4x4 is needed.

You guys need to go easy with the lfit pump this and the single rail that without an explanation. I am a diesel retard here don't forget!

I can buy an 02 extended with 50K that is mint, mint, mint, for 18,900 auto and the ugliest cloth interior money could buy. LOL

NOt a big fan of the loud diesel and I think it will look really old in a another year or two with the new stuff coming out.
I want a nice looking truck.

I drove an 05 tdiesel the other day and it had wayyyyy more power than the 03's I drove.

Id like to stay in the 20,000 or less range if possible and lowest miles possible.
but resale is a priority too.

I have also been pretty impressed with the hemi and I am keeping that as an alternative.

I don't want a big anchor, I mean payment!

Thanks for the help. Hope that lets you guys know what I am looking for, Its just the holy grail really.LOL

 

Anybody got any info on the 02 and what I should look for/stay away from?

Is that 02 for $18,900 and 50K a good deal. The truck is spotless but I have had some say the transmissions are garbage in those?

 

look on ebay, many different trucks. I personnally would stay away from the autos. I like manuals as they seem to be bulletproof. Lift pumps are the only thing I would worry about. It all depends on if you want a four door or extended cab, and if you want the quieter diesel and what you are willing to pay. I liked my 02. Just needed a dually.

 

I think I am going to look for an 03. The 02 is mint but I don't want to be worying about a transmission all the time. I really don't want a stick so I think the 03 with the 48 vs the 47 is the right move.

They aren't that much difference in money really.

I am going to look for something with some of the aftermarket parts already installed. Whats the best parts to look for on one of these?

I am sure I will find out later (after I buy an 03) that the 02 is easier to swap a bigger turbo or something. Seems to be the way it works for me.I tyrust you guys to steer me staright though.

Thanks for the info Much appreciated.

 

How are the front ends compared to each other? I know the front ends on 2nd gens can go through balljoins, track bars, steering components, and basically anything in the suspension like it's their job.

Also, how does the 48RE do with performance goodies. Is it as prone to sucking as a 47RE is? By sucking, I mean the 47RE does not do well in stock form let alone upgraded. A used truck and transmission is also something to consider in comparison to eachother.

 

I have heard the same thing about the 03's . Especially U joints and seals

 

there are a lot of things i miss about my 02, but they made up with the newer versions. The ride quality of the 02 was lacking somewhat, but I swear i got 3-4 more mpgs out of that truck. I had the vp44 go out but i didn't run a gauge when i put my edge on so thats really my fault on that one. I've had some problems w/ my 05 but all in all it's a stouter truck. Just really liked how the 02 looked compared also.

 

How would the gauge have changed that?
I am new so Trying to learn the ins and outs of these trucks.

 

He may have been able to save the VP44 by not running it with too little fuel pressure, which has been determined to kill them in a heartbeat.

 

Thanks for the input. Does the low out put 03 have the same issues VP44 etc. I kow it has the 47re right?

 

Not to high jack this thread but I am looking at the same years. I found an 02with 47,000 miles on it and it is excellant condition. An 03 with the same miles is about $5000 to $6500 more. I am new to Diesel trucks and have been doing some research while I am stuck here in Kuwait. I do not plan on putting any mods on it and it will be used to pull my Jeep to and from trail. I just can not see it worth the extra money for what I am going to use it for or I am wrong.