Best year, truck, and why
#16
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Between SC,TN,VA!!!
Posts: 886
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would agree for 12v trucks the 97 or 98 trucks would be the best but if you wanted a 24v truck I'd say 2001.5 or 2002. You get the rear disc brakes with them, no 53 block to my knowledge, and no KDP. But in trade you get the VP44 and its issues. No matter what year you get they all have some problems but all can be fixed. Another reason I like the 2002 is it's the last year dodge made the 2nd gen body style and the best looking body style in my opinion.
Yea-what he said!!!- - - - - - I would go back to my 2001.5 NV5600, QuadCab, LWB, 4x4 anyday if I could. But then I drive my NEW 06 and forget all about the other's!!
#17
My '01 is exactly the truck I want. Drives & tows well and comfortable for the family. The 12 valve is great but mine pulls better (talking stock here). New ones are nice but too quiet for me and I agree that 2nd Gen looks better. Down side is the VP44 but I have decided to live with that for the rest of the truck.
#18
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
my 97 CTD has a 47RE. sure wish I had a 5sp!
that'd be the only reason I'd consider switching trucks. for another 97 or the super rare, non 53, 98 4x 5sp, long box.
don't know if it's worth all that trouble to find a non 53 98 12v. just to get 4 doors...
that'd be the only reason I'd consider switching trucks. for another 97 or the super rare, non 53, 98 4x 5sp, long box.
don't know if it's worth all that trouble to find a non 53 98 12v. just to get 4 doors...
#19
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Place with no quail:(
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Auto tranny is a non issue for me, I don't like the 98-02 dash/A/C controls, or the 03+ seats... Rear discs would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
#20
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Bucks county PA
Posts: 904
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
im going to have to say 98 12v 5speed 4x4, your choice of cab/bed configuration. And not just because I have 2. They just seem easy to upgrade. Most things like the 5600 conversion for instance seem to need less parts on a 98 and up. Of course I hate the lack of bilevel heat controll and the curvy dash wile more modern looking makes it hard to find places to put things. One of these days i really need to look into finding out if my blocks are 53's or not.
#23
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: NJ/ upstate NY weekends
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 2002 is perfect, IMHO. I can deal with the VP issue now that I can watch my FP, and its the last of the old body style. Fist time it rained the wiper blades went up past the rubber seal around the windshield. It took me 2 seconds to figure out that the last owner had installed 24" wiper blades- his parts guy obviously thought he had the 3rd gen body when the owner asked for blades for an '02.LOL
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trophystock
12 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
4
07-16-2006 11:00 AM
ernest
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
24
05-20-2006 07:17 AM