Looking for your input. I have a line on an 02, one ton dually, 6 spd. 4x4, 50,000 kms. Need it for a larger 5th wheel. Is the 02 six speed tranny the same as the 03's and 04's. Should I hold out and get one of the new ones? A liittle noise doesn't bother me.
I here this was the best built truck for dodge up to that year. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

It's the same trans. The 02's are the best of the 2nd gens. Everything had been ironed out by then. The 03 and 04's have a little more power and are supposed to ride better, but i've seen some really good deals on 02's because alot of people are looking for 03's and 04's instead.

 

Thanks erics 76. Right now I have a 2500 auto. just not enough payload.

 

See my signature - I wouldn't want to go back to only 325 BHP and 600 lb-ft torque at the flywheel with an 04.5 truck!

Seriously, we tow a 13,500 lb 5th wheel and hit the road at 10,380 lbs GVW (10,500 GVWR) and 21,180 lbs GCW (21,500 lbs GCWR with 4.10 gears) with our 2WD 2002 3500. (You probably already know, but the ETH/DEE in my signature is the Cummins HO with the NV5600 6-speed - same transmission as the new trucks.) It has never been back to the dealer for anything since we took delivery - no warranty-related problems whatsoever. Even the original lift pump still makes 16+ PSIG at idle and 11-12 at WOT! It will pull our 5th wheel far faster than I care to tow it!

Rusty

 

JKA, the 5 or 6 speed with definately be better than the auto. Rusty-same here no warranty work, got my 2500 truck in april 02, and the work 3500 in dec. 01, so it's been almost 2.5 years. The only problem at all is the brake light switch went out in december on the 2500. $12.50 at the parts store, replaced it myself. No problems at all with the 3500 and it gets used hard almost every day.