97 all the way. Although the quad cab opening rear doors are nice.

 

98 12valve quad cab! Not that I am biased or anything.

 

I just found a 98.4 shortbed, sport, white in a dealer lot here. They are asking 12.8k for it, the truck has 160k mi on it. I told my neighbor who recently lost his truck, he is a Ford PS man but he went to look and came back saying he will buy a Ram. Not sure if he has decided, but I told him that 98.4 is precious. I wish I had the money to buy that one...
-P
P.S. It is also automatic, SLT / leather and has a plastic bed liner that can be easily replaced with something nicer.

 

2002 2500 QCLB 4x4 6spd HO Hmmmm....sort of looks like the one below...LOL...

 

Some people are like slinkies...not really good for anything, but seeing one tumble down the stairs makes you smile!

****This quote almost made me wet myself.

Seriously, My family all retired from GM (could have used the employee discount on a Duramax but I just wanted a Cummins) and they agree with you. You are right on both ends of the model run. Never get the first year anything, second year can be a little dicey too. And the last year they just don't care anymore, they are trying to get the next model run set up. I have an 01 with HO & 6 speed manual. It's a plain ST model quad with a few options like cloth seats/carpet/A-C and functional upgrades. Fewer toys = fewer repairs. It also has the 4 wheel disks with ABS which was a nice plus up from the previous year's rear drums, and I got it in Sept. 2000 so it definitely isn't an '01.5

My HO/6 speed is great, but too bad the mechanics at the dealer don't see more of them because they sucked at diagnosing a leak on my heavy duty transfer case. They replaced EVERYTHING (under warranty thank god) between the transfer case housing to the rear axle (seals, housings, driveline, etc) a couple of times until I convinced Chrysler to replace the entire transfer case. When they dropped it out of the truck they noticed a vent line on top of the case was clogged with mud. They replaced the vent line for about $100 and solved the problem. Only took 18 months, at least $5000 in warranty charges, repeated calls to Chrysler, etc.

 

Kind of like Microsoft. Wait awhile to upgrade to the new OS so they can get the bugs out then do it before they stop selling the old and introduce the new. I don't buy the first year of any new vehicle body style or drivetrain any more. Been burned too many times. From my standpoint, the next-to-the-last year of that generation is best. If you wait until the last year, you may get something built from whatever parts the factory has left over.

 

I hear alot of ppl say 97 is but I'm curious what the difference is between 96 and 97's?

 

Pay the money for a good '92 .After all for the most part that's near the end of a 20 year plus run .

 

Yea, I'm in the same boat as you. The only difference I know of is that the '97 used the hydroboost brakes. The electronics were a little different on the 97's too (well, they're a little different on almost all years). I guess people like them because 97's are the newest ones you can get with a 12v that were made for a 12v, no weird stuff like the '98. There's also a chance of having a 53 block with a 97 I believe. If I were in the market, would I look only for a '97? I don't know... Same analogy applies, would I buy a '96 over a '95? I just like the fact that the '97 is a year newer. Other than that I think the 96 thru 97 trucks are very very similar. Actually, 94-98 are all very similar, engine-wise. '96 and up have some extra ABS electronics that my '95 didn't have.

What month do they start making the truck for the next year? Like my truck was made in Oct. 95 and it's a "1996" model. When did they stop making the 96's and start the 97's?

 

I really enjoy the inline 6 with a longbed there workhorses.

IF I were you I would go with something that can get the job done but can still smoke rice all day long.

 

I'm agree with either a 97 or a 98 12v or a 01.5 or 02 24v. I'm very happy with my 02 24v. It doesn't have the wheel well liners,hood insulation,overhead consul,or the storage tray behind the seat. It might not have certian things but they are things I can live without. I've only had a few problems with my truck...LP and IP at 85,000 miles and a valve body at 65,000. other than that its just been wear and maintenace items. Do a little research before you purchase. If you are looking for reliability, get a 12v and take care of the Killer Dowel Pin. If you want a little more modern truck get a later 24v, like an 01.5 or an 02. The 01.5 and 02s have the rear disc brakes which make a big differance in stopping compared to the rear drum brakes. I have had both.

 

I like the disc brakes on the 01...feels better. This said I really like the looks of the sport package with the painted bumpers...

I think it all comes down to the particular truck you are looking at. I try to evaluate each on a case by case basis whenever I'm in the market for a used vehicle. There are just way to many factors to determine which truck would be the "right" one for any buyer...I did like the 98.5's and the '01's when I was looking.

 

Get the 1.5-02 QC LB HO, 5 or 6 speed. Mine has wheel liners & hood liner. $6 at wally world got me rear cup holders. Did I mention Disc brakes all-around?
No issues at all, up to a week ago, AC condersor under warranty. Most people with the 02's have expressed no issues at all. These models hold their value & are sought out by many.

 

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