ckennedy

ok - to make things simple.. looking to buy a dodge 2500 automatic 4x4... new to dodge and diesels.. I am a national parks type person who may pull a tailer... do not use my truck for working/etc...Was looking at 04 new ones and 04 used 2500.. can't seem to get the price down so thought about getting one with NO MORE then 50 to 70,000 miles... I like the body style of the 02's and found out you can put the new white face dials in the 02's.... the real question is are there any issues on buying a 2nd gen. diesel... ie: engine/trans/etc.... or should I just try to get a 3rd. gen type diesel... The real problem with trying to get a new "used" diesel is the price isn't mush lower then a new one....(sorry for posting a engine/trans general question here... it is I am just asking some general questions.. )

zulusafari

Yeah, these trucks hold onto their value. Kind of good and bad. If you go 2nd Gen 24v, the 01.5 and 02's seem to be the best. 02's lost some standard parts like fender inserts and rear cupholders, but should have the best VP44 injection pumps, improved lift pump design, etc. The 01.5's & 02's have rear disc brakes that I can attest as superior to the 01 drums. If you get a 2nd Gen truck, have the lift pump checked out ASAP. They are a trouble spot, since if they die, the VP44 has to pump all the fuel. This bites, since the VP44 is lubricated/cooled by the fuel only, and isn't capable of moving enough fuel on its own to survive. Instead, it relies on the lift pump to supply enough fuel for these chores, with the excess returning to the tank.

I haven't had any issues with my 47re, but the 48re is supposed to be much improved. That may be a factor to getting a 3rd Gen for you. I guess it depends on your power desire and anticipated modifications. Having a manual and an exhaust bake will make towing much easier, if you like to row your own gears.

Regardless, test drive the trucks at all speeds, including upper highway speeds. Check for excessive vibrations and steering looseness. Our trucks are plagued with the geometry problems of a solid front axle and coil springs (4x4 trucks, at least. I've never driven a 2wd Dodge before. Funny, I never realized that before....) and worn parts create handling problems.

I love my 01.5 24v auto 4x4, and wish you happy hunting for yours!