I have the 92 W250 in my sig for sale because i am looking to upgrade to a 2nd or 3rd gen. Should i have any concerns looking for a 4x4 extended cab 8 foot bed truck? Sorry its a noob question but i'm kinda new to them.

 

Can of worms here.

2nd gens all suffer from lackluster front steering components and unit bearings, as well as auto tranys that don't take to power upgrades. Dashboards are junk, 24Valves have the vp44 IP that can leave you high and dry. Also remember that you are looking at 10+ year old trucks, even with low miles all the plastic junk on them is still 10+ years old, as well as door and window seals.

Looks like you are already familiar with the 3rd gens if you own an '04. The quad cab version(extended cab?, suicide doors) ended in 2002 for the 25/3500 versions. The 2003 & up are 4-door Crew cabs.

 

You will want to try and find a 1998 12 Valve x cab, they have the new interior and still have the P pump 12 valve engine. Stay away from the 1998.5 to 2000 24 valves as they have a weak 54 mexico engine block

 

Ok thanks a lot guys, just a local truck for sale I am looking for p-pumped 2nd gen atm and figured it was worth a shot. I know the trans is crap I rebuild them lol I would prefer one with a bad trans.

 

ditto on the crappy front end on second gens o well its all part of the game. personally i own a second gen (sig) and all the endless little issues aside i luv the truck. if i was to upgrade it would b to the 3rd gen-not too sure about the 4th gens yet and by second gen i meant 12v and/or p-pumped

 

I completely disagree with this statement. The Mexican blocks are known to be harder cast than usual and are preferred by guys who build em for power. IIRC they were cast in Venezuela and there is no history of them failing.

The 53 block is what to avoid, its a known bad run and can be searched fully on here.

 

I am aware of the 53 block and still haven't had the chance to look at the truck. I plan on calling him tomorrow.

 

Not all 53's were junk but no way to tell. I passed on a few when I was looking for my truck and ended up with a Mexican built Ram. It hasn't had any quality control problems I am aware of...solid, but the usual weaknesses as mentioned.

The Mex Rams vin starts with a "3". Canadians "2" and USA "1"

I'm excited for you!

 

not all second gen are junk , my 2001.5 is a great truck I have not had many problem with it and it tows 20k+ all the time , with that said I have a very good PM schedule .it still has the stock VP . the things that do need attention are ,the lift pump and a steering brace .I will agree the dash is garbage . and all of them will crack but for $400 and a few hours time a better one can be installed ,autos dont like power added unless you up grade the trans . I see a lot of 300K+ 24valve owners that are happy with there trucks .
we have 2 1st gens, 4 second gens, and 2 3rd gens and 1 12v 2nd gen of all the truck the 05 has had the least issues.

 

Yeah, I love my truck but accept that it has a few problems. Just found out today I need to do ball joints again cuz my trac bar bushing is worn. Fortunately its replaceable and only $36 from thuren.