I'm looking to buy a newer dodge dually 4x4. By newer for me, I mean something bewteen 1998-2003. That's about all I can afford. I would really prefer a manual cause I would think they would be better for pulling a 34 triaxle gooseneck than and auto would be and I would assume the mpg would also be better if I went with a manual. Now that being said, I would prefer a 4door, 4wd dually. I want something I can mod that wont cost me thousands of dollars for more power. I'm not looking to drag race it just pull my gooseneck which at times may see 20,000 alone, loaded.

I have a line on a 98 4door, 4wd dually. It's a 12 valve also but it's an auto. Would you guys go for the 12 valve auto or would you look for a manual 24 valve. U guys have already commented about the VP pumps of the 98 1/2 - 2002 models. I don't know what to do, would i be alot happier with the manual or the auto ? What about mpg, is there a big difference in those years or between auto and manual of those years? What's better 3.54 or 4.10's ? The trailer will only be getting pulled a few times a month and I live in Wisconsin. Pretty much a flatlander. Also One last question. Are the 4dr's from 98 - 2004 all the same size or are some years bigger ? Seems to me the Mega cab (whatever year that came out) is the only full size rear cab like a chevy or ford. The crew cabs I have seen (the 4doors) in the dodge's look pretty small to me. Thanks for all your help and advice. Sorry for all my questions and rambling but this is beating me up on which way to go.

Matt

 

Only go auto if you want to replace your tranny over and over.
98-02 "QUAD-CABS" are a extended cab with doors in the back.
03-up crew cabs are a true four door truck,but the back door is smaller then the front door. Mega cabs are the same small rear door but the seats are moved back into the extra(MEGA) cab.
Looking for a dually you should have good luck finding a well cared for truck.
Go with the 5 or 6 speed and you won't regret it. Spend as much as you can so you get the nicest truck.

 

I would look for an 03' quad cab with a 6 speed. HPCR engine has no VP44 worries, and a lot quieter.

 

I think that a 1998.0 would be a great year to look for. Even though 03+ are nice trucks, in my opinion nothing beats the fully mechanical diesel engine with no computers or electrical pumps to go out on you.

 

I 2nd that.

 

hi
now im skeered .
how many times should i have replaced my auto trany by now?

stock with a tfod-diesel shift kit 287,000 mi.

 

You also should check to 98 to 2001 trucks for 53 block. That will help with your decision.

 

I don't think you need to be skeered at all. If you drove it that long, your driving style is so un-abusive that you can make anything work.

 

Me too, Only replaced mine once & dont plan on it again full billet DTT