bigboost

Hello,and Thank You for having me as a member.I have yet to purchase a CTD. but I am ready to go with the best.I wan't a long bed,4x4,ext. cab,single rear tire but for the wright price I will go with a dually.I would like to know some opinions on what year is the best for doing upgrades?Auto or Man?I won't be doing any heavy trailer pulling with it or snow plowing.I will have to buy used anywhere from 1997-2001.I would appreciate any feedback I can get.Thank You,Michael

thumper 549

Probly get the newest you can afford as the early ones have a few quirks in the early years (I have one)
for me I would want it under warentee if I was not made of $$$$$$$$$.
the ones with the cpc behind the starter can be the worst
(crank counter)

billg

Hello Bigboost and welcome to the site. As far as what year, pick your poison. In the years you’ve shown interest in there is the 1st gen and 2nd gen trucks. They went from the 12 valve (1st gen) to the 24 valve (2nd gen) in 1998.5 then in 2003 I think is the start of the 3rd gen. Each group has their own little quirks. Here is a link to some good information on these trucks. http://www.dodgeram.org/support_pgs/diesel_ix.htm
He has them broke down differently then most (his 1st and 2nd gens are first gens everywhere else and his 3rd gens should be 2nd gens.). Otherwise the info on this site is pretty good. Don’t know who is right on the breakdown.
Your decision will come down to how you like to do your modifications (all hardware it will be 1st gens, if you like hardware and computer upgrades 2nd and 3rd gen). I’ve had both and found them both to be good trucks. After all they both have a Cummins.
Good luck with your search.

DODGE4X4

Well you can see my truck from my signature and the only thing I would change if I could would for it to be a 6 speed High Output Cummins. If you are looking at a truck I would ask to see the maintenance records for it and look to see if it is #53 block. Other than that I hope you get yourself a good truck and have fun with it.

ddestruel

1st gen 89-93 used rotary pump 12 valve motors
Leaf Springs, boxy body, getrag tranny (weak link), dana axles with hubs

2nd gen 94-98.5 used inline pump 12 valve motors
inline pump is nearly bullet proof, long low maintence life span, Dana axles no front locking hubs, coil front suspension rides better, NV4500 five speed an improvement over the getrag, new bodylines 94-2002. 98 brought the introduction of hydro assist brakes. In 98 Extended cab became Quad cab. Different HP #'s for different models and years most desirable is 96-98 manual tranny 215 HP non-california 49 state truck.

2nd gen 98.5-2002 used eletronic rotary pump on 24 valve motors
Same body lines, the 24v motor, same suspension minor upgrades, 2001.5 introduced rear disk brakes, in late 99 or 2000 a nv5600 six speed became an option, as with previous years different HP options, 5spds and autos use the same HP #'s and most 6spds are ETH HO motors with slightly higher #'s. in 2001 6spds changed input shafts and went to a larger clutch, this can be retrofitted there are options. Lift pump failure is an evident problem be prepared to monitor your fuel pressure with a guage and possibly upgrade to a pusher system. Lift pump failure can result in VP rotary injection pump failure if not addressed soon.

3rd gen 2003 + Cant help you here but i have heard alot of good things

GrandpasRam

Good post ddestruel; right on the money. I had a '99 3500 dually, and the 6speed was not available, and neither was the HO. The lift pump went out at 65K miles, and was replaced under warranty, and now has 100K miles on it with no other issues (my son owns that one now). I now have the '03 (see signature) and have had no issues so far at all with 17K miles on it. I must say I really like the '03 for its quietness, and with 65% city/35% highway I'm averaging 17.4MPG with it. I got a 1 MPG increase at about 13K miles, so it is just now starting to break-in a little.
Welcome to the site BigBoost. I hope the information I gave helps a little, but like the others said: look closely, test drive to see what you like best. Every auto make/model has its own set of issues, so just compare the cost of the known issues (and their solutions) and make an informed decision. Good shopping, and good luck.

bulthisl

Good info !
Except Hydro Boost Brakes started in 97 not 98.
I wish they were on my 96.


: Eddie :

ddestruel

OOPS My bad Hope the rest of the info and brief mopar history helps

bigboost

Thank You for all the feedback.I will be doing more research and buying very soon.Thanks again,Michael