I bought an 02 h.o./6speed the end of january, and I've done nothing but sink money into since then just trying to get it to drive right, using up all my money for the "fun" stuff in the process. I'm finally at the point where all the worn out stuff is replaced and I have enough money saved to do a fass or airdog fuel system and a module (looking at getting that new quad race box with commander when its released). My problem is, the things gonna need repainted in the next few years and this truck has kinda been bad luck since I bought it, not to mention theres just a bunch of little things that keep nagging me. The clear coat is messed up in quite a few places, the worst being the roof where its actually down to the primer in a couple spots...its like someone ran around dribbling brake fluid all over the truck. The truck was dirty when I went to look at it and it was after dark when I picked it up after buying it, so I didn't see the bad spots. Anyways, I'm toying around with the idea of trading it in on an 03 with 55000miles on it that is almost exactly like I have now, just the newer body style and common rail engine. Problem is with what I owe on my truck and what its worth on trade in, I'm gonna wind up about $4500-5000 in the hole. I could afford the payments with that extra tacked onto the loan, but I'd have a hard time coming up with the money for any mods. But atleast I'd have a truck I'm happy with and hopefully wouldn't be cursed On the other hand, I could keep mine, mod it, and just suck it up and repaint it someday. What would you guys do? I'd like to make a decision before I go and buy some go fast goodies for the truck I have now.

 

oh, by the way, the truck I have now is an 02 4x4 2500, qc/8ft bed, h.o./6spd w/ 78,000miles, straight piped stock exhaust, BHAF w/heatshield, 2" leveling kit, 3rd gen track bar conversion, and SolidSteel steering box brace

 

Since you already have most things fixed, I would keep your truck and save your money. All those little things can be done one at a time whenever you get around to them. I personally love the body style of the 2nd gen's over the 3rd.

 

x2. and i have 3rd gen.

 

see I always liked the 3rd gen body style better, but got a second gen cause initial cost was cheaper and parts seem to be cheaper as well. The paint drives me nuts though cause I like to keep my stuff looking nice and I didn't wanna have to worry about rust for a long time, but those spots on the roof that are down to primer have me worried.

 

nm.........z

 

5500 is a lot to be in the hole starting on an unknown truck. I like the 3gen better too, but would stick with the 2gen for now.

 

cut your losses. sell the truck to a young dumb and full of c*m kid who is gonna pound the crap out of it. Get the other truck. If it is nicer, you can at least drive a good looking truck until you get the cash to mod it out. by the time body prep and paint is paid for, to do a good job, you will be well beyond the 5500 you are talking about. Not including the list of mods you produced. good luck.