I currently have a 2004 CTD but its a short bed w/an auto. I would like a long bed with a 6 speed and found a 2002 that looks to fit the bill. However, I know more about the 3rd generations and nothing about the 2nd generations so I am coming to the experts.

I am also in the process of making my own biodiesel so I believe the 2002 would do better on that as well then my 3rd generation.

I also found a really nice, low miles 2000 CTD for a great price. What are differences between the 2000 and a the 2002?

Any and all comments are welcome.

 

Too many difference to list here....... but most are subtle improvements that reduce mx costs down the road. Do a search; differences have been covered often. My 02 has been very reliable .....even at high HP and doing frequent drag racing!

Other than a fan blade through the radiator (warranteed), an injector pump at 90,000 and front wheel bearings at 140,000..... I've had no surprises in 150,000 miles.

RJ

 

Don't go backwards. I love my truck, but what you have is a great truck. Seems like you like it, and know a fair amount about it so I'd search for a 3rd gen long bed and call it a day.

I see a lot of people buy 2nd gens with a VP44 and end up kicking themselves for it.

 

Admittedly the biggest drawback to the 98.5-2002 trucks, but I still love this truck. One of the biggest differences is in 02 they went to disc rear brakes.

 

Good point....I assumed he was looking to buy a second CTD?

That and a Dash that doesn't crack everytime the sun hits it!

RJ

 

Good point. Are you trading in, or building the collection up?

 

Thanks for the info and advice guys. I was looking to sell my 2004 and yes go backwards. Info like the rear's having disc brakes is what I was looking for.

I love my truck, I'm just kicking myself for not getting a long bed from the start. There are a few 2004's out there with decent mileage, I guess I'll keep looking or give up and keep mine.

 

I love my '02, but it has been my experience that the dash is no better at resisting cracks than other 2nd gen Rams. However, I feel like Dodge had worked out MOST of the bugs with the 2nd gen trucks by the time the '02's rolled out, most notably being the brake system. Overall, the truck seems more refined than previous models.

Rob

 

My 99 is sitting on 180000 and is a good truck except for that stupid 44 pump. Some people have good luck and then some have no luck. Personally, I would stay away from anything with that stupid 44 pump but that is just me.

 

I own a 12 valve, so the VP-44 issues don't apply for me. Personally with the number of comments made on this site alone about the lift pump (and subsequent vp-44) failing unexpectedly, sometimes even soon after the pump has been changed, I am personally avoiding them. This is too bad, as I like the idea of an extended cab (backward-swing rear doors), the '02's rear discs, and the body style seems more attractive to me than the 3rd gen. However I've also noted many problems with rust (seems like that got worse in later years) and some other detail problems that might lead to more maintance and headaches overall.

How badly do you need an 8' box? Have you considered a folding bed extender?

 

I personally believe the BAAAAAAAAD rep of the VP-44 is over emphasised. On sites like this one, we hear about every single VP-44 that fails. We seldom her of the CTD's that have gone 250,000 miles with no pump failure.... or all the pumps that are still going strong at whatever mileage.

Plus, newer replacement pumps, with their upgraded electronics are holding up much better. For a while they were not, but I think all those have been bgt up long ago. These first rebuilts were the source of more bad press because a few owners have gone through 2 pumps in 150,000 miles.

I would not pass on a nice 02 just because it had a VP-44!

RJ

 

I replaced the stock lift pump with the airtex last summer. I am still on the original vp with 140000 miles. i love my truck except the auto tranny, but i can deal with it.