I am in the pondering stage of buying a 2nd gen.

I have a 93 2 wd, and I am looking to get a 4wd for safety in winter driving.

extended cab

I also tow 8k of travel trailer

What should I be looking for as far as:

transmisson years are better than others (I like auto, but open to stick)
steering ( I heard there were problems with certain years)
anything else that I should be looking for in a 2 gen. pro or con.

Thanks

 

I would look for the 2001 with rear drums and 16 inch wheels. Get a standard trans and you will NEVER have an automatic transmission problem. Don't forget to look for the "53 block". If you get a 5 spd try for the NV4500HD (heavy duty) and also for the 241HD transfer case. Why 2001? Well it was the last time the truck was built and some of the early problems were fixed. Try for one with gauges installed especially fuel pressure, the stock lift pump should be 10-11 psi at idle. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

Solid advice but 02 is the last year of the 2nd gen and all have rear disk and no 53 block issue.

 

If you want a 2nd gen I'd say look for an 02, rear disc brakes and the last year they were made. If you want to mainly use it to tow your trailer I'd look at a manual as fixing an auto is more than a clutch from what I've read, I don't have a manual, I just know my auto was not cheap at all!

 

My 2001 has rear disc brakes.

 

Check for the P0216 code. Means the VP44 is headed south.

 

go with a 12v you will have fuel pump issues with the 24v I would go with a 97 or 98. If you dont mind spending a little money you can get a built up transmission and not have any problems. The 5 speeds still have their issues with 5th gear.

 

I'm a 12V guy, if you do your own maintenance they are much easier to work on, its like comparing working on a 60s something to an 90s something. Don't seem to have the lift pump problems that 24V do. Not as much HP but can be modified to bring it up pretty cheaply. I pull a 32Ft travel trailer behind mine with no mods just fine.
Floyd