I'm thinking of adding another truck to the stable and was hoping you all can help me out. What years of both generations are worth looking at and which ones aren't and why. I plan on keeping my 1st gen but getting another one to replace my Nissan Xterra which I found gets horrible gas mileage. Also if anyone has a gasser that gets decent mileage let me know what years to look for. I am going to be looking at quad cab 4x4's so I can fit the family and also tow a 18' tag-along camper.

Thanks in advance for your input it will help me out in making my decision.

 

first build 04. Just before they put the cats back on in 04.5

Good power, injector bugs mostly worked out from the early isbe, fairly smooth truck, closer to fullsized back seat. Still not quite there, but closer than the 98.5 - 02 models.

Quieter overall ride, although they still drive down the road like a sheet of plywood in a crosswind. That is simply a dodge thing, we do what we can... and then live with it.

In the older years, unless you can find a decent 98 with a 12 valve, you get to deal with vp44 issues, lift pumps, bad steering, etc.

However, if you must have one, the 01.5 is the way to go. Best brakes, still had the CAD in the front axle, quad cab, although I wouldn't subject anyone to a long ride in the back seat. 235hp ISB. I have put 235,000 km on mine since new, and other than a whole bunch of vp44s and lift pumps, its been reasonably solid for the weight it hauls. The rest has been mostly maintenance items.

 

Pind Thanks for the input.
I know there is more people out there that can give me some of the pro's and con's to both gens so lets hear it. Another thing I would like to see is a fuel Fuel mileage comparison if possible.
Thanks

 

What body style do you prefer?I have an 01 and an 05.I still love the 2nd gen body and sound.I like my 05 alot also.They each have their up sides.I haven't had any vp issues to date(185k miles),seems like the H.O.'s didn't have as many problems with them.My dream truck would still have to be a low mileage 98 12V 5spd 4x4 dually.Great reliability and mileage.I can't comment on the over all reliability of my 05 as I don't put enough miles on it and its far from stock so any future failures might be a result of the mods.The 01 3500 has been great.Pulls everyday weighing in at 19k lbs GCW.No major malfunctions to date,just regular wear and tear parts.I say get whats appealing to you and then replace all the common weak links in advance and enjoy it.

 

Mine is an 04 quad cab, and I love it, the only problem I have had with mine was a chaffed wire to the tranny that was causing issuesbut other than that it has been a flawless machine, you can see the mods I have in my signature and it is coming due for a front end rebuild (it has had a few years hard work in the oilfield) and new injectors (mainly due to the chip). The only other problem I have had from it at all is that my display lines in my odometer burned up so I can't read the mileage on it anymore. Otherwise a solid purchase.

 

Simple......12 Valve. Preferably with a manual. 97-98 has hydroboost.

 

Ryan, i would stay away from anything with a VP in it but thats just my opinion. The CR engines are very good. Coming from experience i would much rather sit in the back of a 3rd gen verse a 2nd gen. I have buddies with both and we used to carpool down to the fire academy in bucks county (1.25 hrs away) and i would dread the ride in the back of the 2nd gen vs the 3rd. As far as towing my buddy with his stock 3rd gen tows his 29ft travel trailer without a issue.

 

As you can see from my sig, we have both - a second and third generation body style

The VP44 is only an issue to some. Knock on wood, but I have 173K on the original injector pump, and the previous owner replaced the lift pump just to be on the safe side.

Right now there are deals to be had. A lot of people that bought trucks to use as grocery getters are now bailing to be a part off the "new chic" culture of econo-boxes and hybrids.

As far as utility, the '03 outpulls and outdrives the '01. The 3rd gen quad cab is better suited for families. The '01 does sound better, and the 3.54:1 differential with antilock keeps the engine revving slower and doesn't "lock up" as harshly as the AA 11" does.

As for other concerns, the upgraded stereo is better in the '03 than the premium sound system in the '01. The seats are better in the '03, the dash layout is better in the '01 (although prone to cracks).

I would shop hard and find exactly what I want. Don't settle on any item. If you want a manual (real) transmission, don't settle for a Mini-Van-O'Matic, if you want white, don't settle for green, if you want a quad cab, don't settle for a single cab. There are laid off people out there with payments due that are willing to work a deal. If you have cash (that's how I shop) you can get exactly what you want!

Good hunting!

 

had both and they all have problems just not the same except for the lp upto the 04 model. liked my 03 the best