Gentlemen I'm new here and just wanted to say that the site looks great. Definetly one of the better forums I've seen as of late. That being said...

I'm planning in the near future to invest in a Ram 2500 diesel. I used to own a 2001 Ram 1500 5.2L, short cab, short bed. That's the body style I'm looking for.

As for performance, I'm not terribly interested in towing capacities or load barring abilities. This truck (if all goes according to plan ) will recieve a small lift, probably 4 inches, a good set of A/T tires. This is all of course before I delve into performance modifications.

This will by no means be a show truck or a dyno queen. I plan to drive hard on open streches of highway, and offroad on the ocasional weekend.

Now here in lies the quesion. What year and model dodge would best suit my needs?

 

Welcome to DTR.
Unfortunately, you can't get a std. cab short bed in a 2500. How 'bout an extended cab short bed? If you liked your '01, get a '98 - '02 and it'll be basically the same truck but better. '98.5 and up are electronically controlled, meaning that minor mods are plug in simple. Since you're not towing heavy, get a truck with 3.54 gears, steer clear of the 4.10's.

 

98 12 valve bar none,,easier to turn up the ponies and has the updated interior. I owned a 2000 and hated the plug and play aspect of it. Cheaper HP can be had on the 12 valves.

 

That's a picture of my former truck. Essentially that's the body style and size I'm going for, tho I know when upgrading to a 2500 I'm going to have to get a bit longer.

I'm not going to waste peoples time by lying. The truck I'm looking for, aside from going offroading on the weekends, will take more then a few runs down a quartermile track. Whatever I find isn't going to stay stock for very long.

Essentially I'm looking for a short bed, manual transmition 4x4 2500. The picture above shows the body styling I would prefer. Reliability as well as baseline power and performance are also essential.

I've always had a special place in my heart for dodge trucks. For several years my daily driver was a 95 3500 cummings duely.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have a 98 12v Quad Cab Short bed...and I love it!!! I wish it was a manual, but Im still very happy with it. It has a 4.5" SJ lift and 37" Boggers. Im hoping to get close to 400hp...eventually. So far all I have is an AFE system, stock cam plate slide all the way forward and the startwheel cranked all the way. It is AWESOME offroad, but could use a lil more road manners. Kind of a killer on fuel milage.

Heres a pic...you can find more info at My Website or at my Car Domain Page

 

a 98 12valve 5spd 4x4 is about the most coveted truck out there...i search just about everyday for it but most of the time to no avail...they are out there...just have to take the time to find it.... with the 98.4 u get the 12 valve, quad cab, and updated interior...a plus in my book!

 

In my opinon the 98 12 Valve QC 4x4 5spd was the best truck dodge ever made and ever will make !!

 

[quote author=SmokinDodge12V link=board=8;threadid=21852;start=0#msg204740 date=1067820476]
In my opinon the 98 12 Valve QC 4x4 5spd was the best truck dodge ever made and ever will make !!
[/quote]

DITTO......hard to find since the short boxes were only made for 3-6 months.....

 

98 12 valve or a VERY late build 03.

 

MINE!! ;D ;D

4x4

 

Yeah.....Ive seen your pics......made me drool....wanna trade??? ;D

Thats flavour of truck is a little hard to find......especially one as nice as yours....

 

Best year? My 95 or 97. Both 2500's and 12V. Got the best mileage and had the best luck with those two trucks. Sold them at 285,500 and 197,250 miles respectively. Everything exc brakes and tie rods was oem.

 

Dr. Evil, If you were talking to me I think I'll stick with mine.

 

4X4,

I was in fact referring to your truck......awesome looking machine..and great pics as well...

Oh well, I may still find a 98 SB.