New here...did I do good?

[Burch]

Hello everyone,
I have been shopping for a truck for about 6 months now. I can't justify buying a new truck for all most 50k. So I have been searching for awhile now and I found a 2002 SLT with the 5.9 and only has 83000 miles on it. The body on this thing is showroom!! I bought it from the original owner and he took damn good care of this thing.
My questions are...What do I need to keep an eye on?
How is this thing when towing?(I have a 7000lb camper)
What are the problem areas?
I am sure I will have more questions as I go.
Thanks for your time.

 

[x4beast79210]

new here too, .. welcome to you and me

 

[Harley Harrold]

Welcome aboard to you both.

 

[Rokmonanoff]

welcome

welcome.

 

[Burch]

Thanks for the warm welcome.
Anyone have any answers to my questions?
Have another question too... What is the difference between a 2002 2nd and 3rd gen?

 

[RonJon '06]

Thanks for the warm welcome.
Anyone have any answers to my questions?
Have another question too... What is the difference between a 2002 2nd and 3rd gen?

The difference could just be the body style, I'm not sure what else...

One problem with the 5.9L is that the plenum gasket on the intake manifold is prone to failure causing the engine to burn oil. There is a sticky in the 2nd gen section with a good write up on how to fix it. You'll probably get more answers in the second gen section since there are a lot more 5.9L guys over there. Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Hooker52]

Welcome! I have an 02' 5.9L 1500 also.

In 2002 the 1500's were 3rd Gen Body style and the 2500 & 3500s were 2nd Gen Bodies.

As for the truck, the 2002 1500s Engine and Tranny were the same as the 2nd Gens. There are pros and cons to that.

Pros: Parts are cheaper, repair is cheaper. Tranny replacement is cheaper if needed etc...

Cons: The 5.7l Hemis are obviously sweet engines and the trannys are more solid. BUT.....they are a hell of a lot more expensive to repair and maintain. Tune ups are about twice as expensive.

 

[Jarhead57]

Welcome to the group guys

 

[89gtcs]

Welcome! I have an 02' 5.9L 1500 also.

In 2002 the 1500's were 3rd Gen Body style and the 2500 & 3500s were 2nd Gen Bodies.

As for the truck, the 2002 1500s Engine and Tranny were the same as the 2nd Gens. There are pros and cons to that.

Pros: Parts are cheaper, repair is cheaper. Tranny replacement is cheaper if needed etc...

Cons: The 5.7l Hemis are obviously sweet engines and the trannys are more solid. BUT.....they are a hell of a lot more expensive to repair and maintain. Tune ups are about twice as expensive.

^Spot on. The 5.9 is a strong engine and I've seen many with 300k miles when properly maintained. The trans is the weak point, but there are plenty of good replacements out there. It should have plenty of power for your towing needs, but check the tow ratings in the owners manual to be sure.

 

[Egress]

I know what you mean. I bought a new Dodge in 2008 and have been kicking myself in the rear end ever since. When I got back from being in Korea and Italy I wanted another truck but also couldn’t see dropping the bank on a new truck. I ended up with a 2003 4.7 SLT. My truck had one owner, and old man named Clayton who kept the truck in a garage its whole life.

I don’t know anything about the hemi, except for it is reliable. The only thing I would advise you to keep an eye out for since apparently it’s an ongoing issue with these trucks is the potential for leaking around the rear window and 3rd brake light.

 

[BULL55]

Welcome to the site!

 

[Casper]

Welcome!

 

[LTDMan]

Welcome! Enjoy your stay. Lots of good info here.