What years would you recommend for a 2nd gen?

[auskip07]

Ive done some research but i cant seem to find a clear cut site that breaks down what improved from year to year in the 2nd generation line of Dodge Rams.

Any desirable changes in the drive train that would lean you to an Early vs Late Dodge Ram 1500? I dont care too much about looks/interior because im just going to use to the truck as a weekend truck or emergency vehicle.

 

[Johnn123]

Get a 2500 series. Seriously, way stronger.

Myself I'd get an 98-02 2500 because I like the newer dash style and obd2, but some will argue pre 96 is better because of less computerized stuff.

 

[dodge dude94]

I personally like the 98+ trucks because they have better interiors and are more easily modified and tuned

 

[dapepper9]

+1 to 98-2002 3/4 ton

 

[BBartow]

00-02 3/4ton-1ton best years. But the Pre-98 interiors are better

 

[auskip07]

Thanks guys, i do appreciate that you want me to get a stronger truck but im not sure i need a stronger truck. thinking around $2500-3000 and having $1500 to spend on upgrades fixes /parts needed.

 

[dapepper9]

You say that now lol

You can still get a 3/4 ton with the 360 v8 and it will essentially be a heavy half or 3/4 LD. Depends who you ask/look at it

 

[auskip07]

I also notice that most of you have 5.9L engines do 5.2L guys come around here i notice more 5.2 for sale than 5.9

 

[dapepper9]

Both are good but you can build a 5.9 more

 

[mitchbowers]

+1 to 2500's, had a half ton 2000 sport before. personally I prefer my 96 3/4 over it though, because of the manual tranny+you can hear the engine when its running(I like feeling like I'm in a truck,not a car lol)

also, mpg-wise, you're looking at nearly the same. honestly I'm getting better mileage in my 3/4 ton than my half ton ever got. She got nearly 13 the other week, while my half ton peaked at just over 10. so its nearly a wash.

much easier on your axles if you want to run big tires with a 2500

I look at it as its better to have a little more truck than you need than not having enough truck.

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[dapepper9]

+1 to 2500's, had a half ton 2000 sport before. personally I prefer my 96 3/4 over it though, because of the manual tranny+you can hear the engine when its running(I like feeling like I'm in a truck,not a car lol)

also, mpg-wise, you're looking at nearly the same. honestly I'm getting better mileage in my 3/4 ton than my half ton ever got. She got nearly 13 the other week, while my half ton peaked at just over 10. so its nearly a wash.

much easier on your axles if you want to run big tires with a 2500

I look at it as its better to have a little more truck than you need than not having enough truck.

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+1 to that. Granted my trutruck is more than i need even being a half ton but soon as i lift it that'll change. 2500s just have better stronger bigger axles. And you can still get the 360 or bump up to the 8.0l or cummins

 

[mitchbowers]

+1 to that. Granted my trutruck is more than i need even being a half ton but soon as i lift it that'll change. 2500s just have better stronger bigger axles. And you can still get the 360 or bump up to the 8.0l or cummins

But in his price range, probably only a 5.9. But if you find a 8.0 for that price you should snag that thing up if its in good shape

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[BBartow]

V10s are cheaper than V8s down here.

 

[R/T_Fire]

V10s are cheaper than V8s down here.

Thats cause most think the v10's are junk..

But the or OP, Gas or Diesel
If gas then later year models have better interiors and fitment.
If diesel the earlier 12valves are great easy and cheap to modify
later 2nd gen diesels with the vp44 pumped 24valves aren't bad either but run computers.

May I ask why a 2nd gen?

 

[mitchbowers]

V10s are cheaper than V8s down here.

Lucky, wish it was that way here

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[dapepper9]

Lucky, wish it was that way here

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Rammanriley20 just sold his 01 v10 for 3k. Yeah needed some work but if have bought it if i could. Love my 5.9 but those 8.0s are strong and reliable. And what other reason do you need than v10?

 

[mitchbowers]

Rammanriley20 just sold his 01 v10 for 3k. Yeah needed some work but if have bought it if i could. Love my 5.9 but those 8.0s are strong and reliable. And what other reason do you need than v10?

Yeah, my dad wants me to put a 440 in this dodge if my 5.9 ever tanks on me. But I have yet to really tell him about the v10 lol

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[auskip07]

LOL no way guys would i buy a V10. It also depends on the deal i get.

 

[dapepper9]

They'll run ya 8-10mpg yes but that's empty or with 20k behind em lol.

If you can find a 2500 with a 5.9v8 you're in business. If it's stick you're golden. 1500 with a 5.2 and stick is good too. Depends what you want out of it

 

[mitchbowers]

They'll run ya 8-10mpg yes but that's empty or with 20k behind em lol.

If you can find a 2500 with a 5.9v8 you're in business. If it's stick you're golden. 1500 with a 5.2 and stick is good too. Depends what you want out of it

Exactly why I couldn't pass my deal up. $2900 for a 3/4 ton v8 manual 4x4

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