Need 2500HD truck

[racer808]

Opinions on what year trucks to hone in on.  Want a 2500 truck, GMC or Mopar, max spend 10k.  Will be used for towing boat bi weekly & maybe driven 4 miles a day.  Just want a dependable truck, a year that wasn't burdened with issues, solid drive train, etc.  What years & brands to avoid?  Saw a 98 Ram w/ V10.  Lots of things replaced; brakes, calipers, rotors, windshield.  Rebuilt: Tranny & transfer case 25k miles ago (has receipts).  In great condition, but I know Rams of those years had horrible drive train issues?  Open to diesel, they just don't seem like something I can work on & the repair bills expensive so I am leaning towards gas.

There are lots  of choices, but thought I'd let the crew help me spend some money or at least keep me away from certain years or models.

[NWBU]

This has a lot of what you're asking about, although starting at twice your price range, but he had the inevitable scope creep before the thread was done.

 

[oldjeep]

In that price range I'd go gm.  3/4 Rams that cheap are going to be pre 2010 with the front end and trans issues that usually go with them. 

[RyanB]

Tough price point.  I wouldn't touch a $10k diesel, unless you are willing to put a lot more $ into it.

Personally, I would consider that Dodge V10.  That was a very good engine, with the exception of the MPG.  

People bag on the older Dodge transmissions, when they really were adequate unless they were behind a Cummins that someone tuned and did nothing to the tranny.  The 47RE transmission that is like behind that V10 would be fine.

Might also consider a 2500 Burb.  8.1 if you can find it.

[Sethro]

My 1999 GMC K2500 has been a great truck.  I bought it 12 years ago, and I currently have 77,000 miles on it.  It's got the 454 engine and it yields a stellar 10mpg typically, so 4 miles a day would be a blessing in that regard.  But it's only got an extended cab, and with two teenaged boys they just don't fit well back there.  As soon as I find a suitable crew cab replacement it'll have to go...and it pains me to think about that.  About the only major repair (cost wise) was replacing the injectors several years ago.

[Cole2001]

I don’t know if this is just a Canadian thing but I’d jump up to a 3500 as you will save it with insurance costs. The 3500 is considered an intended working truck unlike the 2500 which is pleasure so the rates are substantially lower. 

[MadMan]

I have a '95 Ram 3500 V10 that  I bought new.  Absolutely reliable, not a daily driver, only used to tow trailers.  Part of it's reliability probably comes from being a stick shift.

[jb 156]

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2002-chevrolet-silvera-2500/6576466936.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2003-chevy-silverado-2500hd/6574246317.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2006-dodge-ram-2500-trx4-off/6576051183.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2003-gmc-sierra-2500hd-66/6575689740.html

tons of options in your area if you can get into a diesel that’d be the way I’d go.  Tows so much better than a gas truck.  Know the cost of repairs is higher but the duramax is a strong motor and will last a long time.  Good luck.  

[Falko]

Driving 4 miles a day, I'd avoid a diesel. 

Early-mid 2000's GM trucks have the 6.0 liter backed by the 4L80E transmission. The only downfall to that drivetrain is the transfer case has an issue of pump rub. Easily fixed with time and a $50 part. In fact, I have the part I'll send you. But that is a reliable set up. We have two at the shop, one with 160k and one with 260k. Both still running strong, the longer tooth example is starting to get weak and floppy.

[racer808]

10 hours ago, RyanB said:

Tough price point.  I wouldn't touch a $10k diesel, unless you are willing to put a lot more $ into it.

Personally, I would consider that Dodge V10.  That was a very good engine, with the exception of the MPG.  

People bag on the older Dodge transmissions, when they really were adequate unless they were behind a Cummins that someone tuned and did nothing to the tranny.  The 47RE transmission that is like behind that V10 would be fine.

Might also consider a 2500 Burb.  8.1 if you can find it.

I should have noted the diesels I was looking at were more expensive, I know repair bills & oil changes on diesels are expensive so I have been shying away & looking at gas.  I am considering a Burb, there are a couple on Craigs but only 1 with the 8.1L, the other I like is the 7.4L.  Is that a not as good engine? 

9 hours ago, Cole2001 said:

I don’t know if this is just a Canadian thing but I’d jump up to a 3500 as you will save it with insurance costs. The 3500 is considered an intended working truck unlike the 2500 which is pleasure so the rates are substantially lower. 

I am going to look into that!  Thanks for the tip

1 hour ago, jb 156 said:

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2002-chevrolet-silvera-2500/6576466936.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2003-chevy-silverado-2500hd/6574246317.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2006-dodge-ram-2500-trx4-off/6576051183.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2003-gmc-sierra-2500hd-66/6575689740.html

tons of options in your area if you can get into a diesel that’d be the way I’d go.  Tows so much better than a gas truck.  Know the cost of repairs is higher but the duramax is a strong motor and will last a long time.  Good luck.  

LOL, I've already looked at or added to favorites all of those trucks, planning on looking at the red dodge since it's close, not sure about the other ones, too far to go kick tires as of now

1 hour ago, Falko said:

Driving 4 miles a day, I'd avoid a diesel. 

Early-mid 2000's GM trucks have the 6.0 liter backed by the 4L80E transmission. The only downfall to that drivetrain is the transfer case has an issue of pump rub. Easily fixed with time and a $50 part. In fact, I have the part I'll send you. But that is a reliable set up. We have two at the shop, one with 160k and one with 260k. Both still running strong, the longer tooth example is starting to get weak and floppy.

How much time?  I don't think I want to tackle taking out & taking apart a transfer case.  Although I have no idea if it's hard or an easy job

[RyanB]

@racer808, in the grand scheme of things I don't think the maintenance on a diesel is going to be significantly more.  What is going to cost more is that in your price range (even if you double it), a diesel will likely have twice the miles on it that a gas powered truck would.  And with high mileage other things on the truck are going to be wearing out.

As far as your question of the 7.4, it is not that it is a bad engine.  It was very good in its day.  But by today's standards, it is very weak.  290 HP and 410 TQ.  And a gas hog to boot.  The 8.1 is a better engine.  I owned a 2003 2500 Burb with the 8.1 for about a year.  I had to go to Portland to find it.  

If I was thinking of a hierarchy of trucks in your price range, all else being equal, I would say 8.1 Burb/truck > Ford V10 > Dodge V10 >  Chevy 6.0 Dodge Hemi.  All of those might have some issues you can find by a web search, but overall I think they are trustworthy power plants.

I think the 5.3 GM and the 5.4 Ford are just too anemic for my tastes.

Edited May 1, 2018 by RyanB

[racer808]

16 minutes ago, RyanB said:

@racer808, in the grand scheme of things I don't think the maintenance on a diesel is going to be significantly more.  What is going to cost more is that in your price range (even if you double it), a diesel will likely have twice the miles on it that a gas powered truck would.  And with high mileage other things on the truck are going to be wearing out.

As far as your question of the 7.4, it is not that it is a bad engine.  It was very good in its day.  But by today's standards, it is very weak.  290 HP and 410 TQ.  And a gas hog to boot.  The 8.1 is a better engine.  I owned a 2003 2500 Burb with the 8.1 for about a year.  I had to go to Portland to find it.  

If I was thinking of a hierarchy of trucks in your price range, all else being equal, I would say 8.1 Burb/truck > Ford V10 > Dodge V10 >  Chevy 6.0 Dodge Hemi.  All of those might have some issues you can find by a web search, but overall I think they are trustworthy power plants.

I think the 5.3 GM and the 5.4 Ford are just too anemic for my tastes.

I keep coming back to this truck  https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/1998-dodge-ramtruck-price/6558462788.html

, not exactly what I want but for the price, shape it's in, listed repairs & my intended use it seems like a great cost effective deal.  Only needs to be a solid truck for a few years then I will be moving on.  My budget is down here cause I want to pay cash, trying to get away from payments on anything but house & boat.   I was hoping to find a great truck that's lifted with cool tires but most don't seem like they were really taken care of.  

 

This one just caught my eye & it's cheap

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2001-chevrolet-suburban-2500/6574647075.html

 

 

Edited May 1, 2018 by racer808

[RyanB]

13 minutes ago, racer808 said:

I keep coming back to this truck  https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/1998-dodge-ramtruck-price/6558462788.html

, not exactly what I want but for the price, shape it's in, listed repairs & my intended use it seems like a great cost effective deal.  Only needs to be a solid truck for a few years then I will be moving on.  My budget is down here cause I want to pay cash, trying to get away from payments on anything but house & boat.   I was hoping to find a great truck that's lifted with cool tires but most don't seem like they were really taken care of.  

 

This one just caught my eye & it's cheap

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2001-chevrolet-suburban-2500/6574647075.html

 

 

I think the Dodge looks nice, but I would jump on that Burb.  1 owner vehicles are usually in much better condition than those that have been passed around.

[Falko]

I'd agree, that burb would do nicely. But watch the rust, those years rusted upon sneezing, and that one already looks pretty rotted around the filler cap.

[racer808]

Pass on the Suburban, not very well taken care of, owner is full of s**t about little things, it drinks oil and leaks around valve cover.  More rust underneath car too.  Guy keeps trying to play the "hold on, have another call about the car" then talks out his a** on the phone about showing it at the moment & it wouldn't be right of him to take more than asking since I am already there.  Had to chuckle then pass.  Then he gets upset that I told him if I liked the car I could just go get the cash & he already turned others away.  Dude might wanna try some better sale tactics.  Oh well, on to the next vehicle.  I am in no rush so I am sure the right one will pop up.  I do like that 98 Ram I posted though, just think he's asking too much at 7k

[RyanB]

The 8.1's are known for using oil.  Mine went through a quart every 1500ish miles.  Common issue.

But the guy sounds like a douche.

Good luck on your search.

[malibu2004]

I have a buddy that is selling a Dodge King cab for around 10. It's in Salem Oregon though. 

If you have Facebook. James Coleman

 

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10157182738279989&id=825584988

 

 

[racer808]

51 minutes ago, malibu2004 said:

I have a buddy that is selling a Dodge King cab for around 10. It's in Salem Oregon though. 

If you have Facebook. James Coleman

 

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10157182738279989&id=825584988

 

 

I actually really like that truck, a lot.  Too bad he's not closer, I would be haggling with him.

[shawndoggy]

I just saw this one local to me: http://www.privatepartycars.com/For-Sale-By-Owner/91102/2003-Chevrolet-Suburban-2500-LT-Sport-Utility-4D

[racer808]

That's a nice Suburban, not sure worth the drive but it's a contender.  

[RyanB]

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2000-excursion-4x4-very-low/6560132335.html

[racer808]

5 hours ago, RyanB said:

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2000-excursion-4x4-very-low/6560132335.html

Hey thanks!  Never owned a Ford, was always worried I'd end up mud wrestling with some cowboy telling me it isn't gay Anything to watch out for?  

[racer808]

Think I like this one more though

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2001-ford-excursion/6564257766.html

 

 

[oldjeep]

23 minutes ago, racer808 said:

Think I like this one more though

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2001-ford-excursion/6564257766.html

 

 

I'd inquire about the black puddle under that one

[RyanB]

The biggest potential issue I know of with fords modular engines is that the spark plugs can be trouble to change. As in break off trouble. 

I don’t know when they are scheduled but I would ask for when the last time they were done. 

The one I posted had a lot less miles didn’t mention a tuner and a lot more photos. That’s the reason I thought it was more interesting. But who knows how each of them compare in person.