Hello tuckers-

I am new to the boards and looking to purchase a 2001 Quad Cab with 87k miles. I need the quad cab, wanted the 5-speed, settled for the 3.9L, and really don't intend to use the 4x4 as I only need to haul motorcycles to and from the track.

Is there any major things I should know about this particular year/truck before buying? I have been reading over the boards for a while and I know about the 2nd generation ball joint issue. I also hear a lot of rumors about 3.9s being underpowered...but I'm not out to race the truck- that's what the bikes are for . I have also been told that the 4x4 gets worse gas milage than a 2WD although that confuses me because it is not engaged all the time?

Anyway, KBB and NADA put the truck at about $7,600 I think. Dealer is asking $8,600 so I am working on a compromise if the truck checks out.

I'm looking forward to being a Dodge owner! I drive one at work everyday but only ever owned Toyota, Honda, Ford and '72 SuperBeetle [8D]

Thanks for the help and I'm glad to join!!!

-A. Costello

 

4x4 all the half shafts etc are all still moving just they arnt locked in if the tc isn't in 4x4 geta v-8

 

check values at kbb.com, edmunds.com, and nadaguides.com

Dealer retail has big profit built in, so if it books on average from those three at 7600, offer 7200 and work up, unless the truck is flawless.

And he's right, the 4wd drivetrain is all spinning, all the time. It is also a couple hundred pounds heavier than the 2wd versions.

 

if ur hauling anything with it get the 4.7...friom what you have said..light hauling but still want decent milage... 3.9 ad 4.7 are about the same...but if you were to haul with it then its gna be way worse than if you had gone with the 4.7

 

It wasn't very long ago that your grandfather's were hauling 80,000 lb loads cross country with 175 hp gasoline engines...were they better drivers than today?

 

Mulit-speed differentials, brownies, and super low range low gears in the trannies helped. They also didn't go anywhere near freeway speeds on hills.

The 3.7 and 3.9 are good engines, they do the job and last well enough, but ask a trucker if he'd rather have a 180hp gas tractor or a 400hp turbo diesel and see which he'd rather drive, chances are that he'd take the one that's not underpowered.