Just wanted to get some opinions about two different trucks I'm looking at. I have always wanted a 2nd gen and am looking forward to getting one. One of the trucks is a '98 1500 with the 5.2 V8 and the other is a '96 2500 with the V10.

At first, I was all gung-ho for the 2500. The 1500 is a little more expensive, but then I got to thinking. From what I've seen in the pictures, the 1500 has no rust, but the 2500 has some surface rust. I also like that the 1500 has the 4 doors which will make life a little easier. Finally, I'm thinking the fuel. I know the V10 loves to drink.

When I first saw the V10 listed, I was all excited. Thinking about the power of that engine and the capacity of that truck (both the payload and towing). But, then I saw the 1500 get listed and started thinking about it a little more rationally. While I can see the possibility of one day maybe needing the capacity of the 2500, the fact is that the 1500 will most likely give me everything I need (when I was a kid, my dad and I built a house and we hauled almost everything in his '94 Chevy 1500).

While the 2500 is very tempting, I'm just not sure that I actually need it and wonder if I'll regret it with the fuel prices. The 1500 seems to be a better deal. A little more expensive, but the 4 doors, lack of rust, and the fact that I won't need to stop at every other gas station makes me think it'll pay off.

Just wanted to see if anyone else has any input. I'll be looking at these on Wednesday (currently out of the country coming home on Tuesday).

 

I would lean more towards to the 1500 for the fuel, but it'll all depend on what kind of actual condition they are in. Can't really give any better advice until all details and such are worked out on both of the rigs. The gas mileage for the 318 isn't the greatest, but it's a lot better than the V10, but again, depends on the condition of both the engines and tranny's

 

Personally I'd lean towards the 3/4 ton. Better payload, towing, brakes, axles, and trans. My 5.9 averages 12-13 mpg. From what I've read on here the V10's aren't far off of that. I like the interior of the 98+ years better though and I'd have to have a quad cab. Check them out and see what you find. Can always wait for another one to come along.

 

Don't get a 2500 unless it has 5.9 CUMMINS in it. Paired with a nv4500 or nv5600(if you're really lucky)

Otherwise just stick with the 1500 and the slush box.

 

I'd say the 318. Don't overlook gearing though (4wd or 2wd). K.

 

That's why I haven't made a firm decision, yet. I want to see both before making I buy. Just wanted to get a generic idea of what other people thought.

Well, I don't think anyone buys a truck for the fuel economy. But, at the same time, I don't want to spend more on fuel than I have to. It would be one thing if I was planning on towing and hauling a huge amount of stuff, all the time. But, since most of my loads will come in under the payload capacity of the 1500 (mostly, it'll be wood and such for projects) with only 2500 capacity being a "every once in a while" thing, I tend to think the 1500 is better. I can always build me a trailer for when I need to bust the 1500 payload capacity. The 98+ interior and quad cab are two of the big things pushing me towards the 1500, too. My wife really wants 4 doors. She's looking towards us having kids and being easier. I'm looking at putting tools and stuff in the backseat area, so I can also see a huge benefit to the '98.

I wish I could find a Cummins in my price range, but when I do actually happen to find one, they are way above my price limit, so I'm putting that on the back burner as a "one day" type of deal.

The tranny is one concern I have. I've read about the tranny issues in the 2nd gen, especially when owners didn't do what Dodge told them to. Since we're on that subject, what are some good signs to look for besides fluid color. I'm not quite sure what signs were in the trannys to let me know that their screwed up besides the "normal" things you'd look for in a truck. I've worked on Chevys but never Dodges.


They're both 2wd, which is fine. As much as I like the look of a tall truck and playing in the mud, this is going to be a work truck for hauling stuff from Lowe's and such. So, 4wd isn't nearly as important and, at least for me, I've found it easier to load/unload from a 2wd. I plan on picking up an '80s truck later as a project truck and that will be my muddin/plowing/play truck one day.

I just want to say thank for the replies I've gotten so far. It's really helped me to know that I'm sort of going on the right track with what I'm considering buying (of course, that whole "need to look at it first" is still in play).

 

If your wife wants four doors, it sounds like your mind is made up lol. While the four doors would help With kids, it's by no means going to be a minivan. It will still be a pain with carseats etc. I personally think the 5.2 is a little underpowered for a full size truck, especially if paired with 3.55 gears. 2wd will help somewhat in this respect. The 1500 will be a better ride than the 2500 of course, but you get used to it either way. Do you have other family vehicles? If it was me, the 1500 would make a better all around vehicle, if thats all i had. If you have a vehicle that gets good mileage, I would take the 2500 as a pure work truck. And like it was mentioned, depending on the gears and condition of both trucks, and possible driving conditions, the mpg might be closer than you think