So, from what I'm seeing so far, it's less of a pain in the *** to just get a 2500. I do prefer a manual transmission if I can get ahold of one, those are kind of hard to find.

Seems like I'll just end up making several things 2500 or stronger anyway.

 

The newer trucks are a tad more complicated, electronics-wise, but, they are..... um... newer...... So, supposedly fewer problems. In all reality, most of the issues I see here are fairly evenly distributed between the newer, and older trucks. Most of the problems are exactly the same..... So, I don't think age is all that much of an issue, as mileage, and previous treatment is. You could find an old creampuff that would be cheaper to own than a 10 year newer truck that was beat to snot.

So, don't restrict yourself by the year. (aside from second gen, if that's what ya want.) Look for a truck that is in good enough condition, that you are willing to buy it, and will do what you want it to. Besides, the 98 and up trucks have a better cupholder.

 

Don't worry to much about the dash to much, its probably gone anyways. For the "new style" anyways. I cant remember exactly what year it is but some people do the tuning thing to get the most out of the truck some one will chip in about that.

 

1996 and newer can use a SCT tuner, pre 1996 trucks can't since they are OBD-I and not OBD-II.

 

I'm having a really hard time finding a decent 2500 that's not over priced near me. All the ones that are within range of my budget are 1000+ miles away.

So it looks like a 1500 is in my future.

EDIT: (Found my answer)

 

Late 01 build dates but 02 model year only for 2500 rear discs I believe. I could be wrong though. Post 98 would actually be what MY own PERSONAL recommendation is simply because of OBD2 and being able to tune it if you ever want more power. The ORE is a good suggestion as well especially if you never plan on going over 35s. 35s for sure or bigger, a 2500 is your best bet.

 

I would be careful with buying a 96 if you want tuning. sct CLAIMS to work with 96s but 96 is a bastard year for OBD2 and I've seen multiple not work with it.

 

Both Hemifever, and Flyin' Ryan offer tuners for the 96- and up dodge trucks. We know it works.

 

Between towing, the truck being a DD, and the road trip wagon, tuning is something I very well might end up dicking around with.

I'm more than likely going to end up with all terrains, AAL or airbags in the rear, leveling kit up front, and probably a headache rack. As far as engine mods, probably just an RV cam, Hughes intake manifold, and a bigger throttle body. I'm thinking 4.10s would be a good idea as well. I don't typically drive any faster than I have to, so highway RPM isn't a massive concern. I don't know how that would do with 33s or 35s though.

Of course this is all just speculation. I really don't know a whole hell of a lot about anything Ram specific. Mostly just your run of the mill Chrysler problems.

 

4.10s and 33s is a great combo for towing. Throttle body avoid the Hughes BigGulp, bore below the blades is stock so it's basically a ported stocker that he claims flows more than an F&B 53x55mm oval which is equivalent to dual 56mm bores. My recommendation there is the ebay bored 52mm, BBK 52mm, or Fastman tb. Any cam you get you won't really be able to take advantage of without tuning via SCT.