Sorry, I thought it said '03, not '02 (as you can tell from my previous post). My bad. So both are 2nd gens. I'd still go with the '99.

 

Did 2002 or 1999s have the 53 block? Or was that older ones only?

 

The '99 is a better buy IMO as well, unless you really want a stick (I know I would). In that case, just wait on it a bit. Otherwise, get the '99.

Like others have said, the trucks will last forever, the motor in particular, but other things still go wrong eventually, especially if they were neglected and not maintained well.

 

Ya, that's a really good point, good catch Ram_Me. The '99 could definetly have a 53 block, probably not the '02 though. Here's a good link on this topic. YOu should definetly check for this before you buy either one of them.

http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

 

they are both close as far as one is 3 years newer but has more mileage, how do they look are either showing signs of rust, maitenance, POs, has the auto been rebuilt, also I would ask over in Cummins section about any problems with those year motors
I think I would go with the 99 because of less miles and not being the last year made, they sometimes use whatever is laying around to build either last or first years of trucks

 

Here's a good link to help you compare the difference between the years (from a Cummins standpoint), and some of the common problems to look for.
http://dodgeram.org/support_pgs/diesel_ix.htm

 

i would go with the 02, imo first off the manual transmission is a lot more reliable than the autos with the cummins. The autos weren't built well enough to handle all the torque that these motors put out, especially if you want to mod it at all. Secondly the 02 may have more miles, but if it wasn't abused then you have to think that the 99 has been sitting on it's feet for 3 years more. that is still wearing on your suspension and any moveable component because it puts stress on all of your parts. so again, imo get underneath it and see if it looks abused, get your hands dirty and grab everything and shake, use a flashlight and check everything out, and if the 02 looks in good shape, then i would go with it, because i bet you'll be putting a new tranny in the auto before anything else goes out in the 02.

 

The auto is a 47re correct? Not nearly as bad as the 46re.

 

+1... also all the D powered equipment I worked on that was used everyday never seem to break down, but the equipment that spent long periods of time sitting unused would always seem to have something go wrong, little things but always something... In this instance I would look at years on the road and service record not mileage..

 

I would go with the 99