I'm thinking about purchasing a 2002 RAM 2500 Extended cab. I'm about to go check it out. I'm looking for a 3/4 ton truck to pull a fifth wheel without spending a lot of money. This particular truck is only $2k (137k miles). The guy says the engine has a knock but it still drives. It will be a third vehicle and I won't need it for transportation, so I can put the time in to repair it.

I have a couple of questions though:
Is this truck appropriate for towing a 5th wheel?
If it hasn't already had tranny problems, should I expect them?
Is there any unexpected large repairs anyone has had with this year?
I read in the reviews the ride is pretty rough in these trucks, is that true?
Any other suggestions?

 

I'm gonna move your thread to the 2nd Gen Ram section, since technically the 2500s did not share any 3rd Gen characteristics until '03.

Should be a lot better responses here...

 

Thank you. I was getting conflicting information about what generation that year was.

 

welcome to df.
yes. V10 or diesel will pull it better than the V8, but any of them will pull if the gearing is correct. the V8 will need 4.10 or lower gears.

stock transmissions are weak. most have already been rebuilt by now, so that's a plus. good aftermarket parts, quality work, and a big cooler will solve the transmission problems. a rebuild can run 1500-2500+. the 2500 model will have a 46 or 47re.

there are several common problems. the solid front axle on the 4wd might need axle u-joints, axle seals, track bar, etc which can be pricey if you don't do it yourself. cracked dash is a piece of ****. heater core can be pricey too.

its a firm ride. loading it with some weight helps.


as long as you don't have to spend $2-3K on a transmission, $1k on front end, and $1k on dash and heater core all within the first year or two, they're pretty good trucks. if you buy one with all those pre-existing problems, then it can cost more than its worth.

test drive it hard, for at least 15 miles to get the transmission good and hot. if it does anything at all wrong, including slipping, shuddering, not shifting, etc. then you've found a problem and it doesn't get better w/o money.

like all trucks pulling trailers, they are gas hogs.

are you looking at a diesel or gas burner. if i was going to tow - i'd get a diesel and nothing else. the diesels will tow anything and still get good mileage. a V10 will kill your wallet with low mpg.

 

Your post was extremely helpful. I've been leaning toward gasoline engines but I think with your post, I will start looking at diesel. I was thinking about the price of fuel, but didn't consider the difference between towing and normal driving.

I recently changed the intake manifold and head gaskets for my s-10 truck. Most of the repairs I can do myself, but the transmission is what I'm most concerned about. With this information, I think I will pass this one up and continue my search.

Thank you very much.