shopping for CTD Ram 3500

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bill allemann - 20 Oct 2006 23:58 GMT

I have a 2001 Ram 2500 CTD now and I'm looking to get a used 3500 CTD,
shooting for maybe a 2002 or 2003.
Anything particular in those years to avoid, etc. My '01 has been OK,
except for replacing the evaporator coil and a little glitchy on some
electrical issues.
Thanks,
Bill

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Tom Lawrence - 21 Oct 2006 03:50 GMT

> I have a 2001 Ram 2500 CTD now and I'm looking to get a used 3500 CTD,
> shooting for maybe a 2002 or 2003.

Big difference in those years... end of the 24V ISB era, vs. the start of
HPCR era. The body style changed in '03, as well. The newer style had a
larger available rear passenger area (with the quad cab), but worse
aerodynamics.

> Anything particular in those years to avoid, etc.

Not really... the '03s had a couple of minor issues when first introduced
(PS hose that would 'buzz' - fixed by changing the hose with a new revision,
alternator bracket prone to cracking - again, simple fix, couple of recalls
to waterproof the PCM connectors, and replace a tranny cooler line that was
prone to cracking). Those were all TSBs or recalls, and were probably
addressed by the original owners.

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bill allemann - 21 Oct 2006 13:47 GMT

Regarding the 24v ISB versus HPCR:
Is the HPCR an improvement, and worth paying extra (factoring out the book
value on the model year)?

Bill

>> I have a 2001 Ram 2500 CTD now and I'm looking to get a used 3500 CTD,
>> shooting for maybe a 2002 or 2003.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> line that was prone to cracking). Those were all TSBs or recalls, and
> were probably addressed by the original owners.

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Tom Lawrence - 21 Oct 2006 20:04 GMT

> Regarding the 24v ISB versus HPCR:
> Is the HPCR an improvement, and worth paying extra (factoring out the book
> value on the model year)?

IMO, yes. Stock power is higher, and the engine runs smoother and quieter.

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