I am currently looking at two trucks right now that i would like to get, one is a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 24 valve with 147K miles and the other is a 2004 Dodge ram 2500 5.9L 24 valve High output with 204K miles and a rebuilt transmission with around 12K miles on it. both trucks are automatics witch is what i want and both are free of rust. Im leaning more towards the 2004 just because its a newer truck but the 2001 is in excellent condition and low miles. both trucks are all stock as well. so witch one would you guys take?

 

I'd go with the 04 with the rebuilt 48 RE tranny......I have 314,000 miles on my 04, and she runs strong.

 

the commom rail is WAY faster than the 24V in stock form. i personally would go for the 2001. prolly gonna be a bit cheaper and with the money you save you can upgrade some of its weak links. its hard to beat low miles. A trucks a truck doesnt matter if the engine runs like a top if the rest of it is ready for an overhaul...

 

Lower miles is def a plus, but still 204K is not bad for the engine... I would personally go with the 04 as well!

 

I like the 01's because of the way they drive they just feel better to me, I like common rails, but I dont mind the VP44 I take the lower miles. You can make an VP44 into a Common rail if you want to. How you do it is beyond me. Plus I think 01's are eassier to work on over a 04. My two cents.

 

Whats the price on the two rigs? That would be a deciding factor!

 

id go with the 01 less miles and parts are cheaper and personally id rather have a 24valve then common rail

 

after 100k - 150k the injectors in a common rail are prone to going bad. When they do they can melt pistons and more. Plus they are over $1000 for a set for the stock ones. You can get a set of 100 hp injectors for a 2001 for 600

 

I have an 01 and if you pull anything the transmission will go out just with a stock motor. At 165000 I had to replace my transmission and then I bought my upgrades. I would go with the 04 it will be a better deal.

 

i run the crap out of mine with the quadzilla and pull a 12000 - 15000 lb trailer often and im still on the stock tranny. Fluid temp never gets over 150℉ towing.