I have a 98.5 ram 2500 5.9 24v diesel,auto trans with only 135,000 miles and it runs like a champ. The truck is very clean, has the factory sport package and nice 3' suspension lift. I love my truck!

But I have just been offered a 03 5.9 HO w/6 spd with 100,000 miles from the orginal owner and tempted to sell the 98 and get the 03. The 03 is a 4dr truck where the 98 has the swing out quad doors that I really like. My 98 also has a 6000lb dump bed that is very trick. Both trucks are very clean, and not sure what to do. Is it worth getting rid of my 98 that already has had the injection pump, lift pump and trans issues taken care of for the newer cab and upgraded power of the 03? I figure I can sell my 98 for 10 or so and can get the 03 for the same.

i would keep the 98.

1. i like the body style better
2. it appears to serve your needs perfectly fine
3. it has proven track record in terms of service.


Only advantage to the 03 in my eyes is the extra pedal on the floor. i am a manual trans snob.

Good luck.

Keep the '98.

More room for fat boys in the 03...I still like the 98 better...

I know that the 03 has a better cab more room, bigger engine and a stronger driveline but really like my 98. Plus the 98 has all the little touches that I like and just looks so much better in my opinion. I may have to drive the 03 for a week or two and see if it grows on me. Both trucks are rust free and with my dump bed, you could eat off of the 98 frame. Tough Choice! Plus if I get the 03 I will have to lift it a bit, get wheels, tires and a tuner box.

I look at it this way, my 98 is a 69 Charger in looks to me, and the 03 looks like a 74 Charger. Yes the 74 Charger is a better built vehicle but still a 74 vs a 69 in the looks department.

You know what you have now so I would stick with it.
I had an 02 and stepped up to the 05 because we needed the bigger back seat for my teenage son. I like the look of the 02 better, prefer the interior of the 05, prefer the 05 engine but the EDGE EZ made the 02 equal.
If you didn't have a truck I would pick the one with the manual trans all else being equal, but you already have and know the 98 and rust isn't an issue where you are.

Sheldon

going thru the same thing. have old muscle and think of selling off for a new challenger. But i did have a 99 2500 ext cab diesel 240k great truck, bought a 06 mega cab because my sons are older and boy scouts. Waited to long ! love my old 99 cool in ways but the stock 06 would it eat it's lunch and take its milk money. took a little while but glad i made the move

Good to hear I am not crazy thinking about this. Again the 03 is a better truck in many ways, but the 98 gets the job done and serves my needs. Plus I really like the noisy nature of the 98 even with its original exhaust system still in place. It has a bigger bark than the 03 with a bit less bite!

One thing to look into is whether or not the '03 has had the injectors replaced. If it hasn't, they're going to fail anytime. That's a good $2000 hit if you replace them yourself or more if you have to pay a shop. If they have then you're probably in good shape for a while.

While I loved my '02 6-speed truck, I wouldn't trade my '03 for anything, except possibly a Mega-Cab.

I guess I just don't understand.
You have a truck that is doing the job now. It has nothing wrong with it. You like it. You trust it. Its paid for.

You are looking at a truck that you don't know very well, don't like how the truck looks, have to sell the truck you love to buy it, and finance it on top of the whole mess?

You want to know what I would do? I would quit looking at trucks until you need one, which is not now. Keep the 98. Gene

I should have mentioned that both of these trucks were bought brand new by my former boss and friend. He gives me 1st crack at them before going on the market.