Looking for a used 2500 CTD and was wondering if any years are better than others.Looking for info
on complete truck(auto trans,manual trans,brakes,suspension,and so on)

I've had my 2001 2500 with a Cummins and six speed stick for 9 years and it's been great. Bullet proof, still starts and runs like new, no squeaks, no rattles. Only issue is the air doesn't blow real cold anymore, I have to have it checked.

The HO motor and the six speed really make for a great tow or camper truck. It's also fun to row through the gears with 500+ ft/lbs on tap for day to day driving. You start in second unless you're towing so it's like having a five speed. I don't have a cat, so I can do any power adder mods or exhaust I want and still be legal. The 2001 and later have better brakes imo. Late 2001 and later have four wheel disc brakes.

I bought the six speed because it a very heavy duty trans. The transfer case is a 241HD with a Dana 80 rear diff and Dana 60 front diff. The regular cab models have a one piece drive shaft, no center support bearing which is a good thing imo.

The only way I'd buy an automatic is if it already had an after market built heavy duty trans and converter or be ready to spend the $3500 or so to upgrade a stocker. That's just my opinion, I have no experience with the stock auto trans, but I've heard enough about them to figure it's a "gotta have" mod on an automatic equipped truck.

Steering wander is a big issue on the 4x4s. I found it's because of the tires. I had 305/70/16 Pro Comps and it was rock steady steering. I replaced them with 295/75/16 Nittos and the sucker wanderd alot until I got used to it. I would not put any tire on one that has a larger than 70 aspect ratio.

Patriot blue with Skyjacker suspension...

Go to bluechipdiesel.com to read a little on the Bosch VP-44 "injector pump of doom"
The pre 2003s back to 98,5 were real good trucks with this exception.Also the 5 speeds have a bad rep for taking themselves apart if you lug them.
My die hard Guru did all kinds of terrible and wonderful things to his 2002 for many years and recently got a 2006 3500 6 speed, LOVES IT! Says hes getting 25 MPG w/90 horse injectors.Also, conventional wisdom locally says an auto just will not live behind these motors, I advise to not buy an auto at all.
Luck, C

I've got an 04.5 with an automatic. It's got 197,000 miles and most of that was pulling a car trailer. It is by far the best truck I have ever owned and I'm not afraid of the automatic even though I've heard the stories. I know another 06 with an automatic that pulled a two car trailer professionally that lasted almost 300,000 miles. My only issue with this truck is the cost of the injectors. They are crazy expensive compared to earlier models. I'll stick to the 03-up trucks for comfort, braking, power, and generally low maintenance.

I've got a 2000 with an AUTO , 212k miles , 120k on the trans since a rebuild and the wound on the trans was self inflicted , the VP FINALLY died ata 212k , the low sulphur fuel and a lift pump putting out only 5psi were it's DEMISE , 416HP at the rear wheels , ran it out of fuel more times than I care to admit , drove it for weeks with an inop lift pump ...

don't believe everything you read on the internet .