I still have my 02 Cummins (HO), 6spd, 2WD, quad cab with "short box" (fits 4x8 sheet of plywood??), that I bought new. Only have 79k miles on it now . . . only driven 6 times in the winter !! Sure I had to do the lift pump and injector pump, but other than that, it has been rock solid !! The "older" body style, with the "newer" running gear (4wheel disc brake, limited slip) . . . guess this will be with me forever !

How did the V10 versions fair out ?? Don't see too many anymore . . .

I never liked long beds. I like the look and overall length better with the old style 6 1/2 foot short beds. That's what my 2004 has. At least with the tail gate down you can still get a full 4X8 sheet in it. I never liked the short short bed that it seems all new trucks have now along with 4 door cab.

Thank you all again and definitely some nice trucks in this thread. My apologies for not replying sooner. Well, I'm looking out for one of these along with a few other options as well but, keep leaning this way a bit for now. Most in price range are 2wd with some 4x4 with higher miles. I hope to find a clean one for a reasonable price and not trashed. Guess we'll see what time brings.

Yeah, john...I've owned my '01 for 14 years and never run into the seatbelt thing. But looking back, I'll bet it's never been fully extended either. Hmmm...

OP: I'm with Grizzly, he covered them well. I love my truck (2001, 4X4, 5.2, extended cab) and will keep it around as long as it wants to keep going. Right now it has about 160,000 miles on it, and I expect it'll go at least another 100,000 on this motor. My driver's side seat is "breaking down" a little, so that'll get some attention in the near future.
EDIT: Be patient. The right one will come along...

Thank you Fat_Mike. I've seen nicer 2wd than 4wd. I'll keep holding out and see what happens.

One more thing in regards to the '01's is that they have all of the mechanical and computer updates from previous years already built into them.

The technical service bulletins are available for earlier models, but it's nice to have it already done at the factory making the '01 a more desirable truck.

Thank you Grizzly. That's helpful as well.

From someone looking for a clean 1998 thru 2001 quad cab truck . I can honestly say they go REAL QUICK around here.

I inquired on a red 2001 2500 yesterday. I asked about it an hour after it was listed and he said guy was there paying for it. . Yes, that fast.

I'll consider a 2002 or 2003 4 door truck but I want the 5.9 pushrod engine. Not real interested in a hemi or 4.7 truck

I want to be able to fix ANYTHING that goes wrong with this truck in my garage

Cummins seem to sell pretty fast and most sought after. I would be looking at a 1/2 ton quad cab application for needs/wants. I had several of the newer trucks. I had 04 4.7 and it was okay. I got lucky and threw the bottom timing chain on startup at around 185k miles. I had owned since it has 21k miles on it but, rust and oil/coolant use was increasing with mileage even with running mainly Mobil 1 synthetic in it since 40k miles. I miss having a truck as a main vehicle.

Here you go, Rusty:

Autotrader

Price seems reasonable, the mileage is reasonable, and no rust.

Thank you Grizzly and even in my favorite color.

Fitting 20's is a bit of a process on these 2wd's

Wow that looks like and the color helps.

360 auto with 3.55's, it sure gets up and moves compared to the 4wd's.

Had to clearance the hub and open up the center hole of the wheel with a grinder to make the 4 Gen wheels fit on the front.

How does that wheel fit when tuning full left/full right? I have 20's on my Ram and they seems to rub the rear portion of the housing. Also keep in mind when purchase tires all size or not equal 275 verse 275's.

You bet, I did read about clearance issues with the stock 4x4 tires.

I went with 55 series 275's and it all clears. It took forever for 55's in the style of wheel I wanted to come up. These are a Dodge rim with Ford Pirelli tires and the balance is spot on. The lower profile looks a lot better on a 2wd.

Now, I'm thinking of lowering it: maybe cut 3/4 ton coils for the front and just remove the overload bar in the back should do it.

I would say go for it.

Considering the drivability between a 5.9 mag and the 5.7 HEMI.... I’d LEARN how to work on the 5.7! Besides, it’s a basic push rod engine too.

Kind of like my dislike for diesels.... when we moved to western AZ I figured out pretty quick I’d best embrace them

I considered the HEMI and still do to a point but, it takes more to address a couple of the big issues such as the valve guides and lifter issues. The price of the trucks is higher right out of the gate as well even with high miles. I do like the 2002-2005 body style though.

Here's a clean 2000 model. The distance might be a deal breaker though.
https://okaloosa.craigslist.org/ctd/d/miramar-beach-2000-dodge-ram-1500-rwd/7225526094.html