Best year CTD

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...

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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)

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I prefer the first gens. 89-93.89-90.5 are non Intercooled so that might sell cheaper. I also prefer the 12 valves for ease of upkeep/repair. They can be had up to 98 mid year or so. If your really lucky, you can find a 98 12V with the quad cab (first year is 98).The automatic first gens are slouches. Converters are junk. A good aftermarket one is about $600-$750 from DTT or Goerend. The manual ones ,NV4500 beats out the Getrag in strength if your going to tune it up or heavy tow.The 2nd gens 98-02ish are decent 24Valves. Way easy to get hidin HP from a programmer/tuner (Bullydog and such) but some people tend to dislike the commonrail fuel system around here. Not sure why. Not sure of the first year for it but a manual six speed NV5600 came with them too.

The first gens can be had cheaper (usually) but I've seen them bring big bucks too. Depends on which body style you prefer. I have never driven one with really great brakes. Only good, mediocre braking. If you go first gen. Watch for the KDP (Killer Dowel Pin). It's behind the timing case and quite involved to fix. Also check the IP (Injection Pump) and look to see if the tamper proof caps are still in place. If so, nobodys turned it up. Minimal time and money invested on a 12V can gain alot of hidin power. My

Vinny