Thanks for the insight everyone.
This is the question I keep going back to. I've used the 02 as an all-around rig and DD for a while, so I've kept it fairly mild in terms of a build, but it's covered in scratches from South Texas mesquite and hail dents on every panel, so it dropped in value on looks alone for a potential sale. When I bought the 15, I planned on making it my all around rig and selling the 02, but after figuring what I'll actually get for it, I just decided to keep them both.
I just paid off the 15, so the build budget for either one is gaining traction again, I've just got to decide which one to go with. The 15 rides 1000x better than the 02, but if I decide to use the 02, I'll either get Atlas springs all the way around or possibly an 05+ axle swap to get coils.
The issue I keep coming back to is that everything I've done on the 02 as a performance mod, the 15 already has. It took 2" springs, F350 blocks in the rear, and Bilstein shocks to fit 35s that still rubbed on the 02, but the 15 fit the 35s stock. All the bolt ons to the 7.3 still didn't bring it anywhere near the power and drive-ability of the 15. Plus the sound system, navigation, and AC seats on the 15 are a nice upgrade as well, not to mention the rear locker.
I have no problem spending the money on the 02 to get it on par with the 15, I'm just wondering if y'all think it's worth it in the end. I know plenty of people overland in both new and old, it's just hard to make the decision when it's staring me in the face.
I'm in a similar boat to you. I'm split between getting an older pre-2007 Ram 2500 or a much newer 2013+ Ram 2500.
My view on this issue has changed the more I've looked into these types of trucks. The older trucks, while perhaps a little less complicated than the newer ones, are generally going to require a bit more work to make "overland" ready: more work to fit bigger tires (as you noted); more work to make the suspension comfortable for long trips; more work to keep the older vehicle road-worthy. I haven't made up my mind on which way I'll go, but I have given serious consideration to the newer HD pickups for a few reasons:
- Emissions were a major turn-off for me at first. But upon a bit more research, I've found that the 3 big manufacturers have put a lot of effort into refining and improving those systems. I don't know if they're necessarily as reliable as the mechanical diesels of old, but they do seem better than the problematic systems that came out in 2007-2008.
- Ford and Ram have both made improvements to their suspensions and chassis. Not only do they seem to ride better from the factory, but it is easier to fit bigger tires (as you noted).
- The newer vehicles are more comfortable and refined than the older ones. And while I can appreciate an old-school, bare bones, no frills, 4x4 pickup or SUV, for the longer road trips I plan on taking, modern amenities (bluetooth, heated seats, backup camera, better transmissions, better seats) are nice to have, if not absolutely necessary.
- Complicated electronic systems are not really anything new. If the vehicle was built after the mid to late 90's, chances are you're dealing with "complicated electronics" for engine management, albeit the systems are much more dated (and likely more prone to malfunction at this point). And in terms of diesel engines, anything from the early 2000's on, you're likely dealing with common rail injection. Complexity is not something that is specific to "newer" vehicles. The only real changes are the previously mentioned emissions systems.
- Vehicle size. It is true that the older diesel pickups are bit smaller and perhaps a little more nimble than the newer ones. But I don't think a newer 3/4 ton is all that restricted when it comes to overlanding. Considering that "offroading" pickups, like the Raptor, are wider than some 3/4 ton's and are only a tad smaller in wheelbase (relative to shortbed 3/4 ton's), if a mid-sized or full-sized pickup can make it down the road, so too can a 3/4 ton. The only areas where you might have issues would be dedicated ATV trails or rock-crawling jeep trails (like the Rubicon), though even there you can likely make it through as long as you're okay with some scratched paint and/or body damage.
Unless you have sentimental attachment to the 02 Ford, my view is that you should sell it (or scrap it for parts if that's more profitable) and build up and enjoy your 15 Ford; as long as you do the proper maintenance to keep the emissions systems happy, you should be able to spend a lot more time exploring and a lot less repairing with the newer truck.
