What would you do?

[David Pendleton]

Hello all.

I've been posting transmission-related questions in other forums trying to determine what the best course of action is for my 2001 2500 ETH with the 47RE. Towing performance has been poor lately, for whatever reason and the consensus appears to be upgrade the torque converter and valve body (at a minimum). By my research, a $1500-$2000 fix. I'm towing about 8000lbs.

I'm very satisfied with this truck, it's a Laramie SLT, so it has all the creature comforts I like. The only thing I would add, would be (MOPAR) power towing mirrors (not available) and cab clearance lights. It will be paid off within the year, and is in excellent, like-new condition.

My dealer called today and has an 03 2500 ETC SLT in my favorite color, with a bunch of interior goodies and the like. Pretty much the 03 version of my truck, just not the Laramie.

At any rate, believe it or not, my payments on the new truck would be $136 less than what I am paying now, and he has made me a very generous trade-in offer.

I'm not sure why, but I'm having a hard time making up my mind on this one. The new truck is also an auto, but with the HO and 48RE. It has the mirrors, lights, and basically everything else my current truck has, just a better (?) motor and transmission.

Three more years of payments doesn't thrill me, but a new truck would be nice.

What would you do? Spend four or five thousand upgrading the current truck to the 'perfect' truck or buy the new one?

Thanks for your input.

Regards-
Dave