I may be looking into trading the 2wd in for a 4wd. I'm looking at 01+, and was wondering from your guys' experience, what are some things i should look for. The truck will probably see mild offroad, maybe mud every once in a while. It will be body lifted on 33's most likely.

I know i want a supercab, and with 4wd i will be getting a 4.0. My biggest question: If i don't get a level II, will i be kicking myself in the butt later? I def want one with 4.10's (i believe thats a standard) and l/s. Also, after purchasing your 01+ 4wds, are there any options you wish you would have gotten on yours? Thanks for the input guys!

 

naw man..i dnt have a level II and mine does just as well..

get supercab, 4.10s, 4.0 and you be good to go

 

If you can find a level II for a decent price, get it! I've had a 4.0 4x4 4 dr. 01 XLT with a 5 spd. manual and 4.10 axles, and now I have an 03 Level II (4.0, 4 dr. 4x4, 4.10 axles also). The Torsen limited slip is amazing, I don't have to flip 4x4 on to pull the boat out on slippery docks anymore. The added peace of mind with the 31 spline axle is very nice too! Also, if you decide you want to upgrade the rear brakes to disc brakes, the 31 spline axles are much easier and cheaper to convert. The Bilstein shocks have a great ride and make you feel much more 'in control' on uneven terrain. You don't bounce around near as much as you would with the standard 4x4 shocks. The Level II interior is soooo nice too! Anytime I take my truck somewhere (like when I got my speakers installed) I get comments on the interior, and the g/f loves it too The manual transfer case is a nice piece too for peace of mind. I don't have to worry about any motors going out and keeping me from getting into or out of 4wd. And don't forget about the Alcoa wheels and BFG A/Ts!

All in all, the Level II package is just a GREAT package to get. If you can find one for a good price, definitely jump on it!

With that being said though, my 01 was also a great truck when I had it. Owning a Level II now though, I know what a big difference so many seemingly "small" things can make. It all depends on what you can find. I think you will be pleased with either truck, but the Level II package is DEFINITELY worth looking for!

 

there is a local 04 level II for sale. I believe the guy is asking around 15k, Only problem that i can tell from autotrader is that it has 58k already. Other than that, it looks like a great truck. its a black flairside manual.

That gets me thinking, what years did they put the manual transfer case in? I remember reading something like 01-03 with manuals or something, can someone clear that up for me?

 

I paid 15k for my 03 Level II with 28k miles, which was a bit more than I wanted, but I wanted the truck more than the other guy that was looking at it, so I lost a bit of my leverage to barter. I would also double check that it's not just an FX4 off-road model, because I don't think the Level II is offered with Flareside beds.

The manual transfer case was offered ONLY on 2002 FX4 Off-Road models and 2003 FX4 Level II models with manual transmissions.

 

Its not a true level 2 if it has a flareside bed, they only came with fleetside beds and flares.

 

yeah for some reason i thought it had flareside, i just checked the ad again and it has fleetside.

Anyone else have input?

 

i would rather have the edge for the rubber floor... might be able to get a similar thruck for cheaper too