So my 2005 1500 is just rusted beyond what I want to fix, both bed sides are shot, rockers are rusting again after being replaced 4 years ago, door bottoms are starting to rust again, 1 door is bubbling bad.

I'll take the engine and wiring harness and put it in my project car. The rest will get parted out or scrapped.

I'm thinking about replacing it with a 16+ Canyon, crew cab short bed with the baby duramax.

What is everyone's opinion on them? I don't want or need a full size (plus these trucks are plenty big IMO) and the fuel mileage of the diesel would be great for my commute

 

Go for it, I've heard good reviews from people. Find a low mileage unit, maybe even a CPO to make it that much better.

 

That is good to hear. I was planning on getting something with <30k miles on it. We'll see how the market looks in the Spring of 2021, I'd even debate buying new if the price is right. I plan on keeping it for 10+ years

 

Bumping this up again.

I live in NJ and last year's winter was a farce, hardly got any snow, not enough to warrant 4wd. So that is my next quandary...

If this year's winter is as weak as last year, Do I just go 2wd?

I have no interested in driving the new truck off road.

 

I prefer to have and not need. Never know when you will get a humdinger of a snowstorm.

 

Agree 100%. Just because you have 4wd doesn't mean you have to use it or even take it off road. But the second you need it and don't have it you will be cussing yourself.

 

I wont buy a truck (or van) without a diff on either end

Never know when you'll need it. Too valuable to not have

 

Should you need to or decide to sell it, a 4x4 always holds it value better especially in a area that could make use of it.

 

2wd trucks only sell in TX, FL, and CA... because they ain't worth owning unless you're racing it.

but for real, i never personally cared for them only because you couldn't buy it with a stick shift, i needed to be able to pull a 5000-7000lb trailer, and i had plenty of times where my 6.5' bed was just barely big enough for what i needed to haul.

if none of that's applicable to your uses, i'd say you'll be fine (so long as you at least get 4wd - because winter happens... and while it don't help you stop, it sure helps keep you from getting stuck & helps get others out). just be advised that while they have plenty of torque to do the job, [stock] diesels ain't fast, and they do run higher maintenance... but you take good care of it, and it'll outlast your truck - even without the rust.

 

I appreciate all of the advise you guys have given

If I plan to lower the truck, would that change anyone's decision? I know 4wd can be lowered too, its just usually a little bit more involved

My wife said I was crazy for thinking about giving up 4wd too but I'm certainly leaning towards keeping it now