2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 1998 guys; I have some ????'s

[dclassens]

I am looking very hard at a 1998 with a 12v and a manual trans. Here's a list of years I have owned:

truck#1 1997 truck#2 1999 truck#3 2002(new) truck#4 2001 truck#5 2001



I know the interior of a 1998 is similar to the 99-02, and I know the engine in this one is a 12 valve. Here are my questions;

1 Is the front end built like like a 99-02 or is the front end built like a 94-97?

2 Will a left over gauge pod from my 01 fit the A pillar?

3 Is there site or link that puts all the difference together. A place that says end to end how these truck is assembled-general data.

Engine, P-Pump#s(215?), trans(nv4500), Front axle, Rear axle, Trans case.



I have had all 24Valve trucks and really like the interior and cab, but I got REAL tired of the VP and the Lift Pump.



Please Help ~ Thanks!!

Dave

 

[Forrest Nearing]

1. not sure, believe it's the earlier style steering setup



2. yes, it should



3. TDR search function



if you like the later interior and/or want/need a quad cab, you'll love the 98! I prefer the earlier interior, but I'm on my 3rd 98 QC 12v

 

[DieselDoghouse]

If its like mine the front end is 'T' style steering not 'Y' style of other years.

As to gauge pod - not sure.

At 225K largely trouble-free miles I see why these engines are called 'miliion mile dodges'.

 

[dclassens]

Thanks for the data so far. I have done a bunch of TDR forum searchs and found some data. I am hoping to join the 12valve crew.



Thanks Guys!! Lets keep the data rolling.

Dave

 

[Forrest Nearing]

be aware of the 53 block issues. They came in a lot of 98 12v trucks and while I've only heard of a couple 12v 53's actually cracking vs. countless 24v 53's, it's something to be aware of.



my first two 98's were 53's both at ~175k w/ no probs

 

[The patriot]

I have a 98 QC LWB 4X4 12 valve.

Sounds similar to mine.

Watch the KDP, and block # 58. Other than that you should be fine.

Eric

 

[dshatzer]

Front Brake rotors are a PITA to R&R. Great truck. Our stock 98 12V quad cab is running fine at 150K miles.

 

[dclassens]

"Watch the KDP, and block # 58. " What is the "58"? I have been on TDR a long time, but I must have missed the 58 posts. What is this all about. Maybe it is a typing error. Any feed back?? thanks



Dave

 

[The patriot]

It's a block casting number. They seem to be pretty weak, prone to breakage if you make more HP.

The casting # is just above the oil pan on the lower side of the block on the drivers side of the engine.

I wouldnt sweat it too much unless you make more than 450HP and run her hard a lot.

YMMV, JM. 02

Eric

 

[Forrest Nearing]

actually, power has nothing to do with it... they're either going to crack or they aren't... Fulmer did over 800 on one or both of his 53 blocks. My red truck did 535rwhp and still going strong. the 12v's don't seem to have near the problem that the 24v 53 blocks do. I'd venture a majority of the cracked blocks were on stock trucks

 

[dclassens]

Did you mean "53" when typing. My question is is there two block casting numbers, 53 and 58? Thanks!!



Dave

 

[The patriot]

Did you mean "53" when typing. My question is is there two block casting numbers, 53 and 58? Thanks!!



Dave

53.

Read my post.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I have a 98 QC LWB 4X4 12 valve.

Sounds similar to mine.

Watch the KDP, and block # 58. Other than that you should be fine.

Eric

this one?

 

[The patriot]

The casting # is just above the oil pan on the lower side of the block on the drivers side of the engine.

No, dis one. :-laf