Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 24-Valve Love

[Gary - K7GLD]

Here's mine - mods in sig...

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[Missouri Mule]

Well it is not Dodge! But my Moose is a early 99 Freightliner and has the 24 valve in it. Everything is working well on the engine (knock on wood, as everything is still original) and it is a couple of hundred miles from 200,000. I am on my 4rth set of batteries (but med truck batteries are 3 year ones which I can get 4 to 4 1/2 years out of). 2nd set of tires (hope they last until this recession is over).

Because of low sales I only put 7,000 on it this year,16,000 on the Mule.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Well I bought my 99 in January of 2004 it was a one owner truck with 100,800 miles, It has 201,700 miles. When I bought the truck the dealer had to put a lift pump and filter in. I installed a Detroit locker in the rear and leveling spacers in the front soon after buying it. Also ran a Edge ez box for many years, Then it died at about 160,000 and I put a Smarty on it and gauges . About 163,000 I messed up pulling our 30ft trailer up the pass and melted the trans, Made it home by the skin of my teeth and then had the trans updated. At about 165,000 I lost my first vp44, Put a new one in and a fast pump system.

Truck has been great, The old 99 needs some love ball joints and u-joints are still the factory stock ones and I am looking at having it painted. I am thinking about a 3rd gen, 2006 Mega cab for some room for the family. Just don't know if it is worth it, The room would be cool but sounds like more problems with ball joints and u-joints, Also fuel system.

Hey Mike how's it going up Yakima way? Was just thinking about ya a couple days ago. Sometime in the eventual near future I'd like to have you do some maintenance on the Dana 80 in my '96, after 475,000 miles it's got a fair amount of driveline play.

 

[HBarlow]

Since I don't own one now and haven't owned one since about March '06 I hadn't peeked inside this thread until now.

I bought an '01 Ram 3500 HO/six speed new in about June of '01. The dealer installed the Jacobs Exhaust Brake before I picked it up. Shortly after I bought it I learned of TDR somewhere long forgotten and joined. I immediately read about an upcoming TDR rally in Kerrville, TX so I hooked up the old Airstream I owned at the time and drove to Kerrville.

I ended up in the space next to Bill Stockard and his wife Janet and we became friends. Also met Joe Donnelly, Bill Kondolay, and many others. Joe gave a presentation on Bosch RV275 injectors which impressed me so I bought a set from him and he installed them. The difference was remarkable but then I needed gauges so soon as I returned home I bought a set of egt and boost gauges and had a diesel shop install them.

I was retired and did a lot of traveling all over the US and some of Canada with that old 24 valve with a trailer following me. In late '04 became aware of a major redevelopment project in Lubbock that was going to result in hundreds of new apartment buildings being built right outside the campus of Texas Tech University and got worried. I owned a bunch of rental houses at the time, all with mortgages, and all rented to TTU students. I considered the financial disaster I was facing if the big money developers stole all my tenants away and left me with empty houses so in January '05 I went to Wakarusa, IN and began pulling trailers for Horizon Transport.

My faithful 24 valve had 151k miles on the odometer when I started. I ran hard to retire my rent property mortgages and by early '06 it had over 300k miles on the meter. Latest news from Carlton Bale at Jacobs/Cummins was that finally, after all those years of development and testing, the new HPCR '06 Ram could be factory ordered with 48RE and Jacobs Exhaust Brake. I was probably the first in Texas and among the first anywhere to order one and think I received it in February '06. My mechanic buddy and I transferred the Transfer Flow in-bed tank and my old Reese 20k to the new '06 and I sold the '01 to my daughter and son-in-law. (My daughter had insisted her husband buy it) The odometer showed 325k when they drove it away.

That truck was my favorite in many ways for many reasons. It was my first ever diesel. It's towing ability was night and day better than the '94 Furd F-250 HD 460 I had owned before. I loved the sound, the torque, the acceleration at highway speed with a heavy trailer behind. (I once ran it up to 98 mph with an Airstream following me. ) It might have reached 100 mph if I hadn't considered the wreckage that would result if I blew a tire.

My mechanic buddy owns the old 24 valve now and I get warm feelings whenever I see it. It's like an old friend. We went a lot of places and had a lot of fun together. I had a few equipment problems with it over the years but it never stranded me.

 

[jgillott]

Well, I sold my 24-Valve 5 years ago and I still liked it more than any vehicle I've owned, even more than my former '92 or the 3rd gens. I can't wait to hear some of the things that current owners are doing.

I posted this when this thread started and I'll say it again. I've owned quite a few vehicles over the years and the only one I can say that I miss is my former '01. I sold it just under 6 years ago now in order to purchase my current '07 to the son of a friend of ours and still ask about it all the time. Don't get me wrong, I've gotten a lot of very good use out of my '07, but it just doesn't excite me the way that 2nd gen did. Looking back, I wish I would have kept it.

 

[VolsFan]

Getting my truck closer to how I want it, Im glad I went back with a 2nd gen truck over a 1st or 3rd gen. I loved my 99 but was getting bored of the auto, and tired of the poor single piston caliper front brakes and rear drums. Not to discredit anybody that has an earlier model, they are great rigs. The cab of this truck is a lot nicer than my old one, and is way more fun to drive. I test drove a handful of 3rd gens but didnt feel comfortable w/ them, thought they had too many mods for my taste which would lead to big money failures. I think there is something nice about seeing the older trucks riding around that are well kept. newer trucks are everywhere, its getting harder and harder to find nice clean 2nd gen 24 valves. I have put some money in this truck in the short time I have owned it, but feel it is worth it, I plan on keeping it for a long time.

 

[MPalachuk]

Hey Vaughn, Thinks are just going on and on. You know how it is work, work and hope to play alittle. Like my post says I am thinking about a different truck. Looking at 06 Mega cabs and thinking about it, But I dont know if it will be a good move.

 

[JSoloman]

I hope you all don't mind hearing from a gal in the group who LOVES her truck.



I bought my '01 back in July of 2000. Money didn't grow on trees, so I was determined to get the best money could buy and I wanted all the bells and whistles offered at that time. Now, keep in mind, my two closest friends (also fellow firefighters) both sported Powerstrokes and had given me all the reasons why that is the engine to have. We are now 13 years later, 112,500 miles and still loving my Blue Beast as much as I did the first time I sat behind the wheel. Of course, the boys are both on their third Ford diesel. Nothing more to be said there.

My truck has done nothing but haul. Hay, rock, wood and of course, the RVs. Currently I've got a 30' Crusader 5th wheel purchased a few months after I retired. The rig has been, as I like to put it, trouble free when it comes to the engine and drivetrain. I've replaced a couple of lift pumps and recently the VP44. The front end went through a few upgrades and finally to a life time warrantied set up.

I count myself lucky to have a great group of mechanics at Source Automotive that I can trust to do it right when I need work done. My son-in-law bought an '08 with the 6. 7 and you couldn't get me to trade my 5. 9 off for it. The only mods I've done it the air dam, the Air Dogs, 4" exhaust and the Jake brake. Otherwise I am happy with it as it is. I'm in no hurry to let go of $45K+ when all is going just fine with the ol' HO.

 

[Dl5treez]

Hard to believe it has been over 7 years since I sold my old '99. It drove me nuts from time to time, and it kinda let the guy down who bought it from me after a bit (VP44 died, transfer case locked up, 53 block cracked), but it was a good pickup that kept me safe for many many miles across this country and got me home safe every night after work in -30* South Dakota winters.

Part of me wishes I still had it. It was a pretty good truck. Although had the pump, t-case, and block bit the dust when I was the owner I may not feel quite the same way.

I still love the old '95 and the '06 is pretty nice, too. My Ford has my heart but she will be Cummins powered someday. I really wish Dodge had built crew cab 2nd Gen trucks.

 

[DAN V]

i am glad to also be back into a 2nd gen truck. I have spent a large amount of money just to get the steering and front end fixed on this beast. My next phase will be to do the headlights, marker lights and towing mirrors.

 

[JR]

I hope you all don't mind hearing from a gal in the group who LOVES her truck.



I bought my '01 back in July of 2000. Money didn't grow on trees, so I was determined to get the best money could buy and I wanted all the bells and whistles offered at that time. Now, keep in mind, my two closest friends (also fellow firefighters) both sported Powerstrokes and had given me all the reasons why that is the engine to have. We are now 13 years later, 112,500 miles and still loving my Blue Beast as much as I did the first time I sat behind the wheel. Of course, the boys are both on their third Ford diesel. Nothing more to be said there.

My truck has done nothing but haul. Hay, rock, wood and of course, the RVs. Currently I've got a 30' Crusader 5th wheel purchased a few months after I retired. The rig has been, as I like to put it, trouble free when it comes to the engine and drivetrain. I've replaced a couple of lift pumps and recently the VP44. The front end went through a few upgrades and finally to a life time warrantied set up.

I count myself lucky to have a great group of mechanics at Source Automotive that I can trust to do it right when I need work done. My son-in-law bought an '08 with the 6. 7 and you couldn't get me to trade my 5. 9 off for it. The only mods I've done it the air dam, the Air Dogs, 4" exhaust and the Jake brake. Otherwise I am happy with it as it is. I'm in no hurry to let go of $45K+ when all is going just fine with the ol' HO.

Three powerstrokes to one Cummins, thats about the going rate . Lets see some pictures!

 

[DPethick]

I love my 01 wouldnt trade it for any thing even if i was rich i would keep it its got 50hp injectors cam edge juice southbend clutch switched to a nv5600 and now she just needs paint amd putting back together after my deer hit im gonna put a afe air to air and a griffin rad in it and a banks monster intake to get the air in and if all goes well a new fass pump and turbo soon its been a very good truck i keeep on top of things i got it with 208 thousand km now has 365 only left me on the road twice once when the trans input broke and when my fan hit my rad after the deer which was not its fault iv only put one vp in it just after i got it been great since

 

[KrisKringle]

Dodge Cummins in Germany

Well... This is my first Cummins Diesel. My Brother really is to blame, as he blew away my '96 Impala SS (also ,tuned') with his '96 CTD, uh, regularly, albeit only until 100 mph... but man, the smoke!!!! Anyway, I have always wanted one since then so it is a bit ironic that of al places (here in Germany), I am finally driving one. Somewhere, I have a blog about the truck. . oh wait, here it is Real American steel: dodge Ram

well, to make a long story short, I bought the truck from a comrade at the base in Wiesbaden. Since it came out of Texas, there was no undercoating... took care of that before the first winter. Replaced the entire front suspension, drive shaft components, injectors, had a real BS adventure with the FASS DDRP (POS, and GET A RAPTOR, NOT A FASS!!!!). Jeepers, I can change a lift pump in under 15 minutes. However, I plan on keeping this truck until the end. It is my last truck... . pretty much sums it up.

BTW, my Brother now has a 2005, and wishes he had a 2002...

a picture with over 1. 200 kilo's on the rack( that would be 1. 2 x 2. 54 lbs or 3,048 pounds!!!-I will not do it again either); but anyway I built it with Manny Krause at Melchert Automobil (and suddenly there are a bunch of copies of the USA rack here)

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Great story Kris. You are not the only one as a member on here who got a Dodge Cummins after getting beaten by one in a fast car. So do you see many Dodge turbo diesels there in Germany?

 

[WaltHess]

I bought my 2001 in 2005 with 101,000 miles on the clock . It is a basic 3500 extended cab 4x4 w/ 6spd and the HO CTD, and 4. 10 gears. It now has 316,000 miles, and to date I have replaced the APPS at 120K-this one is hinky since 190K- but I am living with it, original lift pump made it to 210K - do I hold the record??(went with a FASS HPFP) , brakes all around, original clutch made it to 315K, and the steering gearbox is leaking now. I really can't complain. I am currently averaging around 18 mpg over my 206 mile daily commute. My highest was 22 years ago. I made one run where truck,trailer,and load was 18,000# on the nose. I averaged 13MPG from Fairfield CA to Moapa Valley just outside of Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada. My current tires are Michelin XCH 235/85/16's, and I have almost 100K on them. The Maxxis Bravos I had were a total waste of money-poor mileage,didn't last as long, and some were so out of round it wasn't funny. My only complaint is I wish all 4 of the brake rotors were bigger. If I get some extra cash I was thinking of an exhaust brake for it. That would help the truck,and trailer brakes last longer down the long grades of the Tehachapies,and Halloran Pass. I admit to also exceeding my CGVWR a few times with overloaded trailers, but the truck took it in stride. Never had a problem getting the load moving, but had a few stinky brakes at the bottom of the grades. I do not want to ever go back to a gasoline powered truck again.

 

[KrisKringle]

Great story Kris. You are not the only one as a member on here who got a Dodge Cummins after getting beaten by one in a fast car. So do you see many Dodge turbo diesels there in Germany?

Funny, you cannot swing a dead cat without hitting a Dodge Ram in my neck of the woods. However, AFIAK, I have the only Diesel in the area. When looking for the truck (and lately for a camper), I have only come across three in Germany, all Auto, 4 WD, and rusty.

Whenever fellow Ram Drivers pass each other we always wave. The Dynomax 4¨ exhaust never fails to get comments like: ,looks like a stove pipe. ' Very often I am asked to pop the hood, and recently one guy at the dump waited until I started and drove away, just to hear the sound...

I am currently in the States, and if I waved at every Ram I saw people would not only think I am crazy, but would quickly develop Tendonitis. I was out today with my Brother in his 3rd gen, certainly more refined, but I would not trade mine for a 3rd Gen... Jonathan

 

[VolsFan]

sounds like you could be a celebrity driving a dodge/cummins in germany. I bet you could get a pretty penny for it over there too, but like me, doesnt sound like your interested in selling any time soon. Where I live now its a pretty even spread of brands, but whenever I go on jobs out west, its a whole different story, much like what you are saying. In the bitterroot valley in montana, you hardly saw anything but dodge rams, and 75% of those atleast were diesels. Worked around grand canyon and same thing there too, it was pretty wild. My dads got an 03 that he runs the heck out of, with little to no maintenance, just fuels it up seems like. And it is very nice, but I am partial to 2nd gens also.