Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 24V vs. 12V The Good, the BAD, and the UGLY!

[DHarden]

Help me out! Trying to decide b/w '97 2500 5 spd or a '99 2500 5 spd... ... . About 130,000 miles on each, both extended cab. There is about a $4000 price gap b/w them but don't worry about that... . Tell me why I should go w/ the 12V or the 24V and what I should watch out for. Thanks!



Here is the deal. I'm driving a '95 2500 auto right now but I'm moving up in the truck world I've been looking for quite awhile now and I've found two particular trucks that I mentioned before. I'm going to be making decision this week so any input would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Deezul1]

I like the lack of computer controls on the 97 engine and the easy cheap power upgrades. I dont like the lack of throttle linkage on the 24valve engines or the poor lift pump it has or the fact that all the sensors needed to keep it running right need a lot of expertise to trouble shoot. Both are very good trucks and the chances of problems are slim (except the lift pump). Just my thoughts and the fact that my 97 is a great truck with 193,000 miles and going strong.

 

[y-knot]

99 has more electronic engine control, this can be good or bad depending on your view point. The 99 has a very good chance of being a 53 block, check it. 99 will have stricter smog control, depends on what you want to do with it and your state. 99 is newer, has higher value according to the blue book, street wise they are about the same. Doesn't have the "real " diesel sound that the 12V has, some would say because it isn't a REAL diesel like the 12 V is?? Has lift pump issues. 99 was a bad year, everyone just wanted 2000 to get hear. '97 is probably the best year for the 12V diesel engine, you can have the Best of the Best,yippee. . The mechanical simplicity of the 12V. Good luck

 

[SEmerson]

I have a 12 and a 24. The 12 is almost trouble free. The 24 doesn't even run right now. It needs it's 3rd vp44. The cam sensor is also going out and the regulator in the computer fryed. (the 12's do also have the regulator in the computer too). I have consider replaceing the 24v with a 12v inspite of the cost to get reliablity. Long live the 12V engine.

 

[DHarden]

Thanks for the input so far guys. I have been weighing the pros and cons of both engines. On the '99, how can I tell if it has the 53 block? Can most dodge dealerships take care of most computer problem. I have to admit, the computer does scare me a bit in the '99. I guess the real thing that is holding me back from the '97 is that it is located in Southern California and I'm in Ohio. I can't afford to fly out there and I don't want to buy it w/o checking into it. Does anyone live in Southern Cal who could maybe check it out for me. It is in Trabuco Canyon.





Also, y-knotwhy is the '97 the best year for the 12V?







A few more notes about the trucks... .



the '97 has a 4" exhaust and the rest is stock



the '99 has a 120 hp/250 lbs torqe 5 stage comp, 16 cm housing, and a heavy after market clutch

 

[Deezul1]

the calif truck will have a EGR system on it (smog device) that is not desirable and the modified truck may have been driven REALLL hard.

 

[SEmerson]

You definetly want the 12v the bombed 24v has been worked hard. And the egr stuff is no big deal to either remove or modify. My egr stuff looks stock but does nothing. I live in southern cal But don't know where that town is.





On edit. . I just looked it up it is about 2 hours from me.

 

[Ncostello]

99 was a bad year, everyone just wanted 2000 to get hear.

I've read alot of 24V posts but this is the first mention I've seen of 99's being particularly worse than other years. Why was that?

 

[DHarden]

One more thing about the '97 truck, it was purchased in Kentucky so it has the big injectors... . not sure what he had to change to make it meet regulations though???

 

[SEmerson]

ca has no smog checking on diesels so passing was never a issue. The injectors are the same..... Call me if you want to chat 909 318-3082

 

[Deezul1]

It only had smog stuff if sold new in Calif

 

[DPelletier]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the quad cab vs. extended cab. The interior is nicer and more useable on the 99. The 12V engine is better, but not because of the number of valves, but because the lift pump arrangement on the 24V (2nd gen) has proven to be weak and a toasted lift pump can easily take out the more expensive VP44. Personally, I don't have a great fear of getting a 24V, but I would a) upgrade the fuel pump and b) get a fuel pressure gauge and monitor it. Which one to buy? It depends. Got kids?



Dave

 

[nfox]

Decisions

Make sure if you look at the 12v that there isn"t a bunch oil on or around the timing cover in case the kdp caught someone off guard, if you do end up with the 97 make you get the kdp fixed asap. I have a 96 and love it!! Oo.

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

24V, stop makin the guy stressed out. .

 

[krs]

I'd be mighty suspicious of that black '97 in classifieds. It's got all the goodies but is only $12K? Never happen unless there's serious problem(s).

 

[DHarden]

I'd be mighty suspicious of that black '97 in classifieds. It's got all the goodies but is only $12K? Never happen unless there's serious problem(s).

you are right, I am being very suspicious about that truck. It sounds way to good to be true but from what I've seen/heard it sounds like a winner.



Some more facts about the '97 I just learned... ...



5th gear went out so he had them put the KDP this time



"a small oil leak at the timing cover results in an occasional drop of oil on the ground" ---- WHAT KINDA PROBLEM DO WE HAVE HERE?????





I have a guy checking the truck out today, hopefully its not a bust.....

 

[Lance O]

I had a 99- loved it, no problems of towing a trailer all 130k. I still say it the stock engine had more power,ranbetter,morempg than my 02has now. But if I were you save the 4000 for toys on your new 97!Tough truck that will last a life time.







02 2500 4x4 reg cab 70k mostly stock only cosmetic changes

 

[Deezul1]

At $12,000/ $13000 you can buy all you want out here in Texas, kinda depends on where you are as to price. The KDP (killer dowel pin) problem will show up as a big crack/broken place in the timing cover near the water pump. The 99 is not immune to this problem either. Usually if it is broken you get a lot more than a occasional drip from the crack, more like a puddle.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The good: P7100

The bad: VP44

The ugly: catalytic converter on 12 valve trucks



Condition and modifications make all the difference after the truck gets a few years old. My 97 has a possible buyer at a bit over double the price of the 97 you see mentioned in this thread. With a fresh engine, two Transfer flow tanks, fully splined 4500, properly done hp additions, etc. a 12 valve truck can be worth a lot. OTOH, a roached out 97 with 300,000 miles may not be worth anything like $12K.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

hey now, I happen to like my roached out '97!!



'course, It's only got ~215k on it, and I got it for about half that $12k



Forrest