Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 2nd Gen: 12 Valve or 24 Valve? Improved Ride?

[joeking]

Sold my super dependable 92 CTD 1 Ton 4x4 LB CC 5-speed due to rough (brutal!) ride on my aging bad back. Oo.



I'm a die-hard Cummins fan, so am looking to replace it with a 2nd Generation 2500 CTD 4x4 (manual transmission).



Should I stay with 12 Valve, or is the 24 Valve equally/adequately reliable? Is the 24 Valve engine prone to other design weaknesses beyond the OEM lift pump problems?



Also, I know the 2nd Gen. 4x4's ride much better than the 1st Gen. ; however, were there any major ride/suspension improvements in 98. 5 that should be considered in the decision?



Just looking for another reliable & economical truck that won't beat me to death!



Thanks - I really do appreciate your opinions!

 

[DBogo]

i hit the same because i thought we were talking about ride quality but i guess were not so the 12v is a much more reliable motor

 

[pwerwagn]

Not really any changes at all on the 98. 5 suspension.

94-97 12V are all basically the same.

98 12V and 98. 5 24v are same, except the motor.

99 -02 had slight cosmetic changes, mostly dash control placement, and the later models had the addition of the 6-speed.

hope that helps somewhat.

--Jeff

 

[wcjp]

I replaced my stock shocks with Rancho 9000's. This was a great upgrade that helped the ride on my 96' tremendously. A friend did the same on his 99' with similar results. When empy I run them at 3. When loaded I run the front shocks at 7, 9 for the rear.