2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 98 12v and 24V owners. How do you like your truck?

[JBigelow]

I have been wanting a 98, 12v, 3500, QC, 4x4, auto. But the 5 sp would be OK. My questions are. I have 3 12v's but no 2nd gens



How long have you had it?

How many miles have you put on it?

Would buy it again?

What would you have done different?



I know about the KDP, 5th gear, and 53 block. Thanks for your help guys.

 

[fest3er]

This might be TMI, but here goes.

I ordered my '98 12V (2500, club cab, long bed, SLT/leather, rubber floor mat, etc. ) in August, '97 and took delivery in October. I've put 240K miles on it. I still enjoy driving it, even though cruise control has died. I don't know that I would (or could) do anything different.

The paint is holding up well, even though the body is starting to show its age. A semi backed into me at a fuel stop and bent the front bumper a little, but I never bothered to fix it; it's hard to see. The grill is cracked and needs replacing but, again, it isn't bad enough to worry about just yet. The bumper plastic parts are oxidized and ugle and starting to fall off. The vent visors and bug deflectors I bought from Genos's are showing their age after around 200K miles, but are still solid and well-attached.

I believe it still has stock timing. It's got 3K GSK, 215 injectors, Stancor replacement intake heater relays, ATS VB and TC and stock plate slid forward (or backward, whichever way gets more fuel). I can still get around 19 MPG (empty) if I keep it at 75 or less on the highway (or keep the boost under ten PSI, and even closer to 5 PSI). The exhaust blanket from Genos has been on for around 200K miles and still does its job.

Engine, trans, xfer case and diffs are filled with Amsoil. I haven't drained the oil since 160K miles when I installed the dual bypass filter unit. I just change the filters and add more oil. The engine needs to be 'freshened'. It has enough blow-by to require a redneck crankcase ventilator (to reduce oil consumption), and it has a good layer of oil generally on the bottom half.

It has happily carried 4000# of gravel, firewood and horse dung in the bed a time or three. I made a bed mat out of 1/2" conveyor belting; it's aging, but still holding up pretty well.

I installed Rickson 19. 5 wheels and am on the third set of 19. 5" (currently Hankook) 225/70 tires; it still drives like a sports car. I've had a set of KYB GasAjust monotube shocks on it for around 150K miles; they're still pretty strong.

I've put 4 (I think) track bars on it. I've replaced tie rods and ball joints a time or two, replaced one front hub/bearing and both front axle u-joints twice. I installed the DSS steering stabilizer, which made me relearn how to drive the truck. I installed a Flaming River steering shaft back around 50K miles; it's still going strong.

Front rotors have been replaced a time or two. Rear drums were turned once. Rear bearings and seals were replaced a year ago. Rear trans seal and xfer case were resealed then, too. The front seal needs to be replaced.

I replaced headlights and taillights once, and replaced dash lights once. I replaced the batteries once with red Optimas. The leather is holding up nicely, but is starting to show signs of wear. Except for a few signs of aging, the interior looks nearly new.

All in all, it's still a pleasure to drive, though I would like to replace all suspension bushings to tighten it up a little. And I really should replace the Rickson wheels (powder-coated steel). They're looking 'well used' after 180K miles.

It only left me stranded once, when the fuel filter bolt broke and dropped my fuel economy to 15 gal/mi. For a 1/2 mile. John Styer ferried me around that night to find a bolt that would get me home. I wasn't really stranded (I was at home) when the intake heater relays stuck on, drained the batteries and melted stuff on the engine. But it was annoying when the dealer fixed it, but didn't notice it had moved into the '0-60 in the same day' class. Turns out the AFC boost line had melted, preventing full fueling.

Find one assembled in Saltillo, Mex. They did a pretty good job with paint, fit and finish that year. As with all things, your mileage may vary.

 

[JGK]

I'd get (another) 12v before I'd get a 24 in '98. In fact, I wouldn't consider a 24 valve until '02. After that, things got better (lift and injection pumps). But at this date, if I were trading up, I'd go for a 3rd gen. But back to your questions.



Bought mine used with 43K in '00. It now has about 145K. Knowing what I do now vs. when I bought it, yes, I'd most definately buy it again.



Do differently? Not much. I've been adding and upgrading slowly over the years. Some things I put on I wouldn't have fooled with (fuel pressure gauge, for instance; I've removed it, and now just check it occasionally).



Keep it maintained.



-Jay

 

[KevinSmith]

01 2500. It depends on the day as to wether i am cussing it or praising it

 

[Hammer]

I have been wanting a 98, 12v, 3500, QC, 4x4, auto. But the 5 sp would be OK. My questions are. I have 3 12v's but no 2nd gens

Hmmm...

First I will answer your question on how I like my 12v 2nd Generation truck...

I have owned it ever since ma Mopar reposessed it from the original purchaser way back in early 99. It had 12,000 miles on it when I bought it and now the odometer has turned over 166,000. I have changed many thing and each time I strive to make it better. Hands down it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned and because of that I do pamper it a touch.



Now on to your wish... .

I happen to know right now of a 1998 Quad Cab 3500 SLT Dually 4x4,Leather-loaded,SLT,3. 54 anti-spin,12v,5 spd with a touch over 100k on it for sale. Flame Red in color and its a estate sale. It has some minor body dings and scratches and a crack in the lower right dually fender. The daughter tried to turn it around and were not to good with the size of the truck and swiped a fence post by the barn with it,otherwise the rest of the paint is very nice. It needs cleaned up and the drivers seat sewed but I have been all over it and it has the makings of a great truck for someone... ... . Andy

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I'm on my 3rd 98 12v. greatest trucks ever built IMO

 

[Kiohio]

Forrest... . if they are so good why did you go thru 3 of them :-laf

Just kiddin'



I own/have owned a 1st,2nd and 3rd gen.

I like my 2nd the best..... so far.

I have to say nothing I have used to pull with pulled like my 3rd gen 6spd.

It was an early 03 and had a hotter program in it than the newer trucks.

My mileage was great. The payments sucked though.



A 24v is decent IF you do all the proper precautions. And you can flip a switch to turn it up.

I myself like the simplistic 12v, it handles good.

I like the interior, my only wish is that it was a QC/SB

As with any diesel truck they do like their front end parts.

That is probably the biggest complaint you hear.

That and Auto transmission issues.



BTW if I were you ..... 5spd, unless you want to right off the bat dive into the trans or the last guy has proof it's been "built".

I would talk to Hammer if I were you, sounds like just the ticket



KO

 

[pwerwagn]

I agree with forrest. Best trucks ever, bar none.

I have 215k or so miles on mine, never HAD to replace anything except the serpintine belt and starter contacts. Stock trac bar, wheel bearings, ball joints, etc. granted, they are worn, but still stock.



I have done a clutch and turbo and stuff, but thats due to power, not from wearing out. The stock clutch lasted about 100K miles slipping from power. not bad.



I 100% would buy mine again in a heartbeat.



--Jeff

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Forrest... . if they are so good why did you go thru 3 of them :-laf

I really do have a decent explanation I think



I was living/working on the road and over my xmas break in '05, I scored a SWEET 98 QC/SB 12v 2wd auto. It was very clean and had 170k ish on it. I got it for $8600 and every similar truck was $10-12k at the time I was looking.



while still on the road, the truck sat, and I started accumulating hot rod parts for it, etc. no time to mess with it.



Then I found another job that would actually have me at HOME and right around that time I found a 98 QC/SB 12v 4x4 6sp (yes, 6sp)



it was done right... 01 axles/brakes, 6sp, twins, SBC clutch, etc. it was a flame red sport (all my other trucks have been white) and it was a 4x4, but everything else was done right, and I had to have it.



Then I found ANOTHER job and they lease my truck from me for $750/mo. I'm racking up miles and paranoid about front end maint, and a long bed would better suit me, so I sold the red truck and bought my current 98 quad/long 12v 5sp 2wd



for the money, a 96-97 club cab can't be beat, but if you gotta have a short bed, or you gotta have a quad cab, it's 98 or bust! I prefer the earlier dash layout, but I've grown spoiled with the quad doors and it's nice for accessing whatever it is I've got stored back there

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

My 01 24 valve has 175,300 miles on it and is on the original VP, I have the 5 speed and 4. 10 gears, up until a few weeks ago when I broke the spider gears in the differential at the truck pulls, it has been an excellent truck, well it still is because that was my fault. From what I have seen the 01 trucks tend to be better than the 02 trucks, for some reason the 02's and 98-00 trucks go through more VP's according to the TDR polls I have seen. Plus the 01's will have the CAD.



With that said, if I was doing it all over again and knowing what I know now I would look for a 98 QC 12 valve instead of the 01 but I can't complain about my 01 because it has been more reliable than the 93 I had that the injection pump died in at 120k. Of course at $1000 or more for a VP I guess I have to get 240k out of it to be equal. I love my 01, I would rather drive it than the wifes 06 but maybe that's because it's warmed up a bit.



Sorry guy's someone had to stick up for the 24 valve engines:-laf

 

[MEby]

I have a 98' 3500 4x4 C&C 5spd 24valve that the PO swapped for a 92' 12valve. I would buy again if the opportunity presented itself. I have no need for a 3500 but where else can I buy a 98' cummins for $3700. 00? How could I pass that deal up? Back to topic. I 12 valves for their simplicity.

 

[JBigelow]

My 01 24 valve has 175,300 miles on it and is on the original VP, I have the 5 speed and 4. 10 gears, up until a few weeks ago when I broke the spider gears in the differential at the truck pulls, it has been an excellent truck, well it still is because that was my fault. From what I have seen the 01 trucks tend to be better than the 02 trucks, for some reason the 02's and 98-00 trucks go through more VP's according to the TDR polls I have seen. Plus the 01's will have the CAD.



With that said, if I was doing it all over again and knowing what I know now I would look for a 98 QC 12 valve instead of the 01 but I can't complain about my 01 because it has been more reliable than the 93 I had that the injection pump died in at 120k. Of course at $1000 or more for a VP I guess I have to get 240k out of it to be equal. I love my 01, I would rather drive it than the wifes 06 but maybe that's because it's warmed up a bit.



Sorry guy's someone had to stick up for the 24 valve engines:-laf

I was wanting a 1998 12v I want to hear from 98 24V owner's also. I have an 01 24V. Let me tell you how great it is. I bought it in '05 wtih 42k it now has 97K. I first took it in with 45k bad fuel pump, $3k (installed 12v mechanical). Made it to 67K lost the clutch $2500. thing were great until jan 07 82K. I lost the #5 hole. a piece of headgaskest came loose and plugged the oil cooling jet. (Side note. I have never spared a penny on this truck. I always buy the best. ) New Badass rebuild $15K. Feb lost the TSP$( do not rember how much) March 85K lost VP44 $2K. Things are going great i love the new motor it hauls *** with the drag comp. I most always use it on 1. 1. when I turn it to 5. 5 it is only for a minute or so. Two weeks ago. I make a 500 mile run MT. I hear a little noise. Rear end went out. new dana 80. I now have Posi $3k later. no one needs to tell me how great the 01's are I know. I have the reciepts to proove it. I am just waiting for the next bomb to go off. I am married to it now. I cannot afford a divorce. I paid $27K for the truck. I have spent more than $20K on it this year. When the truck is running it is the greatest truck. Maybe now, it will stay running.

 

[Joe G.]

I think I will hug my '95.

 

[6btsmoker]

i love my truck. 1998 12V.

 

[John - K5AWO]

I used to have a '98 12V 2500 auto and loved the huge torque that thing had, all the way from off the line to pegging the speedometer. Lost it to the lady and her lawyer.

Later I found my '98. 5 24V. Still like the body style, but the 1 ton 4x4 is too rough for a daily driver. Also, I am not enthralled with the expensive VP44 which I just shelled out my piggy bank to replace.

The 1 ton is a great towing rig, the 3/4 ton is a much better town truck. I guess someday, if it bothers me enough, Mr. Kelderman can fix the 1 ton for me.

 

[Bloomy]

Well, here is what I can offer. In my signature you can see what I am around. The 95 was mine. The 06 is mine. The 01 is Dad's. The 98 24v is the Brother-in-laws. My opinion comes from being the in-house mechanic for all of them.



We bought the 98 ($9k) about a year ago. Needed a truck in a hurry since the B-I-L's previous ride was totaled. (my diesel freakness convinced my B-I-L that he needed a diesel from his chevy gassers) We were shopping used no questions asked. This 98 was on a lot with a good number of other CTD's ranging from 94's-03's. Test dove pretty much all of them. In the end it really came down to price. The best drive (opinion by both of us) was actually the 94 12v auto w/ 274k on it ($6k). Surprising I know. Almost entertained that, but it was a regular cab.



The 98 was in the price range to pay cash and be done with it. Problem was I tested the fuel pressure on the lot. Guess what? At the same exact time the LP decided to completely die. No pressure, no run. Dealer not happy! Dead truck on lot. No buyer. Well, we decided to buy the truck anyway. So I went back up with a trailer, got it running with the VP only, just to get it on the trailer. Put the GDP kit on and its been pretty good since then. Bought it with 207k now has about 230k on it. QC and the cash price made the difference on this buy (kids to haul and such). No payment also helped with the idea of having extra money if(when) the VP dies. Seems to be on its way out now, but we knew that when we bought it. Really have no intention of adding power so the auto will hopefully last. The engine runs great. Good power, good mileage for a stock truck.



If the 94 had been a CC with a 5sp, probably would have bought that instead. I am a big 12v fan and still TASER myself once a week for selling mine. I was grooming it to be a full time puller, but then I moved to the land of no truck pulls and lots of sand (FL). Hammer why didn't you talk me into keeping it!



Based on the circumstance we would probably have bought it again. There was an 01. 5 6sp ($22k) on the lot that was really nice as well, but just too much money @ the time.



Thomas

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

JBigelow I've owned two '98s, a 12 and 24v. Here's the pros and cons between the two I've found:

I like the Club Cab much better than the Quad. Yes, I do not like the quad doors. The cab just flexes and doors squeak too much and makes the truck feel old IMO. My current CC at 166,000 miles is far tighter than the '98. 5 with 60k miles.

Engines. . . I like the durability & reliability of the 12v but there's something to be said for 24v electronic enhancements and being able to make power without tons of smoke to go with it and temperamental drivability habits of the 12v if not set up properly. Since I'm not making lots of HP I'm pretty satisfied with how my '98 runs but if I really wanted to crank it up quite a bit the 24v is more attractive to me.

I like the uniquities of the '98 trucks because of the mix of old and new. . . the push/pull headlight switch, the unique door panels, the oddball engine (all '98 engines are built out of the same block), the mix of club and quad cab models, the unique passenger seat slider on the club cab, the first year for shortbeds, etc.