Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Any ex-cab short bed 5 speed 2x4s out there

[BKenny]

Hey, just woundering if there out there. I have been thinking of selling my rig and geting a 12v 5-speed ex cab 2x4. I never use 4x4 and with the frount end problems 4x4s seem to have and haveing a stick i would,nt have to worry about the trany as much . And my last thing is a better fuel system no more lift pump. I figure with a 12v and a stick i could mildly bomb it and have a fun daily driver . What kind of setups do you guys have out there Thanks Brian

 

[VicR]

I'm pretty sure the only year for a short-bed 12 valve is 98, before the 24 valve showed up mid year. They come up for sale every now and then but they seem to usually have a premium price.



I don't have a 12 valve, but let me know if you make it up to Reno and want to compare with a 2wd SB.



-Vic

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

That's the config I'd pick up in a heartbeat if a nice one showed up! Saw a pristine '98 shortbed 4x2 in Oregon a couple weekends ago, not for sale though. I'm pretty good with my '96 though, I'm planning on keeping it awhile.



My last two trucks were shorty 4x2s and I sure miss being able to cruise at 80 all day long and still get 20mpg . . . ain't happening with what I got now!!



VicR didn't I PM you about your ride once some time ago?



Another truck I'd snatch up almost as fast is a '99 with the 6-speed. . . that would be extremely rare. Throw on a Catcher ECM, Mach 3s, bigger turbo. . . that would be a fun ride.



Vaughn

 

[BKenny]

Hmm, that makes sense i have,nt seen alot of 12v short beds. Yeah i would like to sell this rig and get out of this loan and get some thing cheaper. Its in good shape 49,000 miles nicest rig i have owned . If i had alot of cash id keep it and bomb it DTT trany,turbo upgrade ,edge box , Kore pace ,ext . I figure with and older stick 12v i won,t be as worryed about the truck and payments . Don,t get me wrong i know hp does,nt come cheap but i figure i could turn up the pump put some gauges,rips 4" exhaust up grade the clutch and pressure plate and have some fun with it. VicR yours is probly alittle easyer to wip u-turns and park at shoping centers . I would,nt mind another long bed but a short bed would be cool it sounds like like i may end up geting another long bed sinse the 98s are hard to find. Thanks for the info ,Brian

 

[VicR]

Yeah, the 2wd SB is pretty easy to park and run around town in, compared to my old 97 4x4. I work on campus and I honestly don't think I could park a Megacab unless I was the first one to work, and then it would take up 2 spots and I would probably get a ticket (that doesn't stop me from wanting one though!)



I wouldn't be too scared of an early 24 valve if you found the right one. With all of the knowledge on this board all of the weaknesses are well known and solvable. On the other hand, a 12 valve would need a dowel pin and 5th gear nut, but you'd have a pretty nice set up when you were done.



Hey Vaughn - good memory. We chatted back when you had your Atlantic Blue 2nd gen. That was one sharp truck!



-Vic

 

[BKenny]

The KDP is one thing i have thought about id have to look under and check for leaks and signs of a frount cover crack and hope i catch it. Also the fith gear issue seems like its an unperdictable that randomly hits poeple . The one thing i do like better on the 24 V is the plug and play being able to turn it up wile your driving.