Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Best year for 2nd Gen. 12 valve???

[DHarden]

I'm looking to purchase a second generation 2500 extended cab, 5 spd, 4x4 but I can't decide what year to go with. I own a '94 2500 auto, reg. cab with about 200,000 miles on it but it is not the kind of truck I want to bomb. I plan on bombing my next truck with guages, fuel plate, gsk, 4" or 5" exhaust, and hopefully some more mods. So.....



I need some input on what model year I should go after considering transmition, horse power, torque... ... and bang for my buck!!!





Thanks.

 

[Forrest]

96 & 97 5 speeds have the 215 hp pump. Most capable of obscene fuel levels.



Chat with Mark @ TST, I did. Plate sliding in these pumps is worth 40 to 60hp. That's lots of free torque. A mid cut plate for those, the #11, is 280/685 or so & 340 slid all the way forward. That's about the limit of the clutch.



Beyond that, once you upgrade the clutch, you've got a ton more plates with lower #'s & injectors to go farther, with one of the keen, larger turbos.

 

[sparks57]

I'd go 96-98. The 98 is rare, but a nice truck because it has the quad cab option, and the refined interior. Just make sure to watch out for the 53 block and the KDP.

 

[DKayser]

The Holy Grail!

98 Quad Cab Long Box! I get wood when I see one. Unfortunately, I am too cheap/poor to buy one. Don.

 

[DHarden]

Thanks for all the replies!

I should have told you what kind of bugdet I have for the truck. I'm looking to spend less than $15,000, preferably less so that I can get some mods on ASAP! Thanks again for the help!

 

[Cooker]

96 or newer. I would prefer a 97-98 as they didn't have vaccume brakes.

 

[DKayser]

Not around here

That is 95/96 price around here, not 98 quad. I would gleefully pay that for a clean 98 like I described earlier. DK.

 

[gds3076]

96 12V

I just bought a 96 12V w/ 64,000 miles on it. had for about a month and have had no problems. The truck looks bran spanking new. I paid 18,000 tax and license out the door. The place where I bought mine from was called Trail Sport and this guy only sells Dodge CTD's. If want to check him out his name is Julio and his number is 909-825-2818. Julio and his wife run the place just ask for Julio and he'll bend over back ward for ya. Good luck I hope this helps.

 

[wsmalley]

Definately gotta agree on the '96-'98. If you're going to be BOMBing on a budget, screw the plate and just grind your stock one. That'll save you a good couple hundred bucks right there to put towards a more useful mod, like exhaust, intake, or a clutch. Slide the plate up or after you get a clutch just yank the thing out. Get those guages, check for the Dowel Pin, and you will be set for some good times.

 

[jpearson]

Whats the deal with the 53 block?

 

[HoleshotHolset]

The 53 blocks are allegedly more prone to cracking.



Like Bigfoot (the mystical beast... not the monster truck... ), not too many people have seen these blocks fail.



It's something to keep your eye on, though.



Matt

 

[drrhoades]

I got my 97 for 15k with 68,000 miles on it. It was in almost perfect condition with only one dent on the inside of the bed. So they are out there you just have to look for them, i looked for over a year.

 

[shendren]

i just sold my 96. what a freakin' mistake. i went out and bought an 04/04 (that's an 04 with an 04 engine) PSD (POS). i will be looking for another 12V..... SOON... god, if you love diesels, DO NOT buy a PSD..... put up with all of the crap from dodge, cause they don't make those 12V's no more... ... what a pump and engine. no electronics (to speak of)... ...



please don't reply... ... ... i feel sick... ... ...

 

[shendren]

goodness,... .....



i forgot why i even posted... ..... yeah,,,,,,,,,



how can you tell if you have a dreaded 53 block?

 

[dberry]

Don't know about the 053, but I love my '98 12v, its got the 215 pump, quad cab and the newer interior- the best of both worlds! (and it needs washed!)

#ad

 

[AKAMAC]

Its an auto but looks sweet!on ebay

 

[Cooker]

Originally posted by AKAMAC

Its an auto but looks sweet!on ebay

That truck sold once on eBay for over $15k :--)