Best Year to BOMB?

[JES]

Which year CTD has the least electrical stuff to deal with and will take the least amount of parts to up replace when bombing? I know it’s going to be a 12 valve but which year? Oo.

Suggestions and opinions heated or otherwise welcome:-{}

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Jim: Planning on selling the ISB?



Matt

 

[illflem]

All the 12 valve engines are about the same electrically, the '94 &'95s have less hp injection pumps. Auto '94 &'95 are hydraulic rather than electrically controlled. '98 can have the dreaded crack prone 53 block, earlier ones don't. '98 also doesn't have the three times with the key on/off trick for trouble codes. Remember the '98 was supposed to have a 24 valve but it wasn't ready till mid year so a 12 valve was dropped in anyways, I feel a little was compromised by doing this.

IMO '97 is probably the best engine wise.

 

[JES]

No Mat the 01 is still killing Beamers and kicking the ass of most every thing else I've found around AZ. It's a 2wd and I'm headed up to the White mountians for the winter and thought I might try to pick up a 4WD for the snow and don't want to give up the kick in my ass I've come to love with my CTD. I can't afford to do another hi dollor transmission fix etc. I know you'll enjoy this, last week I was on US 60 and ran up on a big bike that shot past me. I ran him down and in doing so I ran the tack and the speedo to the stops. I have no idea how fast that is but at 4000 rpm the 4" was talking and the turbo singing and the guy on the bike took the next exit. The '01 still wanted to go. God I love my Cummins.

 

[Jff24Gordn]

96.

because I have one. There are a few other big 96s outt here. Adam Sprague MY6EATSV8, Joe Donnley, Dave Mitchel (I think), and lots more.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

My 1997 has been adequately responsive

 

[Jff24Gordn]

ok, i was off a year.

 

[Deezul1]

96 and 97,98 5speed have the highest HP rating stock. 98 12 valves are hard to find, 97 has the eliminated the vacum brakes which is a big plus. I had a 96 and now a 97 and there isnt much other differences. The earlier years will cost more to bring to the same HP levels.

 

[TxDieselKid]

if i was going to look for another truck, i would look for a 97 or 98 12v.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Good job on the mini-race, Jim!



I like my '94 with the little 160hp pump... . suits me just fine.



Matt

 

[dpuckett]

I'm looking for a 96-98 12 valve 5 speed. Not real hard, mind you; those things cost money. But if the last 2 torque plates on the TST chart arent recommended, and the 8(?) is about 330/ 750 if I remember correctly (not real keen on 2nd gen trucks, mainly because most of them are out of my price range). Just think of what a #4 or 5 would do, then injectors, turbo, exhaust, head port, etc. I read in the magazine the 215 engine had the biggest pump cam profile put in the Dodge trucks. ANd by then they had worked the bugs out of the "new" body style. So a 96-98 for me. I dont like electronics- too much $$$$ to fix.

Daniel

 

[C. Harlan]

98.4 (6bt/DEE)

I think the 98. 4 with a 6'er would be the best... you get the new interior, still have the dumb pump, as well as a quad cab! 98. 4 is my opinion, as well as what I drive. just a few words from me.



-Chris-

 

[jrandol]

For those that are shopping for 97's I found 2 recently that are really nice here in Colorado



97 3500 Black Quad Cab-Extremely clean with 90k miles, 5 speed laramie. I think they are asking $13k for it. The dealership has had it a while so I am sure their is quite a bit of negotiation room



97 2500 Dark Green Regular Cab, SLT, with 5 spd. 60k original miles. Really nice! This dealership was wanting $9995 i believe. Hope this helps someone.





I know if I had the $$$ to buy an old 12 valver for fun I would get a 97 in a heartbeat for bombin purposes!