2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Going backwards?

[az]

Recently traded my 99 for a 4. 5 600 which was promply stolen



Anyway deciding that I did not like the high payments, would rather put my money toward things that appreciated rather then depreciate, I picked up a 97 3500 4x4 12v after the insurance company settled so. time has reversed for me.



Initial thoughts vs the 99 are as follows. Quiet, much quieter then the 24v however I have a friend that has an 02 24v that is similarly as quiet to the 12v, must be an insulation issue. Although I have heard difference in several 24v that I have been around.



Second is the mileage is already better and for a stock truck I am happy with the power although changes are coming #6 plate, 3K GSK, AFE, and eventually a DTT.



Third the brakes are way better then my 99, not sure why this is maybe something to do with going to a 3500 from a 2500 but all I know is they are better. In addition this one has 30K less miles then the 99.



Last I found one with leather, not sure how many were made this way as I have not seen many but its NICE. Overall I am very happy and I am beginning to understand why so many of you say you love your 12v or mention that you should have kept the old truck.



So far so good.



Oo.

 

[ndurbin]

Nah! your not going backwards. Your just figuring out what it means to be properly valved.



Nathan

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

AZ I did the same thing. Went from a 2001 to a 2003 then sold it for the '96. I too decided I didn't like big payments, I don't miss the truck payment at all.



One nice thing about getting this truck is it was nice to drive it across the US and rack up 10,000 miles without effectively depreciating it. There's a considerable difference between racking up 10k on a 354,000 mile truck than a 32k mile '03.



Hey if you don't mind could you take some pics of your interior? I would like to see what leather on a 12-valve rig looks like.



Vaughn

 

[Dartman]

Glad you like your '97. Love my '99. Best part is, it's paid for. Out of curosity, I priced out a 2004 HO, LB w/all the goodies I wanted and was over $45K! Not to keen on the newer body/interior design anyway. Interesting the 12V is quieter. Didn't know. Love these trucks! Tony

 

[az]

could you take some pics of your interior?

Will do, interior and more, just give me a day or two and I will resurect this thread.

 

[DieselMinded]

The 12v are way louder than the common rails IMO and the 24v's are louder than the 12v and the 02 24v is the loudest of all not just because I have one, Ive been around probly every year at one time or another.



On the net I seen a 94 CTD 4x4 in AZ for $4500 I wanted so bad to jump on a plane I even called the dealer and he said "YEP its setting right outside my window" And let me tell ya it was A-1 linterior was all done up and no rust it looked like a show room truck up here in OHIO.



I'll probly regret it for a while but OH WELL



I'll get a 1st gen one of these days .



DM

 

[rmrc]

My 99 has been very good to me. Just the normal maintenance issues. How-ever,,,, if I had done more research on this web site before I bought my present truck, it definitely would have been a 12V!!!!



From what I have learned, seen and the many people I've spoken to, IMHO, the 2nd Gen 12V still is the best out of all Dodge Cummins trucks to date!

 

[BKenny]

I was going to get a 98 QC 4x4 5 speed before i got my 01. My credit union would only loan me low blue book for any thing 5 years or older . They wher selling it for more than blue book and i did,nt have the extra cash to buy it So i decided to get a newer one i like this truck but when i think of boming with my auto and lift pump $$$$ it makes me think of selling it and buying an older rig 12v with a 5 speed . I find my self thinking about it more everyday so enjoy that 12v

 

[Forrest Nearing]

96-98 12v's are the cat's ***...



greatest trucks ever made IMHO!

 

[Swayse]

Same

I went from 01 to 03 to 97.

 

[donald416]

I love my 98 12v. Nuff said Oo. .

 

[Forrest]

az ... that's NOT going backwards ... this is going backwards.



I had a 95, V10, LWB, 4WD, ext cab when they 1st came out. 8 month waiting list. What an animal ... great truck. Finances ... got rid of it. Bought a 1972 Ford, 2WD, cherry, from a guy that restores Fords. 460, C6, completely gone thru. I was on the road towing the 5'er again ... but that's REALLY going backwards. You crawl underneath the 72 ... frame members, drive shaft, rear end ... all MUCH smaller.