In the market 1st time owner

[cuevas623]

Jsut wondered if I could get some input. I am a first time buyer and am currently in the market for a truck I was wondering for a first time buyer who does not have a lot of money but wants to get into a cummins what is the easiest way and is a first gen the way to go I want to do some mods to it so I was wondering If I should just fork out the money for an 98-02 or shoud I stick with the 98 and below 12 valve's I am new to deisel mechanics and am trying to learn!!! thanks for your input!!

 

[Joe G.]

Read the 24 valve forum about all the problems with the fuel system. Then go buy a '94 to early '98 with a 12 valve engine that has a P7100 injection pump.

 

[TRadke]

Yep, what Joe G. said.



And that's just what I did, last month.



P7100 IP ('94 - early '98 12V) is pretty much bulletproof.



VP44 IP ('98. 5 - '02 24V) isn't.



Mine's an early '98, I like it a lot.



Good Luck,

Ted

 

[tgordon]

Agree with above. Got one and will never turn back. Will overhaul and put a new body on before buying a newer truck. Maybe we are just the die hards, I don't know.



The only thing I have to add is unless you are going to be hauling loads all the time go with the money saving 3. 53's rather than 4. 10's.

 

[cuevas623]

alright now what if I want something I can do a few mods too? is it still possible to do a numerous amount of mods to a 94- early 98 12 valves? If I were to get a later model. . say an 01' what are some down falls and what should I look for in a used truck I jsut want to get the right truck casue I plan on having it for a long time. . stick or manual either way I go??

 

[Joe G.]

The downfall of the 24 valve (late '98 and later) is the fuel system.



Mods for a 12 valve are cheaper. Some you can do for free. It's all mechanical so there are no electronic boxes to become obsolete.



The transmission selection depends on what you want to do. Daily driver, take your choice. Whatever you are comfortable with. If you want to go quick at drag racing get an automatic. Sled pull, get a manual.

 

[MEby]

entry level cummins start at about $7000. 00 in my area. as said above go mechanical, simple

 

[guava]

alright now what if I want something I can do a few mods too? is it still possible to do a numerous amount of mods to a 94- early 98 12 valves? If I were to get a later model. . say an 01' what are some down falls and what should I look for in a used truck I jsut want to get the right truck casue I plan on having it for a long time. . stick or manual either way I go??

All kids of mods available... more mods and money most likely.



I agree with all the rest as to the 94-98 12v. If possible, I'd try to find one of the 98 quad cabs AND the 12v motor. Not a lot out there though.

 

[cuevas623]

alright that is what I am looking for a 98 quad cab that is what I really wanted! I guess I jsut really wanted to know the down fall on the 24 valve engine. don't get me wrong I love all cummins but I jsut love the sound of a 12 vavle my buddy had a 89 and I fellin love with that truck!!

 

[DieselDoghouse]

What Joe G said - would have a '98 12V for ya but no way ready to sell yet!! Good luck in your search - when you find one you'll be all set!!