Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Just How Rare are...Early 98 2500, 12 Valve, SWB, QC, 4x4, SLT, 5 Speed ??

[The patriot]

No you don't.



We're talking about the SHORT Wheel based models.

Oops. I got to read more carefully. :-laf

 

[Fred Swanson]

I'd agree the SB's are harder to come by. Seeing how I wanted a LB, that's what I found. In the time I was searching, not one SB came up, with the right options.



In the VIN#, look for the 5th through 8th and the 10th digit.



5th is C or F (2 or 4WD)

6th is 2 (for 2500)

7th is 3 (for QC) (2 is CC, BTW)

8th is D (for 12Valve)

10th is W (for 98 model year)



Any Dodge dealer can run the entire VIN to give you the options.



Just look for 23D in the VIN, I found a bunch of 22D's and 237's out there, too.

 

[mgoncalves]

Beg to differ with you on the Matt.



Autotrader.com does NOT differentiate between EARLY/LATE 98s, 12v/24v, SWB,LWB etc... Break it down to the options in the ORIGINAL posting and you'll see. Look at the DETAILs.



Book Value does mean diddly either.

Sure it does, most if not all listings have the vin in the listing, you just have to look for what you want in the vin. You're right, I was just thinking 12 valve 98's, no need to get snippy.



Book value means a great deal to a bank. I wouldn't pay much more than book for any vehicle, why would you pay more than you have too? There's always someone with the same thing out there at or less than book.



Matt

 

[mgoncalves]

here's one



here's another one



There's another 4x4 5 speed quad cab slt, but it does not say if it's a long or short bed.



That's just one auto search engine, they are out there guys, and most people don't know how bad you want' em.



Matt

 

[Fred Swanson]

Man, they are proud of them. I didn't pay anywhere near that for mine, and it needed some work, but overall, it is a solid truck, I drive everyday. Plus, I have no need for a SB, that's why I got a LB.

Mine has every option including leather. Just keep looking, they are out there.

 

[MrDiesel]

At almost $16K for one and $19k for another, I think they DO know how bad you want one!!! If any body is willing to pay that kind of $$$ for one let me know I have 2 I'll sell!

 

[mgoncalves]

I thought that 19k was a little high considering the miles, but 16k seems to be about what that age of truck goes for around here if they're in good shape.



If I had to replace my truck, I'd get a 98 long bed and swap in the six speed.



The dealers around here don't know there is a difference 12 vs 24 valve.



Matt

 

[Katmandu]

I thought that 19k was a little high considering the miles, but 16k seems to be about what that age of truck goes for around here if they're in good shape.

I paid around $16k for mine (3) months ago off a local Dealer. I went totally against my better financial judgement and bought it anyways. It had everything I wanted in a truck.

Here's some pics of mine... ... Let's see some pics of everyone else's!

http://s95371106.onlinehome.us/pics/98_Ram/


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[KevinH]

i paid $18,500 for mine with 75,000 miles on it

 

[cahammer]

i payed $18500 for mine to with 70k miles on it over a year ago had to go back to penn. to get it though but it had everything i wanted on it truck is in readers rigs

 

[Dieselnut59]

What is so special about the ones yall are mentioning, besides the new interior with the 12 valve engine? I have a '98 12 valve cab/chassis work truck and traded a '98 12 valve quad cab 3500 2-wheel drive for my '03. I like the interior of the '03 MUCH better. As far as the engines, I would rather have my '96. The throttle linkage is set up different (less touchy)and the shift pattern is longer on the transmission than the '98 is. I prefer the '96 overall over the '98 because of the transmission (long throw 5-speed), guages (easier to read, less lights), air conditioning controls (can have foot/feet setting without running the A/C compressor) and the speakers, including tweeters are all in the door, which is nice when opening the doors to listen to the radio. I suppose it is all about personal preference, but I can't stand a short bed truck or the cheesie "half door" quad cabs. The addition of actual doors was the MUST-HAVE for me in '03! I do love a 12 valve engine best though!

 

[kgarciactd]

as much as i love my 99, i cant help but be upset that my dad was about to order a 98 qc/sb 5 speed 12 valve and he somehow was talked into waiting for the "new motor" that was coming out.

 

[SBledsoe]

I found mine at a local Ford Dealer, by using an

internet buying or listing service. The Ford Dealer

had traded my truck's original owner for a new 6. 0L

PowerStroke. I had a chance to speak to my truck's

original owner later, and his comment was something to the

effect of, "I wish I had my baby back. This Ford has

been in the shop for the past fifteen days. " Ouch!

Well, he took EXCELLENT care of the Dodge while he

had it. I feel lucky for myself and sorry for the new

Ford owner - his was one of the early 6. 0L trucks.

 

[Katmandu]

What is so special about the ones yall are mentioning, besides the new interior with the 12 valve engine?

The OPTIONS.

More specifically the availability of a SHORT BED option. Also being made in Late 97 ONLY (98 model year), Quad Cab, SLT trim, 5 Speed, 4x4 and best of all a 12V "properly" valved Cummins engine!

.

 

[Katmandu]

as much as i love my 99, i cant help but be upset that my dad was about to order a 98 qc/sb 5 speed 12 valve and he somehow was talked into waiting for the "new motor" that was coming out.

Sorry for your loss.

Kinda like buying the Winning Lottery #s a day late.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Even rarer is the '98 2-wheel drive 12-valve shortbed Quad cab. I have come across two of them.

I've actually come across about 10 of them within the last year...



I finally got the one I wanted! It's a twinkie to Fulmer's truck (though much slower!) and I pulled the moulding, pinstripe, and badges off of it.



seller didn't know what they were sitting on... I picked it up for $8600

 

[pwerwagn]

Heres a pic of mine:

12V, Tan interior, 5-speed, 3. 55's, 3". It has 285's in the pic, has 305's now... and has power/heat tow mirrors now and a 6" turndown...



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--Jeff

 

[FDavid]

The OPTIONS.



More specifically the availability of a SHORT BED option. Also being made in Late 97 ONLY (98 model year), Quad Cab, SLT trim, 5 Speed, 4x4 and best of all a 12V "properly" valved Cummins engine!



.

So you are saying that you couldnt get a shortbed with a cummins at all prior to 98?

 

[mgoncalves]

So you are saying that you couldnt get a shortbed with a cummins at all prior to 98?

You couldn't get a 2500 with a cummins or v-10 with a short bed prior to 98, only the lowly v-8 gasser. I for one, wish that nobody offered heavy duty trucks with a shortbed, sort of defeats the purpose in my opinion.



Matt

 

[MrDiesel]

I have a 97 x-cab long bed, and 98 QC SB. Much nicer to go to Wal-Mart with the short bed. There are trade offs either way. I'm sure there will be times I will miss the LB but at least I can still tow heavy loads. Saying you shouldn't have SB-HD trucks is kinda like saying you shouldn't own a truck cap either... . it's all personal preferance. Plus any more a 98 QC 12v SB is almost like buying real estate... it probably won't depreciate much if you take care of it!