Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Life Expectency for 12v?

[Gifford]

I am trying to plan a budget for my new truck, but am wondering just how long can I reasonably expect my 97 12v to last. It has 153,000 miles on it now, can I reasonably expect another 150,000? (I am counting on a new transmission sometime soon, and I hope for the that to be the biggest repair expense.

 

[rx7pat]

life expectency for 12v

With a little luck 150000+150000+150000+150000+150000+150000 and many many more

 

[pathaymond]

I had a 93 cummins drove it 500k never failed me never touched. transmission was in need of repair sold it, and it now has 700k never touched engine wise. Keep it serviced and it will service your needs. These engines are built to last. pure perfection is what I call it. Keep on driving!!

 

[keimmmo]

The first 250,000 miles on my '92 were all but totally trouble free!!! After that I had to start doing a few repairs along... but nothing to compare with new truck payments! The '92 now has just over 300,000 miles on it and is going strong!



Steve

 

[rrausch]

Clean air + clean fuel + clean oil=long life

 

[Sled Puller]

Virtually indestructable. Impressive, considering the blocks are made in Brazil.

 

[Hammer]

"Virtually indestructable. " says Sleddy. .

And to that I'll add this-

I agree with that as long as you don't give Sleddy the keys... ... ... . Andy

 

[Dieselnerd]

These replies are what really have me sitting on the fence. I have a perfectly good 12 valve with only 74,000 miles on it. I've been reading on this site and in the TDR magazine that if you want one of the new common rail Cummins, get one built prior to January, 2004 before they add the EGR. I'm torn between the mechanical simplicity of mine versus the newest. What if they screw it up after 2004? What would you guys do? Based on other people's experience mine is barely broken in.

 

[Sled Puller]

Keep it, these trucks are perfect.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Sled Puller, I am leaning towards keeping it. It's had a few minor problems but it's never let me down out on the road. I guess I'm 60% for keeping it and 40% for getting a 2003. When I look at all I've added to the truck and how well it tows and how much work I would have to do to make the new truck equal (gauges, 5th wheel hitch, camper mounts, adjustable shocks, etc. ) I lose some enthusiasm. Then I think of the new truck, how they smell and look and I get torn again. I guess I'll be sitting on the fence for a while yet...

 

[illflem]

Ron, just squirt some new car scent air freshener in it and have it detailed or repainted. You'll be money ahead and have a better rig.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Dieselnerd



Then I think of the new truck, how they smell and look and I get torn again. I guess I'll be sitting on the fence for a while yet...

I don't see any comparison between the 2nd and 3rd generation trucks? I like the 2nd generation for their looks (design) and the way they sound. I am not saying that the 3rd Generation trucks are not great diesel trucks but they are to me so "different" they might as well be Chevy gassers . It's like comparing the first classic Mustangs with the ones they are making today. They are both called Mustangs and made by Ford but the new ones don't interest me at all. JMHO

 

[shendren]

800,000 +

 

[keimmmo]

Fellows, I see it this way. Drive what you like and can afford. If you look at my signature, I have both a first and second generation truck. I think the third generation trucks are nice too, but I'm not in the market for one at the moment. They all have strong and weak points!



If you have a good truck, with basic maintenance and some repairs, you can keep it going almost forever. If you WANT something newer or different and have the money, GO FOR IT! If a different truck isn't in your budget, you can still get a lot of life out of that old one!



Steve

 

[EB]

Life Expectency???

Don't know. Mine will roll over 400,000 miles by the end of the year. Have had very few problems with the truck, none with the engine. Have had the normal things, water pump, hoses, belts, ect. , but for the engine, nothing. Plan to go at least 500,000 miles before getting another one. I probably tow heaver than most and it just keeps going. Will be sending in a picture of the truck and the odometer just like I did at 300,000 miles. Think I'll send in a picture of the truck with the trailer loaded like I usually pull it.

 

[bmoeller]

I'm with pitbull on this one. If you like truck and has been taken care of, I personally would rather spend money on a good transmission and if the motor needed replaced later on, do that than spend 35k+ on a new truck. Also as far as the '03s are concerned, if your current truck has been reliable, I would wait a year or so. Then the new powertrain can prove itself. That way they should have most of, if any bugs worked out by then.