Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Maybe this should be a FAQ?

[RobbieH]

I'm trying to help a friend purchase a Gen2. I know a little about the Gen1's and I own a Gen3, but I only know enough about the Gen2 to get myself in trouble.



I believe there were some years on the Gen2 that had a block to stay away from, is it called the "58" block? I can't remember. Anyway, if I'm trying to find him a 12v motor, are there certain years to stay away from or ways to tell if it has something that is undesirable?



I found a few 98 12v trucks for us to consider, but was wondering how to tell whether the '94-97 trucks were good or not.



We are concentrating on the 5 speed NV4500 models, so the auto trans is really out of the question, we don't care about that.

 

[onestackdram]

The only thing to really worry about when it comes to 12v's is to make sure the Dowel Pin has been addressed. The only obvious way is if they used a jig fix for it. You will be able to see that from the front cover. It will be on the side (towards pass side) right as the cover turns to go strait up (towards the hood). Other than that you would have to take the front cover plate off to know one way or the other. Also check the 4 screws on the afc housing (back of pump, and looks like a half circle about 3" long. You will know if anything had been done to the pump by making sure that the 'tamper proof' screws have been tampered with or not. Not that is bad or anything but it's pretty well impossible to really bump the pump up with out having gotten into that, unless it was done at a pump shop they may have the tools to replace them and make it look factory.

Now for the 5spd. I'm not sure how but ask the owners if they have done anything about the 5th gear nut, whether it has been pinned, welded, or mainshafted.

Other than that I can't think of anything to really check of on 12v's but someone else is sure to jump in and add something or take something away. . LOL



Russell

 

[RobbieH]

We can do the dowel pin, we are already about to do two trucks, a '98 and a '91. 5. We can do this one at the same time.



I know about the 5th gear nut too, we did that on the '98.



I'm still worried about which block is which.

 

[bmoeller]

24v with the #53 block had the problem. All 12v. have the possible KDP problem. Not a bad fix though. I STILL need to check mine.



I've owned my '97 for about 2 1/2 yrs. Has been the best truck I have owned to date. Very few repairs have been needed, mostly just PM stuff and BOMBs. Wish I had a 5/6spd though, not at all impressed with the stock torque convertor. :{

 

[DProehl]

There are a few 98 12v engines with the #53 on the left lower side , mine is one of them, I"m not at all worried about the higher probability of the water jacket cracking! If you guys like a truck dont pass it by because its a #53 block. My 2 cents... ...

 

[RobbieH]

OK, I understand there may be different issues with different year models, I'm foggy on this, was it fuel pump or lift pump issues? I know all I have heard is the 1998 12v is the one to get, but what if I find a killer deal on a 1997 or a 1994 or whatever?

 

[Joe G.]

The big difference between the '98 and earlier years is the extended cab style and the dash. Back doors on the '98. The '94 and '95 have a different auto trans. 47RH vs 47RE (Hydraulic vs Electronic governor) for later models. There are other model differences but not all that important. The later the truck the more electronics are involved. Lift pump, injection pump and other engine stuff are really the same. The 215 HP pump ('96 and up 5 speed) is a little different and can produce more HP for the same dollars. If you get a killer deal on any of the 2nd gen 12 valves don't pass it up.