2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Moving backwards...

[steved]

Well, after selling my 99 for this 04. 5 (which I have owned since new), and having way more issues with it in 165k than my 99 ever gave me in 200k, I'm considering getting back into a 2nd gen 12-valve. Not really interested in a 24-valve again, nor do I want a quad cab.



I'm thinking I'm going to focus on a 97 or early 98 club cab since they have hydroboost brakes. Probably stick with a 2500 CC long bed because I really don't need a 3500...



I've been down the 99 model year, know most of their issues (track bar/balljoints/automatic transmission quirks)... is the previous 12-valve much different? Is there a benefit to running the manual trans over a built automatic (I may also be tired of shifting at this point).



Any recommendations?

 

[Missouri Mule]

You will have to make sure the killer dowel pin is taken care of. Front end problems about the same as 99. Starter the same.

Manual will cost less than a built auto but if your tired of shifting a built auto would be the way to go. MAllen is thinking about selling his 98.

 

[steved]

I forgot about the KDP... never dealt with that on my 99, even though I probably should have looked at it.

Are any of the 12-valves a "53"-type block like the 24-valves?? I thought I remembered hearing of the really late 12-valves also having a potential of a 53 block?

The auto is more so the wife can drive it than anything... I'd like to get back to an auto again because they are just nicer to drive.

It'll be a few months before I get ready to buy. I got to strip the current truck, trade it... then decide whether or not to sell the mustang prior to buying another truck.

So I got a while...

 

[steved]

How durable are the 47RE/RH after being professionally rebuilt by someone like Goerand?? I had a ATRA rebuilt trans in my 99 and it held up OK, but I wasn't towing a camper with the truck either...

 

[Dave M]

My 97 3500 CC LB 5spd has a 53 block. Got 227,000 miles on it. I've put at least $2000 into front end chasing death wobble... . PSC 3 turn steering box, DSS, 3rd gen SS adj track bar, Bilstein shocks, sway bar bushings and end links, control arm bushings, 2 rancho steering stabilizers and finally front rotors fixed it. I have not done it but if anything needs replaced in front end I'd go with the 99 style T setup or crossover steering.



I did KDP, AFE conical filter, 4 in MBRP exhaust, headlight relay harness and of course EGT and boost gauges, SBC 13 inch clutch upgrade Con O (I'd recommend get the Con OFE for more HP).



My next upgrade will be the Sport headlight conversion since my headlghts are yellowing and suck. If my PSC box gives me trouble I'd consider getting the AGR hydraulic ram setup from Summit... . PSC is rebuilt and AGR is NEW.



Dave

 

[steved]

Hmmm, when was the earliest production of a 53 block? I'm trying to avoid issues down the road...

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I believe some 97's had them. Lots of 98's had them, but I've only heard of ONE cracked 12v 53 block!!!! vs. countless 24v blocks.



I've personally owned two 98 12v's with 53 blocks, and it wouldn't concern me to buy another

 

[DCruger]

1999

I have a 99 with all stock parts still

runs like a top

Ripped out the Anti-lock brakes ( i am a professional driver)

have and exhaust break.

pull a 15000 lb horse trailer (gooseneck)

use amsoil ever 25k

use Fuel from Mexico ( runs so much better)



what are the non problems of a 99?

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I have a 99 with all stock parts still

runs like a top

Ripped out the Anti-lock brakes ( i am a professional driver)

have and exhaust break.

pull a 15000 lb horse trailer (gooseneck)

use amsoil ever 25k

use Fuel from Mexico ( runs so much better)



what are the non problems of a 99?

why rip out the anti-lock brakes? just unplug the fuse

 

[DCruger]

Rip out

Actually did not rip it out.

It stop working and i did not fix it.

 

[steved]

what are the non problems of a 99?

I'm trying to avoid electronics... including the VP44.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I'm trying to avoid electronics... including the VP44.

smart man!

 

[DCruger]

Fuel Preasure guague on the VP44

does everyone have a gauge on the VP44

so they know that when the pressure drops there is a problem?

 

[steved]

I did on my 99, but that is still not a guarantee the VP44 won't fail... only a precaution.

 

[Missouri Mule]

On my Mule I have had very little probelms with the fornt end. I replaced the track bar(over185,000 on it) in 07 and put new shocks on all four corners in 01 ( stock shocks seemed to be working fine).

 

[steved]

I've found tracbar wearout directly related to alignment... they last a long time if proper alignment is maintained.

 

[Joe G.]

I have 250K on my truck. All the front end stuff is original except for the passenger side axle U-joint and shocks. Steers good. No pull since I put Michelin tires on it. Very little before that, but enough to be annoying.

 

[steved]

I know its the newer stuff, but I had 201k on everything but the trackbar on my 99... my dad's 99 on the other hand has had EVERYTHING replaced.

 

[hilda]

Saw the dream truck today

I'm service manager at an RV dealer and this guy came in to pick up his new trailer. We always back the tow vehicle in the shop, install brake controller, check 7way, whatever. Well in backs this silver 2500 debadged quad cab, but it did not sound right. The tech opens the hood, it was a 1998 12 valve! Owner gets out I start talking to him, he knew what he had. Less than 100,000 miles bone stock. I tried to trade him trucks, turned me down.





Jim

 

[Hammer]

The 53 block in the 12v motors was a completely different part number and different casting than the dreaded 24v version. The 24v block they took metal away from the pan rail and side of the block to allow the motor to come to temp faster for emissions purposes and they stressed under load and cracked...