2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Newbie '98 Question

[LDobie]

Hi gang, sorry for asking elemental questions here, but I'd like some historical info. 2 of my Uncles had '99 CTD's, so I'm kinda partial to the 2nd Gens. I've seen talk about the ultimate CTD/Dodge combo being the '98 Quad 12V, so can you all contribute some info and stats on that bad boy.



As I told my old girlfriend about my Uncle's '99 2500 Quad Shorty, that is my dream truck. Was there a '98 MY 2500 Quad Shorty 12V CTD built?? I did a quick search for on Autotrader and Ebay and didn't come up with much. What is the attraction point of the 12V in this combo (no offense meant). The Quad is certainly a good thing. I'm thinking it would be nice to find one of these bad boys and rebuild her and add some nice performance goodies to her. In particular, I'd like and NV4500 equipped truck with 3. 54's. Aren't the 2 ratios offered 3. 54 and 4. 10??



Thanks alot for the help.

 

[Kernel]

I guess it is because the 98 was only made half a model year in the 12 valve, 98 being the first year for the quadcab, the only way to get a 12v with the option in both short and long bed. Not all 98's are quadcab though, there are some 98 clubcabs to be found as well. Exact start of the quad and stop of the clubcabs I don't know, and production numbers in the 12v I don't know either. Seems I have seen the figure in other threads but I'm sure somebody knows it off the top of their head.



Scott

 

[Kernel]

Check out the classifieds, there are some in there. I guess the attraction for me would be the newer styling of the interior and the option of having both sides open up, easier to get in and out of. I have never had a clubcab/quadcab, but look like they could be handy. The only way I would get rid of my 97 is to find a low mileage (~80,000) 4x4 quadcab 5spd 2500. Probably one of the harder to find. I like the interior alot better on the 98's.



Your right on the gear ratio.



Scott

 

[bmoeller]

Earlier this year, there was a black '98 12v 3500 QC, 5spd truck on Ebay. Sweet looking truck. Low miles, too.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

The reason for the holy grail status is because of the newer styling and the quad cab (4 doors) and the 12 valve engine. Generally the 12 valve gets better fuel mileage and the injection pump is the best one ever used in a Cummins/Dodge application, you hear of very few needing work. The 98. 5 and up trucks (24 Valve) have the VP-44 injection pump which as you'll find through reading here can be a troublesome pump, although mine has 136,120 miles on it as of tonight and is still going strong with a tapped pump wire. If I could find a cherry 12 valve quad cab I'd jump on it in a minute, I think I would shy away from a 1998-2000 24 valve unless the injection pump had been changed in the last year or two. Some of the earlier ones are known to fail as soon as you tap the pump wire. Also watch for the "53" block on the early 24 valves if that's what you're looking for. There were a few 12 valve quad cabs in the classifieds over on the DTR.

 

[pwerwagn]

What is the attraction point of the 12V in this combo (no offense meant)

the attraction point is the reliability and simplicity of the 12v.

1998 was the last year of the 12V (24V's are actually 1998. 5's).

1998 was the first year of the quad cab, short bed and the newer interior.

So, if you want a short bed 12V, you have to get a 98.

Ifyou want a quad cab 12V, you have to get a 98.

if you want the new interior and a 12V, again, your stuck with a 98.



I think the main attraction is that they actually made a 12V with all these new features. Usually manufaturers will make large changes all at once. In this case, they were just using up old extra parts.



BTW, most find the 98 QC/SB 12V 5-speed most desireable, because of it being the only model of QC and SB on a 12V.



--Jeff