2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Reasons not to sell my 98 12V Quad

[JO'Leary]

Help me out hear. I have finally got my truck the way i want it. Check sig.

Now i have my eye on a 05, it's a very good deal with employee pricing.

The only thing i don't like about my 12V now that i tow a fifth wheel is the noise (First sign of old age )

Give me your opinion good or bad.

If i do sell it should i put it back to stock and sell off all of the goodies?

How is the resale on a truck with mods?



Thanks Joe

 

[Johnstra]

Hey, Joe. Well, seeing as how I FINALLY got a 12V and I'm just now starting to tinker with it, I'd have a hard time giving mine up for an 05, but... Having owned an 03 for a year and a half, I can say you'll probably be very happy with a new truck for fifth wheel towing. The brakes on the new trucks are far superior to those on our 2nd gens. And yes, the new trucks are much quieter. Stock power is good and there are a number of boxes you can buy if you want more. Fuel economy could hurt you on a new one though, and with today's diesel prices, that could be significant. My 03 was a 305/555, which was kitty-less and still got 19-20 MPG on the highway. The only - what I'd call widespread - problem I'm aware of with the 3rd gens is injector failure. I had one replaced on mine and it seems there are a fair number of injector knock threads in the 3rd gen forums.



If you do decide to sell your 12V and part out the goodies, you can put me down for your #10 plate.



Good luck with your choice.



-john

 

[TravisG]

Reasons you should sell your truck to me!!!

Yeah that 'ol 12 valve is awfully noisy. I bet you can't even hear yourself think.

You should definetely get rid of her. Those brakes probably won't even slow that truck down. Safety hazard.

And who wants that suicide door when you can have a real back door.



Seriously though. Good luck on your decision. And let us know how it turns out.

 

[JO'Leary]

TravisG wrote

Reasons you should sell your truck to me!!!

Man, your supposed to talk me out of getin rid of her, not into

Just kidding, i was wondering if there was a market for a lightly modded truck?

I sure would hate to pull that expensive trans back out if i sell it.

 

[AMink]

A set of foamy earplugs would probably be cheaper... just a little! Then you could put the other $35,875. 65 into mods on your 12v! 4 wheel disk brakes, custom exhaust that breathes well and keeps it quiet, some sound insulation. It could begin the beginning of a beautiful, if not new, relationship.



I also wonder about looking into a new truck. Since I found this site, I've really enjoyed working on my truck. Don't know if I'd want the payments and the warrantee. :-laf Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

[y-knot]

O'Leary

The noise you here while towing is a beautiful sympthony of hundreds of parts working happily together and in perfect rhythm, and not a sign of old age. But the mer fact that you need to post on these forums and ask other what you should or should not do with your 1998 Dodge truck, is a sure sign of the effects of aging. My advice would be to sell the truck and farm, and check yourself into the nearest retirement facility.

In all honesty, know one can or should tell you what to do with your business. Only you can answer the many questions that need to be taken into consideration. If money is of no question, and you simply what a change of scenery, then go buy yourself a new truck and what ever else it takes to make you happy. Dodge will thank you and you might even help some poor sole keep their job for a week or two longer? On the other hand, if you like many others on this site work for your money, and or take-a-shine to things like trucks, guns and old dogs, then you might be more inclined to keep the old yet functional '98 around. Your Call

 

[JO'Leary]

Thanks for all of the opinions, keep em cuming.

I do realize i am the one that has to make the decision on what to do. I just wanted to get some other opinions. I figured what better place to ask.

I am sure more than one of us has been faced with the same decision.

They are freakin cheap right now, a guy can save about 8k on a 42k truck.

Rumor has it maybe even cheaper in Sept. But on the other hand i love the simplicity of a 12V. That's why i bought it.



Joe

 

[MMeier]

Joe, that old 12 v rattletrap of yours is noisy, brakes ain't the best thing going out there, especially if you tow a lot, well you get the point, get the new one !! Ummm, how much would you want for the '98??

 

[BILLYGEE]

New wears off in short order

Yeah them 4 doors would be nice... but for me to have to spend 20,000 for them and another 5,000 to get it like I almost got mine, nahh... I'll keep the old girl.



It's like me being married 40 years, man those younger women sure get the juices flowing like them new trucks... not that I wouldn't mind taking a test drive once in awhile but buy one... No sir, keep what I got! And besides you just have to put up with what comes with it, like they say, if it's got breasts or wheels, sooner or later it's gonna give you trouble!

 

[rweis]

Put disc brakes on the RV ~ $3000 if you have it done.



There is not a less than MDT that will stop a large RV worth a flip.



Put disc brakes on the RV to stop the RV.



Do you have a P7100 or a VP44? If you have a P7100 I sure would keep that baby!



You could have a custom shop sound proof the cab for a fraction of what a new truck will cost.



Bob Weis

 

[bkroupa]

I spent a weekend & about $200 on b-quiet sound deadener & a jute pad to add to the original pad under my rubber floors. It all made an amazing difference in my truck. I hear wind noise I never heard before . I did not tale db readings like some of the sound guru's on this board did, but my stereo is now turned down by 2 numbers & the sound/clarity is much better than before.

12V's are more reliable/durable (try to find a used 24v head that's not cracked). Use the money to address anything you think need improving, I found a disc brake rear axle complete for ~700.

Funny how we have a hard time spending a couple of grand on improved brakes, but might spend15k to buy a new truck with better brakes

Keep the 12v, you'll regret letting it go before the new smell leaves the '05.

 

[Scrappy]

12 valves come with the P7100. your truck is kinda rare if the only fault is it being loud, then just apply some insulation in the cab and maybe a quieter exhaust(twins will also quiet it down some).



I have a third gen now and miss my old truck at times,I have gone as far as straight piping it and putting stacks on my 3rd gen. to make it louder. but I do not miss the lift pump, trackbar issues, and the lack of room in the cab in the 2nd gen.

 

[Kissfan113]

Stack it!!! I just put stacks on my truck, made a world of difference in the exhaust drone and loud noise, i believe it is quieter now with straight piped stacks than it was with straight pipe out the back. I love it, drone is gone, nothing but pure exhaust sound from the mighty cummins. So go ahead cut the hole, ya know ya wanna.

 

[y-knot]

Not sure about the STACKS issue, it seems to me that people that run stacks have BIG RIG envy and short little (you get the picture).



I have had my 12V since new and would never think about selling her, I do not have issues with the track-bar, it drives straight and the brakes are on par with/if not better then a new 3 genner, thanks to $1100. 00 and EGR (best money I ever spent, and I like to spend money). I do regular maintenance and believe me I simply can not wait tell filter replacement time, their is something special about working on her. I can see why some would like the newer trucks, they are nice and the quad cab would also be well appreciated. Seems that for many it is easier to trade in the old truck and buy new, mainly for those who simply rent (lease). Maybe they have never enjoyed the freedom of actually owning a truck, yes paying one off and calling it your own (for real). I don't know, may be may be not. Seems many now days don't look at the whole picture, just were they are now. For those that are always trying to impress others, and never ending up with something tangible to hold as their own, go ahead and trade your truck, or simply turn it back in after the lease is up. You will never win. Actually owning a truck is such a good feeling, I wish others could experience it.

I love the 12V rumble, I hate pulling up next to a new diesel and not hearing it. I like the response you get from making all that noise, It's a diesel one of the last of a dieing breed. I also like the solid feel of the 2nd gen trucks, their drive train is bullet proof and I know know matter where I go I well get home. Knock on wood, but I have never been let down.

 

[JO'Leary]

Thanks again everyone, love to hear all sides of the story.

I have no complaint with the brakes when i am towing, if i have the controller turned up to high it feels like i am pulling a paracute when stopping she'll stop no problem! The interior noise is not that bad either.

The 4" dual exhaust does a good job of eliminating any interior droan, but it's load outside. You gota hear this thing echo of the other campers when i am backing up my 11k beast. Sounds like a pair a Kenworths chained together.

The last camping trip i arrived late, the DRN officer told me the next day, don't start that truck after 11:00. :--) Gota love it!!!

Joe

 

[rweis]

If I remember correctly, look at the difference in the work room available under the hood of the 1st gen and the 3rd gen.



It is a little tight in my 2nd gen, but a friend of mine who has a 05 DMax can not even visually sight half of his mechanical under hood components (ps, return fuel filter, turbo, etc) due to the crowedness of all the "stuff" and NO ROOM to even get your hand down between the engine and the fenders.



I would rather work on it myself and know it is done to my satisfaction than to pay $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and not know if it was done correctly or not even if by a "D... ... ... ". Example, had the VP replaced in IN (I live in FL, we were on vacation), tech did not tighten 2 injector lines, found that out on I 75 going up a mtn in north GA. Guess what was running "rough" and POURING fuel into the engine compartment and on the road? Had the "opportunity to wrench it myself" on the side of the interstate (with the 13k 5er hooked up of course). Now the front cover is driping oil where it was not sealed back correctly after the VP change. Let DC do it and have them have a coronary over the RASP and fuel cooler and then not get it right and of course be without the truck for x days, or read the SM, go get the correct RTV, and do it one saturday. I would rather work on it myself and know it is done to my satisfaction.



KEEP IT! You have it the way YOU want it!



Bob Weis

 

[Bart]

I do LOVE my 12 v'r with 155K on the clock. I've done lots of things to it over the years I've owned it. A friend just traded off his '03 2500 for a new Ford with 4. 30 gears. Sounds like a sewing machine (kinda ironic because he owns an upholstory business). Sorry guys but I wanna keep my 98 12v'r. We just got back from a trip to central Oregon by way of Portland. Wife loves the camper because (like she says) we always have our tuttle shell with us and she doesn't have to use the public toilets. Camper and the not so old 12 v'r do great together. If I could justify getting a new truck (whatever brand) would I (???????) I don't think so. The brake problems I've had are cured with the EGR brakes sytem and the Pac brake exhaust brake. Man that thing will stop now! I don't even have to use the foot brake a lot of the time.

Sorry, I could ramble on for hours about it but I have to call the dealer about a new handle for the rear seat latch.

 

[RAndrae]

$$

Lets see- 35,000$$ +- plastic trottle petal + black tape over body holes +.

 

[JO'Leary]

Thanks for everyones input. A few sleepless nights thinking about this one.

I am sorry to say i am going to put old reliable on the market. Dealer made me an offer on a 05, NV5600 w/373's i can't refuse. I have a local TDR member interested in it but will post it just in case the deal doesn't work out.

It's a 98 Quad cab, Laramie loaded, 12V Auto.

KDP done, Timing @ 16. 5, #10 plate, 3k GSK, 4" dual Exhaust, Lenny's stage 3 EDM 's, Gauges, HD Trans w/ 89% converter and billet input shaft, New 265/75R16's. She's just broken in good with 191K on the clock. $13900 will take it home.

Thanks again Joe

 

[WadePatton]

Numero uno. Financial responsibility. See daveramsey.com.



Nummer two. There are 38 more things you could do to it.



Numeriosity three. You ain't worn it out yet.



Number four. There ain't ever going to be a better pump.