Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Thinking about buying a 12 valve....

[WPeschel]

I looking to buy a 12 valve dually 4x4 manual... . Are there any years I want to stay away from???? Tell me about the 53 block??? Which is better and how do I tell if it is a 53 block or not??? Other common problem to think about??? Thanks

 

[MMcCallie]

No need to worry about a 53 block on a 12 valve, only the ISB Cummins. Best 12 valve years are '94-98. 5. Engine wise the best is a 215 hp engine. Might want to avoid a truck from California because it will probably have lots of extra emissions stuff.

12 valve Cummins 5. 9 engines are tough and reliable. Very tunable and only require regular maintenance. Depending on how many years and miles are on the truck there may be a few parts that need replacing but likely nothing major. Wouldn't hurt to have someone familiar with the engine take a look at it before you buy.

 

[WPeschel]

Where do you look to see what the hp rating is on the 12 valve???

 

[JGK]

What McCallie said.



About the only thing you want to fix, or confirm has been fixed, is the Killer Dowel Pin in the gear case. Other than that, just a good all around inspection to identify typical items to be addressed. If you do a search in here, I know this same question has been discussed several times and there's a good list.



-Jay

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

There are a lot of 53-block 12-valves out there, but they haven't had the cracking issue the 24-valves do.

 

[LandShark]

5th gear nut is another problem area with manual trans.

I would stay away from trucks which are modified for performance (owned by a member of this site ) and look for a stock truck that you know has not been abused.

 

[BTighe]

ive heard by a respected mechanic in the performance biz that the 98's have been less reliable than previous years. didnt want to hear it

throttle cables can frey (recall i think)

KDP

5th gear nut

both 12v ive had needed steering boxes

axle seals

go with a 96 or 97 stick. 215hp. dont want a cali truck with the egr.

 

[Mokerz]

The HP Rating is stamped on a tag on the drivers side of the timing case (front of the motor) with the engine number, cpl #, and a bunch of other #'s

 

[MAllen]

I've got a 98 12 valve and everyone I know that has that year with the 12 valve have had great trucks. If I could find another 98 12 valve(bone stock), I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Just my 2 cents

 

[BTighe]

I've got a 98 12 valve and everyone I know that has that year with the 12 valve have had great trucks. If I could find another 98 12 valve(bone stock), I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Just my 2 cents

i knew someone with a 98 would say something:-laf



i personally wouldnt hesitate either. just relaying what i heard. for all i know he was seeing more 98's cause they were getting bombed more.



12v seats are the most comfyOo.

 

[Chrisw]

good luck my friend

I hope you find a better truck then I did, shortly after buying my 97 5 speed with 118xxx mi the front axel started leaking I went and put both axel seals in the front. About 300 miles latter I lost 5 gear. Now that 5 gear is fixed and the trans has new fluid it, it jumps out of 1st when I let off of the fuel pedal. That’s going to cost a bunch to fix. I know have 119300 and have put almost 1000 miles on it since I bought it. Last week I pulled the rear drums off to look at the breaks and it needs rear axel seals, Yesterday I pulled in to a parking spot and left it idle to about 2 minutes, when I come back to the truck it was leaking antifreeze out the side of the radiator. I am starting to wonder if I can fix everything that is going to break. Oh and it need a complete overhaul on the radio system. At least I can say it runs great and can pull my 10000lb trailer very well. It has a 12 plate and a gutted AFC housing done to it so far. I am scared to crank the fuel up till I get all the stuff fixed. Hope that day comes soon.

 

[surfbeetle]

As for the debate on CA trucks, the EGR showed up in 96. The 94-95 don't have them. They are 175hp on the manual trucks, that's nothing a TST plate can't fix.



Keep in mind that the newest 12v truck that you will find will be almost 10 years old, the oldest (including the 1st gens) are going to be close to 18 years old. Alot can go wrong due to the age of these trucks. If you are fortunate, you will find a truck that has been taken care of.



I am an original 12 valve owner and have gone through the KDP, the vacuum pump, rebuilt the entire front end, had the rear diff replaced and repainted. There's still more that I expect to eventually have to repair due to its age but it has been and continues to be the best vehicle that I have ever owned. I would buy a used one in a heartbeat, just make sure you know as much history about it as possible.

 

[MAllen]

That is amazing to think about with the newest 12 valves being 10 years old now and most of those are still on the road as daily drivers. My truck is still going strong and I drive it hard every day. Amazing vehicles.