Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Thinking of getting a 98 12V. Opinions please

[98ramtough]

Ok, here is the deal. I had a 1998 12 valve 4x4 5 speed quadcab and miss it dearly! I have been looking for another one for some time.



I have found a 1998 12V QCLB 5 speed 4x4 that is very clean and stock with 191k miles on it. It has a canopy, new tires, tube steps etc. My only concern is the 4. 10 gears. The truck I had and loved had 3. 55 gears.



How much worse fuel economy will the truck get with 4. 10 gears? How much money would it be to switch it to 3. 55 gears? I do not tow a bunch and mostly this truck will just rack up highway miles.



Oh, and the truck will be $10k if I buy it.

 

[surfbeetle]

My 95 had 4. 10s originally, top speed was 83 mph. HWY fuel mileage was 18-20. Changed to 3. 54s, it cost $2000 about 5 years ago. I also added positraction at the same time so that may factor into the cost. Now top speed is just under 100 mph. HWY fuel mileage best is 24 at 75 mph. I can't compare towing as I added a #5 plate at the time that the rear end was changed out, but I can pull my 11,000 lb fifth wheel with no issues at all.

 

[GaryOwen]

My 95 has 4. 10's and my top speed and mpg agree with surfbeetle's. I have had numerous offers to swap my 4. 10's for 3. 55's straight up. If I had a 5-speed I might seriously consider the trade, but with an automatic I decided to stick with the 4. 10's.

 

[RHestand]

I have 4. 10s in my dually and IMO on the freeway it was just way too many RPMs.
I needed tires so I bought a set 19. 5" wheels with 8R/19. 5s and that lowered my RPMs down by 12. 4%. Fuel mileage, about the same. With my GPS saying saying 70 MPH, I'm tacking about 1900 RPMs instead of 2200.
When towing 8-10,000lbs I can definitely tell it's a little slower from a red light. Empty, no noticeable difference. Fuel mileage, about the same.
Ray

 

[DieselDoghouse]

My 98 12v with 4. 10's tops out about 100. - 105 running 2900 on the tach - here we get into an issue of fueling (defueling?) and governor settings. But my issue is, how often do I need to run that hard (and get put away wet??). Right now with 300k on the clock and fuel prices rising my odometer is more dear than my speedometer.

 

[LVJUNIOR]

I am interested in doing the same thing but I have an automatic. If you shop around you may still be able to get the gears done for $2000 but most of the shops I have found are closer to $2500

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

12-valves are more sensitive to ideal gearing for optimal MPG than 24V rigs, due to the fixed timing, but tend to get better MPG when operated at their ideal RPM (roughly 1700 for stock timing, 19-2000 for advanced timing). But according to BFSC charts by the time you get to 24-2500 RPM 12-valves suck fuel at a considerably higher rate than the 24-valve. So if you are highway driving or plan to go a lot of miles or like cruising above 70 you'd definitely want to get bigger tires or switch to 3. 54s.

 

[Breed]

I have a 98' 12 Valve, which I brought brand new and I LOVE the truck, it runs great and never misses a beat and it's paid for! I am never going to sell it and it has 99710 miles on the clock. Been across the US three times pulling my heavy 5er. Get the truck!

 

[Missouri Mule]

Get the Truck! If you don't like the 4. 10s switch to the 3. 54

 

[Badger]

I have a 98 12 valve quad cab 4x4 for about 10 years now and just love it. I don't think you will regret the truck especially at the price you said.

 

[98ramtough]

Well here is the truck. Wish it had 3. 55 gears instead of 4. 10 since I don't tow heavy. Maybe someday I will find someone that wants to trade? It has a really nice contractor rack that I really don't need either. Might sell that.



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[surfbeetle]

Nice truck... you can drop that one off in my driveway! Enjoy!

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I like the truck, looking forward to seeing it in person soon!

Hey FYI 98ramtough the local BOMBers are having a pizza get together in Kennewick on January 20th at 6pm, at Round Table. Ought to try & make it if you can!