To Buy or Not

[Jerky]

Currently own a 96 2500 4x4 TDR. Saw a 2002, awesome, do you guys who have owned both think I would be making a mistake to get the 2002 24v etc. What is this ETH/ETC etc stuff?

Thanks for your help.



Dean

 

[duaneparks]

Originally posted by Jerky

Currently own a 96 2500 4x4 TDR. Saw a 2002, awesome, do you guys who have owned both think I would be making a mistake to get the 2002 24v etc. What is this ETH/ETC etc stuff?

Thanks for your help.



Dean

I've driven both, but have only owned a 24 valve. I prefer the 24 valve engine, but I realize that it has it's flaws too.



The ETH/ETC stuff is related to the two different outputs that Dodge offers with the Cummins... ETH is the HO 245 hp version, ETC is the 235 hp version. Different turbos for sure, but I'm uncertain on what else is different. Dodge does not offer the NV4500 5spd transmission or the auto with the ETH, only the NV5600 6spd from what I've read and seen.



HTH

 

[Bob Wagner]

this should answer a few questions

http://www.dodgeram.org/support_pgs/diesel_ix.htm

 

[QRTRHRS]

Dean, why not wait until the next generation 3/4 and 1 tons come out? Your 96' is going to pretty much hold it's value while that 2002 is going to initially drop like a rock. The economy is in the "bucket". These dealers are going to be hungry for a long time.

 

[Cobra]

to buy or not to buy

Jerky,

No one can tell you wheter to buy or not but some things to consider.



The 6 spd is better than the 5 spd if you are towing or travelling in mountainous areas or both, and they don't reccommend an exhaust brake on the automatic trans.



Monitoring this forum for about a year, I think the clutch is weak in the 6 spd, atleast there have been many posts indicating problems.



There had been some trouble with the 5 spd in that the 5th gear nut was backing off, but that could have been cured by now.



And there seems to be quite a problem with left pumps failing. My truck has 10,000 miles and my lift pump was replaced two weeks ago. A fuel pressure gauge is most important.



Whatever you decide will be the right decision for you and good luck.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I've only had a 24v, but two TDR friends of mine liked their 12v better than their 24v, I'd say. Blackcloud is actually looking for a 12v again - last I knew. He liked the 12v better than the 24v he currently has. johnrv4 has a 2001. 5 ETH (high output). He loved his 12v ('98, I believe), and only sold it because it was an automatic. I think he'd still have that one if it had been a 5-speed. That doesn't mean he doesn't like his '01, he just really liked that 12v. I hope I'm not speaking out of turn by telling their stories. Maybe they'll comment further on this for you.

 

[RobG]

You have a perfectly good truck... a 12v AND a 5-speed. Why trade? All you get are higher payments and a motor that costs more to modify. Well okay, you get a nicer (IMO) interior, but it's not THAT much nicer.



I had a '96 myself, but it was an auto and only 2wd... that's why I traded up. If it had been 4wd, I woulda kept it and put a stick in it.



So like the others suggested, give it a couple more years and see what the new 3rd gens will be like. Maybe they'll be worthwhile. Or maybe not.



Rob

 

[MikeR]

It really depends on how much you really like your current truck, but my opinion is keep it. The 12 valve fuel system has far less failure rates and the 5spd is cheap to fix IF you should ever have a problem... so you have the most reliable engine/trans ever put in these dodge diesels.



Sure, the 24v performs better stock over a stock 12v, but what about the long run, wether it's stock or modified? I'm on my 4th lift pump at 60k mi and had ecm problems, and it is obvious these 24v injection pumps don't last anywhere near as long.



I currently have a 12v and a 24v, and the reliablilty and ease of adjustability of the 12v fuel system is far better.

Having owned a 24v/5spd, 24v/6spd(current) and a 12v/auto(current), I made up my mind I will never buy a 24v again and I will never buy a 6spd again. I love that 12v! I should have spent the time to search out a 12v/5spd in a 98 quadcab (I need the doors for loading equipment).



-Mike

 

[Blackcloud]

Jerky- I have owned 4 different Dodge/Cummins trucks (93,94,96 and 01. 5)and to tell you the truth,I am very unhappy with the newest one. If I could go back in time,man would things be different. I don't know if it possible for you,but see if you can find a truck to drive (for several days not 20 minutes) from a friend or aquaintance. I personally think Dodge made very good improvements on the truck itself,but I am quite unhappy with the 24v compared to the 12v. Keep the 12v truck and the fuel milage. I don't know if I was expecting too much or if my standards are too high, but I will be going back to the 12v truck as soon as I find a good one. Best of luck.

 

[johnrv4]

Fireman Dave summed it up pretty good

I had a '98 4x4 QC Auto, and now I have the '01. 5 ETH. In my case, the new truck has better brakes, and more power. The fuel filter is easier to change, and the "one touch" power windows are nice. I also prefer the standard transmision over the auto. I pulled a small travel trailer with both trucks. I have checked mileage on both trucks for every tank burned. The 24V and the 12V got the exact same mileage on almost the identical trip(pulling the trailer). The 24V did the trip faster and climbed the mountains faster than the 12V auto. In my case, the mileage empty is slightly better with the 24V, but not by very much. The 12V engine was quieter in the cab compared to the 24V, and seemed smoother overall compared to the 24V. My '98 also had a better "fit and finish" than the '01. 5. If I could do it over, I would have probably kept the '98 and looked for a wrecked donor truck to do a standard transmission conversion. If I had ordered the '98 with a standard transmission, I'd still have it.

I have come to the conclusion that I will keep this truck for a long time. If the VP 44 craps out of warranty, it will either get a Bosch P7100 pump, or a 12V engine that has one on it.

If I were in your shoes, I'd keep what I have and bomb it.

 

[Cummins Corvette]

Look for a 98 12v. They are nice, trust me. Newer interior (and the best imo), and the 12v engine. Good stuff.

 

[speedracer]

I've never had a 12v to compare it with(this is my first Dodge/Cummins), but I'm quite happy with it. Gets decent to good mileage, it's comfortable, has good power, hasn't had any problems so far and will(knock on wood)hopefully last darn near forever.