Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) truck advise

[BKenny]

Hi, im in the market for a CTD i was originaly looking into a 24 valve . I am no expert on either 12 valve or 24 valve i was told that 24 valves put out more power . I have been researching and shoping around trying to find one that i can afford . I found a 98 12 valve 5 speed quad cab 4x4 in my area i like . I have heard that the 5 speeds had some issuse with fith gear braking ?. With a 98 12 valve do they have lift pumps ? I have read of alot of lift pump issues I have also been recearching KDP . I plan on using it as my daily driver and to tow my boat in the summer. I don,t plan on changing much on it for performance probly just guages,exuast and air filter . Also it has 95,000 miles on it What do you guys think about it

 

[BigPapa]

I would stay as far away from that '98 as you can.



By the way, just exactly where is it at?!



The truck you described is EXACTLY the truck I'd LOVE to have! Here's my take on the 12V vs. 24V:



12V's have KDP problems.



24V's have lift pump problems.



12V's SEEM to get a little better MPG.



Most of your EXTREME HP guys are running 12V's. Moderate HP is cheaper with a 12V but easier and adjustable with a 24V.



They're both good trucks.



Once again, where is that '98?



Scott

 

[gds3076]

I agree with Scott



I own a 96 12v and Love it, Very easy to maintain except for the fuel filter, that one is realy hard to get to, but all in all I see about 20 mpg on highway at 70-75 and 18-16 depending on how hard I drive it in the city.



The 98 12v quad cab 4x4 Is the most sought after CTD out there from what I have heard. . Good luck and Welcome, your about to embark upon a whole new world. .



Greg Smith

 

[Lsfarm]

98 12V

The '98 12v is a good truck. I have a '98 12v as well as an '01. They each have their own 'personalities' and both are great trucks.



As for the transmission, if you want a stick, then buy it. I wouldn't worry about the trans. The fifth gear nut comes off on some or maybe most of the transmissions, but it isn't a fatal failure. If it falls off, then you have a four speed trans untill you get it fixed. There are several ways to fix it. If you want additional info you should do a search of the forums for 'fifth gear' or '5th gear'. You will find plenty of reading. You are welcome to PM me with questions as well.



It seems that the trucks that towed fairly heavy and those which were lugged around at low rpm in 5th are the most likely to have the fifth gear nut issue.



The most important issue with the 12v engines and pre- '00 engines is the KDP, this can be a fatal failure. When I bought my '98 with 95K miles I was very nervous during the long 600 mile drive home thinking about that dowel pin ready to drop into the engine gear train. The very first thing I did when I got home with it was to let it cool off, pull the fan and front cover, and drive the dowel back in place [it was out about 1/8th inch] and peen it in place .



I would have more concern about the KDP than the transmission, check to see that there are no oil leaks on the front of the engine before you purchase. To repair an engine after the dowel pin has dropped into the gears can be over $3K. The KDP fix is relatively cheap.



Hope this helps, Greg L

 

[RT66DOC]

I'd jump on that truck before somebody steals it out from under your nose. As said above, it's probably the most sought after model when it comes to used Rams. The fact that it's a 12 valve 5spd means it has the P7100 pump - easy to work with, capable of much higher HP for very little money (if you're so inclined), and bulletproof. I wouldn't worry a bit about that mileage. A Cummins is just about nicely broken in at 100K.



Alot of us have lost 5th gear - not a big deal and certainly not a reason to avoid the truck. As far as the KDP (killer dowel pin) is concerned, I'd probably snatch that truck up even if the pin was already out and the case was cracked - good leverage to get it cheaper.



Anything you'll ever need to know about maintenance, repairs or modifications you can find right here. Get a FSM (Factory Service Manual) - $$$ well spent.



I guarantee that while you're reading this, some of these TDR vultures are trying to figure out where you live.



Welcome to TDRland

 

[CarlJensen]

I have a 95 12V and I would love to have that 98. Had the KDP done right away and have minor mods on a stock auto that I try to take very good care of so it will last until I get a new TC. I have been very happy with this beast and will keep it til it or I go!! Grab the truck and enjoy!!!

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

i agree, 98 was the only year they made a 12valve in a quad cab. thats one of the only things that made me consider a 24 valve (the quad cab) but all in all i am extremely happy with my 96. all the FERD guys at work tell me i outta chip my truck and look at me funny when i tell them that i cant, its all mechanical... bladdie bladdie blah. at 212,xxx the best milleage i ever got was my move from tx to pa. 23. 5 mpg.

 

[BKenny]

Thanks for the replies and the good info . I called the place today and he told me two other poeple have been looking at it . I called my credit union to check on a loan for it and they said they can only loan me low blue book for it so i would have to come up with the rest my self . I don,t think he will budge on the price at all so i may have to hold out till i save more money . I have money saved but it for when work gets slow so i can,t spend it . But im starting to like the idea of buying a 12 valve

 

[gds3076]

Well good luck



Ask to see if you can put some kind of deposit down to see if he can hold it for you... (just a thought) I wish that I could have been able to p/u a 98 12v w/ a manuel trans.



Any way Good luck