2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Whats the best year/engine to get?

[EBottema]

Hey guys!



This is my first post on the board and been reading everyone else's messages for a while and decided to join. This site is awsome with all the info! Anyways, my question is...



I'm looking to sell my camaro and get into a Dodge Diesel Truck (only way to go with a dodge is if its packed with a cummins ) I'd like about a 1998-2002 with either the 24V or 12V. Which motor is a better longer lasting motor that is fun to upgrade? Also, only driven a few stick cars on occassion. Mostly always driven autos as daily drivers. I'd like a stick becuase they are fun and last a hell of a lot longer than the autos. I prefer a 6speed, did the 12v come with the nv5600? Are these dodge trucks harder to drive versus smaller cars with sticks or old vw bugs?



thank you all!

Erik



Only problem is I must travel to get my dodge, Got to bring federal cert one back to california. California can go to ... . with their carb approved crap

 

[EBottema]

Also, if anyone knows what year they upgraded to a better larger brake system or any other upgrades, let me know thank you!

 

[mgoncalves]

Welcome to the TDR!!



As to your questions, I am partial to my 02 of course. The 96-98 5 speed trucks are probably the most upgrade friendly, with the 98 having the newer style interior. Those 12 valves did not come with the 6 speed, it was available as early as 99, but not very widespread until 01 with the HO engine.



If you're going for the ultimate power, non streetable type truck, then get a 12 valve. If you are happy with more power than you can really use on the street, then a six speed HO is a great choice as well. No matter what, you can't go wrong with any of the Cummins powered Dodges, there are upgrades available to make any of them really haul .





Matt

 

[mgoncalves]

Whoops, forgot your brake question.



01. 5 is when they went to 4 wheel disc. I couldn't really tell you what the drivability difference is, the majority of my second gen experience has been with my truck.





Matt

 

[KLockliear]

Matt said it all. I will note that the pedal feel on the 01. 5 and 02 trucks is better due to the rear disks, and they do stop better and don't fade as soon.

 

[Deezul1]

12 valve was not available after mid 98. I personally like the 12 valve as there are no computer controls at all involved with engine function. You could start a 12 V and wire up the fuel shutoff solinoid and remove the batteries and alternater and it would run just fine.

 

[MNordstrom]

I must say I liked the 92 12v maual better than I like my 2000 24v auto... . but the interior on my 2000 is so much more comfotable... better radio ect.



I am not a person who wrenches at all, I just hook up my trailer and go, so I cannot help much but the 92 I sold to my dad just seemed like the tuffer rig and it pulled better too.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

12v is the only way to fly IMHO

 

[RT66DOC]

'96-'98 stick gets my vote.



Tons of easy extra HP for not alot of $$$. Great brake upgrades available (e. g. EGR) and you can always replace the NV4500 with a 6-speed if you're so inclined. $$$, but a very easy swap. As far as interiors are concerned, I like my '96 better than the newer models - comfortable and looks more like a truck than a Lexicus. JMO :-laf



PS Cheapest way to stop faster/better ---> push harder on the pedal. Credit for this concept goes to recent TDR article on brake theory.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I love my '98 12 valve. It has the newer cab and the 12 valve engine. I also stuck an NV5600 in, which was real easy.

 

[McCRam]

I like to worK on my own vehicles, so i decided to stay away from the 24v. Anything else that my truck doesn't have I'll swap in.

 

[bmoeller]

'97 12v.

 

[EBottema]

Thanks for the tips guys,



does the 94-98 have dana 80 rears and 60 fronts like the newer trucks? Also, when did dodge stop having problems with the paint and started using galvanized body parts?



thanks

erik

 

[zues]

I love my 98 Quad Cab 12 Valve. The truck runs strong with 240000 miles. The truck has a 60 in front and 80 in the back.

 

[2broke2smoke]

i may be the only one on here that prefers the 24 valves ...

i like the ability to adjust smoke/power ...

wanna race? sure just a minute 5x5

wanna tow? okay turn the drag comp off



whatever you choose you'll love it

 

[PRout]

Very happy with my y2k bought in the first month of the century.



But, do believe a '98 12v would have been a better choice because the motor is from a simpler design, and probably tougher.



You can take that '98, and upgrade anything you feel is not adequate, and have one tough pulling mobile.

 

[rmrc]

Definitely the 12V engine. If you can possibly find a 98 12V with the newer cab style, that would be the best of the best!!!!

 

[GFoley]

Alloy wheels from the 00+ trucks will not fit the 99- trucks, narrow wheels make for narrow tires. That notwithstanding, many have mounted 285s on the stock 6. 5" wide chrome wheel w/o problems.



Auto or stick? If you're gonna turn it up, then you're gonna have to do auto transmission uprgades in you journey. I went 60,000 miles after it was powered up before I finally had to do a full replacement at 118,000. I guess you would likely have to replace a sotck clutch if you went that route. Do you spend lots of time at speed or will this be your daily driver?

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

EBottema,

Welcome to the group,

In order to get a better idea of what motor year to go with, what do you plan to do with the truck ?

Towing, drag racing, sled pulling, daily driver, etc. A six speed, compared to a 5 speed may not be the way to go if you plan to drag race.

Since you are in California 24V with an edge comp or similar control box upgrade would help you get be the emissions issues, just turn it down or off. Also as stated, 2001. 5 and up has the rear disk.

But the 12Vs don't have the lift pump issue and the VP44. As for working on the 24Vs not a big deal, the on board computer will if there is problem will give a code, with the help of a factory manual(a MUST have for any year Dodge Cummins) you can usually track the problem. 12V DOES though have the dreaded "killed dowel pin" issue which should be fixed. Also AVOID the "53" block, they are said to be weaker and prone to cracking.



I bought a software program to hook to a OBD-II interface (1996 and up cars and trucks)with my laptop which both reads, and RESETS and explains what the trouble code is, not to mention lots of diagnostic and Dino modes as well. It works on most US and foreign cars and trucks with the OBD-II interface except diesel power 8000 lb and over trucks. Its paid for itself just with my wifes suburban (costs under $250)

They are now writing the interface for Cummins (I will hopefully be getting a beta version soon) with added features such as changing speedo settings and other engine functions. NOTE: I have no interest or NOT a retailer for this software company, I just have been happy with the software up to now. If you want to check them out at www.autoenginuty.com

Hope this helps,

Kyle

 

[EBottema]

Hey thanks for the tips guys.



Well, im gonna be using it as a daily driver, some towing, light drag racing/offroading. I just want a bad ass cummins (only way to be bad ass ) I like the idea of the 6 speed becuase the extra gear and the HO engine becuase of the gallery cooled pistions which should make the engine last longer. do the 12v motors have oil gallery cooled pistions like the 24v engines? also, what years were the 53 blocks used?



I'm def staying away from any truck ever sold in california b/c of smaller injectors , non HO and I dont want to think the truck was ever made to conform to this horrible state



Thanks guys



Erik