Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) whats the best year for a 12 valver

[FDavid]

Hi,

I Finally talked my brother into buying a cummins and I got the fortunate task of helping him find one since I have a computer. What would be the ideal year for a 12 valve truck? I remeber reading 95's had recalls and early 98's had a mexican block or something etc etc. Any year that stands out in particualr as ideal or anything to look for? Your help is much appreciated

 

[bmoeller]

Maybe I'm biased, but '97 was a good year.



The '97 and later have the Hydra-boost brake booster instead of the vacuum booster.



The '96-98 w/ autos have 20 more hp. and 20 ft. lbs. torque than the earlier trucks, and the manual trucks have 40 more hp. /20 pounds more torque.



'96 later autos have the 47RE(electronically controlled) instead of the 47RH (electronically controlled O/D only).



'98's have either the Club cab or the Quad cab, if you can find one anyways.

 

[jtwcummins]

97 but I am very biased

 

[chrleb1]

I like the 98. It is quieter inside and the interior is a little better looking if you ask me. A couple suspension components a little differnet design too.

 

[nfox]

Best Year

I personally like the 96 model with a big stickshift!!!Oo.

 

[Deezul1]

96, 97 + 98 all have the 215hp motor when equipped with 5spd. 97 power brake booster is better than 96, 98 is 1st year for Quad cab but try to find one with a 12 valve is almost impossible. Dont worry about the block, its not been a big problem unless its yours but not a large number bad ones have turned up. They are all good trucks that last well and run good.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

97 Oo.

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

96 is a good year, but I'm biased too. With a few home improvements, they're all good.



Jim

 

[Dennis Garrett]

it's 97 for me, best vehicle I've ever owned period, in 35 years of driving. Got almost 200k on it already & still feels better than my best GM product did at 50k. I haven't traded or bought a new one simply because I just can't believe it would treat me as good as this one has. (plus I'm so attatched to it now, it has sentimental value)

 

[Jeff H]

96-98. 5 12V

 

[Swamp Donkey]

I thought the 98 would have gotten more votes! Updated dash from the 94-97 and the quad cab. 98 QC is my vote!

 

[midwestdually]

98 hands down... . altho i would take a 97 as well

 

[MWBrooks]

You can't go wrong with anyone of them. I would look at them all and go with the best deal you can find.





Mike

 

[dremelts]

I'm with Swamp Donkey - early 98 is the only 12 valve with the Quad Cab.

 

[CumminsPower98]

'98 12 valve all the way, I couldn't live without those quad doors! I like the block design better too. It is the same block as the 24 valve. I like the thread in block heater, I know not a big deal but it sure was easy to change mine when it died. I like the new enterer much better also and the transfer case shifter is MUCH improved. It's very simply mounted in the floor pan and runs strait forward and back where as the older ones mount to the side of the transmission with strange linkage and springs and you have to notch over to shift. They are also prone to a rattle that can be fixed but is annoying. Yes I'm biased. Like the others said the older ones are good too but if you can find a '98 go for it.



Mark

 

[mstimac]

What's so hard about finding a '98 12V QC? I've got one in the garage!

 

[krs]

I like the '97 club, but with the later dashboard so I found a '98 club.

 

[Trizae]

97 hands down are the best trucks,,,,,,,,,,period,,,,,,,,,, we had less warranty claims on 97 models than any other model year BR/BE



Trey Dressler

Dressler Motors INC

 

[SRT-6]

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM 98

 

[C. Harlan]

1998.4!!!

You have the best pump (215), new interior, quad doors, heated mirrors, and a few more things I can't think of... Need I say more??? And like Mstimac said, "What's so hard about finding a '98 12V QC?" I have one in the driveway! Getcha one, and you will be glad you got a 98 and not a 97!



-Chris-