Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What's the difference between 94 to 98 12v trucks?

[ILIANBG]

Hello everyone. I'm interesting in getting another diesel truck in addition to the one I have. I understand the 12v 2 Gen. trucks were made between 94 and 98. What is really different in those trucks from one year to another? Do they have a PCM? Do you recommend some year better than other and why? I will probably be looking at quad or extended(bigger) cab and probably 2wd, but will consider 4wd i guess, I like the option for snow, sand... If 4 wd is a lot of maintenace, I definately do not want that (ball joints,bad steering, difficult brake jobs... ) I will rarely use it, so I could do without it. I appreciate your advice and welcome your opinions, so go ahead. Thanks. Ilian

 

[Buck88]

The major difference between the trucks (that I'm aware of) is the pumps. The earlier models have lower hp rated fuel pumps. I know that the 96, 97, and 98 models have 215 pumps (manual trans) and the autos have 180 pumps. the 215 pumps flow more fuel, therefor making more power. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. - Buck

 

[DonTX]

In 98 you can get the extended cab with the rear door, but not in 97 and before. I very much disliked the 98 door system, so searched out a 97 for my use because of that.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

if you want a 215 truck w/ the good pump, make sure it is not an original California truck!



I would go with a 2wd if you don't NEED a 4wd. front end on a 2wd will last 250-275k miles. front end on a 4wd will last 100-150k miles

 

[WBusa]

Well, I see you're in L. A. , so you don't need 4WD for snow (like I do), that's for sure. Still, I'd recommend that you consider it anyway. It's one of those things that you don't need very often, but when you do need it you really need it. Mud happens. So does sand, and dirt, and wet grass, and wet uphill pavement from a standing start. Personally, I just won't own a 2WD pick-em-up truck anymore; my first truck was 2WD, and I would never again subject myself to that helpless wheel-spinnin' feeling. I felt like a jerk carrying 400 lbs. of sand around when I knew there was a better solution available. The extra maintenance is pretty inconsequential, in my opinion, compared to the extra confidence that you can get out of whatever you can get into.

 

[CSchafer]

the biggest difference in the trucks is the pumps as said before. In 96 they switched to a full electric controlled transmission, not really a big deal, In 98 the truck changed quite a bit. The extended cab was changed to a quad cab and a short box was offered. The interior is a ton better also. But unless you find a 98 12valve they are all pretty close to the same.

 

[pwerwagn]

96-98 12V 5 speeds use the 215 pump.

96-98 autos use the 180 pump.

94-95 5-speeds use the 175 pump

94-95 autos use the 160 pump.

the 215 (913 pump) is most desireable, usually the 96's have an 887, nothing to shy away from.



98 is the first year you could get a shortbed with a diesel.

Its also the year of the quad cab.

And it has the newer dash, same as your 02. the interior is the same except the headlight switch is a push/pull, the fog light switch is in a different location and the air bag switch is different. oh, and the power outlet is by the air bag off switch too, not by the cigar lighter.



94-97 were basically the same, minor changes.



--Jeff

 

[JWaters]

is the difference in the 180 (98) model pump and the 96 manual pump just the fuel plate or is the pump different inside. I have a 96 with a 215 pump and a 5 speed, my brother has a 98 with a auto, is our pumps the same or is it just rated different because of the fuel plate?

 

[pwerwagn]

no, there are differences inside as well. cams are different, etc.

 

[MAleksandrowicz]

My 95 has a short bed club cab.

 

[ILIANBG]

Wow, there are more than just a few differences. What about brake jobs- front 2wd/4wd and rear brakes? My 02 truck's front brakes were so easy to do. I know the 12v trucks do not have rear disc brakes, are the drums hard to deal with? And those 4wd front ends- how are those holding up? Are the rear axles Dana 80? I think the same 3. 54 and 4. 10 were offered as auto and manual. Thank you all for the information, and please keep it coming.

 

[Extreme1]

The brakes were all the same '94-'99 with the exception of some truck using a load sensor on the rears. An upgrade to most trucks is to increase the 2500 rear wheel cylinders to 3500's (bigger diameter). I see that some are now putting a Chevy (1 1/16?) wheel cylinder on. Drums are not a problem, keep the adjusters clean and lubed with copper anti-sieze and they will adjust for a long time but you will have to clean and adjust them periodically.



Front brakes are more challenging than your '02, you have to pull the hub bearing to change the rotor but they last for a few years. Other than that the front assemblies are quite similar (but they don't share any parts except balljoints - maybe).



Early '94s (like mine) built before 1/1/94 didn't have to meet the '94 emissions and come without cats. 1/1/94 through 98. 4 had converters.



In '98 you could get a quad cab OR an extended cab.



Hydroboost brakes showed up '97 (?).



5 speed 2500's and all 3500's got Dana 80 rears, 2500 autos got Dana 70's.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

In 98 you can get the extended cab with the rear door, but not in 97 and before. I very much disliked the 98 door system, so searched out a 97 for my use because of that.

I don't like Quad Cabs either, but since I liked the newer dash I bought a '98 Club Cab.

My 95 has a short bed club cab.

OK, if you have a '95 shortbed I assume it was custom-built, or possibly a chassis/cab model? There were no shortbeds prior to the '98 model year.



Quite a few people consider the '97s the best 12-valve truck year, for others it's the '98.



Pros & cons for '97s

Hydro boost brakes

The 12-valve engine/P-pump combo is best in '96/'97

No shortbed, no Quad Cab



Pros/Cons for '98s

Updated dash & interior

Two extended cab options-Quad and Club Cab

Shortbed opton

'98 engine is oddball in a number of ways (built out of 24v block, some are #53, some dimensions are unique, some internal parts/fasteners from '96-'97 engines don't interchange)

 

[MAleksandrowicz]

I am a little nervous now. My truck is a freak of nature.

 

[Willys]

I am a little nervous now. My truck is a freak of nature.

Nice truck!



It appears to have newer wheels and mirrors as well. '01/'02?





To the original poster,

Unless you're planning on towing heavy or racing, don't rule out the '94/'95 trucks. My '95 feels like it puts more power to the ground with the rebuilt transmission and 4. 10 geas than the '96 with stock transmission and 3. 55 gears. Both pumps are stock. I personally prefer the '94/'95 47rh auto over the '96 and up. I can elmininate the computer if I want to. :-laf



I don't remember where I read this and it may not be correct, but I don't think there was an extended cab in '94. Also, some 2500 trucks already have the 3500 wheel cylinders. My dad's '98 has them, he bought it new, and has done all the brake work himself.



The hydro assist brakes are nice and give a good tight feel to the pedal. Wish I had them on my trucks. If you stay on dry pavement all the time- 2wd should be fine, but any amount of dirt travel is a problem in 2wd for me. These things are really nose heavy. Having a heavy rear bumper, camper shell, and other weight in the back helps with the traction... some. :-laf

 

[pwerwagn]

Wow, yeah Ive never seen a pre 98 short bed cummin either!!!



One other difference on the 98 vs the others is the shifter on the 5 speed. Its an easier unit to dis-assemble, and provides a slightly shorter throw.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I am a little nervous now. My truck is a freak of nature.

Well a pretty good looking one though



Did you buy it used? If you posted the VIN number it would tell you how the truck came configured from the factory.



You're in Woodbury? You're not far from Waterbury, home of Jannetty Racing. Ted Jannetty would probably be interested in seeing your truck.



Vaughn

 

[WadePatton]

Another point. The difference between the 215 pump and the others is internal. It's not just a matter of changing plates.



I think some 94's came with the big laggy exhaust housing. 94 was standard cab only. Another thingy is that the the taller/narrower (don't know the numbers offhand) rear drums of most 12v's won't fit under the OEM alloy wheel--but you can machine a bit off the drum and make 'em fit.



I have a 95 and 98 and much prefer the 98 interior and it has the better headlight switch--but they all can use bypass systems. My 95 has a 215 pump off a 96. I had the old 160 cranked up, but it the little pumps just don't have the overall better driveability of the 215's.



Pick your flavor, but I'm a hardcore P-pumped truck man. I'm going to see if I can drive 2G's with p7100's from now ON. Looking for a decent 3500 flattie to trade my 24v off on.



OH, and on 4wd. I didn't think I needed it either. Got stuck 5 times in the first year with my 24v (my first Cummins). Found out that the big heavy frontend makes the Dodge quite easy to hang up in wet grass--especially if you're running highway tread. I'd look at 4wd--they're more plentiful, thus giving you more options on getting the truck you like.



OTOH, 2WD doesn't have the Death Wobble problem. My 95 has done the DW dance a few times, but not yet with the latest set of tires. The 98 has yet to wobble. And this problem exists in the 3g too.

 

[MAleksandrowicz]

Where would I be able to post the VIN and see what the truck was originally?



The wheels and mirrors are off an 02'

 

[Willys]

I don't recall if this was mentioned, but I think the earlier model 2nd gens didn't have 4wheel ABS.



As Wade mentioned, the '94's and some '95's have the WH1C turbo- not a bad thing so far as I know though. I like how my '95 sounds over my '96(turbo whine is considerably less).



I'm a diehard fan of the 12V as well and hope drive them for the next 20 years or more...