which year to buy?

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Hi Gentlemen! I bought a new 95 C/C with 5speed. I regretably sold the truck in late 96, and have been out-of-touch with things Cummins since then. From a monetary standpoint, I am searching for a 12v truck. I do know that since my 95 model, there are more and more electronic things on board. Should I be searching only for a 95? What are the differences from 96-97-98? Thanks a ton... or should I say 3 1/2 tons!LOL

 

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Oh, and by-the-way, stock sucks! I do plan on making a hot-rod out of this truck too! I have gathered that there are different sizes of turbos from year-to-year? What packaging would you recommend to me? I am looking for power AND mileage! I had about 250hp in my 95 truck... is 300hp a fuel sucker? Thanks!

 

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BC, after your second post the truth came out! #ad
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! Your going to make a hot rod out of it. So get you a 99 short bed quad cab two wheel drive 3:55 gears with the auto. properly BOMBed no undervalved truck will EVER beat it!!!!!!!!! Regards Pete

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99'3500,quad cab,4X4,a/t
3:54,all the right packages!PROPER VALVEMENT

 

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'97 was when they switched from vacuum assisted brakes to hydraulic assisted brakes (using the p/s pump). I owned a '96 before I bought my '97, and I could tell there was a definite difference in the quality of the brakes. '98 was when the quad cab and the new dashboard design came out. Mid '98 was when the first 24-valves showed up.
Andy

 

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For the years that you specified, my vote would be for the early 98 with 12 valve. You get the quad cab, short bed, new interior, and put a few bucks in the "P" pump and go kill those PSD's! (Not that it is hard to do in the 24v) I like my '00 in every way over my 96 except for the ability to hop up the 12v at a reasonable cost. The 12v will give better mileage also.

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2000 3500QC 4x4, 6-speed, 3. 54, Patriot Blue, SLT+, Hot PE, 275's, walker 21468, Mag-Hytec

 

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I'd suggest a late '98 12 valve 5 spd. with 3. 55 gears.
You may want to get out and find a '98 12 valve with the right equipment setup, drive it, and do the same with a '98/'99 24 valve equipped the same.
Check out the past posts and archives for 12 valve and 24 valve setups, problems, solutions.
As it sets now, my '98 gets 21+ MPG, and is a kicker for power.

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'98 2500, Cummins 12v, 5spd, 4wd, 3. 55, 300 injectors, JRE III power kit, 4" turbo to tail system, boost/pyro, did I mention 12 valves? GOT DIESEL?

 

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Thanks, guys! It sounds like I should go for 97+ brakes, but a 98 for the new dash and quad doors. Is there any advantage mechanically to one or the other? Injection pump differences, turbo housing sizes, injectors, etc... and if so, what would be the 'trick' set-up for a 4x4, 5spd? My 95 was a 2wd, I had the pump recalibrated, and the boost line blocked. That felt good and yielded about 250hp. I still want more! What, in your opinion, is the way to go?

 

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See if HVAC will sell you his truck! #ad
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!

[This message has been edited by Pete Peterson (edited 08-09-2000). ]

 

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If I am not mistaken, all 215hp 5-speeds have the 12cm2 turbo housing. If you go over the #11 TST 280 plate you will need a larger turbo housing or the HX40. Get the 3. 54 gears. I am not sure if the early 98's had the hydroboost brakes yet, the 98. 5's with the 24v did.

FYI, my 96 2500 4x4 3. 54 TST#11 slid forward, 5-speed running BFG 33" tires ran a best 8. 09 0-60 on the G-Tech. This was done with the tires spinning in 2nd, and 3rd. If I would have taken the time, mid to high 7's would have been easy with that set up.

 

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If you want a screamer 12V, look for a 97-98 12V with the 5 speed. These were the trucks with the 215hp stock setup and from what I have been told are capable of outrageous power without having to tear the pump of the truck. Fuel plate, turbo housing and some injectors should get you close to 400 hp safely. The timing is also advanced over your 95 and works better for top end power. It's just a much hotter stock setup and has alot more potential than the 95. I'm in exactly the same boat you're in. I want a 98 quad cab, 4x4, long bed, 5 speed with about 400 hp. #ad