Which year?

[RNichols]

I'm a college student and plan on purchasing my first Dodge/cummins within the next year. The number one thing I'm wanting is a vehicle that I can drive for the next one or two decades with as little maintenance problems as possible. Being that reliability is my first and foremost concern, I am unsure which year(s) Dodge I should focus my search on.

As far as the first generations, I like the NP205 gear driven transfer case combined with the manual locking hubs, but I've heard the Getrag transmission isn't as reliable as the NV4500 or the NV5600. I've also heard that the first generations made before '91. 5 didn't have an intercooler, which is definitely a negative.

I've heard that the 2nd generation 12 valves have the best injection pump offered with a cummins (P7100) compared to the 24valve. But other people have told me there's really no difference in dependability between the 12v and the 24v (although more electronics seems to mean less reliable to me).

Finally, I've heard the 6-speed transmission on the 24v is stronger than the 5-speed on the 12v, but others have said that the 5-speed is just as reliable as long as the 5th gear retaining nut problem is fixed (I'm not considering an auto).



I know this may be splitting hairs and getting a little nit-picky, but I'm really curious as to the general consensus on which Dodge/cummins set-up offers the most reliable service considering engine, manual transmission, and the components of everthing else on the truck. Thanks for the advice.





-Rob

 

[WKener]

So are you planning on keeping this truck stock? If so, then I would recommend a '96-'98 12 valve.

I would have to say that the 12 valve is much easier to diagnose and fix any problems you may have on your own. Those years will also give you as much power as was ever offered in a 12V. The 5th gear problem is pesky, but there are things you can do to try and prevent it from occuring (other than tearing the transmission apart). Just don't get into the throttle in 5th with the rpms down, or near peak torque (which encourages the nut to back off). Other than that, the 5spd is just as reliable as the 6spd (and the 5spd doesn't actually fail when 5th gear goes, the gear is just gone, and you will have to drive in 4th).

So that's my vote...

 

[Bigramguy]

Welcome to the TDR



Seems as if you have a pretty good idea based on your sig. As stated above any 96-98 would probably be your bet. The early 98 will give you the best of the 12V motor with a quad-cab. Can't really go wrong with any Dodge CTD,just get what you like and can afford.

 

[SOOT]

new/used truck

Definitly the 96 to 98's are the best years for the 12v. they are easier to work on than the 24v and are IMO easier to bomb. I enjoy the heck out of mine. andthe 5th gear is a pain in the butt. I have lost mine 3 times and I am currently in the process of putting it back together. other than that good luck and have FUN.

 

[JCQ]

Actually anyone of the trucks from 94 on up are sweet. I have a 94 with a very hard 131K no major problems have it kicked up a bit about 325 HP with a 5spd and 4:11.



All in all its will boil down to what you can find that is in good shape in the price range you can afford.

 

[Stmpplr]

Hey folks,

I have seen several people comment that the best 12 ers were 96-98. Since I have a 95 and am pretty green as far as the CTD's are concerned, can you guys fill me in on the differences? How will I be limited on BOMBing this rascal?

Thanks.

 

[Josparkz]

I would look at something other than a 96. The 97s' had less TSBs' than the 96s'. The vacume brake booster was also replaced by a hydro boost unit. The club cabs that year were NOT MADE IN AMERICA, though that should have been corrected by 98.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Being a fellow college student with 'limited financial prowess', I hereby declare that you go out and buy the best deal out there... .



I paid over $5k below book value on my truck, cuz' it needed some minor stuff... but nothing that makes it undrivable or unsafe... . it'll be a work in progress for a while... . but it has yet to leave me stranded (knock on blue spruce... ). I've replaced the a/c compressor/clutch and some other minor stuff to get it up to snuff.



I think you'll be much happier with a 2nd Gen truck..... lot more modifications available, more comfortable, quieter/roomier cab, better ergonomics, better ride, and really easy to make the big HP.

I agree with the '96 and up trucks being more desirable since they have the 215 pumps... . but we can have fun with the 160's too... . put some gauges on it, crank up the pump... and take it easy on the transmission until you can afford some better hard parts.

I'm soooooh glad I saved up a little bit more and waited until I found a 2nd Gen truck... . I LOVE MY TRUCK!



"That's all I gotta' say about thaaaat... ... " ~ 'Forrest Gump'



Matt

 

[Extreme1]

Originally posted by Stmpplr

Hey folks,

I have seen several people comment that the best 12 ers were 96-98. Since I have a 95 and am pretty green as far as the CTD's are concerned, can you guys fill me in on the differences? How will I be limited on BOMBing this rascal?

Thanks.

The pumps on the '94-'95s are the limiting factor in the output. It's better to start with a higher output pump BUT with a few more dollars (usually less than the depreciation) you can come out ahead.



My own input here is that you are probably in the hunt with the '98 12 valve quad cab. But the 24 valve engines are now easier to hop up (OK, the injectors are a bit harder to change but... ) and you can find used fueling and timing boxes cheap. Personally, I'd opt for a 6 speed.

 

[jimk]

best year

I have a 95 4x4, extended cab,and is a automatic, which is in very good shape and has 72 k miles on it. I have been thinking about that for a while. In my own opinion, if you wount a quad cab then the 98 is what I would buy.



I like a 5 speed, and the posi-tract rear end. I would get the 3. 54 gears. The 215 hp pump is the way to go.

I think that the rear differental is bigger or at least the ring gear is. Dana 80, along with rear sway bars and with over load springs, all though you could use air bags to do the same thing, maby better. I would install the one ton rear wheel cylinders if it is not one the truck.



I to prefer the locking frount hubs also. There is a company that makes a frount differental that fits the dodge and has bigger brakes and and manual hubs. I would probably buy one if I were going to keep the 95.



If you are a prefer and auto then Bill Kondolay is your man to help in getting it up to par. All things are my opinion.

LOL Jim

 

[jimk]

best year

I have a 95 4x4, extended cab,and is a automatic, which is in very good shape and has 72 k miles on it. I have been thinking about that for a while. In my own opinion, if you wount a quad cab then the 98 is what I would buy.



I like a 5 speed, and the posi-tract rear end. I would get the 3. 54 gears. The 215 hp pump is the way to go.

I think that the rear differental is bigger or at least the ring gear is. Dana 80, along with rear sway bars and with over load springs, all though you could use air bags to do the same thing, maby better. I would install the one ton rear wheel cylinders if it is not one the truck.



I to prefer the locking frount hubs also. There is a company that makes a frount differental that fits the dodge and has bigger brakes and and manual hubs. I would probably buy one if I were going to keep the 95.



If you are a prefer and auto then Bill Kondolay is your man to help in getting it up to par. All things are my opinion.

LOL Jim

 

[Cummins Corvette]

I wouldn't buy a first gen. if a gun was pointed at my head. Those things are awful because of the noise on the freeway, very limited bombing (ve44 pump sucks bigtime), 4x4 trucks lack any kind of suspension, and the trans is a gettrash pos (HMHO). The dash was changed in 98 to a much better looking one, and stuff like the cup holders are much better. The whole interior is better. Other than that, the ones with the 215 pumps (96 - 98) are more bombable. Go drive a BUNCH and then decide. Whatever you do, don't pay more than nada blue book for a truck.

 

[Case500D]

After owning a 1st gen, '94 2nd gen, and my Dad owning a '98 24-valve, I have to say I like all 3. The '92 1st gen is the last of the real trucks. It has one tough suspension (although it does ride like a brick outhouse), it has a a wonderful 4X4 set up with the NP 205 and locking front hubs. The 1st gens with the LE options package are very nice inside. These trucks are very easy to work on, especially since there is limited use of electronics. Accessaries are available, you just have to look a bit harder for them. The transmissions are weak in these trucks, but a NV 4500 upgrade is possible for ~ $3,000. If you are planning on staying under 250 hp and want a less expensive workhorse, the 1st gen is the way to go.



I like the 2nd gens rides. They are a lot smoother on long trips. They also have a better brake setup than the 1st gens. However, I don't like the front axle's continuous turning or the aluminum transfer case found on the 2nd gen. 4WD. I also don't care for the front coil springs as much as I do for front leaf springs. I really like my Dad's quad cab. It is very roomy and a great truck for work or riding.



I kind of have a soft spot for the 1st generations, but I don't think you can go wrong as long as it has a Cummins in it.