Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Year Model based on Manufacture Date???

[Dirks]

I am confused on a very simple issue.



My truck is a California model and has a manufacture date of 9/98 but I remember having to wait until DC came out with the new 1999 pricing before they would close the deal when I purchased it from the dealer with all my specific options. The dealership also said the factory was in the middle of "retooling" the assembly line for 1999 when I placed my order for the new truck. I have always thought of the truck being a 1999 model since that is what the dealer called it and what is on the registration.



But when I was talking to Bob Wagner about a Smarty box, he thought my truck was a 98. 5 model because of a communication problem the Smarty box had with another California truck that had a similar manufacture date.



What is the best way to find out if my truck is a 98. 5 versus a 99?

 

[n7gxz]

Check the VIN number. Here is a link on how to decode the VIN .



Kevin

 

[Dirks]

Thanks Kevin,



I checked the link you had and it states that the 10th digit of the VIN code defines the year model. In my case this digit is an "X" which, according to the link, is a 1999. But, there was not a digit definition for 98. 5 and this 98. 5 designation is used often in forum disccusions.



My further question would still be is a 98. 5 a "W" for the 1998's or an "X" for the 1999's?



Paul

 

[nps]

If your VIN says 99, then it's 99.



All 98 and 98. 5 VINs will say 98, just like 01 and 01. 5 VINs say 01. The difference between a 98 and 98. 5 is if it has a 12V or 24V motor. It's very possible that your 99 would have been manufactured with a motor that had been on the shelf during the 98. 5 run, esp early in the 99 build cycle.

 

[jtwcummins]

My 97 is a Calif truck, ordered 12/6/96 and built 1/9/97 delivered 1/31. Vin shows as a 1997 but the engine tag says it meets the Calif requirements for 1996 emission controls. Was told it is common practice to use previous year leftover engines and not a problem if emission standards didn't change. Most vehicles have a seperate decal sticker for the model year under the hood and the engine only has casting numbers.

Part of the fun of owning a CTD since they tag the engine.

 

[Dirks]

Thanks nps!



Since my 53 series block cracked and the engine has been "reblocked" with a Storm block, I believe that I should now only be concerned about the "ginger bread" items like the TPS, ECM, VP44, etc in regards to the year. Based on your response, nps, I take it that I should consider the remaining engine/transmission goodies to be a 1999 model year.



Is this correct?



The primary reason for this question was a result of trying to understand which stock program is flashed in my ECM; a 98. 5 or 1999 software.



Paul

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

One thing that was interesting about my '98. 5 truck was the 24-valve motor under the hood was built Dec. 23, 1997. My truck was built the first week of Jan 1998. I kind of wish I still had that truck because it had to be one of the very earliest 24-valves to roll off the line. Truck ran great and had no problems in the time I owned it.



Vaughn

 

[Thomas]

Model year has nothing to do with calendar year. There were zero model year 2000 Rams built during 2000 - all were built during 1999.

 

[w gilmer]

I am confused on a very simple issue.



My truck is a California model and has a manufacture date of 9/98 but I remember having to wait until DC came out with the new 1999 pricing before they would close the deal when I purchased it from the dealer with all my specific options. The dealership also said the factory was in the middle of "retooling" the assembly line for 1999 when I placed my order for the new truck. I have always thought of the truck being a 1999 model since that is what the dealer called it and what is on the registration.



But when I was talking to Bob Wagner about a Smarty box, he thought my truck was a 98. 5 model because of a communication problem the Smarty box had with another California truck that had a similar manufacture date.



What is the best way to find out if my truck is a 98. 5 versus a 99?

DIRKS I HAVE A1999 TRUCK THAT I SPECIALED ORDERED FROM FACTORY THAT WAS BUILT IN 11-8 98 AND THE SMARTY WOULD NOT LOAD UP. BOB HAD TO RELOAD 1998 EMISIONS BEFORE IT WOULD WORK. BY THE WAY IT WAS BUILT IN ST. LOUIS AND SHIPPED TO ORGEN. NOTHING TO DO WITH CALIF EMMISIONS.

 

[Aaron_A]

DIRKS I HAVE A1999 TRUCK THAT I SPECIALED ORDERED FROM FACTORY THAT WAS BUILT IN 11-8 98 AND THE SMARTY WOULD NOT LOAD UP. BOB HAD TO RELOAD 1998 EMISIONS BEFORE IT WOULD WORK. BY THE WAY IT WAS BUILT IN ST. LOUIS AND SHIPPED TO ORGEN. NOTHING TO DO WITH CALIF EMMISIONS.

This is good to know because my 99 was built on 8-11-98 (also in ST Louis) and I have also been thinking about a smarty.

 

[Bob Wagner]

This is good to know because my 99 was built on 8-11-98 (also in ST Louis) and I have also been thinking about a smarty.

The update was simple and works perfect. Marco is always perfecting the product.



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