Harley86

I noticed a lot of talk on some other threads about the 98 12V being the most sought after. What makes the 98 a better truck than a 97 or 96. I am new to this forum and have only owned my 97 for a short while.

Thanks
Kerry

lgp9999

I just bought mine. I got extremely lucky getting it for a great price, and I wasn't even looking for a 98 12v in particular. One thing that I know is that this was the only year that you could get a 12v with a quad cab.

TxDiesel007

98 came with these features

98-98.4 had the 12 valve engine, 215 and 180 pumps (manual or auto), quad cab feature, and the option of a short bed, and of coarse 4wd. Not to mention they had the newer style interior of the 99-02 models, which IMHO i perfer over the interior my 96 has. Im a big fan of the newer style shifters and boots on the newer ones. They also had hydroboost brakes which i think most people like better, i myself do not see a difference...

many people consider these the best of the 12 valve bunch, and the best of both worlds, especially if you can find a five speed...

Rick

lgp9999

I love my truck!

Scramblinman

The 97s had hydroboost brakes, too. And I do see a difference. Hydroboost is way better.

The appeal of the 98s is the Quad cab, newer interior, and availability of a short bed in conjunction with the 12v 6BT CTD. For that reason, some consider them the best or Holy Grail of the 12v 2nd Gen CTDs.

I hope that this doesn't ruffle too many feathers but I have read and heard that the 98 12v half year trucks are among the most problematic of the 2nd Gen 12v CTDs. That Dodge and Cummins basically swept up what was left on the floor of the 12v assembly line and put the motors and trucks together using a mix of new and old design parts.

I had really wanted and hoped for 98 Quad Cab 4x4 when I was first looking for a 2nd Gen CTD, but lost a little enthusiasm for them after hearing those things. After that I figured that if one came my way at a price I couldn't pass up I would buy it, but I wasn't going to pay the added premium they tend to command. The extra doors and slightly redesigned interior were no longer worth thousands more to me, especially if it meant the truck might be more prone to problems. Then I came across my 97 at a price I couldn't pass up, and have since heard that they are often considered among the better if not mechanically best 2nd Gen 12v CTDs. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Bottom line is that all of the 2nd Gen 12v CTDs are basically good trucks. Enjoy whatever one you have and live with it's quirks.

9 sec camaro

I believe the front steering set up is diferent also and for what its worth my 98 was the best truck I ever owned hands down. Wish I could have afforded to keep it and the 01.