BrandonMT

I am thinking about getting rid of my dually and buying an 01 2500. The only reason I want to get rid of my 3500 is because it has an auto od transmission that flat sucks when towing. I do a lot of heavy hauling and once I hit the top of 3rd gear I wanna bounce my face off the steering wheel. Its just too slow. I found an 01 with the 6 speed and its in ok shape. Needs a heater core and a new windshield. My 98 has no problems other than a few leaks and the previously mentioned frustrations. I am not too excited about changing to the 24v so I'm asking for other opinions. I am into mine for about 5g and the 01 is 5500, I have someone that is willing to give me 6g for mine the second I am ready to sell. I will appreciate any input, thanks. Brandon

Lary Ellis (Top)

No way would I sell my 12 valve for a 24 valve VP44 breakdown waiting to happen truck....

Diesel Dave2

Brandon...You may regret getting rid of your 12V...I know its a pain...But before jumping into a 24V...I would convert the 97 to a 5-speed...Nothing against 24V...but those dare electronics are sure painfully...But its still your choice...

BrandonMT

I hear ya, but it's gonna cost me 5000 to put a 6 speed in my 98 so it just seems economical to buy this one. Here is the link, Ebay and Craigslist ads not allowed on DTR

high bid

have you thought about performance upgrades? Yea...you'll prob need a tranny rebuild if you haven't already but this may give you some of the power you're looking for. I love my truck and even more after the changes. Yea, it's even an auto 24v but I'd consider it before buying another truck.

rebal

We have 4 vp powered 24 v, 2 lost a pump and we just installed blue chip pumps on them no issues since I like my 24 valves ,Its an 01 HO with mods in my sig. and it has been a great truck the only thing I have done has been a head gasket (probably from the mods) and studs and a new 6sp trans (some one forgot to refill it) like I said it has been a great truck , 3 of them have over 250 ,000 miles on them and the two auto trucks suck for towing, the manuals pull like a frieght train. I personaly like them, just keep it clean under the hood (Electronics). BUT you know your truck and dont know the others, thats a biggy in my book. so I think I would drop in a 6spd into yours. my $.02
also we have 2 24v 1 12v auto trucks with built trannys neather can tow like the sticks can.

BrandonMT

I had the transmission re built right after I bought it, the guy had blown the overdrive. It still ran, just wouldn't shift past 3. Its got about 10,000 on it at most. I have been looking at all kinds of upgrades for the last 6 months, the only reason I haven't done any is because I am not sure I should spend the money on modifications, swapping transmissions, or selling and buying something better.

BrandonMT

Didn't know you couldn't post Craigslist adds on here, sorry about that. The guy has already done the pumps in it, pretty sure oem replacements tho. You know how hard it is to find a 12v in a manual? I love my dually, and know it well. So that is a big deal to me too. That's why I am finding it hard to make a decision. I do appreciate your input, made me feel a little less apprehensive. What does having your truck bombed mean?And by clean under the hood you mean oils and mud? I think I am leaning most heavily towards the tranny swap at this point, just seems a lot easier to pick up the newer nicer truck and save money

infidel

Vehicles pre all the electronic and smog crap are classics now and will only get harder to come by.
No way I'd sell a 12 valve and downgrade to a 24.

patdaly

How about switching your current truck to a NV4500? 2500-3000 or so and a little time for the swap.

There is a reason someone is willing to give you 6K the second you are ready to sell.

I don't hate a 24V, just don't care for the potential for problems along the road that I can't fix.

BrandonMT

Absolutely, I am like you both in that respect. Once you get into all that new electronic **** I'm lost. I am gonna call the diesel shop in town and see what they say how much it will be to just go to a 5 speed. At first I figured if I'm gonna through all the trouble, might as well go all the way and get the 6 speed. Besides, a 12v with the 6 speed behind it would be frikin awesome. I feel like the swap is a little over my head so I decided to let someone else do it. They quoted me 3g for the 6 speed, and 2g to install it. Didn't sound bad, but pulling 5g outta my butt is harder to do than I anticipated. I know my truck is a good truck to have, I just cant stand only having 3 gears when I turn off the overdrive. And I doubt any mod's I could do would really compare to having a manual much less 6 gears. Tuff decision!

C Schomer

I bought a new 97 3/4T 3.54 5 spd and had it for 9 yrs and I still miss that truck. It was so much more fun to drive (hotrodding empty) than my 03 6 spd. But it sucked for heavy towing with the salt-flats gears. I had both trucks for nearly a year and the 6 spd 4.10 would tow circles around the 97 even with the 97 modded to the same or more engine hp as the 03. I love my 03 now. I had a tps quit and I fixed it myself for $169 so I'm getting over the electronics phobia. I only have one vehicle and the 97 2 door ext cab was a pain and that was the biggest reason to change trucks. I'd hold out til I found an 03.5-04.4 HO. The 24v lift pumps are still a problem but that's cheaper and easier to fix than a vp44. Craig

BrandonMT

Friend of mine has an 02 with the 6 speed and can tow circles around me even if I'm not loaded.

rip 112

Personally I'd stick with the 12 valve and find a nv5600 to put behind it...no more towing problems.

Heck a 12 valve and a manual tranny belong together in my book.

Did you expect your stock 12 valve to run with a good running 24 valve? Do some simple tricks, a few mods and your 12 valve will be takin names.

C Schomer

The 97 autos were only 180 hp. I can go up thru the gears with the 6 spd like a breeze and hardly work the engine. I had to wind up the 97 pretty tight before up shifting with the 5 spd. Getting up steep ramps was a chore. Also, I wouldn't trade my 4.10 for anything else. That puts the trans gears even closer together. Craig