pv apollo

Bash me if you want...I bought a 2007 MegaCab with the 5.9 Laramie and 4x4...everything but sunroof and nav...both worthless. I towed and drove and due to bad economy(income,not mileage)I sold it. It was paid for and I took a hit but oh well. Looking back I should have gone old school 12v and I'd still have it. So that is where I am heading...12 valve and no 4x4, long bed and 1994-1998 so no real 4 doors just room for misc stuff in the back "seat". I would appreciate if anyone has things to look out for, such as make sure steering has been redone because it will need it. Would you buy one with tons of aftermarket items done to motor or the plain stock one? I am going to be looking for one with rebuilt trans and I know I should get a manual but I'm over 40 and auto fits my lifestyle...I'm in So. Cal if anyone has one or knows someone with 94-98 quad cab...Thanks, Scott

Riflemanusmc

Easy man..You'll find a great buntch here. Nobody is going to kick you around for your choice. I sold my BOMB'd 04 to go back to a 91 12 valve 1st gen. Scott I love the old school..
Hit the sale adds here or Craigslist. And don't do your state only. If you do your homework, you'll find what you want. At a good price. Don't get in a hurry... take your time. My .02..

Riflemanusmc

And when it comes time to BOMB that be atch. Hit the DTR shop. Ya just might find some hop up parts

megacabdad

Bashing is not allowed.

Stick to what you know and love...

Search around for the right deal, and post pictures when you find it.

Riflemanusmc

You'll have your flame wars, been in afew myself. If you know what you want, and what you know. Post it. Its the E net. All commado's all the time. Take time out, and take it all in...

John_P

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Scott:

First of all, let me welcome you to the website!

The other Members here are giving you some good advice and taking it easy with your frustrations on what happened with that newer truck you bought.

Believe me, I feel your pain Sir! I also have a 2006 Dodge CTD CR Pickup and am not real happy with it either! At 37,000 miles, the darn thing got the "Death Wobble" pretty darn bad! It also sets "codes" quite a bit, has a tendency to "rev" up sometimes as I am slowing down, and the mileage is also not very good. On the other hand,......and thank God,.....I also have a 1996 Dodge CTD 12 valve which I bought new! My 1996 is the BEST Dodge CTD Truck I have ever owned and I have had four of them
(1992, 1996, 2002 and 2006). The 96' has over 300,000 miles on it now and I have had very few problems with it.

You asked about "what to look for" on the 12 valves. Well,.....not to go real long here, but IMHO, I would try to find one that has been left stock but has been taken care of. IMO,...minor modifications are alright, like an exhaust, tranny upgrade, mild cam plates etc. FWIW,....there are several 12 valves FOR SALE right here in our DTR CLASSIFIEDS section. Take a look in there Scott and I would also go online to areas like "Auto Trader."

One of the biggest issues on the 12 valves is the problems with the "Killer Dowel Pins." You can go to our SEARCH FORUM Section and read all about that. Also, as you pointed out, the front suspension can be a problem on some of them. The transmissions can also be an issue, but most owners upgrade those over time.

Anyway, good luck with your search! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

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John_P

pv apollo

Thanks to all with their input. I tow a 5000-6000 lb. boat and gave up on being the guy with the new toy. I'm all about making economic sense and that spells 94-98 dodge diesel. It cost me 1 dollar per mile in depreciation on the mega cab and I want to make up for it on the next one...Scott

Riflemanusmc

We are all here to help, not to fight.

pv apollo

Hi, I found a 96 2500 12 valve with 250k miles and stock...asking around 5000 and it is SLT extra/extended/quad cab...I have a hard time calling it a quad...it's more of a 1.5 cab after riding in the back of one from LA to San Diego being a full size man...I plan on a 45 minute test drive...look under and over...then go with my gut feeling. I sure would like one with a rebuilt trans. though, this one had a recent valve adj. new radiator, 2 batteries, brakes/rotors and new tires. Seems like the trans and ball joints are the only thing needed in the immediate future...going Saturday...Scott

peobryant

A '96 would be an extended cab. The quad cab started in '98.

Good luck, and take some pictures.

Powerstroke2000

A good learning post for those of us just starting out with the "Dodge" idea in our heads. I truly do need to learn more though, as I'm prone to own trucks that can stand the test of time....there again, my personal choice is the new body trucks, as I don't care for the old ones...but that's just me.
I've owned my old '95 Ford supercab since the day I drove it off the lot, and it's never let me down yet, and has been modified for towing, holding a nice 400 rear wheel HP, and bulletproof tranny to help put the power to the ground.
Mileage sure isn't good though, thus my thinking on a newer Dodge one day, so it looks like the 5.9 may be the best choice?
I'm not here for a brand war, as I'm sure many of the "Big Three" have had their share of problems over the years, and I've driven brand new of all three and find the power outputs (stock) to be similar.
I'm about to hit the highway here real soon (1800 miles each way) on a atv trip to Moab, so we'll see how the old Ford performs pulling my enclosed trailer, but now that I'm getting older my thinking is a "quieter" diesel might be in the cards eventually. As for power, I've been in everything from stock to over 500 RWHP, and personally think the 400 RWHP truck is about perfect for towing, keeping an eye on temps and pyrometer on the hills, and e-brake for going down.

Can anyone tell me if the newer Dodges incorporate a pyrometer as an option, or as most of us do, purchase aftermarket? I honestly think every Diesel used for towing should have a pyrometer and exhaust brake...but that's just me!

Best of luck with whatever truck your drivin'...

PSD2000

pv apollo

Ok diesel people, I found my truck. It is a 1996 reg cab CalTrans (CA. State Hwy. Vehicle) with 209k and Full Service Records. Usually they keep them but they let it slip and it has had fuel filters sometimes every 3000 miles...engine oil between 3-5000 intervals and I'm not sure on the transmissions if they meant change fluid or replace entire unit but it was at least three times (39k, 94k and one other) I'll dig into that more when I get delivery. It had a new AC compressor last year and then a recharge 2 months later so it had a leak...and still does. The dealer is going to fix that and the coolant temp. gauge doesn't work so that will need to be fixed also. I drove it and then another one identical and the the one felt peppier but it blew black smoke after warmed up...not alot like the modded units but the one I liked only puffed a little for the first 5 minutes or so. It did seem a little gutless but a spring here, turn a screw there and we should be OK. Price was 4500 USD and tires are the comm. long lasting ones..it has a cow catcher on the front I think I can get 100 for and the 10,000 bumper(not hitch). It has the 2 inch ball with lever thing that clasps down for the ag. type trailers. I thought it was good after driving several that just felt old and tired(remember I came from a 2007 Megacab 4x4 Laramie) and with the service history I feel more confident than a heavily modified no record one. I still need to pay for it after the AC and sensor get done...not too late to back out...any ideas or opinions? Thanks...Oh yeah, it's bright Orange, PV APOLLO

pv apollo

Here is a photo of the new tow vehicle...any ideas of what to do with the cow pusher in the front? PV APOLLO