OK from what I gather, the 12 valve is the way to go. I do have some questions on what to look for and for what to avoid. Did the 94 and up have the nv4500 or the getrag? Are lift pump problems as bad in the 12v's as the 24 v's. The stick seems to be the way to go. How many miles is too many and are there any years to avoid? I will be towing 8k so I will probably be looking to buy one with 3.54 gears. How much different are the 4.10's? I guess that is all for now but I am sure I will think of more questions. Thanks in advance and have a good one.

Jason

 

94+ had the NV4500. Lift pump problems are far less common on 12V's, and if they do go it dosent take the pump with it. Id keep an eye out for a 96-98 manual, they will be 215HP stock. 94-95 are only 175 for a 5 speed. If you could find one with less then 150K on it that would be nice, but the motors will go for 350K+ if your good to them. The thing that will kill you on higher mileage trucks will be the dodge comming apart around the cummins.

 

I am in the same boat you are in, I am buying in June and have decided the 12V is the way to go, simpler. No electronics to deal with. Manual will be the way I am going as well. Ive notived the 94-97s didnt have extended cab very often, I guess it was nov ery popular in those models? I can't wait to get ahold of one of these things, Just cant wait!!!!!

 

Out here in colorado there are a LOT of extened cabs, and many of those are the four door.

Big Jimmy

 

I'm looking for another truck as well.. Do you guys realize how fast these things go??? I've been looking for a couple months now and whenever a new truck comes out in the ads, it sells within a couple weeks... I've gotten ticked off a couple times because by the time I have time to go see the truck, it's been sold already!

I gotta say I don't really like the manual 5 spd. tranny though... The gearing is spread to far apart so you really gotta rev it before changing gears, especially when towing. I'm gonna get an auto and soup it up. Even though the auto is going to cost me a little more in the long run (repairs), I like the comfort .

 

your engine has this thing called TORQUE....you should never have to rev it before changing gears..you can lug these things down big time and never have a problem.

I've towed a crap load of stuff with my 4500 and no problemos

 

just watch lugging in 5th gear. in my opinion the best 12v is the 98. because you have the 12v with the newer style interior and the quad cab

 

I must correct myself an early 98 has the 12 valve the 98.5 the 24. don't get me wrong though I like all CTD's but there's something about the rattle of a mechanical diesel

 

I drive my buddies all the time, well he has 3, a two 96's and a 95. ( they have a farm and tow alot) I have only driven one opf his 96 Regular cabs, it has the 4:10 gearing, 1st is useless for daily driving. Did alot of the 12 Valves have the 4:10s or were they custom order from factory for towing? I personally would like to find the 3:73s

 

I looked for over 2 years for mine well one I could afford anyways can you say Quad Cab

 

the entire injection system on the 12 valves is pretty much bulletproof...if ur not planning on many mods and want the most out of ur power then go with a 5 speed...im looking for a 5 speed and wanna sell mine in the summer when i have some time off...

 

Well my question is. I hear about people moving the torque plate forward but their transmissions are taking a beating for it. Can you move it up slightly without transmission problems?
can you also turn up the fuel screw slightly and move the plate slightly for alittle more juice without reliability problems?
I just want alittle smoke

 

Yeah, the '97 cruise contol setup on mine really sucks... not convienient at all the way it is laid out on the steering wheel.

But then I was swayed to get the truck by its overall condition.

 

I think

ur only options are 3.55 and 4.10, both have their pros and cons, I have 3.55, good for highway and top end, 4.10s are trailer yankers tho..

Tx

 

Yes u can

Just get some gauges first... I run a stock clutch with a 100, and as long as i aint too hard on it, no issues... 28K and still going. PLUS i also watch my pyro...

Tx