I'm considering buying a 12 valve. is any year better than another.is there any year I should stay away from. I found a 1996 3500 dually with 104,000 mi. seller is asking $12,000. this one looks and drives clean,but I don't really want a dually. any tips on what to look for in a 12 valve would be greatly appreciated.

 

Take your time, the later years will have the 215hp pump with the 5spds. 98 is of course the Holy Grail of Rams since it can still have the 12valve with the quad cab.

If you don't want a dually don't get a dually, just take your time with what you're looking for. Personally if I was getting another 12valve I'd look for a 1st gen due to the fact that I love that old body style.

 

My brother is in the market too....for a '94-'98.5

What we've learned....
1) You can ask about the KDP...not many will know about it, so plan on doing it!
2) As mentioned the '98 is a holy grail...215hp & QC
3) Truck prices vary WILDLY...<$5k to $12K...Be aware of what you are looking at....This is a used vehicle after all! That bargain may not be such a bargain.
4) Manual trans 5th gear may 'disappear'...it's actually fallen off the shaft. Usually rebuilding the trans with a new shaft will fix the problem.
5) Automatics can last 70k-200k, depending on maintenance.
6) Exhaust brake, if you are interested, is easiest with a manual trans.
7) Being an all mechanical motor, they are the easiest and generally most reliable motors.
8) Brakes...Some are working on installing 3rd gen brakes on the 2nd gen chassis. Several people complain the 2nd gen brakes are a little small.
9) Truck miles will vary from 90k-500k. The lower the miles, generally, the less wear & tear on the drivetrain. However, there may be a lot of short trips which could be just as bad as high mileage.
10) Go there...see the truck; drive the truck; put a load on the truck. That's the only way to really evaluate how the truck drives!

HTH

Tony

 

I looked for my truck for over a year and a half. I was very strict on what I was looking for. Really sweet trucks pull a premium price in the NW and disappear about as fast as they go on the market. I was always just too slow on my calls and they were already sold. Just keep trying and you will have the truck you want in your driveway.

 

Rust!!!!!! Check the cab corners, rocker panels and the wheel wells. My truck had cancer and I did some serious therapy on it last summer and its gone into remission. haha Good luck. Look @ the afc housing for mods... (break off screw, etc)

 

Thanks for the replies. it really helps. I am going to pass on the dually. it will probably be a nice truck for someone, but I don't want a dually. the 06 in my signature is a great truck. It is my first dodge. I came over from a Dmax.it was a good truck to,but my dodge is something special. now I want a 12 valve to have some fun with.

 

I see some trucks here 96-98 in AZ come up from time to time, if you want, I can PM you when I see a deal?