I have always wanted a 2nd gen 12v ext cab with a 5speed, so my question which year is the best. Are there any differences beside the change early 98.

Thanks

 

I was in the same boat a few months back. Started looking and found my '98 club cab long bed 12valve. Some say the '97 is the one to get but they are pretty much the same except for the interior. If you dont mind having a club cab you should be able to find one, but if you really want the quad cab with rear opening doors, those are a little harder to find. I cant say what the differences are on the 94-97 club cabs. Someone else will chime in with some more info on that.

 

96-98 have the bigger pumps.

the 96-98 5 speed has the 215 pump which is pretty stout
the 96-98 auto's have the 180 pump which makes pretty good power also

 

What pump did the 94-95 5speed trucks have? Yeah, I think I'm going to start my search. I drove a 95 2wd 5speed today and the shifts were smooth, smoother then my 92 with the getrag. I'm still keeping the 92 but I guess I want another truck

 

1994 and 1995 manual were 175hp. The 1996's have vacuum assisted brakes, the 1997's and 1998's had a hydroboost type set up off the PS pump. That is probably a better set up.

John

 

heres a pretty nice rig for sale
its got some miles, but it looks sweet
http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/tr...-2500-4x4.html

 

Thanks, that is great information!

 

My 95 with a few mods has been a great truck. It has surprised a couple friends of mine who pulled along side of me on the highway with their newer diesels and couldn't lose me very easily! I am sold on the p-pump 12 valves. lots of potential and still good on fuel. I think any lower mileage 12 valve in decent shape is a good buy, as these are getting harder to find- at least here in Alberta!

 

98 or 97 are the ones you want to shoot for, but 98s are

 

I've worked/driven them all and think '97 is the best.
Only real advantage to a '98 is if you need a quad cab.
'98s are a PITA because they are a breed upon their own. '98 was supposed to have a 24 valve engine but it wasn't ready on time. Several things had to be reversed engineered to make the 12 valve work in it. Makes many parts that are interchangeable with the previous and later years unique to the '98.

I especially don't like the '98 climate control where the fan is on all the time and the A/C is on in all but a couple **** settings.

 

After reading more I think the year I am going to shoot for is 97 4x4 ext cab 5 speed. In time I will find the one I want, patience...

 

When I was looking for a 12v, 97 and 98 were the only years I was really considering. I like the dash of the 98 better, as well as the way the 5 spd shifts compared to the 97. I didn't want a club or quad cab, so that point was moot in my decision making.

 

I'd have preferred a 1997 but since the deal was right and the mileage was right on my 1996 I went for it. I wouldn't let the vacuum brake system make or break the deal.

John