Alright, I am new to Diesel's and Dodges. I am in the market for a $14,000 truck and am looking for a diesel 4x4. I almost bought a 96 Powerstroke and have been doing my homework on those. I couldn't afford a Superduty and the wife didn't like the older body styles. With that said I started looking at the Dodges around town and on Ebay. They are sharp looking trucks and Cummins is a name I had heard. Since then I found this site and have been lurking around trying to soak up some info about the cummins engines. I am mostly converted from the Fords and am pretty darn sure I want a Dodge. After some reading I am thinking I want the 12 valve. Most seem to think the 98 is the truck to get because of the crew cab doors and early ones still used the 12 valve. I think I can decipher the 12 valve with the 8th letter being a D means 12 valve. I hope I got that right. Anyway, is there something in particular I should look for in Diffs? What model is the front diffs on these trucks and is there one better than the others? The powerstroke for example came with the Dana 60 on the older F350's front diff and the not so liked Dana 50 on F250's. Same question would go for the rear diff and auto tranny. I am sure that I do want an auto. All opinions and such are welcomed. School me....

 

Oh yeah, I guess I need to stay away from the 53's as well. I think I read that most of the 98's whether 12 valve or 24 valve have the 53 block. Maybe I should go with an older year to avoid the 53 blocks. Let me know your thoughts. Oh yeah, are all the 12 valve cummins intercooled? I know the older Fords were not intercooled only the Superduty. Whats the story with the cummins?

 

If I ccould get a second diesel it would be a 1st generation. Reason is the engine is not electronically controlled so it's easier to turn up the smoke valve! Yeah you do have to watch for the 53 block...

I've heard different thoughts on trans. I prefer the manual trans. over automatic. I think I could deal with a bad clutch easier that TC and band problems. If you go manual you can add a jake brake to it

 

The 2nd Gens with a 47RH tranny are mechanical, all the PCM does is overdrive and TC lock, avoids computer probs BUT the pump is only a 160 on these. That can take it up to about 400 horses though. I prefer the mechanical governors, etc. but some don't like not being able to chip it, a personal choice. I will stick with what I have because of longevity, it will last longer than I will! I also don't race or take it to the track.