Hi guys, I'm new here and I don't own my Ram yet but will be buying soon. I was wondering if you know how the second generation Cummins Rams compare to the third generation in terms of fuel economy. Also, does anyone know just how much better on fuel is the 12V is over the 24V engine?

Also, between the second generation 12V and 24V, is the 24V the only one that is able to take a progamming module (power programmer or whatever you call it)?

lastly, with the module, is it possible to program for better economy with either engine?

Thanks

 

bottom line buy the 12v IMO I would look for a 98 if u are on the poor side I would look for a 5 spd. The stock autos are junk and a built one will run u around 4-5K.

 

My 03 gets over 20 miles a gallon on the highway and that is better than my 98 24v. Yes the 98 and up 24v's and 03 and 24v common rails are the only ones that you can put a programmer or mudule on as the earlier 12v's are all mechanical, no electronics and yes you can get better mileage with a module.

 

I really like my 12v, but they're getting hard to find, especially in good condition. If I were buying now, I'd look for a common rail 3rd gen, '03 up. The auto trans are OK, with regular maintainence, and oem power settings,
or a torque converter and valve body will help them hold moderate power upgrades. Unless you like shifting gears.
I'd avoid the VP44 trucks, '98.5 to '02.
It really comes down to what YOU want to do with it, what YOU like, and can afford.

 

I've now owned a '00 24v, an '03 common rail and a '96 12v. The 03 had the nicest fit and finish on it, and the common rail was a great system. The 24v was a pain in the as$, but once I had re-done the entire fueling system, it was pretty nice. The 12v is going old school, so if you don't need the gimmicks the newer trucks have, it will be your best bet. 12v will also be the least expensive compared to the other three IMO, but harder to find in good condition. If I could have found a 98 12v, it would have been my favorite out of the three.
Hope that helps...

 

I have a 1994 12 valve because it DOESN'T have the electronics on the engine and I love it. I know you can upgrade your trucks performance with electronic "chip upgrades" but when your electronics fail, and they do fail, your stranded wherever your computer decides to have a brain fart! This happened to us in a friends Dodge while we were on a hunting trip.

I bought this truck to tow my Holiday Rambler and to work! It's a 2500 Commins Diesel 12 vlave 5.9 litre 4X4. I wish it had the standard tranny and a NP 205 transfer case and part time front end and I may make those changes down the road.

First up: Dowel pin repair kit.

 

My junk auto had over 200K miles on it. They are a good transmission just will not last long with H.P. mods. but as they say "you pay to play"

Floyd

 

Good to know about the automatic transmission. My automatic seems to be just fiune. I did put a transmission Temerature guage on it. This helps me drive and tow accordingly and avoid overheating it. I highly recommend this for those with an automatic. I put my temp sensor in the liquid line coming out of the trans going to the oil cooler so I can see what kind of cooling is needed. I also put a second cooler inline with a 12 volt high velocity muffin fan to supplement cooling in stop and go driving. The Arizona Desert can be brutal when it's 117*F in the shade!