I need a truck asap; I'm posting here, because you folks are knowledable about what I want..

my choice is a 96-98 Dodge 12v 5speed 4x4 ext cab (not necc club cab!)

oh, and high mileage ok, high price I can't do...

OK, so I can't find one, for less than 15K+, and those are snapped up
before I call...

I need to compromise..

is a 12v dodge with auto trans (i'm hauling 5-8K, all the time in this truck)

better than a 98.5 24v 5speed (they all say pump replaced) (?lifters?)

so many of the autos trannys say "replaced, new" on trucks without much mileage I'm afraid of them...

Or a 96 Ford diesel 5sp ...much less expensive, I've heard the newer Ford engines are ok, (still want a Dodge) but do you know how the older ford diesels compare?

sorry if I"m posting in the wrong place, but tranny and 12v engine are what I'm trying to substitute for!

thanks, Jenni

 

Sounds like you're looking for exactly what I've got. Sorry, I'll never sell it. Anyway, I feel the same way about autos as you. My dream truck is the 12 valve with 5 speed. I believe that the auto and the VP44 really hurt reliability. (not trying to offend anyone.) I think I personally would be as likely to buy a 96 Ford 5 speed as a Dodge auto. The electronics of the PSD diesel may cause problems now and again, but overall, it's a pretty durable truck.
Welcome to the site.

 

If ur just towing that wieght, and u don't trash on ur truck, the auto should hold up fine. I put mine through the paces and I think it would hold up for along time if u drive normally with occasional lead foot syndrome. If u find a good deal on a auto 12v, go for it. You can always swap in a 5spd with the money u saved.

 

I'm selling mine. Sorry, it's an auto

 

Where are you located at? I see a few 12v's around here for less than 10K with the setup that you mention. Autotrader has 6 listed for less than $10K.

That said, if you can't find what you want, I would say go with the Ford with stick rather than the auto and Cummins. I haven't yet known anyone who hasn't replaced the auto tranny in theirs. My brother runs around in 4 different Fords with either the 6.9 or 7.3 non-powerstrokes and does just fine with them other than front end issues (tie-rods mostly) and of course nowhere near the power of my cummins.

 

Thanks to all for your input. You're making me feel better about the Ford, which is affordable and sounds like it has everything I want...
can't say I found a dodge like that!

Box 5, you sound like you have a stellar Auto, but I swear so many I see have been "recently rebuilt", and at low mileage too!

(relatively, of course..its a DD!)

Waldersha, I'm in Sacramento, CA

I'd certainly travel anywhere in northern california, but its pretty hard for me to get out of state.

I will be travelling to Atlanta this spring, could pick up a truck anywhere
during that route, but then I'd be relying on a DTR member or two to check it out for me...hate to buy sight unseen, but via email, a qualified 3rd party auto inspection and the right price, can't say I wouldn't!

Got a feeling when you get away from here, the prices adjust to more reasonable...

 

Yeah Mac702..I've been eyeing your truck since you posted it.

It looks great, sounds great...but 120K brings a price I'm trying to avoid...
unfortunately.
Would spend more, but the need came suddenly, not planned, and just can't stretch for lower mileage right now.

Bet you'll sell it soon.. thanks, Jenni

 

here is one!! http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/294792893.html

 

Auto ain't too bad. When it dies, just upgrade the valve body and TC, then you'd be good to go.

 

i'll sell the 97 in my signature for $13k. Just drove it 280 miles today, got 19.5mpg. I"m in northern california/reno nevada

 

If you look hard you car find one,I just picked up another truck last month(97 5 speed ext cab)for 3500 bucks.It needs a new bed and a little work.

 

thats a rare deal right there though ^. Best deals i've seen are around $10,000 for a clean truck, unless u get really lucky at a auction or something. Nobody ever ask's bluebook, it's always alot higher because of supply and demand for these 12v's.

 

True, I feel like they go for little more over here in CA compared to other states (along with everything else). I remember one car lot asking $15k for a 96 with over 150k miles w/ banks kit and jake brake.. It was a decent truck but c'mon!

 

i'll sell ya mine

 

I have mine Red 98 12V in the classified too