Hi All,
I know these questions have been asked, but after sorting through many pages of posts for info, couldn't find what I'm looking for...sorry for the same ol' same ol'.

The CTD we have is a 24 valve 4x4 auto tranny, and we've had every problem inherent in those: lift pumps going out, IP going out, tranny going out...and now I'm having lift pump problems again. It's a beautiful truck, leather interior and all, but I'm sick of the problems and we are thinking to go to more of a beater for the work the truck needs to do (one we aren't worried about getting dinged with!). My hubby wants to consider all makes, but I'm leaning towards a 2nd Gen Dodge.

We haul a horse trailer and get loads of hay. What kinds of problems would we be trading off on by going to a 12? Do they have the lift pump and auto tranny problems? I like the auto for ease of driving in traffic, but if they have a high rate of problems then I'd definitely like to go with a manual.

And fuel economy? I've read that the 12's do better, and then I'll inquire what someone is getting with theirs and they'll give me a really low mpg. I need the 4x4 and I know they don't do quite as well there, but I just got 23 mpg freeway unloaded on our '99 (not typical but I was driving slower to save $$). It seems like it's all over the boards on these trucks!

My neighbor has a '97 Ford F250 4x4 PS and says he gets 21 mpg stock. I'm tempted...

What to do?

Betsy

 

A old 12 valve with a 5spd would make a great work truck....It does not matter Ford,Chevy,Dodge all these trucks have their own problems and a 20MPG PowerStroke-BS

 

I have a beautiful 98 with only 70K original that I would sell you. I will send you a PM.

 

I average 19 mpg on almost every tank since I bought the truck, except 17 once when i had my fuel plate full forward, which I think was just wasting fuel because I didn't have everything adjusted right to take advantage of it like the gov arm.

The 12v's are pretty bullet proof, although any engine/truck can have issue's but there not notorious for it like what u dealt with the 24v. Very easy to work on, and I enjoy the sound alot. Theres no plug an play though, so all ur power is gonna be adjusted mechanically.

Negotiate the price if the truck has a stock auto, because Auto is the way to go IMO, but negotiate so u can have alittle money to upgrade the tranny to really take advantage of the 12v.

Get 3.55 gears

And get a 96+ for a bigger pump

there, now go get urself a 12v!

 

Betsy, I am also a woman and I personally love my 12V but then again also love the 24V.Do what's best fits you. I personally can't speak for a Duramax or a Powerstroke because I'm stuck on the Cummins.I feel it's better all the way around for me.My .02. Cin

 

yeah, I'd ask your neighbor to show proof of that kind of mpg in a ford.....

 

Depending on yor finances you might want to consider the options available to solve the 24V problems .Built auto trans.Aftermarket lift pump systems .Check the 24v forums and the performance forum for ideas .Auto trans are a problem with all years.As far as mileage my 96 gets average of 23mpg in canadian gallons ,a friend has a 99 powerstroke and sadly admits to 18 .But he bleeds ford .

 

love my 98 4x 5spd had a 94 ford never got better than 12 mpg, nothing but problems. love mai dodge

 

An early 03 or 04 CR gets good mileae as well. But i still prefer the 12v. ust easier to work on and parts are cheap. I disagree with frmll300 about the auto tranny. If taken care of and maintinance done as mentioned in the onwers manual the 47re/rh auto will last a long time. My project 98 12v has 220,000+ with the stock tranny and have never had a problem with since new. Just kept up with reg mant. Adding a good TC and VB will even prolong life futher in the auto tranny. Good luck with your search.