I've been searching for a gen 1 for quite some time and nothing's jumped out still. Things have changed because of a business my fiancee and I are starting up back home.

We need a work truck - minimum 3/4 ton, 4X4, Cummins, manual tranny and a minimum of an extended cab and full size bed. The bed of the truck will constantly have ~1500lbs up to 2000lbs in it. It's my understanding that the 12V motor continued into the Gen 2(s). What's the difference between the 12V in the Gen 1 and Gen 2? Do the Gen 2 12V(s) vary by year (did they change their design from 1994-1998.5)?

 

The 94-98.5 2500/3500 is a 12 valve, but with (argueablly) a better fuel system, more effecient turbo, NV4500 5-speed and Dana 80 rear axle. It's basically a modernized 1st gen 12valve. More power, bigger drivetrain. The 2nd gen 12v uses a P7100 IP, lots of power can be made, but you have to spend $ to turn it up, where our 1st gen can be tuned with no $ spent for an apprieciable difference.
The NV4500 has a larger torque rating than the Getrag, but a poor 5th gear nut design, which allows 5th gear to fall off it's drive splines. Simple fix, but time consuming in a 4x4. The Dana 80 axle is freakin' huge, but still needs good oil to survive a bomb'd P-pump 12v. The strongest 12v's in sled pulling, drag racing and the kings of the dyno are all pretty much P-pumped 12v's, but I still prefer my old 1st gen.
Buy a 2nd gen for a work truck, there are ALOT more of them out there. Save the 1st gens from extenction!

 

The 1st gens are tougher and simpler, everything is rebuildable. 2nd gens have flimsier sheetmetal and things tend to be replaced as assemblies instead of rebuilt. I wouldn't hesitate to use either for your application though.

 

Good info thanks. We still want a gen 1, but to use more as "the nice truck" as the future wifey says.

She's a farrier and I'm getting into the business when I go home. Whatever we buy will not be kept mint, will get tons of use and the extended cab or crew cab is for our two dogs - so it's not going to be spotless inside. There will be lots of weight in the bed. I just want to get something simple, but well maintained so that I can keep up with the maintenance and it'll get the job done. Thanks again.

 

I know nothing about 2nd gens but didn't the 3rd door not come out untill like '97? Maybe not an issue unless you don't want your dogs crawling over the front seat.

 

Are the 1st and 2nd gens really reliable? When the truck breaks down, income flow stops.

 

actuallly as far as i can tell my buddys gen1 and my gen 2 are equally reliable(both are modified). interms of power the gen2 (stock vs stock) has more power and as for spending money to make more power on a gen2 is definetly false you can adjust so many different things with the p7100 to gain free hp. Drivetrain wise theres no doubt that the gen2s is stronger. both of em will carry that constant 2000+lbs with out even noticing its back their

 

1st Gen. Single cab long bed trucks are the 2nd most beautiful creation in this world .. next of course to my wife .. and I'm not just saying that because she is reading over my shoulder ...

In all seriousness though, everyone has been dead on.
1st gen = simple, cheap, reliable, rebuildable
2nd gen = slightly more complicated for the backyard mechanic, reliable, bigger work horse

 

For simplicity, dependability, and longevity, definitely go with the 1st Gen., preferably a 5-speed; but, you will probably end up with an automatic, as there must have been fifty automatics built to each 5-speed; at least there are fifty automatics per 5-speed that are for sale.


For the dogs, build them their own "cab" that is isolated from the people compartment.

I have seen several home-built dog "cabs", all different, yet all pretty neat.

 

I have never had a 2nd gen 12v, but I can say that my 1st gen has been extremely reliable for the last 15+ years. For the first 10 years it was my daily driver with a 1700 pound camper in the bed. It was off road in ALL conditions every weekend, winter and summer, as well as many highway trips across the country. Now, the camper is not on too much but it still gets lots of highway miles and is up and down logging roads hauling 2000lbs loads of firewood on a regular basis. The Getrag was replaced with an NV4500 about 10 years ago. No other problems. It just keeps on going, simple to maintain. Awsome truck.

 

I plan to use a 1stGen as a shoeing rig myself. A ton of tools and bar stock wont make any difference in it- it's about like adding a full skirted steel flatbed to it.

I beg to differ about either tranny being rated for more torque than the other. I prefer my Getrag, though. Keep oil in it and it will go 500K with ease.

 

Mine has never left me stranded.

 

Didn't they switch to the CAD front axle in 94? I think 93 was the last year of the true 35 spline dana 60.

 

If ride quality matters buy a 2nd gen.
I have them both, no comparison.
I love them both though.

KO