I am trying to decide on which truck to buy and need some help. I am looking at a 1997 350 4x4 dually with a 12 valve and a 1999 350 4x4 dullay with a 24 valve. Both are manuals, have about 150,000 and cost about 12k. I've heard the early 24v had problems but have never run a Dodge before, always had powerstrokes.

I am a Kansas cattleman and will use the truck mostly for feeding cattle within a 50 mile radius. In addition I will be pulling a gooseneck stock trailer which when loaded will gross about 16k. I will also use it to haul big round bale trailers and the load will gross about 18 to 20k. No long haul trips and fuel milage is not as important as pulling power and mostly, dependability. Couldn't fix a diesel with a gun to my head so that means when it won't run, it's shop time, which I hope to avoid because it ain't cheap.

Would appreciate advise from those of you out there who knows more than I do (that means everyone). The trucks are very similiar except for the 12v or 24v. Also, this might not be the place to get an unbiased opinion but how do you think the Cummings compares to the powerstroke. Thanks a lot.

Mike Smalley

 

I have a 2002 2500 24 valve automatic and a 3500 12 valve 5 speed both 4 wheel drives. They both pull and work great. I have been pulling about 21,000 pounds behind the 3500 and i am getting to like it more. They are both excelent motors but for some reason if i was you i would take the 12 valve. I have guages on both trucks and i drive by them. I can see how guys hurt a motor without them. What these trucks will pull should be a duty for a mid line truck. These trucks will pull and the pyro will shoot to the moon and kill a motor real quick. So its up to you but get guages on either one if you do.

 

this is a no brainer,many will agree.If its dependability you want do the 12v.Unless you want lift pump and injection pump problems of course.

 

nitrousn you must have mistyped,they never made a 12v in 02.

 

what he said (on both post)

 

new 97 CTD owner here and loving it!

just asked almost exact same question here:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=117813

if you do end up with a 12valve. do the KDP or killer dowel pin right away.

 

I'm sure this is a dumb question to most but here goes. What quages should I have installed besides the ones from the factory. Tks.

Mike S.

 

a pyrometer, which monitors your exhaust gas temps (egt). they can get real high under a load. a lot of guys have boost gauges too, but its not completly neccessary.

 

I went over and read the other post and I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to reply. Forums such as this are a BIG help to those of us who know next to nothing. Made up my mind, I'm going with the 12v and once again, THANKS TO ALL.

Mike S.

 

no problem, stick around and you can learn A LOT here. I know i did, mainly by using the search feature. good choice on the 12v you'll be happy with it.

 

Ooop's ...I got that corrected. To many brown bottles last night.