hi, New to the group and had a question. first some backgrond... I have always wanted to get a dodge diesel and have never had the means till now so after spending time going through the massive amount of info on these forums and others I thought I'd try to get some feed back. I know many like the 12 valve engine but other than the lift pump and the VP44 issue is there any reason not to get 24 valve? As I have been reading the 24 valve gets better gas miliage and can be upgraded just the same as the 12 valve. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong on any assumption I may have. Some of my requirements for my future Dodge diesel include the following list: 4x4, quad cab, automatic, and at least the SLT or similar level package and no leather. Some of the goals I am looking for in the future (as I upgrade) are to maintain and increase mpg and reliability and power (of course).

I have kinda settled on the 24 valve motor (unless I get talked out of it) so here is my question... Which year of the 24 valve was the best and why?

Thanx for your time

 

Welcome aboard!

They say the 2002 was the best year. Stay away from the "53" block if possible, cracking issues, but and 02 shouldn't have the "53" block. The 12v actually gets better/consistant mileage then the 24v, but install a box/chip and your mileage will go up.

 

I specifically ordered a 2002 with the thought that it should be the most thoroughly debugged of the 2nd generation 24 valve trucks. It hasn't disappointed me - my truck has never been back to the dealer, and the only component that I've had to change out is a back-up light switch (3 minute job).

Rusty

 

I thought with the automatic you get a smaller turbo after 2000? or is this not a concern or did i just read the wrong info?

 

2001.5 is the best. They have the rear disc breaks and all the fluff that DC decided to drop on the 2002 models. Hood liner, wheel well liners, grab handles....etc....

-CM

 

Mine still has the fenderliners, hoodliner and grab handles.

 

Rear cupholders too, I think

~Rob

 

Mine doesn't have any of the extra's.

February 2002 build date.

They just kept putting the extras in until they ran out, early 2002's might have some of them.


phox

 

Ya you guys got lucky...

I bought mine April 02' and didn't have any of the above "luxury" iteams...

-CM

 

Yes, you are correct 00 and later autos had the smaller HY35 with the 9cm exhaust housing as compared to the 12cm HX35 on the stick trucks. The HY works fine when stock but will quickly run out of breath when additional fueling above stock is added. Either way if you plan on running 350+hp the HX35 will not work either but will accept larger exhaust housings that have successfully worked in excess of 400 hp where as there are no options for the little HY.

 

Rear cupholders? What, in the bed?

Oh, never mind, I forgot for a second that they make funny-looking sedan versions of these trucks...

Interesting to see another back-up switch failure. Mine's been out for a few months, but I have a switch installed to run my tractor lights, so I haven't exactly been in a huge hurry to fix it.

My truck had none of the mentioned stuff. Built in Mexico plant in Apr 2002. I did get some rear fender liners for free when my brother traded in his 2001 gasser for a minivan, though.

 

My "sedan" doesn't have them. Besides, the ones I've seen won't hold a keg, so technically, yes the bed is a beverage holder.

~Rob

 

I've had 2700 lbs in the bed of mine. Wonder how many kegs that would equal? More than I can drink in a week, I'm thinking.

 

I've got the Loudest Sedan in my Neighborhood! I wouldn't be caught dead driving the goats (kids) around in a Mini-Van

 

I realize this is not engine related, but in mid year of 2001, Dodge started putting disc brakes on the rears instead of drums. That is why you will see some peoples signature say 2001.5, meaning they have disc brakes.

~Rob