I'm looking for a little info and advice. Shopping for a truck for my daughter. What is the advantage of the std vs the HO diesel engine in a 2001 Dodge 2500? Does one have a better service history, better mileage? Is there an easy way to tell them apart without running the numbers?

Thanks in advance!

 

This is just me - but I'd stick with the 12 valve unit or a 3rd gen. I know this gets a little testy with some, but the VP-44 issues seem to really outweigh any benefits with the 24 valve units. They could die at anytime without warning, leaving your daughter stranded and about $1200 to come out of your wallet.

With regard to your question - the 24v HO should be just as reliable as the SO unit,and you get the 6-speed NV 5600 instead of the NV 4500, which could have the chance of the 5th gear nut backing off. don't get me wrong, the 24 V is still a 5.9 CTD and a good engine, it's just not overall as relaible as the other versions have proven to be.

 

What is she going to haul? Or, is it another toy for you to play with

 

She will be hauling a four horse gooseneck trailer with a small living quarters (4ft short wall). It is all aluminum, not sure what it weighs.

And she won't mind if I play as long as I paying!

 

In this case I would second a 12V for reliability, although I love 24V and own one. And I have replaced the VP44 on it, and it is not life and death issue.
If you look for a 24V I would look for a 2002 or a 2001.5 with disk brakes all around. Third gen will not have quite the fuel mileage of the second gen, or so I heard. You know that one first hand though.
As far as telling them apart, any 6-speed will be a HO, any 5-speed will not be. However, if you mod it the potential for a SO is higher because the injection pump has larger bore and can deliver more fuel, which is not utilized with stock ECM program. HO engines have smaller bore in the injection pump to allow for higher pressure using stock programming, but if modified, the total volume is smaller that the SO.

 

Thanks for the info. I can't complain about my mileage, getting 19 MPG around town empty, 15.5 pulling 3 horses in a 30' gooseneck. Should I expect the second gen to do better than that?

 

No, probably not. The mileage you are quoting is better than what I heard before, which was 15-17 empty for a third gen. 19 is what I am getting too empty around town, and up to 23.5 (personal record) on the highway with about 1,000# in the bed, doing about 60-70 mph, with my larger tires (would amount to 55-65 with stock tires). I have no data for towing yet, this year is the first one I will be towing.

 

If she would be interested in a 2001.5 3500 Dually PM me, I am in your neck of the woods.

 

The 8th position in the VIN# will be a "7" if its an HO.

Kurt

 

Thanks to all for the info. It should help in making my (our) decision. Wish us luck.

Pete

 

personnally, i dont suggest a 12 valve for pulling if there is any hills. they get very bogged down on the uphill