Hey fellas,

Been a long time since ive posted on here since i sold my truck in 07. Looking to get diesel powered again and im pretty excited about it

So, im def getting a 2nd gen again, 5spd, etc. Pretty much the same as i used to have. My delima is im a DIE HARD 12v fan. Love everything about its mechanical operation and reliability.

Been tough times finding a decent 12v with lower mileage, but have been finding some decent 24v's that i would like to buy, but just cant seem to convince my self that i want to own a 24v??

SO.... how much of a chance do i have that im gonna be replacing the vp44 ? Should i just replace it with a bluechip pump thats supposed to have the "problems" solved so i dont have any down time?

HO pumps had a problem with some mods, what were they? I would see myself putting a fueling box on, but thats prob about it.

The truck im interested in has a 6spd and ho motor 2001.

Should i just stay with 12v or cross the line to 24v and newer vehicle???

Thanks in advance -Jake

 

I understand your dilemma and I think the same. All the 12 valves are getting old now, but what do you move up to? Part of me would want to instantly throw on an new VP immediately if I bought a 24 valve, but I know of many VPs that lasted hundreds of thousands of miles. I've also seen replacements fail early. Good luck with your decision.

 

I'm just not a fan of the VP44 motors... I know there are a lot of guys with them, but it's not for me.

Why not jump up to an 03 or 04?

 

I prefer the 2nd gen body style personally. I just dont know if the vp44 is as bad as everyone makes them out to be, granted a better lift pump is in place.

 

An HO with a fueling box and a good fuel pump is fine. Mine runs good and tows like a beast. I too would like a 12v because they don't have to be smogged but finding a good one is like finding a needle in a haystack.

 

Only 2 kinds of VP-44's.......Those that have gone bad and those that are going bad........ The ONLY way I would own a 98.5-2002 truck is to P-Pump it

 

You beat me to it!

 

VP's aren't that bad! I wouldn't hesitate to drive mine anywhere, no matter how far! I love my truck but wish I would have held out for an 01.5 or 02 so I could have rear discs. The brakes on this truck have been my only major complaint. They are high maintenance rigs for sure, but the 06 I had before this one wasn't exactly worry free either! I say go for it!

 

well, i have both and i like driveing my 99 more then my 05. once the 99 finished nickle and diming me due to age related failures, ive learned to appreciate it. never had a 12v but kdp is a pita on those too.

 

My 98.5 never had issues with the VP44,but I went through two lp's in 50K. Then there's the issue of the lousy brakes. I agree with the prior poster and look for an '03-'04. The only thing I miss about my '98.5 is the seats.

 

what I find out is they ALL have some or their specific problems 12 valves are starting to get old even if lower miles gaskets need replacing or leaks, kdp ect.. 24s have vp 44 lift pumps ect so no matter WHAT you get there are possibilities of some repairs gas or diesel car or truck

 

24 valves can have KDP's, too. They aren't immune.

 

but its 100% sure on a 12v...roll the dice on every generation they all have their strengths and weaknesses. Ignorance is a major prob. with owners, if u dont know what to expect and have preventative knowledge ie killing a kdp, id rather have a dead vp then a broken timing case. most dodge owners that ive talked too or have struck up conversations with me at the fuel pump have no idea of the potential pitfalls their driving around in. When i inform them of some of the future probs they might have they look at me like im making the stuff up. most r only concerned with what fuel econ im getting

 

my truck is running stock (original) lift pump and stock (original) VP44. i have a gauge on my lift pump and its still kicking out 15 PSI... ya i might be taking a chance here but... i dont see any forseeable problems...

 

FWIW, my 2001.5 has 230K on it now and I really like the truck. Replace the Carter LP with a FASS, Airdog, or Raptor and you should get a lot of trouble free miles out of a VP44. The late 01's and all 02's have rear disk brakes which is nice and also you are unlikely to get a 53 block (mine is a 55). I have been very pleased with this truck and would definitely buy it again.