Which year of 24V engines is the best? I know 1998.5 - 2000 have crank position sensor and 2001 - 2002 have cam position sensor. Pros & cons of each? Someone replied to one of my threads saying that the tone ring for his crank position sensor on his 2000 came unfastened, broke apart, and settled in his oil pan.

I like the idea of late model '01 so I can get the rear disc brakes.

I'll probably be looking at a 2000 5 speed tomorrow with about 135k miles on it. Not sure if I should hold off for an '01.5 to '02 though.

 

2001.5 because I own one 2000 they started leaving finish parts off(like hood liners)

 

The rear disc brakes are VERY nice!

 

I would consider all 98.5 to 02 trucks fairly equal if that was what I was in the market for. I think the 53 block stopped showing up in 2002, but if you are aware of it, you can keep an eye out for it on any truck if it worries you. I certainly wouldn't pass up a truck because it didn't have rear discs, in fact I would be much more likely to stay away from a truck with rear discs. Way too many problems.

 

I would base my search on maintenance history, if you can get it. The failures in these mechanical items are rare considering how many were built and sold thru the period described. I would avoid the 53 block and just not worry too much about all the other things that can go wrong.

The rear discs are nice to have because they are easy to work on and pretty effective. The drums can be upgraded with GM brake cylinders. Anyone who has reported on this mod says its quite an improvement and simple to do.

The vp-44 shouldn't act up if you keep plenty of fuel running thru it.

There has been some talk lately about the KDP acting up in the 24v's.

 

not to change subject, but would it be good idea to tab the kdp on these trucks like the 12 valves? i havent heard too many stories of them striking these trucks, maybe because they have a higher idle im guessing? i know there are a few, can never be to safe though.

 

The thing is that Cummins started phasing in the revised gear housing in 98, but some trucks apparently still received the old housing for several years after. So some 24 valve engines are immune to the problem and some aren't, regardless of year. So, for sure, I would remove the cover if it was my truck, and have a look in there. I would tab it if it was the old housing, and just retorque the internal bolts if it was the revised housing.

This is all information I have read on this site. I have never seen a KDP problem on a 24 valve engine, but apparently it can happen. I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

remember from that 98.5 to 02 the lift pumps are known to give problems....

 

01 & 02, besides rear discs, had the larger input shafts on the NV5600. Most peope have had good luck with this tranny for heavy towing.

 

You have to be concerned all the way through '02 about the KDP. Dave's (Fishin2Deep4U) Dad had his come out on his '02. The later models also have outboard front discs which make brake work much easier. Not sure the switchover year but my very early '01 has outboards and my bud's '99 does not.

 

If you get a pre 02, check to make sure its not a 53 block, there are a few positions where it can be stamped 02. replace the lift pump the day you buy it! My IP gave the code for a year before I really decided to replace it. (which gave the dreaded code 2 months after the ULSD change)

 

I know alot of people are afraid of the 53 block but if you read up on what causes it and let the truck warm up slow on cold days you shouldn't have a problem. I have one and so do several of my friends and none of them are stock they all have turbo, injector, programers, and pump upgrades. The milage on these 3 motors range from 290k to 130k and none have failed. If you find yourself having a 53 block a simple bracket can keep the block from cracking here is the link. It is not that difficult to by the kit and do it yourself we have. http://www.locknstitch.com/Repair%20...structions.pdf