Hello everyone, So i have posted numerous times trying to figure out what would be the best option for me. I was looking for something that had an extended cab, Manual, and will run forever....So I've decided on a GEN 2 Ram 2500/3500. I like the extended cab, They are closer to my price range ( given i'm going older to eliminate a current payment). After lots of opinions now I have a new decision. 12V or 24V.....I like the 12V because EVERYONE i speak too says its a more reliable long lasting engine, that can make lots of power cheap, and gets great MPG. Plus with no computer control, there is less to go wrong and more my speed. The 24V gen 2 has some compter control but still pretty basic, and it's going to be newer so i have fewer non engine issues. So I want to hear from you guys, people who own both. I was looking for a 96-98 12V with 100-150K on the clock....Which motor is better, why, what do i need to look for in both when searching. I know the fuel pressure and VP44 on the 24V but what about the 12V? Any help would be great guys, and thanks for all the help so far.!

 

Buying one of these trucks based on mileage can be misleading. The engine outlasts the truck. By the time the engine gets 250,000 on it most of the parts that are worn have been replaced. A truck that has 100-150,000 on it will be on the verge of needing worn parts replaced. I have never had a 24 V so I can't offer any advice there. I have had two 12V's. One with 250,000 and no issues because everything needing replaced was done by the previous owner. I thought I needed a lower mileage truck so I bought one and sold the other (high mileage one). I wish I had kept the other. I couldn't tell a bit of difference between the engines but the truck itself was the issue. Now I'm replace the worn parts.

 

from my experience if you want something extremely simple that can easily make more power for cheap(if not free) then you get the 12v. if you want a truck thats known for the injection, and lift pumps going out but electronics are your thing get the 24v and also make sure you get one that doesnt have a 53 block

 

I have owned a 95 and now a 02.
Both were good trucks.
I miss the 95 and its torque mileage.
It would get 18 everyday and a high of 23.5

This 02 is a 4x4 so I can't really compare but it doesn't have the off idle TORQUE of the 95.
Neither is stock.

 

I bought a 24v without knowing the pitfalls. I can't say I don't like it, but hindsight is 20/20.Mine is a 98.5 ext cab, 53 block, two VP's, at least one lift pump, all new steering; all in 137,000 miles.

If you know about the fuel system issues on the 24v, you are ahead of the game. I had a hard time doing it, but I guess I have joined the "your VP44 is dead or dying" club. I was in denial for almost a year, but I've converted now. If it's new and lift pump precautions taken, you should be OK. If history is unknown, it's not if - it's when.


Some things I found out the hard way -

See if the dealer will pull a service record for the truck. If it's a Dodge dealer, the will be able to look up any warranty work from the VIN #. That's how I found out about the first VP replacement by PO.

If the track bar, tie rod ends, and steering box havn't been replaced - inspect very carefully. Have a someone turn the wheel back and forth with engine running and without. Inspect every joint for movement. Also look at the sector shaft of the steering box. Mine all needed replaced when I bought it. This isn't a 24v only problem, more of a universal precaution.

I'm not saying I wouldn't buy another 24v, but I would do a much better job of checking it out. Now that I know what to look for, I would feel much better.

One thing I like about the 24v's is the body. Major thing that sold me was that I needed the rear doors on the extended cab. Hard to find on a 12v, but doable.

If I could go back, I would look for a 98 12v, manual trans, with the newer cab. I'm so far into this truck $$, I can't turn back. I decided to committ to another 5 years when I put the pump in it. I'm just talking repairs and upkeep, I haven't even added any fun parts yet. Oh well, I'm happy.

Nathan

 

My first Dodge was an 02 Quad cab 4x4. I liked the truck, but had to drop a little bit of money into it to make it perform how I wanted it to.

I now have a 98 12 valve (not a quad cab but has the extended cab) 4x4 and aside from the purchase price between the two trucks I have been much happier with the 12 valve. The 12 valve was a lot easier to get some power out of but of course both engines have their pros and cons.

If it were me I would wait and find a 98 12 valve quad cab. If you're in a hurry I would not shy away from either engine but make sure to check the boards on what to do with either engine (24 valve; fuel pressure gauge and watch the "53" block, 12 valve; KDP and some other possible issues).

I bought my 98 with 260,000 miles on the clock and have not regretted it. I got a decent price on it and I am not at all worried about the miles. It has been a great truck and was a lot cheaper than the 02 I had.

Hope that helps.

 

I had a 99 24v and now own a 98 12v. I like the 12v much more and would highly recommend it over the 24v. The injection pump on the 24v is expensive to replace, and took much more money to make it preform like I wanted.
In my opinion I would find a nice 12v and wait for 98 12v Quad cab if that's what your wanting, you'll be happier in the end.
Good Luck
Cory

 

I had a '96 2500 4x4 i haulled 9 head of PBR bucking bulls in a 35 foot steel stock trailer to a event in Challis, Id from Malta, Id. I pulled 18 mpg up and back. the only problem i had was with the aftermarket wheels that were alum.. i had one sheer off. l was able to get the rig stoppped before dumping the bulls but with about 50 bucks in parts and a half hour time i was on the road again. I also have a friend who has a '99 24v 3500 2wd 5spd that hauls a 21foot steel horse trailer that gets 20mpg on a regular basis. id shoot for whichever you can get with lower miles. if you go with the 24v plan on doing a fuel pump if not the whole fuel system. a 12v fuel pump is very easy. if it goes out you dont ruin things you just dont go.

 

Here's the answer to your question.

I just now (couple minutes ago) posted my truck up For Sale in the Classified section.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...?product=21698

.

 

that is perfect, except for the short bed set up.....I have a short bed now and it drives me NUTS!!...with the tool box i only get 4 ft of bed space and cant take it. I had the 8ft bed on my 05 F350 and LOVED it.....that is a spotless truck and hopefully i can find one like it or i might just have to settle on the short bed!!

 

Thanks. It's real clean. Not perfect, but real clean.

 

Hey why are you selling yours?....See I am torn, because my mechanical list is pretty picky, and then on top of that. I want an ext cab with the long bed which makes it even harder to find. I have found lots of std cabs with the long bed. but not the other way around. So I might have either go with a long bed std cab or an ext short bed....

 

I changed shifts at work and took a huge pay cut. NOT desperate at all, just need to restructure some payments/debt load. I am having real reservations about selling it at all.

Did you see that bed extender I posted in the other thread ? Here it is again.


BTW, Where are you located ? Here's my Cell....(937)216-5864 I'm Off work today.

 

Figure out if you can accommodate the length and height of the 6BT before entertaining that route.

If there's an issue with the 4BT, its the price. Likely double what a 6BT costs, and you'll still be looking for a transmission. Possibly even a revamp of the injection pump since many of these are used in machinery instead of cars/trucks.

I would be inclined to go with a OM617 (Mercedes), SD33 (Scout/Nissan), Landcruiser diesel, or an Isuzu 4cyl (some are 4BT sized).

Whatever you choose, its easier if it comes with the transmission type you want.