Hi, I currently own a 1st gen but am interested in buyimg a 2nd gen dually 4x4 extended cab or 4door if they made the 4door in 2nd gen's. What years 2nd gen had the 4dr if any? Looking prefferably for a manual. I would be interested to also know what year the 6speed was introduced. What years are the cheapest, easiest to modify? What years are P-pumped ? any years to stay away from. Thanks in advance. sorry for all the questions.

 

They did not make a true 4door in the 2nd gen trucks. But If I were you I would seek out a late '98 with the Quad Cab. This is the ext.cab with suicide style rear doors. '98 was the last year to get a 12 Valve, which is the one you want, and the '98 Quad Cab with the 12 Valve is considered by some to be the Dodge Ram "Holy Grail" truck, and may prove hard to find. Since you want a dually, I am assuming its not for a race truck. If thats the case I recommend the manual tranny, NV4500. Just my $.02

 

Sorry, just re-read your post. Can only get a 12 valve P-pumped 2nd Gen. from '94-early'98. That being said these trucks were only available w/ the 5 speed NV4500 manual and I believe the 47re auto. Some on this site have said the 4500 is better than the NV5600(6 speed) or the G56 (also 6 speed). I cant remember what year they introduced the NV5600 (1999-2000?) but by then Dodge had already gone to the 24 Valve. The 24Vs are great trucks, but need an upgraded lift pump and have been known for Injection pump failure(VP44). That being said refer to my previous post.

 

1998 12 valve manual...

all the body bells and whistles and the big p pump ...

6speed maybe?

 

No Six speed on the 98 12valves. But a conversion could be in order. I happen to love my NV4500 shifts so much smoother than the NV5600 IMO.

 

All are good. As long as you don't plan on making 80 psi of boost, even the 99-00 "53" blocks are ok. Not all of them are junk. NV5600 was '01 I believe.

 

Late in '01 the brakes were upgraded to 4 wheel disc. I love my '02! You just have to keep an eye on fuel pressure with the 24v.s.

Randy.

 

NV5600 started out as option in 99 HO. Late 2000 saw the upgraded output shaft and larger clutch, and improved lubrication for 6th gear.

99-02 vp44 injection pumps. 98.5 -02 quad cab (ie; rear half doors open). Club cab was earlier cab style with jump seat but no rear doors.

01.5 saw rear wheel disc brakes.

You will want to save some money for possible: vp44 replacement, lift pump replacement, front end suspension rebuild.

Kurt

 

In my opinion the 98 12v hands down.

 

do a search.. there's a thread on what's the best year for 12v?

best is according to who... 97 is the last full production year for 12v and had all the bugs worked out. so IMHO that's the best year.

some folks think 98 12v is the best year, but it's got all the transitional parts, including engine internals specific to that 1/2 year. most folks like the AC controls of 97 much better.

98 has the desirable 1/2 doors... the dreaded 53 blocks appears in 98.
both need dowel pin killed right away.

bottom line is you can't go wrong with a low mileage 97 or 98 12. or any 12v for that matter.

stay away from 98.5 to 2002 24v with it's VP44/lift pump issues

 

96 to 98 12 valve. With a 5 speed they came with the 215 hp p-pump which is supposed to be the most desirable to modify, and also the most enjoyable to leave stock. I also prefer the non quad cab, as the structure is quieter and seems more solid than the one with the rear doors.

 

IF you decide to buy a 99 or 00 with the NV5600 make sure the NV5600 has been upgraded to the 13 inch clutch and 1.5 inch input shaft. I replaced the NV5600 in my 2000 3500 at 77,000 or so miles due to failure. I DO NOT hot rod. It is a work truck / daily driver. The rebuild shop had to replace everything and it is now updated and redrilled (and feels awesome!). I am now looking for a 12V and looking to sell mine.