I have a 93 Dodge truck and I am thinking of going to a 2nd gen truck.

In your opinion,
What years should I stay away from?
What engine is better, the 12 or 24 valve?
Any troubles with the Trannys I should be aware of?
I will be towing up to 10k.
And anything else you can think of.

Thanks

 

Each year has its pros and cons. I would personally go with a 2nd gen after '01.5 to get the rear disc brakes and four wheel anti-lock, but that's just me.... The trannys are good as long as you don't bomb the truck....

 

My 94 has 4 wheel abs... if you do much reading on the forum, you will see that many folks have problems. You may disagree, but in my opinion, I have wished that mine didn't have 4 wheel abs. No help if it doesn't work, and expensive to fix.

There are pros and cons to all of them, and although I wish that I had gotten a manual transmission, it appears to me that the autos are cheaper and easier to deal with. I would choose a 12 valve again, over the 24, and the less computer control/management, the better.

If it were me shopping again, I would take this approach- you can have the perfect combination in mind, but that usually is hard to obtain. You can be patient and you will find it, but in the end, the best value coupled with the best compromises gets you the best deal. As I said, I wish I had the 5 speed, but given what I got for the price I paid, I can live with the auto.

Whatever you decide on, have fun, and don't get in a hurry. Enjoy the experience. Sometimes, that is more fun than actually having the truck...

 

Didn't know that about the 4WABS.... Learn something new everyday....

 

Yep. I have been through my brake system almost completely, by now. Many parts needed to be replaced due to age, so I don't lament doing it, but in the end, my ABS problem was due to a vacuum leak. Not to the master cylinder, but somewhere else. Who knew? It is good now, but every time I start it up, I expect the brake and abs light to stay on... old habits die hard.

 

Just one man opinion from a lot of time reading

94-98.5 have manual injecton pump and less engine and fuel injection "issues". Automatics are a weak link. Frames aren't quiet as strong but that is just because of the advance in metalergy over the year. Still tough trucks. Break system leave a lot to be desired and stearing componets wear out before the motor will.

98.5-2000 24V motor with the unreliable for longevity VP44 injector pump. Some people get lot of mile out some don't. Average would 100-150k miles failure rate. Has some of the same break problems and drive line problems. Slightly better interiors. Still tough trucks but plan on front end work and injector pump work ever 100-150k miles. Automatics still just as week of a link.

2001-2002 same 24v motor and IP pump and front end, but break system much better.

12v motor aren't as peppy in stock from as the 24V. For performance you can get some crazy power out of the 97-98.5 12 but is on all the time.
With the 24V you can get electornic performance enhancements and can adjust on the fly.

YOu might even consider early 3rd gen. They have some interiors issue but frames are stout. Drive lines are proving to be just as good at the 2 gens and break are far suprior. Front ends are a better designed but still have some issue. Only issue with fuel delivery is poor factory filtration that can eat injectors and still poor lift pump design. Power factor is way up on these trucks and electronic performance adders give you lots of option from even more fun to drive to let break some parts!!!!!