A similar question is posted in the 3rd gen section. I don't have any intention of this being an "us vs. them" thread, but rather, you are happy, loyal, and/or too invested in your 12 valve to move up to a 3rd or 4th gen. I like the 4th gen, and would enjoy having one, but not at the expense, and my 12 valve has too much sentimental and realistic value to me. So, I will keep what I have. I love my 12 valve. Sure, there is a wish list, and at the top is a manual trans. But, who has ever been 100%, completely happy with what they had? Everything would be a little better if you did this or had that. So, share your loyalties. But, please don't resort to bashing. In my book, Dodge is Dodge, and while none of them are perfect, they all have value.

Now, off to church, and I will hurry home to see who posted what.

 

97 dodge 3500 4x4 5sp and i wouldnt give it up for anything. 348000 miles and going strong, never been opened up other than preventive work on the kdp and converted it to a single wheel instead of a dually. i like the fact that theres no computer running the engine. the only weak points i see are the steering components and the cab/fenders cracking. but with the miles i've put on the truck i cant really complain. still a great truck

 

Would I like a nice new truck?

Yep.

I have seen too many destroyed engines though........ Pretty much baling wire and duct tape and the old girl is gonna get me where I need to go.

Besides, on my truck I don't need a stinkin COMPUTER to tell the turn signals to come on.......

 

Yes I love mine and will probably never get rid of it. The new diesels really don't thrill me anymore. I value mine for the economy and the reliability, and I think both of those features have taken a back seat on the newer trucks.

 

Even if I could afford a new(er) truck, I think the money would be better spent elsewhere. 7-800 clams a month will do a lot of projects around the house. I'll just keep patching the poor old dodge up that's wrapped around that beautiful 12 valve

 

The 12 valve is a classic, pre-emissions control, in fact one of the last light duty vehicles offered in the US without the smog crap.

Love is a pretty strong word for an inanimate object but I'll probably be buried in my 12 valve.

 

I like mine just fine. Love it....well probably not. It is a great reliable truck that has yet to let me down. Its is one of the ugliest trucks I've had(not looks of truck, but a burgundy cab w/ red bed) but the ole' girl gets it done day in and day out. I will buy a newer truck in a couple of years, but doubt it will be diesel....not fond of the newer stuff, I like the old easy Cummins.

 

OK I'll say it, I love my truck! Easy to figure out (for me anyhow) and has been stone reliable. Left me depending on a tow truck last summer, might have had something to do with the sled pull and clutch fragments I left on the track.

The auto was a headache once my dad blew a line and drove 30miles home with it, never had a problem before that. AAMCO fudged it the first time, then I rebuilt it, then another sled pull blew out o/d. Now I have the 5spd and I don't mind throwing a ball joint or tie rod end at it every now and then. I do wish that not every replaceable body part was rotting....except the hood and tailgate that is.

If I do get a new truck, I'd have to say the 03-04 305/555 models are intriguing. Still won't get rid of the rot box though.

 

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Hodge:

Good idea on this thread and your post Sir! Thanks for doing this.

Let me add to what the other DTR Members have already said. I love my 1996
Dodge CTD 12 valve too! It is by far, the BEST Dodge CTD Pickup that I have had out of four. Like many of the other Members, I like the "simplicity" of the engine, the fact that there is no "computer control" and also how TOUGH and RELIABLE the fuel system is with the P-7100 fuel pump. Also, the Dodge CTD 12 valves are capable of making huge power if you want them too
and still hold about all of the sled pulling and drag racing records across the U.S. I bought my 1996 Dodge CTD 12 valve new in late 1995 and the truck has NEVER let me down and I have had VERY FEW problems with the truck at all and now have 310,000 miles on it.

--------
John_P

 

Very Happy with my 96 12 valve, just hit 140,000 miles and while I can certainly afford a new truck every couple years, I have yet to see anything good enough to replace my 12 valve

Longevity, powerful, simple, reliable and will run on just about anything you want to try in the tank.... whats not to love?

 

its paid for, its four different colors and people make fun of me for driving it, but it runs great and plenty of parts in junk yard to keep it going. whats not to love. my extra money goes to harley problem i have.

 

i love my 96. it outpulls any of my friends newer trucks, it goes through mud and climbs hills like a goat, gets great fuel mileage, its ugly, it stinks, and i dont have to worry about scratching it or getting in with mud on my clothes. my wife hates it and the family doesnt fit in it, and it is by far the best truck i have ever owned

 

I love my 12V.. Its all mechanical. No computers, sensors, gizmos or insane emissions crapola to break and need $$$ repair. pretty much anything I can fix myself if I had to. Thats independence.

 

I've never heard of cab/fenders cracking on a 2nd gen. Would you please enlighten me?

Still miss my '97 12 valve. I have been looking for a good commuter 12 valve.

Thanks,
Dan

 

I love my 12v, but man the new power wagons are a thing of beauty