strokerace

I am looking to buy my first cummins, I have had two powerstrokes and both of which have been junk. I have been looking at 94'-02' 12v and 24v trucks and like different aspects of both. I like the 98.5 and up interior and have been told by a few people that they get better economy but I'm not sure. I dont like all the electronic crap, so thats why I like the simplicity of the 12v. I thought I'd ask you guys and get an opinion from someone who drives one everyday and see what you thought. I am looking for either a 2500 or 3500 with a manual trans and 4X4. Any input you guys have would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

rbrettctd

You can get a 12v in an early 98, getting the mechanical engine and the newer interior. Couldnt tell you about the fuel economy difference.

kevellis32

From what I have seen the 12v will get better fuel economy, but SEARCH. There's probably about a hundred threads about this already

RLee2500

There are highs and lows to each engine. If I was in the market for a 2nd gen truck, I would go look at all of them (12v and 24v) and try to find a low mileage, well kept truck. With 12v engines not being put into a Dodge since '98, it may be hard to find one with low mileage, if that even matters to you. Here are a few things that come to mind for each:

-12v has p1700 pump, definately more reliable than the 24v vp-44 pump.
-24v has the ability to "plug and play" for increased power, while the 12v requires actual work under the hood for increased power.
-24v was available as a high output with a 6 speed manual tranny
-Late production 24v (2001 built after 1/1/01-2002) had 4 wheel disc brakes

There are many more changes through out the years other than what I mentioned above, and I'm sure someone else will list some more.
Bottom line, go look at both, drive them both as they (12v & 24v) feel diffirent in my opinion. As far as fuel economy, it's usually not enough to make much diffirence. A good friend of mine has had a 95 12v 4x4 5spd manual since it was new, I've had a 98.5 24v 4xs4 5spd and my current 02 4x4 auto. My 98.5 24v got worse mileage by about 1-1.5 mpg than the 95, while my 02 gets about that much better than the 95. All three have the same gear ratios.

cmac

it really comes down to personal choice... milage will differ from truck to truck and driver to driver. i've seen a 12v get bettter and worse mpg than a 24v. if you like to work under the hood (like me even though i'm by far not the smartest one to be under there) than a 12v sounds like a better choice plus there are many FREE upgrades you can easily do yourself if you don't mind gettin a little dirty... not to mention the realiability of the P7100 pump vs the VP-44 on the 24v. on the other hand it you like the ability to have the on / off option (power wise) than i'd recommend the 24v trucks. there aren't many, if any, free mods you can do to these trucks and there is also the dreaded "53" block that may cause a cracked block.... i say may because there are many guys out there with this block and have had no problem. like stated above you can either motor in a 98 so the interior shouldn't be the deciding factor. like stated above look at both and find one you like test drive many and buy one when you are ready. good luck! and i hope this helps

sixb

The ability to go from 260 hp to 342 hp at the push of a button or several pushes is what did it for me. I have had none of the common issues with my truck. Maybe buying used with over a 100 k is a good idea,cause someone else has fixed everything verse buying at under a 100k you may have to fix everything.

Valv

Actually they started somewhere in the late 2000 adding 4 wheel brakes.
My '01 was made 8-00 and had them. I have now a 5-00 and still has drums.

Both VINs say 2001 model though

strokerace

I know a couple people who have 24V trucks and they both said they had to fork out over 1000 bucks on a fuel pump at around 100,000 miles. How often do they go out and is there a way to tell if one is going bad or has been replaced, I was looking at a 99 2500 on a dealers lot with 120,000 miles and they didnt know what I was talking about when I asked them about the pump. I also wondered how I could tell if it was a "53" block or not? Thanks