I'm looking for a 2nd Generation 2500. I want a short bed, quad cab. A mechanic told me that a 98 was all he would buy, because of a difference in the valves (I think?). Thoughts? Is it a substantial difference or is he splitting hairs? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

He's not talking about 12V versus 24V is he? I'll have to keep an eye on this one, now I'm curious...although I did read that midway through 98 they did switch from the 12V to the 24V. 12V's have a known good fuel pump, 24V's, like mine have the dreaded VP44. 12V's are mechanical(pumps), 24V's are electronic. Both good choices, have not heard bad about either, other than the VP44. Will this be your first? Both are good to bomb, just different avenues on how.

 

They did switch in mid yr in 98 from 12v to 24v. in my opinion i wouldnt buy a 98 24v. i would go with the 12v.

 

If you want reliability and are on a budget my personal opinion is you are well advised to stick to the 97 or 98 with the 12 valve Cummins engine and the P 7100 injection pump. However, if you are not afraid of a bit of work and keep a couple thousand dollars in the bank for potential repairs, the 24 valve engine used from late 98-2002 can be made to be nearly as reliable.

The big differences between the two include two major changes from the 12 valve to the 24 valve. The first is an ultrathin head casting on the 24's that tends to crack between the exhaust valves if worked hard or submitted to the least amount of cold shock, and the second is the failure prone fuel injection and lift pumps used by the later trucks. There are good solutions to both problem areas on the 24 valve trucks, and some people actually can get the OEM versions to last for a fairly long time - I just have never had that kind of experience.

 

I think amongst fanatics a 98.5 QC 12v is THE truck to have. Mechanical engine and four doors, the ony one with that combo.

 

the 98.5 is the 24v

 

The '98 12V Quad cab is the Holy Grail of trucks. If you find one buy it.

 

Thanks. Considering this truck at the moment:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/199690966.html

It had squeeky brakes when I test drove it. Everything else seemed great. Except for the VP44 issue.

 

As someone who "settled" for a 24V I would advise holding out for the right valved combo. I wish I did!

 

I'm very happy with my 24 valve. Seems like some negative atmosphere in here. Had to speak up with some positve for my 24! I have accepted the fact that my vp or lp may fail, and no big deal. I'll handle it if it does and if that's all the problems I ever have out of this truck, great. I guess it's what you feel comfortable with...just had to stand up for my 24 valve.

 

Ok, We have both 12V and 24V and happy with all 3. We're not partial. Cin

 

The VIN # on a 12 valve is a D, the eighth digit, on a 24V it is a 6, for 98 models.

 

here's hoping that when it takes a dump, it does it close to home

 

you keep good fuel presure to (OUR) VP44 trucks and they will last forever,(DONT QUOTE ME ON THAT) becuase keeping fuel presure up is just one concern. then you have to worry about that dang VP computer that goes through all those heat cycles. i think thats the only two problems we have with them. granted i toasted mine with my boxes but since i have upgraded the the HRVP and did all i could to fix THOSE 2 issues, my truck absolutly runs GREAT and i havent had one problem in about 50k

 

If you want 12v and a Quad cab, early 98 is the only year that combo was available.