looking to get another Ram, I sold the old 98 12V couldn't keep head gaskets from leaking. What would be the best alternative yr model to bomb? I know the horse has been beat to death but I'm not having much luck doing a search..

 

Sounds like you had a warped/cracked head. The gaskets are a symptom (in this case) of deeper issues.

As for 24-valves; the 01.5 & 02 had four-wheel disk brakes. Quite desirable. But have to have a fuel pressure gauge and be ready for a VP-44 & lift pump failure.

 

A 96-98 5-spd truck has a 215 pump engine. Easier to get more hp for free out of those. Otherwise, they're all good.

 

Thx for reply, head was new, how are 04-05 yrs?

 

Also the 02 trucks didn't come with a CAD (cenral axle disconnect).

 

03 has the best fuel mileage and the 05 is in my opinion the best up to 07.

Now they are all common rails. Electronic Injectors. My last truck was a 2000
3500. I did 203,000 miles with only two sensors going bad. Replaced two LP's
and the VP44 was still going when I sold it.

CR injectors are 400 to 450 each. VP44 is 1200 dollars ??

I like my 06 but I know injectors are down the road. You can buy a set of injectors for a 24V with the VP44 for less than 1 CR injector. You can also have the CR injectors overhauled, I've heard 1100 dollars on this forum.

 

lots of good info fellas, i found a 01 I'm gonna take a look at

 

well fallas I went to the dark side, picked up a LB7 Chevy, never thought I would but the Allison made me do it..

 

Looks like a a nice cummins conversion project

 

So, what is your opinion on the Duramax? It is hard to get objective opinions, because everyone is die-hard loyal to something, but, going from a CTD to the Duramax, what do you have to share?

 

I haven't had a chance to tow the boat and compare it to the 12v but from a seat of the pants feel this LB7 with current mods is a beast. I love the 5spd auto...

 

Nice Duramax. I thought the Allison was a 6spd? Once you start modding the 6.6L your going to feel like your 12v was a boat anchor.

 

Nice truck, I really enjoyed my Duramax.

Nate, the 06+ Allisons were 6spd, prior to that they were 5spd.

-J

 

it being an LB7, you might want to put some $$$$ away for a set of injectors... Every LB7 we had at work ate injectors and pumps faster than a crack-head could steal your wallet...
If you add a FASS or AirDOG with better filtration to push the fuel to the pump, the fuel system will last longer.
Only other issue we had was cooling system issues... The engines consistently overheated when being worked in high ambient air temps, and coolant leaks @ the rear housing which was an expensive repair.
The allison is a much better trans. than the new Ford trans. thats behind the new 6.7L PSD..

 

The truck has upgraded injectors, airdog raptor lift pump, Cai, 5" straight pipe, chipped, and boost fooler. Push the go pedal and hold on..