Guys I need your advice and help. I after reading all the information on this forum I decided to purchase my first ctd (1997 12v 4wd auto club L.B. loaded leather 35" tires 3.55 21+mpg empty hwy) 4 years ago. I Have just found out it is a total loss and I must replace it soon. I researched all the common problems a few years ago in 2004 and chose the 12 valve truck. I would buy it new again if I could however I must replace it and do so soon!! What should I buy and what should I stay away from I have been trying to read as much as I can but I can not find information fast enough. I was very well informed do to the experts here and everything happened just like clock work on the 12v that you guys predicted. I want to spend @20k or less on a newer truck and dont know what to do. I do not want to put a vp44 pump on a early 24v and I am just not familiar with what is most dependable. I drove a 07 6.7 6speed man. I liked it but No way I think I want one of the HO manual trans with all options like I had if I can find it. Do those have the vp44 bosch pump that is going to take a dump at any time. what years are available with the HO and is it worth it Please let me know what you think you guys are ctd truck gods. I need good gas mileage I am usually empty and never tow much more tha 10,000 lbs pleas school me up on some threads that I can read I have found a few but I got to make a decision over christmas week and purchase by the first week of the new year!! Thanks so much!!

 

-ANY of the VP44 trucks are bad about dying injection pump. They were 98.5-02
-From 98-01 they had a "number 53" block that is prone to cracking. This number can be located right above the oil pan at the front of the motor on the drivers side. Its cast into the block. Many of the 98-99 trucks had them, and they thinned out past that, but can be in anything up to an 01
-You know the 12 valve bugs. KDP is about it on that.
-The 3rd gen(03-07) 5.9 cummins trucks seem to be good and reliable. Fuel mileage doesent seem to be as good as the 12 or 24 valve trucks, but im sure that depends on how you drive. I cant think of any know problems with them
-The new 6.7 trucks have a diesel particulate filter in the exhaust because of the new emissions stuff, and they also have EGR(exhaust gas recirculation). Both of these hurt they fuel mileage, and i dont think fuel mileage is very good with them. They are also prone to eating turbo's for some reason.

This will start you off. Im mostly knowledgable with the 12 valves, and they dont have enough problems to talk about

If it were me, id look for a good clean 12 valve, or get an 03 or 04 truck. I hate the VP44 injection pumps on the 98.5-02 trucks.

Eric

 

B.C., I guess I am at a loss, why would you buy anything other than the single best year, 1997?

See what you can re-purchase your 97 from, take the rest and pick up another one.

Ebay has some pretty doggone good deals right now.