Hi i,am new to this site . I have an old toyota landcruiser 86 4liter 318miles going strong. I,am looking for a newer old diesel as i would like to pull a small 5th rv. But after reading some of the forums it scares me ,there seems to be so many problems with these trucks. It seems the older 93 98 12v are a better buy .I would like a short box club cab 4x4 but am afraid of the 24v . Money doesn,t grow on trees in canada and i,am afraid of getting a lemon . any comments ? thanks rtnick

 

Welcome to DTR !

I moved your thread to where you would get a better response.

I have a 24V and it has been very reliable in the 4.5 years that I've owned it.

 

Welcome to the site. I also drive a 24V and love my truck. I found out about the 12V power availability after I already had my truck. The biggest drawback to the 24V is the injection pump. The biggest pro to the 24V is the option to plug in a box and get some huge power gains.

 

The "problems" we generally speak of are the extremely expensive stuff like which oil brand to use. A 1994-1998 12v engine is the best way to go imo. I'll post this quote again:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...=206230&page=2

But keep in mind that these truck bodies are still made by Dodge. The engine is fine, but as far as getting a lemon, look out for other little things that can go wrong; especially, front end parts if it's a 4x4. Now is a good time to buy (a truck that is, not fuel).

 

Where in Canada are you?

The 24v has its issues, but they all do. I think the fact that they are so public here is a good thing, as answers are readily available when you need them. I only had one major issue with my 24v, which was the injection pump dying. But it had 330km at the time. A lot of gas engines would have calved by this point. If you're looking for a 12v in that configuration, you're looking for a 98, which are getting harder to find, and many (atleast in Alberta) want a premium for them.

 

Things to think about:
Why did we all come here in the first place? To learn? Because we had an issue and were looking for help? Yes this is a very negative place as most of us are here due to an issue, or because we're an enthusiast trying to better performance, efficiency, etc... Many folks drive these trucks bone stock for many years with no issues.

My own anecdote: I bought my 24v at 5yrs old w/21k on the odometer. I'm pushing 90k now and have only had lift pump issue and a solenoid in the trans, both issues which I was able to resolve quickly and inexpensively due to this forum and wonderful help I've received here.

You can go all day long wondering about which generation is better, etc... In the end, any of them you find could be a lemon so do your homework. They all have their issues, but if maintained and you find a decent one, you'll be happy with whatever you choose, if it is what you want, and not what someone on the Internet told you to buy.

 

24v's are OK if you keep an eye on the lift pump with a fuel pressure gauge, and stronger aftermarket lp's don't cost too much. After all it's still a 5.9 Cummins.

Nick

 

I can't say I'd argue with you about reliability of these trucks after reading this web site. It makes me want to leave mine in the driveway.

My 97 has been the best truck I've ever owned or been around no worries about breaking down.

It sounds like what you are looking for only came out for a very short time. 98 12 valve with CC and a short bed.