Im considering selling both my 93s and getting 1 good 250 or 350 4x4. Gotta be stick, and 4wd and long bed. What should I stay away from? why are the 98 12v`s better? what mileage will a 24v get runnin empty?any input would be appricated.
Thanks everyone.

 

The only reason that I know the '98 12v is better is that you can get a 12v AND a quad cab in the same truck.
Tom

 

You didn't mention whether you wanted a regular cab or extended cab but if it's ec then you can exclude '94's bc they were only available as rc's. As for best years, when I was undecided btwn a 1st gen or 2nd gen I came to the conclusion that '96-'97 were the best 2nd gen years for me as I don't like the 24v's nor the new interiors in the '98 12v's. IIRC, the final upgrades to the 12v engine were completed by '96.

Good luck.

 

I prefer '97.
The '98 is the only 12 valve that may have the 53 block. It and '99 are the only years you need a code reader to check trouble codes.

 

97's were my pick.. Luckily I found one in decent shape. I was in the same boat Apache.. Sold 2 trucks to get 1. I sold my 93 CTD and a 96 2500 4X4 360 for this one.

Luv the stick, 12V and the P pump. Especially after tinkering on the older 1st gens, I like to be able to control the fuel myself instead of the computer upgrades..

J-eh

 

My '98.5 24V DRW gets about 15.5-16.0 mpg empty mixed driving. Try to stay under 65 mph.

 

I just found out '94 is another good year to shy away from. A guy I know has his truck sitting, because the transfer case exploded. The T-case, and I'm assuming tranny are specific to this year. He has been searching the internet for months without luck. Jasper has one, but they want 1200 plus about a 350 core charge and he doesn't have a buildable core. '94 also uses the H1C.

 

My 2001 QC SWB 4X4 gets around 17 around town and back and forth to work. So far , the only highway miles were on the way home from Memphis at around 73 mph and it averaged 17 there also. However, I am sure it will do better at around 65. ( I was following my wife in her Grand Cherokee, and she likes to be the winner so I had to keep up, lol ).

 

I beleave the 98 12valve has the best injection pump. Allready has the big delivery valves and has some really good all around injectors. A 98 12valve with 3.55 rear and 33" tall tires gets about 23mpg on highway. A 98 12valve with 4.10 rear and 30" tires gets about 15mpg. I would never get 4.10s again. The truck has so much power even stock with 3.55 I never noticed my car and on trailer behind it when I towed. The 4.10 with the same get up spun the back wheels in 5th gear merging. Fishtailing on an on ramp with my little chevy II on a trailer isnt fun at all There both 5speeds also. But if you dont want ext cab long bed or dully it might take you some time to find one
hope that helps
chris

 

The pumps are the same on the '96-'97 trucks. The '97-current have a Hydraboost brake booster, instead of the vac. booster. Makes it easier to do some mods/maintanance and better braking.

I have 4.10s and get 14-16.7mpg. Depends on load and whether using summer or winter fuel. Can still get 16+ running 70-75mph.