Well thanks for all the info guys. But armed with what I've read, now I'm leary of the year models '97-'02 that I had in my mind, with the $2-3 thousand dollar repairs for the fuel pumps.

Would I now be best suited focusing my attention toward the '03-'04 CTD's with common rail injection and better fuel delivery system ?

 

You have no reason to be leary of a '97 or early '98 model truck. Those are 12 Valves with the P7100 pump, and are one of the most reliable engines you could ever buy. A '98.5 truck will be a 24 Valve and those are the ones you should be leary of.

The '03 and I believe '04 trucks also have a fairly weak lift pump (I know it's a problem on the '03 models) but when they fail, the truck just won't start, and no additional damage will occur. Other than that, the Common Rails are very fun and reliable too, but nothing is reliable as an old 12 Valve.

On another note, I don't know why a '98 12 Valve is referred to as a "grail" truck. I for one, dislike the '98's interior, and I would never own a shortbed truck personally.

I'd be looking for a '97 5spd, 12 Valve, or any 12 Valve for that matter. 1st Gen's included.

 

Color me biased, but yes.

 

That's certainly your decision, but if you do I would make doggone sure you get a 2 micron aux. fuel filter in there and save back 7-8 K for Injectors and pump.

Not dissin the CR trucks, they are impressive, but they arent anywhere near as cheap as the old 12V to keep going.

 

Cause apparently most guys want 4 doors and a short bed. It wasn't an easy task finding a reg cab long box with a 12v.

 

My Son has my old 96 12V. It still has the original AC system in it. The Tranny was rebuilt at 118,000. Truck now has 285,000 I think. He's replaced the mechanical fuel pump once, and a relay on the firewall that turns the engine off and on. Other than brakes and normal wear and tear items, it a great truck.

He's had people ask him if he would sell it. He tells them $18,000.00. In other words its not for sale. When he's ready to let it go, I get it back.

Also 4x4 in the 12V years have alot of problems in the front end.

Dave

 

105K miles, still on original lift pump and injectors. No change to fuel system.

 

Wow! I wish my 96 still had it's original A/C. I've done compressors twice, condenser & dryer once ($800 & 1650 per repair, repectively) and it died out on me this summer again.


Guess there's more improtant things than being cool ...

 

Yep, good clean fuel will do that. Hopefully you will never have to post your 18K engine rebuild because of a load of water. Many have had to post such experiences.

I wouldn't own one without a 2 micron aux filter.

 

125,000 miles on my stock fuel system. And thats with the Juice on level 5 for about half that!! Currently knocking on wood

 

All the trucks have a problem somewhere or another. I don't consider the VP44 any worse that the problems with the common rails. VP44's have been known to last a while if you feed them with good fuel pressure, and a $1K part ain't that much anymore. Lots of parts go that high these days.

 

You must have a lot more cash on hand than I do. I don't think I've spent a total of $3k on 96_12v in parts in the 8.5 years it's been my truck.

And - how often has a Common-Rail injection pump actually failed?

Unfortunetly, due to the far superior reliability and future of Common-Rail systems, it's all I will consider when I one day bite the bullet for a newer truck. The 24-valve "orphaned" fuel system won't be on my list. Hope yours holds up - you're running a fuel pressure gauge, right?

 

The pump is almost bulletproof, it is the injection pressures that kill Injectors and sometimes your engine when you get anything other than good clean fuel going thru them.

That's the only reason I would not consider a CR engine. Lord knows I would LOVE to have one for a play toy, because they are serious hosses.

 

I am running a fuel pressure gauge. Wouldn't be with out one on a VP44 truck. I don't have bucks to spare either, but do sort of know what auto repairs cost these days from reading this forum. $1K ain't that much anymore. Replace a set of injectors on a CR, and see how much it is.

 

$2-3K for fuel pump? The 24 valve sure get lots of bad publicity b/c of the VP44. I and many many others have never had a problem. Just change out the **** lift pump and get a fuel pressure gauge - end of worries.

Their interiors are much nicer, they are newer trucks with better features, and the quad cab doors are better. You can also change your power settings on the fly from inside the cab.