I've been looking for a CTD Ram for a bit now, and just came across a dealer with a few. Two of them are of interest to me, and I'm looking for some pro/con points on them from folks who know. I haven't gone to see the trucks yet as they're about 120 miles from me. I'm just hunting for info before I call to arrange a trip.

What I'm basically looking at is one '97 and one '99. Mileage is within 20k or so between the two (the '97 has more). Other major difference is that the '97 s a manual and the '99 is an auto. There are other differences ('97 reg cab longbed, '99 is quadcab shortbed, '97 may has a few dents and scratches, etc) but nothing that's a showstopper. My real concern is with the drivetrain.

I've never had a diesel, but I've done a fair amount of reading on the CTD Rams. Should I be worried about the auto tranny as late as '99? I won't be doing a lot of heavy towing, but I just don't want to have to throw $$ into a new TC or a TC lockup kit, or something. Also, 12v vs. 24v? I'm thinking that the 24v is kind of nice because it's computer controlled and I can not only make more power if needed but likely save some fuel when I don't need the power. But, when I add that to it being the one w/ an auto, I'm not sure if that's such a good idea.

Any thoughts or experiences are appreciated. I'll be calling the dealer tomorrow when he opens.

Thanks,

-d

 

you may do better posting this in the "2nd generation 24 valve engine and drivetrain" section...u may get more action on this post...i have a 24 valve and knowing what i know now i probably would get a 12 valve..the computer thing and the 24 valve injection pump isn't as great as you may think...the 12 valvers can make more HP without the injection pump risks associated w/ 24 valvers, more people will chime in i am sure...good luck either way, just my .0002

 

deker.

Both are excelllent motors no doubt.

Personally I don't trust the Auto trannys. (in stock form).

In fact I persoanly won't buy a truck with an auto in it (with any babdge on the side).

With that said, the 12V does have a stouter fueling system.

The later model quad cabs sure are nice though.

Comes down to personal preference I guess.

 

Hands down, the 12 valve is far superior from the standpoint of durability and life cycle cost of operation. You can also uprate the power on a 12 valve for much less than the cost on a 24 valve, and the engine will live afterwards. Unless the 99 automatic has been replaced, it is also near the end of its life if the previous owner ever pulled much of a load.

One thing to watch, the 12 valves were shipped from Cummins with too little torque on the nut that holds the timing gear to the injection pump. They slip timing and lose power over time. It is an easy fix, but most owners do not know about it.

Lastly, check the oil filter, and if either truck has something not on the approved filter list, pass up the truck. Some filters disintegrate and the synthetic rubber cement used to seal the filter media ends up in the engine piston coolers, and that will lead to engine failure.

 

Wow...thanks for the quick responses folks. Definitely some stuff in there I didn't know about.

A couple more questions for you RCW. Re: timing gear bolt issue. Not being familliar in person with these trucks, is there any way to tell on this? Also, any potential ill effects of this if it's been loose for a while?

Also, where can I find the list of approved filters? That's one of those tidbits that is really important to know it sounds like.

Thanks Again,

-d

 

My suggestion would be toward the 12V engine & 5-speed, but the extended cab truck...

While I'm facing a possible new clutch in my '96 soon, It has still lived over 276k with little more than and fuel sender & lines, power steering box, starter, and the usual brakes, tires, etc. The 5-speed shifts well and works well with the engine (mine is completely stock.) I would not trust the automatic, too many known problems. The 12V is also a bit quieter, while some of this is the engine noise, it also seems that when the interior was updated in '98 that that cheaper materials were used. I prefer the pre-98 interior and mirrors, I used to use a '99 2wd club cab at work and it got very noisy at times. Check out the frame and undercarriage for damage. Check the bottom lip of the doors (esp on the '97) for rust on the inside under the trim panels. If you can find one with service history, that's a bit plus. Don't fall in love with the first thing you see, consider several if you can.

As for other considerations; the 5-speed will likely go quickly, they are in demand in the used market. The club-cab is handy and has better resale value. My 2wd (regular cab) will achieve 24 mpg in real-world highway driving. City driving is more like 18 in the winter, 19-20 in the summer. I am a conservative driver which helps, and I do little if any towing. Once you're used to a Cummins, you won't want a gas truck again--and your friends and neighbors will hear you coming! Good luck with your decision.

 

No brainer, get the 12 valve if you want better mpgs and longevity.
While the timing gear slip does occur it is very rare and will cause no damage. More often the timing was wrong from the beginning.

 

i own a 24 valve and wish i would have bought a 12 better mileage and cheaper to build . DON'T BUY AN AUTO TRANNY



99 3/4 quAD CAB 4X4 4INCH PIPE NO MUFFLER EDGE COMP BOX (NOT HARD WIRED NEED A CLUTH FIRST) HP INJECTORS, PACBRAKE, ISSPRO GAUGES