OK guys, I think in the mean time before I get a "new" tow rig that I might trade the Burb off and look for a 2nd gen Dodge cummins maybe extra cab for about the same value as my Burb (10,000 guessing). Any years better than others or certain things to look for or watch out for?
The biggest thing Steve is if you want a 24v computer controlled engine or the older 12v mechanical engine. I don't really think either is better than the other, infact I think the 12v is slightly more reliable since it doesn't have the fuel problems some of the 24v'ers have developed. A big thing is power, if you don't want to mod the truck then a later, more powerfull, truck would be a good idea. I am content with the 235HP/460ftlbs power numbers from my ISB really, it accelerates fairly quick and it seems to pull my trailers adequitly. I wouldn't be real afraid with the 47RE auto, but some people would disagree, but thats a different topic. A big thing is with 01-02 trucks that there was the high output version that came with a peppier 245HP/505ft lbs numbers with an NV5600 6 spd manual/monster 271 tcase (said to be stronger than a 205)/D60 front/ and a monster D80 in the rear all in a 3/4 ton truck. waytogo That is probably the truck I would look for since you plan on doing a lot of towing and you get into those mean Colorado mountains. Another thing that is big would be the late 2001 trucks recieved disk brake over drums that early 2001's had. The later 24v trucks are nicer inside, the interior was slightly redesigned sometime in the mid 90's and I much prefer the later styling. One thing that is cool about the later trucks is you could get the fold out towing mirrors, they fold out on a pivot and really stick way out there. If you like bells and wistles an '01 would be the truck for you, for some reason they started removing the trip computers, passenger handle, and vanity lights in 2002 models. IMHO, the late 2001 trucks are the best, since they have all the interior bells & wistles and rear disk brakes. The bad part Steve is I don't think you'll get a later truck for less than 20K or so, loaded of course that is an H.O. You MIGHT be able to find an earlier 12v truck closer to 10K.
The 271's did not come in the 2nd Gen's they still had the 241's in them. The most sought after 2nd Gen is the early 1998 12V with the updated interior. After late December 1997 production the 24V started being produced as a 1998.5's. In my opinion the 1997 ( old style interior ) and early 1998 12V's with manual tranny's are the cream of the crop. If a 24V flips your skirt than most all 1998.5 to 2002's are equal as far as being dependable ( fuel problems already have been mentioned ). Things to look for are the stouter spring pack options - look for the auxilary springs which mean camper special and always comes with rear sway bar. Like RJF said the mid 2001's started coming with rear disc's and the later 5600 offerings make for a real nice package. Note: it is possible to get a standard output motor and a 5600 tranny in 2000 model year but they have a smaller input shaft ( same as the 4500's ). So not all trucks with a 5600 are H.O.'s - look for a ETH/DEE engine and tranny codes. The 241's that had the P.T.O. provision were the H.D. units and they kept on upgrading them as the years went on , so the later the better ( 3500's came standard with the HD241's and it was an option on the 2500's ). Other than injector pump problems I have been real happy with mine and when I pull with it it I forget all about the IP problems and just enjoy the power. I hope all this makes sense , the family is hollaring at me that it is time to go and I am trying to type fast ...... Did I mention that the early 1998 is the prime pickings in Dodge land ???? HTH's Tom
Great info, so how long do you think it would take to find a 1998 3/4 ton single wheel, short bed, manual tranny, Sport package with black leather in silver and in good condition? :doah:rotfl
Valve covers. I personaly think the 12 valves are a little quieter at idle aswell and anything built pre 98.5.
The easiest way for me is reading the badges. Under the "Ram2500" emblem it will say "cummins turbo diesel" on the 12v'ers and "24v cummins turbo diesel" on the 24'vers. the 24V engine is supposed to be a little quieter because it got some block changes to make it quieter but I don't think it made much of a difference.
Well, I was just as or more picky than you and wanted an used 2001-2002 Ram Cummins Red, black leather, sport front end, quad cab, disk brakes, auto, and long bed. I suprisingly stumbled across my truck, bought that succer right away, and haven't seen another one like it since. waytogo Why do you want a '98? I don't think it would be real hard to find silver, but I haven't seen very many trucks at all with the black leather like mine, which looks a lot "sexier" than the other interior options. I see almost all in the tan leather for some reason.
96-98 5 spd is the 215HP and is the most responsive when it comes to BOMBING in the 12 valvers. Yelding more HP with the same Mod's than the lower HP models.
As far as I know all 2nd gens were 241's . Mine is a 2002 6-spd and its got a 241 hanging off the back end of it . I wish I did have a 271 - they are a fantastic case ! Maybe Dodge brought the 271 in a little early and installed some on the tail end of the production run in 02 ???? Tom
I'd grab the first one that looked like it would fit the bill rotfl With a production run of only Sept. through December you must be living right if you find one in any color combo . Tom
Until they become familiar looking to you the best way to tell is the injector pump and the rocker covers. 12V has six individual covers that is covered by a long Dodge add on piece that has two hold down bolts while the 24V motors have a single piece cover that covers all rockers. A 12V injector pump is HUGE and has the injector lines attached all in a row while the 24V motor have a rotary IP and the lines attatch in a round pattern on the back of the pump. There are many other differences but those two will get you close enough to make no mistake. HTH's Tom
