what year Diesel to buy?

[ProJunk]

I am in the market for a Dodge diesel 4x4. I know I want a 94 or newer. I have heard the older 12 valve is a little less power, but is bullet proof. I have also heard that with a little work you can get some more horses out of the older style, and get it to move. Have I heard right, or is the 24 valve the only way to go? I just want to know if there are any real pros and cons between the two. Do they get about the same fuel mileage? What about the trannys, I would like a manual, but are the autos ok as well.

any info would help
thanks
Justin

[GRMhick]

From what I know about them, the 12v is stronger, and the 96-98 are the best. I know the 5 speed that came in those years is alot weaker than the newer 6 speed. Also the auto changed in 98. You may want to check out www.turbodieselregister.com for more info, and to some extent, the tow rig forum here.

Garrett

[hoehand]

Like everything else, it all depends on what you want it for. For big power, it doesn't matter, it will always be expensive. 400 rwhp on either is relatively easy, but from there it runs down hill, clutch, input shaft, twins:) .

I have a '99 24 valve right now, and I love it. For $500 you can be at or near 300rwhp(if your clutch will hold).

Oh, and the 5sp is plenty stout. the only downfall is the 5th gear nut and this can be fixed for a few hundred.

But if I could rewind time, I would want an early '98 12 valve. I love my truck, but If you have to replace that vp44(injection pump) once it will make you think real hard about buying the non-electronic 12 vavle.(the vp44's are reliable with mods, but the p-pumps from the later 12 valves are rock solid right out of the gate.

[csutton7]

either are excellent--hoe hand is dead on about the 5spd, upping the HP and hoping either your clutch or auto will hold after doing so--

the 24v's major + as I see it is the ability to tune down the HP or tune it up with the meer flick of a button--the 12v is controlled by your foot--but that really depends how high you want to go also---good luck.......get guages on the truck if it doesn't have them when you get it......chris

[Coreyperez13]

I traded my 12 in for a 24 and would never go back. There are way too many upgrades over all vs. the 12. Ya, you can make power easy with the 12, but its just as easier if not easier with the 24. It may cost more because its computer controlled, but I'd compare it to Carb vs. EFI. You can do so much and watch so much with the 24's vs. the 12's. I had my 12 fuel'd with a #6 TST Plate, 3K gov. springs and air filter as well as $2800 DTT work up on the tranny, and it wouldnt hold anything to my 02 HO 6sp. The 24 would tow circles around the 12, and if you want to go REALLY big, get a 03. Those SOB's have got some POWER! I rode in a 01 with a EZ chip, (non-comp) and that thing would shit and get! Like the others said, look at the TDR under buyers guide on the left. Great site and way more information that you can imagine. I've been there for just about 2 years now. Love it.

Corey

[Redneck Powerstroke]

i would go with an 01-03 with a 6-speed there fore you get the HO motor and get the 4.10 or 3.73 in the 03 cause the earlier pre03 were shit with the 3.55's. www.dieselram.com is also a great place for anybody with questions on the Oil burning dodge's:p