Obviously 98 12v/4ddor would be ideal. However, Im more looking at standard cabs I think. Planning dually 5speed. Are the earlier or later ones known to have issues (electrical, tranny, etc)more than others? And what year did the dash change to whats in the 99 I have? I think 98? Ideally shopping for 3.55, dually, 5speed.

brianell's Sig:

98 24v 3500
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New dash style started in 98. Main issue is #53 block. Other than that I am not aware of any major differences between them. I am not sure when the brakes got upgraded come to think of it, maybe someone who knows will chime in on that one. Good luck in your search!

mishkaya's Sig:

'01 Dodge 6spd, Mach 7's, Helix 2 cam & springs, twins, Adrenaline, DD clutch, DOR bumper, etc...

98s were the bastard year - some have the old 97 dash some have the new, some are quadcabs, some are clubcabs. Ive even seen a 98 with a couple of different interior combinations in the cab (tan and grey go figure).

98s are awesome but you pay a premium for them as they are considered by most to be "The Holy Grail". If youre looking for a stick go for the 96-98's as they have the 215 hp P-7100. The #53 block doesnt seem to be an issue on a 12V - they dont seem to crack like a 24V as the engine harmonics are different.

As for brakes - they only real improvement was in 2001.5 when they went to rear discs.

Theres not much in the way of electrical issues.

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98 12V quad cab 4X4 AND 2001 24V quad cab 4X4

When did they go from single piston calipers to dual piston calipers on the front brakes though? I have driven both and that made a bigger difference than the rear disc brakes IMO.

My 98 is single piston so Im not exactly sure on the year.

That's interesting. Both my '01 and '02 have dual piston calipers from the factory. I know the '96 I have is single piston, but I thought maybe they had gone to dual piston in '98 or something...
To the OP, if you get a 12 valve. DO NOT FORGET THE KDP!!!

The 12v 53 block is a completely different casting and iis a non-issue.

2 piston calipers came out in 2000 when they changed the front axles.The 2 piston calipers can be found on all the trucks with the front rotors that slide off once you remove the calipers.They are also not able to be installed on the earlier year Dana's.2000 was also the year they atarted having issues with front ball joints failing earlier.

Dr.Evil is coreect with that statement and I do not think he even realizes how correct he is,LOL.

The 98's were really a mix-mash of what was left on the assembly line when the last 12v's were assembled.Early on in the run the Ext Cab's were made with the older style dash and really from what I have been able to find out the dashes were not switched over until the Quad Cabs were built.The Quad Cab 5spd 12v are what some seem to think as stated are the "holy grail" of trucks.However,once the Quads were introduced the Ext Cab 12v 5spds were made in lower production numbers.Now if you want a real rare unit and can stomach the 24v find a 99 Ext Cab as they were made and are around.The numbers are extremely low yet they can be found with a little work.

Really no electrical issues are known as stated,automatic tranmissions needed some help to survive but thats even been helped with the aftermarket companies.As also stated make sure you address the KDP(Killer Dowl Pin) when you get your truck as it is the one single thing that could lead to a bigger issue.

I see your after a Standard Cab 12v 5psd Dually,Good Luck finding that one.You would probaly find some of those in 2wd out in the SouthWest(Texas,Oklahoma,New Mexico,Arizona).Finding a 4wd 12v 5 spd Standard Cab Dually will be a tough find.........Andy

Hammer's Sig:

1998 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 12v 5spd Quad Cab
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He could always find that truck in 24V flavor and do the ppump swap. Buddy of mine did his and it works suprisingly well. That is a tall order and you are going to have to scour the country. If your looking for a 12V you pretty much have to take what you can find. Reality sucks.

Yeah, I currently own a 98.5 24v dually, 5speed, quad cab. Amazing I found the other day, same truck, just 12v, still quad cab. However, Im leaning towards building the cab into a crew/megacab, and want the 12v for the p-pump. The more I think about it, the more starting with what I have doesnt make sense. Then the only thing left is swap in bigger front brakes, disk rear, and 17" wheels to allow going larger than 235/85 without spacers.

Arguably, I could use a 3/4 ton, but then Id have to find a dually bed, or at least flares, and add supports. Then swap in a dually 80. The bed makes finding a dually more desireable.

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98 Ram 3500 4x4 12V 0 Plate... Currently for sale
1993 Mitsubishi Fuso FE 439 Intercooled, 12' flat bed, pump maxed out 220 hp @ 20 psi
Daily driven and averages 25 mpg combined

I got my truck for towing, and only noticed how rare it is after I got it, 4x4 dually, shortcab, and lets not even specify manual tranny