Hey guys I'm a 12v guy here. Actually I was a ford guy, had a badass 7.3 6spd psd. Then I bought my '97 12v that with about 100$ worth of mods would run circles around my old PSD 3x over.

My issue is, the 12v is too much of a brute. It's just a brute hoss. It's not very well mannered. My wife is supporting me buyin a common-rail, but the guys in the 12v section are saying that there are lots of issues with CR's before they even hit 100k and in stock condition.

I am going to be getting an ext cab or 4 door, 6spd, 4x4 cr. More than likely the only mods I'll do will be smarty, exhaust, intake, and maybe sticks. Dunno a whole lot about CR's so thats prolly it for now.

What do you guys have to say?

Matt

 

I say keep your 12 valve forever!!!!!!! i wish i never sold mine.........BAD IDEA! if you get a common rail, make sure you get a 04.5 or newer, get the six speed, buy and slt, and get extended warranty, 3:50 gear ratio. you might want to just do gauges exhaust, air dog150 lift pump, smarty, clutch. keep the 12 valve for you power house, and never let go of it you will kick yourself forever. with these mods you should have close to 500hp with the common rail and great millage. drive it as your fancy leasure vehical, keep the 12 valve for fun, cheap excitement, and a good time.

 

Can you list pros and cons of the 12 vs CR? Why do u say over an 04.5, slt, 3.50 etc? Why so specific?

 

The 12v are all mechanical engines that will run forever, easy to work on, cheap parts, and capable of huge power with lots of little extra parts. You can't go wrong with a 12v.

The common rail is computer controlled 24v. It is capable of making power with minimal modifications. Up to 500hp with exhaust, intake, and tuner. They are good trucks and I have had no problems with mine since I fixed what the previous owner had broke. I have stock injectors on mine and im at 130k miles.

The quad cab comes with 4 doors no matter what you do so thats not a worry on your part. The difference between the 03-04.5 and the 04.5 and newer is the injectors. The earlier ones have fewer holes in the injectors compared to the newer models. The 04.5 was the induction of the "600" motor which just means it has 325hp and broke the 600 ft/lb torque mark in a stock application.

You have to realize that no matter what you buy you are going to have maintenance problems somewhere along the line. The biggest thing with the common rail is fuel quality. You want a filter that filters 3 microns or better and the quality of fuel plays a huge role. The Airdog or FASS system will filter better than required. I put Philips 66 Diesel in mine. Its more expensive yes but its just a better quality gas and for my truck its worth the extra 6 cents a gallon or whatever.

In my opinion they are just as good as any other truck you would buy and it all depends on how well you take care of it no matter what motor is under the hood. Good luck with the decision!

 

Ask me questions anything specific you want to know? Im also curious why you say 04.5 and newer? Theres absolutly nothing wrong with 03-4, thwy have one less injection event and they have a better spray pattern out of the injector... Also youll find out real quick cr's cost alot more to get power out of them, a set of injectors alone can be easily around 1600 vs 500 for a 12v>

 

x2 03-07 are all good trucks.

 

Well my "awesome mechanical 12v that will run forever" just threw a rod. Actually I think its a rod bearing. But ya I need this thing gone. As soon as it sells I'm buying a common rail.

Thanks for the input guys. 1600$ for injectors Wow. Thats crazy. Just like being in my old powerstroke again I guess.

Sooo to find a dealer to find me a common rail. Texas, here I come!

 

I take that back, im sure the 03s are good, but if your looking for one might as well find the 600 engine. I would say and auto would be fine if your not worried about putting money into it, or plan on keeping it stock. Im an old sole, and love the mechanical 12valve its a great engine sounds awesome looks awesome and is a power house. If you want a new truck, don't heasatate get a new CR. but just keep your 12valve dont sell it lik i did

 

Like I said, the truck JUST, literally JUST threw a rod bearing. It's outta here man. I am truly a 6spd person; I love straight drive. It gives the vehicle spirit which is a huge plus for me.

 

YA thats why i got rid of my 12valve in the first place!!!! still miss it like my 046speed. i pmed you about your truck. let me know whats up Ever since i had my road runner i loved manual vehicals, they are a blast to drive!