hey guys im finally seeing the smoke clouds and seeing that cummins is alot better then the powerstroke. well i got a few questions what years are good for the dodge with a cummins and what is like the highest mileage i should buy. first i gotta sell me 99 7.3 but then i will be looking for another truck. also if anyone is interested i also will trade it for a cummins

 

What are your plans for the truck and what will it's primary use be. Along with money factor.

 

mainly a daily driver but occasional towing up north 800miles and i wanna do some mods but nothing extreme. money factor i wanna say no more then 8 grand but its gotta be stick shift.

 

The money factor is gonna set the choices to a second generation or back so that narrows things down some, and that's not a bad thing at all. I'm partial to the 24Valve trucks myself. They make cheap power and best of all it is adjustable to control EGT's and smoke under different driving conditions with the touch of a button. I can add or subtract 100 plus hp by hitting a button. Along with adjusting the hp I can also adjust turbo lag and fuel supply just as easy.

The 12V are strong running trucks, cheap and easy to work on and can make huge hp. But they are not adjustable on the fly. You have to work on the engine to adjust it. This means that smoke and heat are what they are the whole time your drivin it and so need to be more usage specific. If your hammerin the fuel to it to make speed and smoke then you won't be able to pull trailers without some maintenance because the heat will be to high. They are also reliable as hell because they are so simple though.

It's all a trade off and deciding what is important for what you do with your truck.
No matter which way you go they will both both make power for 1/3 of the cost of what it took to modify your Ford.

 

well i found a good looking 94 but its only 2 wheel drive but i prob could convert it or it will just end up being a drag truck here it is tell me what you guys think of her.

Price $4,995
Mileage 113,470
Body Style Truck
Exterior Color Silver
Interior Color Gray
Engine 6 Cylinder Diesel Tur
Transmission Automatic
Drive Type 2 wheel drive - rear
Fuel Type Diesel
Stereo AM/FM Compact Disc Playr
Doors Two Door
Stock No. 09152



* Driver Air Bag
* Anti-Lock Brakes
* Air Conditioning

* Alloy Wheels
* Cruise Control
* Passenger Air Bag

* Power Door Locks
* Power Windows
* Tilt Wheel

 

That's a great price for a 12V truck. I would however consider that if you are getting it for economy that you invest almost immediately in a TC or a new transmission all together as the stock one is a slush box.

Everything else is as said except that you can install a "smoke" switch that allows for lower performance conditions.

 

nice i am partial to the 12valve its the million mile motor plus hp is endless but it is not esier to get that hp it takes work but that is the fun part workin on the truck well atleast for me it is but anywho good luck with it and hope you find a great truck

 

if your gonna need 4 wheel drive i would buy one and not settle for a 2wd and go thru the hassle of trying to convert it...

Im not sure where you live but if your in a place that gets snow regulary or your off pavement at all you DO NOT want a 2wd diesel, the torque is so much down low it will just spin...

 

For the little difference in just buying a truck, it's not worth it to try to swap a 2wd/4wd, for $8k you can shop around and find a pretty nice 4x4. I would much rather swap a 12v into a mid 90's Ford than change a 2nd gen over to 4x4.

I like the interior on both 12v and 24v 2nd gens, both benefit a lot from some sound deadening under the carpet and back of the cab.

The front end is going to need a bit of attention with a good track bar and DSS steering brace. The OEM shocks are usually toast around 15k miles.

If you're getting this to tow, I'd get the 5 speed over the auto. 94-97 had the NV4500 5 spd. '98 12v and newer trucks had both the 5 and 6 speed. The NV4500 5 speed is fine, 2-3 gear are a little far apart but it's not too bad, I still like it better than even a Goerend built auto. If you're keeping the power level somewhat low, the 2nd gen 12v engines are really, really nice. All of our 12v trucks get better mileage than our '00 24v and make more power, these are utility bed work trucks, too.

Have you thought about swapping a Cummins into your 99? What's making you want to sell yours?

 

to many memories in that truck of my grandfather and the fact he passed away in it. just aint the same truck since he has passed.