I'm sorry.you all have probly herd this question a thousand times. I've been looking for a 4x4 dodge diesel. By the looks of things I can"t afford much over a 2000. There seems to be issues with all the years from cracked blocks to lousy tranies. Is a 5 speed better then the auto? What years to watch for cracked blocks? Had a chance to buy a 98 24v for $14000 with 10100 on it,the auto and a high pich howl scared me away. The howl was coming from the drive train, tranny ,diifs,transfer case,maybe carrier bearing? Also had new paint and nothing showing on the car fax. Thank You for any info you can give. Whant to be newbie Ran

The cracked block problem is bad in the #53 blocks from what I've heard, I also wouldnt get a 98 24v, I would get a 99 cause Ive heard the 98 24v's have pump problems. As far as the automatic trannies go, they are not great. If you plan to bomb the truck, plan to bomb the tranny too. I like the pre-98 cummins with the 12V engines, they have the awsome P-pump, which can add horsepower in an incredible amount. My dad has a 12V, he just slid the plate all the way forward in his stock p-pump, and she hauls and blows a ton of smoke, at no cost. With the 24v's, ya need to get chips which can get expensivehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif. still, All years 2nd gen. do not have the greatest trannies.

The 12V is neat because it's a lot easier to tune cheaply, but what I find so cool about the electronically controlled ones is that all you need to do is put in a chip and get phenomenal gains. The 24V will also get you more power from the get-go and with add-ons. I would indeed suggest going with the manual tranny, but that's also my general rule on higher mileage vehicles that you intend to keep for a long time, as manual trannies tend to be more reliable and, if they fail, tend to fail in a mode that you can still limp home.


My other general inclination, when buying a used vehicle, is to buy the best example that you can with the money you have to spend. IOW, the one that has been taken the best care of and is in the best shape. I would be more inclined to buy a 12V one in pristine condition than a 24V that's been beaten to hell.


All vehicles, especially old ones, are going to have problems, and that's going to have to be expected. Parts wear out and need replacement. From everything I've seen and everyone I've talked to who owns a Cummins, the fewest problems are with these trucks. I come across guys who have these trucks that get worked hard every day, and the story is always the same. "Yeah, I got [150k 200k 250k] on it, no problems." That's why I bought a new one. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif