Looking at buying a new truck and want some advise. I'm not new to the diesel world by any means as I have pumped up more duramax's than I can count. But I'm looking to get a Cummins because I think it will be better offroad, cheaper to mod, and one of the biggest thing is I can get a manual!! I'm going back an forth between a 2nd gen 24 Valve or the 5.9L common rail. Both will be a 4 door, long bed, 4x4 with a 6 speed and a 2500. Which ever I get will be getting a 6" lift with either 35s or 37's and the basic mods to get around 450hp ~1,000lb-ft.

So here are my questions. I'm a country boy so hauling a heavy *** load is the norm and seeing a good amount of offroad wheeling is normal too. Which of these trucks, 2nd or 3rd gen will suit my needs the best and hold together the best? What issues with the 3rd or 2nd gen have you noticed? Basically which truck do you think will work the best, $25k budget for EVERYTHING. Thanks guys!

 

Just a wild stab in the dark here, but, I should think the 24v engines would be easier to make power from. Too many plug in modules for them out there in the word to be otherwise.

May wanna ask this question in the diesel section as well..... we have a few here, but, not too many.

 

If you're gonna get a 24V though, better get an aftermarket lift pump immediately.

 

I may be dead wrong on this but if it was me, I would go with the 2nd gen 24v. I feel like you can get more bang for your buck here. Sure your taking on some of the steering and front end issues and what not but there are tons of fixes for that. The 24v can def be modded to get 450 hp but since it's an older model, you'll probably be able to get a truck that has lower miles for the same price as a newer, higher mileage 3rd gen. I believe that parts for the 24v 2nd gen will be cheaper also...with a 25k budget and your desired list of mods i'm going with the 2nd gen for sure. I have zero personal experience with diesels so i'm just speaking from experience from work, friends, etc.

 

Go big, or go home.

 

I'd go with the 24V rather than the CR. Wayy better longevity out of the 24V but if you don't get a aftermarket lift pump and keep fuel pressure on that VP44 you'll crack it. Or you can just go and do a P-pump conversion too which is what I'd do. For mods there both a horse a piece since they are both electronically fueled and all that good stuff. Hauling stuff around and lasting the longest is all in how you take care of them. If you find a good deal on a 24V jump on it.

 

What's wrong with the CR? Just as easy to get power outta? Just playing devils advocate

 

So you want a Diesel, but you want to use it for Offroading..

You want a lift, but you also want to use the truck to haul heavy *** sh*t?

Here's a better idea. Why don't you spend 5-7k on a badass offroading gasser rig with a lift etc. Then spend whatever you have leftover on a Diesel that will be better suited for work, and could be used to haul the aforementioned badass offroading gasser rig....


Why people don't think like me....

 

Nothing wrong with the CR but the older 12 and 24V's are the best Cummins to get for longevity and relatively decent at making power. I kinda agree with Mike about getting a gasser for the offroading and a diesel for towing since having the truck lifted may come with complications down the road w/ towing.

 

I'm not going to take the thing wheeling over rocks and bog the crap outta it. But corn and hay fields have seriously soft spots in them. I already have another Ram for wheeling.

I didn't think about the lift with towing though.... Would a 4" be better than a 6"? I partly want the lift for the stiffer springs in the back too...