Yea they tend to blow head gaskets when you start getting much over 50-60psi. Im pushing 40 on my stocker (man my tax returns CANT get here any sooner!! Twins maybe!?!? haha) The MLS gasket on the common rails is the best factory head gasket that has been in the Dodges; a set of studs and guys are pushing 80+. The 12valves and 24valves seem to have significantly higher amounts of gaskets blowing than do CRs at the same boost levels...

 

looking for a 1995-2001 with the ext cab and a manual tranny is better but auto works too.

 

Do you want the rear doors of a Quad Cab or would the extended cab w/out rear doors suffice?

Id seriously look into a 12 valve if I were you. 94-98 had the 12v w/ P7100 injection pump. Top 2 diesels ever made, between it and the CR Cummins. TONS of power potential with the p-pump. Basically the skys the limit, and your wallet of course. Also great for towing and just puttin around town. They happen to also get some of the best mileage. Cant beat power and good mileage these days.

With a 12v, youd also avoid the problematic VP44 pump on the 98.5-02 Dodges. Plus you have the stone cold reliability of the mechanical system, meaning no electronics to go bad. But, if you want a Quad Cab AND a 12v, then they only made those in early 98. Not so much as hard to find, I can usually find a couple for sale in vaarious states, but they do command a premium over non-Quad Cab 12vs or 24vs...

 

Well i dont care about the rear doors to tell you the truth. As long as i have the extended cab with the bench in the rear. I also want to stay away from long beds. But thanks for telling me about the 12v

 

Well, first year for the shortbed in the diesel was 98. So you could still get a 12v shortbed. Otherwords known as the "Holy Grail" in diesel circles, the quad/short/12v