im trying to decide what i will replace my current truck, a 1996 dakota, with when it finally dies (its only got 93K on it, so its got some years left on it, which will give me some trips to the desert to collect some money).
I really want either a 3/4 or 1 ton Ram (actually wanted it insead of the dakota, but, sometimes you gotta buy whats available).
I've read that the VP44 injectors weren't too great (and, expensive), and people have problems with lift pumps. what is the differances between the 12 and 24 valve versions?
I also heard they had a problem with a certain block that was casted in Brazil?
Could someone enlighten me as to the differances through the years, differances in reliablity, power, etc, so that I can buy a truck that will be pretty reliable and not give me any problems - as far as the engine in concerned.

 

Not to be stupid.....but buy new then you have the most availible HP and Torq. and most of all..you have a WARRANTY

 

yea, great idea. ill also have a truck that loses like 10% of its value as soon as its off the lot, and 25% after the first year.
and, still all the expsenses after the new technology fails after the warranty period is over.

 

Some people can't afford new nor do they NEED new. I wanted a CTD, but I settled for my V10. I couldn't find a 2nd gen Diesel anywhere for under 8 grand. The newest diesel I could find (in my price range) at the time I bought my V10 was a '91, and it didn't have hardly any options. [:'(]

The general difference between the 12 valve and 24 valve is that the 24 valve is a lot more dependant on electronics. That makes it much easier to mod and get extra horses out of, but "somewhat" less reliable. It also has a lift pump in it that tends to die on you at the worst time, where-as the lift pump in the 12 valve can last as long as the truck.

The block that was cast in brazil was the 57...or was it 59? It was used for some of the 24 valve motors. It can be fixed if the problem is caught early enough.

I used to have a page bookmarked that highlighted the power changes in the diesels throughout the years, but I can't seem to find it anymore. [>:] Maybe someone else will post it.

 

The block was the 53 block.
How much are you needing to haul? Cuz I got a stock 98 12V and regularly pull a windsail of a jeep and trailer (7000lbs) through the mountains at 75, and have never wanted more power than I had. You do need to look out for the trannys. The 5 speed has a problem with 5 gear coming off the shaft, and autos can overheat pretty easy if you don't get a gauge to monitor temps. That is the only bad thing I have ever heard about CTDs.

 

as far as hauling goes, right now, nothing. by the time i plan on getting this truck, nothing it cant handle.
i'll probably be leaning more twords the older 12 valves as they seem to have fewer, less expensive problems.
of course, by the time its time to replace teh dak, the old 12 valves will be a little old, and maybe the newer Cummins hardware will have shown to be a little less trouble.
who knows, but thanks for the info!

 

I never paid MSRP...therefore, your theory is wrong, I can negotiate. MSRP of my 06 CTD 4X4 $43890 less tax title tag and down payment, paid $35740 Differance of $8150 in a percentage is about 19%
Kelly Blue Book Value of a 03 CTD 4X4 is $31240 with same options +/-
therefore, in the course of the three years that I own this truck I will have to spend $4500 to break-even with my investment.
however, in that cousre of three years. I will own a new truck, have the most availible HP and Torq. then any other previous ram and have that warranty. Plus the Dodge dealer that I bought my truck from gave me 3 free oil changes and tires for life!

if you buy and 95 or 99 or what ever and the trans goes, turbo, or whatever I am sure that you will be investing more then $4500 and that is at one time.....you still may have 2 1/2 years to go trouble free to match me. PLus your ride will be depriciating at the same time. Plus tires wear out, a/c could go out, windows may not work, truck is rusting...whatever.

However, I do understand that some people have other investments or obligations and are not able to buy a new truck. But from what I gather from you, you can, but you think it is stupid!

 

if you get a 12 valve go for the 96-98, because these trucks had the biggest factory pumps on them.