Truck opinions

[broncocraigellis]

After driving my parent's Dodge w/ the 5.9 Cummins, I want one...Here's a link to what I'm thinking about. I'd rather have an older 12V engine, but they are kind of hard to find with less than 175-200K miles. I don't guess that really matters much.

The truck in the link is an 01, so it would have the bad 53 block. Just how often do those things crack though? I saw a repair with Lock-n-Stitch that looked like it solved the problem after the fact. Also it looks like the lift pumps on the 98.5-02 trucks are problematic...

Jason, I know you have experience with these trucks, so what's your opinion?

[rccolacc]

How 'bout you actually put a link in your post there Craig.

I think my next vehicle will be a Dodge with a cummins too. I've done some reading on them. One day I'll have enough money to buy one.
I've heard that people prefer the 12V to the 24V. Why is this? What's the difference that makes people like the older engine?
I actually read on Pirate about the bad 53 block. I've read some opinions on it though that make sense. Bad news travels like wildfire and things will get over-rated, especially on Pirate. If those 53 blocks really are that bad and every one of them is cracking, cummins would recall them. Makes sense to me.

[broncocraigellis]

LOL, sorry...that would be helpful. Here it is:
www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=234745114&dealer_id=569946&car_year=2001&num_records=25&model=RAM25002WD&systime=&make2=&start_year=1999&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=Diesel&body_code=0&search_type=both&distance=500&marketZipError=false&search_lang=&first_record=76&make=DODGE&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=4+wheel+drive&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=38801&advanced=y&end_year=2001&pager.offset=75&transmission=&doors=&max_price=&cardist=500


They were replaced while the vehicles were under warranty I believe. However, Cummins had no responsibility for the engines. That fell on Dodge's shoulders from what I've read on oilburners.net.

The 12V is all mechanical, and the 24V introduced electronic controls. The 12V usually gets better mileage. Tuning them for power takes different knowledge than the electronic engines. Instead of using a chip, the fuel plate gets ground. Things like that.

I imagine most of the problems with 53 blocks is due to heavy loading and climbing big hills where the engine is heavily stressed.

[davidscj7]

I have a '97, 2500 with the 5.9 Cummins in it. Is that what you are looking for? It only has 110,000 miles

[JWP]

Don't assume that the 01 has a "53" block. not all trucks had them. Cummins made these engines in different plants and from what I understand, the 53 block came from a plant in Mexico. I also would not be extremely afraid of these motors. My truck had a 53 block and it lasted till 215,000 miles. My truck is a 99.

Most people desired the 2nd generation trucks with the 12valve motors for the reasons you mentioned, they are mechanical, easy to work on, and very reliable. I wouldn't put much stock in saying they get better mileage though. From what I have seen, they are very similar in mileages.

Davids truck, would be a 12 valve motor. David, what do you have? 2wd or 4wd? Quad cab?

I wouldn't be scared of a 24V truck at all. The biggest problem with them is the fuel pump and that is a random occurrence.

[broncocraigellis]

Yeah, that's what I'm looking for...preferably w/ quad cab and 4wd. What color? Let me know if you want to sell.

I couldn't remember which plants the different engines came from...I read a lot of info. over the last few days. The other plant was in Brazil IIRC. When the 53 block went in your truck was it b/c of cracking or wear? Your comments have made me consider the 24V trucks more seriously.

[JWP]

I don't know exactly what happened to the engine on my truck. The owner said that it lost all power and he started having antifreeze in the oil. I imagine the block cracked. He installed a used engine with 30K on it. I have put around another 20K. I consider my truck to have another 200K before I replace it. The truck itself is at 230K.

As far as finding a truck I wouldn't worry about whether it was a 12 V or 24V. I would try to find a good deal. These trucks are highly sought after and most people are proud of them so finding a deal is sometimes hard to do. Especially with the amount of miles that can be put on these trucks. It does seem that 24V deals come easier that 12V deals because most people like to stay away from the electronics.

If you want a 2wd, quad cab, I'll sell you mine. I want a 1 ton with a standard.

[broncocraigellis]

I'm looking for a 4wd w/ standard trans. but thanks for the offer.

I'll keep my eyes open for either a 12V or 24V then. Sounds like Internet forums have demonized the 24V trucks more than they deserve.

[davidscj7]

broncocraigellis said:

I'm looking for a 4wd w/ standard trans. but thanks for the offer.

I'll keep my eyes open for either a 12V or 24V then. Sounds like Internet forums have demonized the 24V trucks more than they deserve.

Mine is 2wd, auto, extended cab, white. I may sell but not looking to sell.

[broncocraigellis]

10-4

[JWP]

bb.tennesseeoffroad.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=42;t=005471;p=1#000011

This sounds like a real good deal.