1998 Dodge 2500 4x4 w/cummins?????

[kevin400ex]

Why do you want a manual? I've had 4 different Dodge Cummins, and hands down the automatic is for me. I've worked mine harder than 95% of them out there, hauling trailers on a consistent basis that weigh 5K to 25K and the autos seem to work just fine. Quicker from 0-65mph, less smoke, and better driver comfort. The ONLY thing I've seen a 6 spd be better at, is going down hill with an exhaust brake on, pretty tough to beat a manual trans at that game. For the rest of real world towing/ driving, autos have always worked better for me in these trucks.

The 12v is a great motor, but I actually prefer the 24v motor. You have total control of your smoke and HP levels at your finger tips with with a 24v. Sure, some 24v trucks have VP44 issues, but a lot of them don't. I'm still on my original pump with 204K.

Most guys will say "you want a 12v and a manual trans" and yes I don't agree with that. It's just from the experience I've gathered of what has worked for me and what I have come to prefer in using these trucks in a severe/commercial use on a daily basis, along with daily driving duties also.

the cost to rebuild the auto is what made me choose a manual when i bought mine. the autos have a history of problems, specially when engine mods are done or tow heavy loads. i didnt want to spend the 12k on the truck then have to spend another 4k on a trans and convertor

 

[kevin400ex]

heres mine, 2002 24v with 6spd 4x4. it had 148k on it when i bought it. has some pillar gauges and i put a madds smarty tuner on it.



i added an AFE cold air intake with one of their stage 7 filters, thing is huge!





i also put in a 4inch turbo back exhaust, straight pipe with no muffler. it sounds pretty mean, but i may put a muffler on it. its not loud inside while driving with windows up, but it is extremely loud outside the truck when i get on the throttle.

 

[DEMON44]

Since we're talked about 24v now. Make sure its not a 53 casting engine. If it is I would keep looking if I were you.

That being said. My last 24v was making over 600hp to the wheels on the 53 block and a vp pump.

But I wouldn't choose a 53 block again at this point.

 

[Avery4jc]

At this point in the thread I don't think its needed but I'm another happy cummins owner. 12v and NV4500 has treated me well and has been dirt cheap to run and maintain.

Also nobody has mentioned being a '98 you'll have to smog it. Not necessarily a big deal but if the shop is picky or doesn't know diesels it can be a headache. I've read about stock trucks failing the smoke visual around here.

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

i am a fan of the 24v cummins

but the single cab truck is a v10; all 3 are auto's

 

[K85 Octane]

This is about average price for these trucks around here. About $1k more for the 4x4s. I can't find 12v engines. Can't remember if the truck I'm looking at has a long bed or not, kinda want a short bed.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/ctd/3226737108.html

$7950

 

[K85 Octane]

Also nobody has mentioned being a '98 you'll have to smog it. Not necessarily a big deal but if the shop is picky or doesn't know diesels it can be a headache. I've read about stock trucks failing the smoke visual around here.

What is the year split for diesels?

EDIT: Also, if I'm not moving very fast on this it's because the truck isn't going anywhere, at all. I'm sure of this. And if it did go up for sale, I'd be told first. I'm also not sure what I'm doing with my S10 atm.

 

[DEMON44]

'98.5. They used up the 12v supply early in the run for '98s. Then swapped to the 24v mid run.

 

[K85 Octane]

ahhhhhh

 

[rjfguitar]

12v / 24v, if I heard him wrong and it's actually a 24v, is it still something to look at? I hear yeah rjfguitar, just still wondering. This would probably become my DD. I'm not sure how much longer the S10 will be around. What kind of mileage could I expect? (I hate those kind of questions, especially on a full size rig, sorry) I would leave it complete stock, no lift or abuse whatsoever. It would be a road queen and see mild towing duties.

Again, the 12v fuel system is great. It runs without fail for tons of miles and can make good power for basically free, but your power setting is always where it's at. With a 24v, you can get an Edge Juice or something similar and dial up or down your power and the smoke associated with it. You live in Socal, and with all the lib wackos down there, you don't want to be rolling coal every time you get back in the throttle waiting for the turbo to spool. All the low end smoke is not the best for towing either, it can make controlling EGT's more difficult as it's harder to spool with weight behind the truck. My '01 with 204K on it, is on it's 3rd lift pump. I don't think that is bad at all, and I prefer the electric lift pump, makes it easy when changing the fuel filter.

 

[rjfguitar]

the cost to rebuild the auto is what made me choose a manual when i bought mine. the autos have a history of problems, specially when engine mods are done or tow heavy loads. i didnt want to spend the 12k on the truck then have to spend another 4k on a trans and convertor

I see, for some that is an issue. For others like myself, it's no sweat. 4 grand and the deed is done, no biggie. I've got about 100K on my built auto in my 01' pulling stuff most don't do and it's still going fine. My '06..... I can't seem to break that 48RE, 25K miles with 500HP and it's still going. On our '02 dually that has a 6 spd, we had to drop $1300 or so for a good clutch.


Since others are posting pics, might as well jump on the band wagon.

 

[K85 Octane]

how about the rest of the truck?

since it hasn't been asked...

 

[DEMON44]

Honestly I loved my old '98.5. I do regret selling it.

And IMHO they look and work friggin great with H2 rims.

Its very easy to do an aweful lot with them.

 

[Smokinthehippies]

What is the year split for diesels?

EDIT: Also, if I'm not moving very fast on this it's because the truck isn't going anywhere, at all. I'm sure of this. And if it did go up for sale, I'd be told first. I'm also not sure what I'm doing with my S10 atm.

the year split for the powertrain is
94-98 = 12 valve
98.5 - 02 = 24 valve (vp)

the year split for smog in cali is 98. doesnt matter if its a 98 with 12ver or 24v.

wasnt sure if thats what you were asking.

 

[rjfguitar]

how about the rest of the truck?

since it hasn't been asked...

Eh, I'm pretty happy with my trucks over all. The steering system is always going to be an issue with the 4wd trucks. I just spent $2K on my front end in my '01, everything new. Tighter and tracks much better. It's just the name of the game with these Dodges. But, a person should get 100K out of the ball joints, track bar, etc with stock size tires and average usage. I have been very happy with the interior, especially the seats in my '01, finally around 190K I got a small tear in my leather seat, not bad in my book.

 

[K85 Octane]

It answers any year questions. Thanks