barryp

Hi,
I am looking for a 12 valve for a daily driver and have no experience with them. Would a 200k mile motor typically still be strong? Would some performance mods be ok for a higher mileage motor or would it need a complete rebuild before adding power? Are there any things to look out for when looking at 12 valve trucks specifically?

Thanks for any advice
Barry

dieselfuelonly

200k isn't a whole bunch on these engines.

Performance mods will be OK, but sure you check to see if the engine has a ton of blowby or burns a lot of oil, etc.

The big thing to do to a 12v when you first get it is fix the KDP... search the forum and you will get plenty of answers.

Others will be able to help you out too.

Dartmouth 12V

I would not worry about 200K for the motor as long as it doesn't have a lot of blow-by. The bigger issue is going to be the body of the truck if it has been somewhere where they tend to rust.

Make sure that you take the truck on a test drive and drive it like you would. Get it on the highway and up to speed to make sure that the front end isn't going to have "death wobble". Also, look it over real closely. Look at the timing case and make sure that it isn't leaking oil or any other signs that the kdp might have fallen out.

Transmission is something to think about. If it is a manual, as long as it shifts well, the only thing to worry about is 5th gear falling off but that won't leave you stranded so it is not a huge deal. If it is an auto, make sure that it is shifting crisply and not hunting or you may be spending another 3-5K on a tranny very shortly.

Modding a high mileage truck is not a big deal. By dumping more fuel into the engine, you will be wearing it out faster but these engines last so long, it usually isn't an issue.

b.lee

i got mine with 355k,
drove it till 365k added a #10 plate, 3k gsk, air filter/straight pipe
got 376k now, no problems. (with the engine)

just got the KDP taken care of.

drive it around for 30 min and see how it runs.
after your done shut it off and restart it.
low ball a cash offer.

mine is my DD also
very reliable

kas83

I have talked with many owners who got their trucks around or above the 200k mark, and have modded them from there. Like mentioned, make sure the truck doesn't have a ton of blowby, and has had the regular maintnaince done to it. Make sure the KDP was taken care of. Other than that, grab it and go, have fun.

barryp

Thanks for all of the replies! Sorry I havent checked back in til now, I have been on the road.

Is there any chance an auto trans would still be pretty stout or would it be more cost effective to look for a manual trans and just upgrade the clutch? I know on my current 2006 the auto trans is the weak point, so am I looking at rebuilding an auto in any 12V I get?

Blast Chamber

Hey Barry,

At 200k I'm guessing any stock auto tranny in a 12v truck will be running on borrowed time. My '98 has 152k on it and still shifts good, although the torque converter is definitely mushier than the 48re in my '03. I'm hoping to get 200k out of it and then go with a Goerand tranny.

I really enjoy using my 12-valve as a daily driver. By keeping the local miles off my '03 I'm hoping it will last a lifetime, plus it's nice having 2 trucks when one is down for maintenance.

wcbcruzer

200k miles is nothing. Mod it to the max and have fun! Auto will need to be replaced soon at 200k. But that's a good thing right?

MikeR

200K miles on a Cummins is nothing to worry about....

It's 200k miles on the Dodge truck itself I'd be worried about. Plan on rebuilding the brakes, ball joints, steering components, U joints, and depending what trans you have that will sure to be another expense.

Just curious, your signature says you already have a 2wd regular cab automatic...is that not the ideal commuter truck?

barryp

I'll plan on all of the non motor rebuilds then. I have a buddy who had a 99 go 350k miles and I remember all of the random non motor updates. I did his clutch for him.

My current truck is a great commuter truck but my girlfriend has been using it more and more, so instead of getting her some crappy car and reclaiming it, I am planning on going with a 12V for myself.

Thanks again for all of your advices.

roughstock

Just what he said. The truck will fall apart faster than the motor. If the previous owner took care of things, then it won't be a TON of repairs when you get it. Mine was taken care of and I bought it with 160,000mi. It now has 250,000. Things I did were reseal the vacuum pump, ball joints, head light switch, new(HD Southbend) clutch and trans(5th gear destruction), fixed ripped drivers seat, change all fluids, filters. Other performance mods.

lews930

check my classified ad

lewis