cumminspower79

Im wondering why nobody suggest buying a third gen. pickup, does it have the same fuel problems as our 24s? I thought they fixed that with the common rail fuel system. You can find some of the truck for pretty good deals out there. And as sombody else stated, the truck itself will be in better shape. By that I mean the interior drive train seats, dash and all that stuff. I had to put a new vp in my truck at 69000 miles(under warrenty thank goodness) and if I have to put in another, Im buying a 2003!

dsl kicks gas

thats what i think, ya can find a 02 for 6,000 but it'll have 900,000 mi on it.

03qclb5spd

It does seem at least from what i've read that the 3rd gen injection pump is way better than the old 24v and guys have been able to run quite a bit of reliable power on it too, but the lift pumps are still weak and need a fass or something. Also a 3rd gen may be more than he wants to pay, but realistically you can find 03's for under 20k if you look around enough. They'll probably have right around 100k on them, but that's not bad at all.

Erska

But then of course, you have to forgot all nice options like leather seats and such...

cumminspower79

On the third gen, even if it has a weak lift pump, as long as it dosent burn up the ip when the lp goes south. What im getting at is I dont want to have to worry about my fuel pressure all the time. A new truck with a new pump that isnt so delicate!

tenbrooks

Buy the 24 valve

Scramblinman

Hmmm, I'm only checking out the 24v forums while searching for info to help my brother replace the lift pump in his 2001 truck and came across this thread in the results.

I tend to prefer simplicity, reliability, and function over form. Perhaps the 24v trucks are a little bit nicer than the earlier 2nd Gen trucks in their behavior and creature comforts, but not enough so to deal with the notoriously crappy fuel system, in my opinion. When I first became interested in purchasing a Dodge CTD and began to research them, I came to the conclusion that I would either pay cash for a 2nd Gen 12v club cab or quad cab with a 5 speed or go straight to financing a 3rd Gen 4 door if I wanted newer and nicer.

TNutcher

If i were to buy again I would look more at both of them. The 12v's are cheap/free to upgrade about 60-80 HP more or so (grinding plate, washer GSK) and are a rock solid design proven since they came out in 94. The 24v's are easy to upgrade electronically and are newer which means more likely in better condition. I saw 12v = 215 or less HP and 24v = 235/245HO and said 24v all the way, plus i liked the interior. But after having owned one, replacing a VP44 injection pump (1400$) and finally getting a FASS (400-600$) a 12v doesnt sound all to bad. They're both good trucks and both are reliable if you make sure the proper things are maintained/observed. Hope this helps your choice some!
TNutcher

cLAYH

I too debated thus for quite awhile when shopping for my truck. I absolutely had to have a CC with the quad doors and needed a 4X4 3500. Coming from a first gen truck I wanted a 12V. I looked and found many '98 12V Quad cab trucks but the prices were just stupid! In one instace a fully loaded '98 3500 CC 4X4 12V was going for $25,000CDN! Seems that word is out at the dealers that these are rare trucks and so thay are asking a premium.

I too found that the "creature comforts" on the later 2nd gen trucks were much nicer than the earlier trucks.

Anyway it just comes down to what else you need in a truck. If you aren't going for huge HP then I don't think that you'll be disappointed with a 24V. If you want a work truck or are going for big HP play truck then stay with a 12V.

Incidentily I did look at some 3rd gen trucks. Was very disappointed. Drove a 6spd with 4.10s. At 65MPH it was pushing 3000rpm and a slight change in speed required a gear shift. Would be fine if it was always hauling big loads on the highway but driving in the city would drive you nuts. As well any 3rd gen in my price range was so beat I'd be embarssed to have it in my driveway. However I REALLY did like the full 4 doors!

Puke

My 12 V drives like a truck (or should I say "tractor") and my 24V drives like a car.

I tend towards thinking my 12V will be the longest lasting (it's a 93, so MUCH OLDER than what you guys are talking about) out of the two trucks.

PaulDaisy

I am amazed nobody gave the only right answer: BUY BOTH! And play with both, then sell the one you like less... yeah, right! I bet neither one will be sold
-P