pursuit989

Hello guys!! Im new here and i dont have a Diesel truck yet. But with that said!!LOL, ive decided to go with the Dodge Diesel. Im a Ford guy and thats all i drive,but i like the Cummins. What year should i look for?? I want a a 2500 Ex-Cab. Not sure if i should get 4X4 or 2wd.

Im lookin for some advice, i figured this would be the place.

blackdiesel

wlecome to DTR, we need more imfo.. What are you going to use it for, and what is your budget. it could be from a 98 12v to a 06 megacab

LeftLane

I'm in the same boat as you, looking for something good.
If I were you I would do a search on 53 blocks. They are known to crack, more so during heavy towing.
The lift pump that supplies the injection pump with fuel is known to be unreliable. If this pump fails it can kill the very expensive VP-44 injection pump as it relies on the volume of fuel flowing threw it for cooling and lubrication.
As for 2wd or 4wd I guess its relay up to you and what you want to do with the truck.
Lastly you are in the right place.. this is by far the best place to get your Dodge/Cummins questions answered!

dodgeguy71

Blackdiesels right, what do you plan to do with it? Light towing, heavy hauling or just riding around enjoying an Awesome Cummins? Does the weather where you live justify a 4x4? What I mean do you get the snow and crud? If so 4x4 is very nice, if not and you don't plan on any off road adventures 2 wheel drive. Next is automatic or stick shift? Do you have heavy traffic where you live? If so are you gonna get tired of the clutch and shifting? Or do you prefer an automatic? If your gonna bomb the truck an auto is faster than the stick. Good advise on the 53 block, actually saw one today. The number is cast into the driver side of the block, towards the front of the block, just above the oil pan. If it's an auto it'll be behind the cooler lines, can't miss it. If there is nothing there it is not a 53 block.

So many variables..... Oh yeah, welcome to DTR!!

pursuit989

Good advice so far!!! Well, i think i want a 4x4 cause i plan on doing mods to it and i think it would be better to get that big boy off the line. I live in Florida so we dont get snow here. I live by SunCoast Converters, in Fort Walton Beach, im sure you guys have heard of them. They have Dyno pulls here every March and man the Dodge guys have the baddest trucks there.

I use to have a pic of there Shop truck, 96-97 I think 3500 Duelly with a 5th wheel trailer attached to it doing a burnout, it was cool as hell. They have it modded with twin turbo's, cool truck.

Well, thanks and i will be here often.

displacedtexan

I would say go with a 94-98 12v engine... Not that the 24v are unreliable, but the 12v are even tougher, and more fun to drive. All mechanical engine, which is cool if you enjoy wrenching on your truck (I love to) An auto will be faster, but I like a stick shift.

TNutcher

yeah I second the 12v (94-98.4 year models). I havn't been entirely too happy with my 24v. (sorry to all who don't agree with me ) Found out it had a 53 (not cracked but still... SOB!!) and the VP is goin goin gone pretty soon, i've put a pusher and guages on it and had a comp on it but fuel psi never got below 8 and its still goin dead. My buddies have 94/95 12v 5 speeds and they are ROCK solid. you can mod them to get pretty nice power with out slipping the clutch and can be able to use the power unlike the stock autos on these.
Anyway!! lol sorry, if you want the full quad doors you gotta get 98 or newer, same with the new interior. Good luck with whatever you get!! and hope this helps some
TNutcher

TxDiesel007

Precisely the reason i like my 12V

i can work on it and its seemingly indestructible aside from regular maintanance. I have a stick shift for towing as well. and 4wd for the deer lease and messes i get myself into from time to time.. U cannot go wrong with a 12V in my opinion..

Rick