trust

I'm thinking seriously about selling my 01 quad cab short bed 4wd cummins and replacing it with a used 06 cummins 4 door. my 01 has a newish (2 yr) VP44, rebuilt (2yrs) auto trans, new waterpump belt hoses fan clutch belt tensioner etc, a FASS DDHR relocated to the frame.

Why make the change with all the new/semi new stuff? well I continue to have the 'no bus' issue with the gauges, apparently the bus requires the stock radio which I no longer have (anyone have one they want to get rid of?), I cant seem to get reliable VP inlet pressure even with the FASS, the mechanical gauge is about 7-8 # at idle and drops to 3-4 under load, the electrical gauge in the cab is shows 8-9 # steady state and on the high peg at anything over 10#, and 5# under load (30# gauge).it was 4-5 # better but suddenly changed a couple weeks ago for some inexplicable reason. All this is sensed as I said at the inlet of the VP. the four door would be more convenient than the quad cab's suicide doors...Both main doors are rusting at the bottom and there are a bunch of other minor niggling annoyances and it needs minor body and paint work. but it is paid for... and has 290K miles showing on the odometer...

Why not make the change then becomes the question, 1) I dont know I can afford the 06 even after selling my 01, but beyond that why is it a bad idea? the 06 undoubtedly has warts ala the lift pump deal but I dont know what they are. It has about 75-80K miles

Thanks for any input y'all would care to share!

SIXSLUG

First off, I would say if your current ride is even leading you to consider a newer version, I would go for it.

Secondly, when my old rigs started nicklendimin me to death and parts were getting hard to find I decided it was time to put them down. I can replace nuts and bolts parts all day, but when the darn electronics start givin fits...that's it.

Also, I could thoroughly rely on my old Ford's and Chev's with points and carbs, and fix 'em if NAPA was close by.

I have nightmares regarding the vp44....

infidel

If I had a 24 valve I would highly consider upgrading to a more reliable CR or 12 valve truck.

SOhappy

(Sorry for the hijack, probably not worth starting a new thread)

I'm in the opposite situation, just sold my 2011 to build a house and looking to get a 2nd gen in the meantime. From the post above, I gather that all things being equal a 12v is preferable to a 24v even though they make less power (stock)? I've got several 12v & 24v trucks to choose from in the $9k-$10k range, with 140k to 240k miles. All are automatics, long bed extended/quad cabs.

Would be nice to be able to pull my 10k lb. toy hauler in the mountains (in case I find time to go camping).

I guess they only made the quad cab 12v one year (1998?) haven't been able to find one of those yet in the area. I have kids so that's a factor.

j_martin

Making a reasonable amount of power with a first gen isn't a problem. Just needs a little fuel and air, and maybe studs to keep the head on if you get carried away with the other 2. I pull 8K of fiver and 3K of bass boat simultaneously all day in OD. Haven't pulled mountains yet, but I calculate that the limit would be about 6% (in OD)

Fiftygrit

My 06 lift pump is just fine, it is in the tank, no problem 129k and counting, my 06 has been the best truck I have owned, bar none, you just have to find a good one.

trust

Thanks guys, I appreciate the perspectives and am very glad to know that youve had good luck with your 06 fiftygrit! Thats a relief as I have fixed almost everything that might be about to fail, except the **** no bus issue which seems to be ramping back up unfortunately. Well and the darn rust...

Thanks!!