My brother took my 96 truck and left me with his 91 model. The one he left is a bare bones model and is kinda rough so now I'm looking for another truck. I can't decide whether to get a 97 model or about an 03-05. It will be used for light hauling mostly, but I want to try B100 biodiesel and maybe run it altogether. Advice on what years and why will be greatly appreciated.

 

i would go with a 94-98 12v cummins manual trans

 

I would stretch that out to include the 92-93 IC trucks too.

 

Why would the 3rd gen. not be as good a choice???

 

12valves are a lot cheaper, easier to maintain, less stuff to go wrong, and cheaper to mod. That being said Im a 12valve man, but they are def. cheaper. 93 1st gens are bio ready. 89-92 require some fuel line changing to make them biodiesel compatible.

 

94-98 have the p7100 pump. no computer! makes them more reliable.
94+ have the new venture 4500 trans manual 5 speed.

something 1st gens do not

2nd gens 24v becareful of the mexican blocks the 53 block and the vp pump.
the 53 blocks are known for cracking.

the p7100 any one can upgrade with a simple plate. many sizes available

 

there i edited that for you the 3rd gens did not have a problem with the 53 block that is the 2nd gens. also the 3rd gens have a cp3 not a vp44
as for the 3rd gens i would look for a 4.5 to 05 truck they are the best of the 3rd gens until mods catch up for the 06 and newer.

 

It's not the mexican block that's the problem. The Brazilian ones (tupy, not Teksid) that had the 53 series.

Justin

 

The Getrag is a very strong tranny though. Many people knock it, but I bet mine will last just as long as any 4500, and I can probably shift it just as if not faster. Shifting is the only drawback of the Getrag in my mind.

 

Go with a 94-98 12v. I have a 95 and love it. the 96-98's have a few more horsepower from the factory than the 94 and 95's do but with a few mods you cant tell a difference. I like them because they are simple and the best part- no computer crap

 

Avoid the vp44. Enough said.

 

Unless you have an extra $1600 laying around that you can spend to replace it, which of course will only happen at opprotune times with no outside inconvience. Then you will still have no guarantee as to how long it will last.

I guess it comes down to this - if it's to be your only veichle, and you would like some traveling comfort, have the money, and want a more "civilized" truck, go for a 3rd gen, they are worlds aread of the first and second gen units here. If it's to be a work truck only, a good, well maintanced second gen will suit the bill fine. Check for crash damage, and see if ball joints and other expensive parts that wear out have been replaced. I would rather buy one with more miles that's had all this done than a lower mileage unit that may soon need these repairs. Good luck!

 

12v for good reliable transportation, 3rd gen if you want to mod it

 

i havn't had experiance with either.
i would assume the nv4500 is a lighter trans might be better geared??

isn't New venture and getrag one in the same?

 

Depends on what you can afford. Personally, I'd say an 03-04 cause I have one and love it, and I seen one with over 600,000 miles sell on ebay, and know numerous ppl with over 300,000 HARD miles on em. I'd love to have an ol 12 valve sitting next to it though. You can't go wrong, you just have to decide what fits your bill...