Looking to buy a dodge cummins!

[Want.A.Dodge]

Hey everyone,
I'm new to the forum and some what new to diesels. My father has a Ford F350 PowerStroke and it's sweet, but I want something different. I like the look of Dodge's and I hear the Cummins is a great engine.

I'm looking for a truck, probably from 1998 to 2002. I don't want anything too old though. I have a 1992 Jeep Wrangler currently. Love it to death, but I've been wanting a diesel for a while now.

What should I be looking for in the trucks from 98' to 2002? I've seen 12V cummins and 24V cummins. I'm not sure which is better and more reliable. I've heard about transmission problems with dodges, but then again I hear a lot of guys saying they've never had a problem with the tranny.

How many miles should I look for on the truck? I know the motor will go forever but what about all the other parts?


Thanks in Advance!

Want.A.Dodge

[Want.A.Dodge]

anyone have any advice when going out to look at a cummins? anything to watch out for? should i want the 24V over the 12V?

[TravisC]

Where are you located I have a 98 24v cummins for sale.

[MasterLow]

24 valves tend to be in better exterior condition since they're obviously newer, less rust, etc. If you see a nice 12v, probably be paying a pretty penny for it. On the 24valves, there's a problem with a certain block casting, the 53 block. About 1% crack (seems like more, just search "53 block" here on CF and check it out) and then you'll have to replace the engine. The 47re trans are good until you start adding bigger injectors, turbos, etc and then you'll have to sink anywhere from 3-5k into a newer built one. I'm still on a rebuild with 50k on it, slips a lot but I only have a 65hp box on it and a new trans in next on my list. Prepare to sink $1000 into a new injection pump when it goes out, plus 3-500 for new lift pump. Pretty much when something breaks, it'll average $1000 I've found.