Re: [A/S] tow vehicles

["Ann & Terry Taylor" <attaylor@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Yes....production after 1/1/98 used the 24 valve engine.  The 24 valve is
quite a bit more powerful than the 12 valve, especially in the HO version
(which is only available with a six speed transmission last time I checked).
I get right at 20 mpg with the 12 valve, and the 24 valve gets close to the
same.  Mine is a four wheel drive, so I have extra weight and friction
loses.  When towing on the freeway at about 65 mph, I get 16 mpg (7500 pound
Airstream).

The main weakness in the 12 valve engine is a positioning pin, called a
dowel pin, that can occasionally work it's way loose and essentially destroy
the engine.  There is a fix available, but it involves taking the front
cover off the engine. The failure is apparently very rare.  The main
weakness in the 24 valve is the fuel lift pump, which supplies fuel to the
injector pump.  From what I've read, loss of the lift pump will destroy the
injector pump (expensive).  It is a good idea to add a fuel pressure gauge
on the 24 valve models.

The Cummins Diesel is fairly noisy, but you don't notice it at highway
speeds.  Don't try to order at a McDonald's driveup without shutting off the
engine.

The Cummins has a reputation for durability.  It should go 250,000 miles
before a major overhaul, and is guaranteed to be rebuildable three times.
It was originally designed in the 1930s for a Case tractor.  I don't think
the other two engines have that kind of record.  Also, since they are V8
engines, they use a lot more components.

There is an aftermarket brake kit ($700) that includes heavier duty rotors,
etc.  I intend to use it next time I have brake problems.  It's not much
more expensive that using stock parts.

I would probably buy a new one if I were in the market.  There are major
styling and mechanical changes scheduled for next year, so I would get a
2002 instead of becoming a tester for the new model.  The body changes can
be seen on the 2002 half ton.

Terry