2004 Dodge Ram high mileage 24V vs 1998 12V

Grit dog wrote:

ScottG wrote:
No comparison, the 04 is a far more advanced platform and will get the same or better mileage.

Not really. While the 03 and early 04 CR diesels get better mileage than the later CRs with a 3rd injection event (egr function), they will not get better mileage than a 12V all things equal. Both are known for good mileage.
To the OP, the 12V mechanical injection engines stopped in early 98. 98.5 to 02 was 24V with a VP 44 inj pump. Good engines, suspect inj pump.
03 to 07 24v common rail high pressure injection. Bosch CP3 pump.
To the original question, both will fit the bill for you. Both are known to be good models.
I'd suggest a manual trans in either for towing.
04 will have better brakes, more power stock and obviously better creature comforts.
98 is much simpler to repair and for that fact simpler to turn up the power.
Long discussion but if you want to do a lot of research go to dieseltruckresource.com

This hasn't been my experience after owning them for twenty years. My 93 12 valve 2WD got 24 mpg and my much heavier 03 CR would get 24 MPG before ULSD - it now gets 22 and those are all hand calculated.
The 04 is much easier and cheaper to get more power out of - a very usable extra 100 HP is easy with just the cost of a SmJr. You don't even have to lift the hood for this extra power!
Trans or clutch upgrades will always be needed with any year when power is added.
Either year is easy to repair and since the computer is more often able to point towards causes on the 04, it's just as easy to work on - just different. The CR's have lower rate of inj. failures and the pressure pump is more robust and not destroyed by a failed fuel pump. The 04 will be way more quiet, smoother running, smoke less, idle more consistently and have the better 48re trans if auto.
I suggest WWW.TDR1.com for further info.