1989 d 250

[AndrewKing]

HI All,



I have a chance to buy a 1989 D 250 with the Cummins, AT AC and more (loaded) std Cab. Per the owner, the truck is like new in looks and runs great (130 K miles). What do you think a fair price would be for this truck?... . Is there anything bad about the first year Cummins in a Dodge?... . I don't think it is intercooled... . how important is that a stock truck?... . If it is very important how hard / expensive is it to intercool it? Also, I don't think it had an OD transmission... . Just a regular 727 and a numerically lower rear end... . how good is this truck for towing?... . I tow about 8000 lbs occasionally.

Thanks in advance for any and all help. I plan on looking at this truck this weekend.

Andrew

 

[pepecat]

Mine had 140,000 and was in similar condition to yours and I paid 5000 for it from a dealer (Barber Ford in Ventura, CA)two and a half years ago (see when I joined TDR). All fluids and filters had been changed, new serpentine, and was meticulously detailed and clean as ever underneath. It had a hitch reciever with 7pin and electric brakes and the rest was stock. I found that towing wise it pulled my 8000 pound travel trailer just fine, I took it to Washington and Back from California. With all Mods I found that it had plenty of power and stayed plenty cool with BHaf and 4" exhaust and small radiator with no intercooler. I found that in the end, however the auto was a little inefficient for daily commutes on the California freeways where people traveled from 70-85 mph. It never gave me any problems and I never saw the fluid heat up much at all, I installed a trans temp gauge in the pan of my maghytec. All in all it is a great truck. . No it won't tow your loads of 25K but I'd say anything under 10K it'll do with no worries. The '89-90's are great trucks compared to anything with a gasoline V8!! I now have installed a getrag 5sp manual and I dash an envious eye at any other vehicle on the road and I don't see that changing any time soon.



Knowing what I learned about my Truck, if I were going to look at yours I would check to see that all front end components were in good shape and replaced already with the moog servicable ball joints or equivilant. Main point being that they are servicable with zerk fittings. check U joints to see if they have been replaced with Spicer Servicables. Check engine oil and fuel filter visually to see if they were new and clean indicating maintenance... My original turbo had blown seals and had been blowing oil into intake manifold, hard to check, but a + if turbo had been replaced, or ohauled. . check injector pump visually to see any chipping of original paint around tamper covers afc,, fuel screw, high/low idle... check the axle drums for leaky axle seals. The trans should shift firm and positive. It should run smooth as butter (stock) and sound like a CASE/INTERNat'l combine while idling with the hood open :-laf ... Of course all gauges, check for operation. Good luck hope this helps

 

[AndrewKing]

Thanks for the info... . I will be looking at the truck later tonight.

Thanks again.

Andrew