About to buy a 91.5

[Ncostello]

I used to own a 99 24V. Used to post alot too... mostly on fuel delivery issues I had. Since I sold the 99 last year I've been searching for that special 1st gen. And I haven't posted much being as I don't own one now. But that could change. I'm excited about this one. I passed a deal on a 93 when I bought the 99 and have regretted it ever since.



This truck is the same rig I originally wanted just a little older with a couple more miles. 1991. 5 Intercooled D250 Regular Cab Auto LE. Red, Grey Interior, Factory fender flares etc. 198K. But I ain't skeered of those miles. The whole truck is in very nice shape which hints the miles didn't hurt anything.



So with any luck Saturday... I'll be able to put 1st gen under my sig... finally.



Somebody told me there are screws on the VE you can turn. Is this true

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Somebody told me there are screws on the VE you can turn. Is this true "



Yup, those screws will help quite a bit!



Be aware that at least on the early '91's like I had, the radiator isn't really up to heavy use like towing in the hills - but swapping in a '93 cross-flow radiator really helps keep things cool!

 

[paccool]

Fuel screw, smoke screw, fuel cone adjustment, star wheel adjustment, timing adjustment, modify the air inlet, bigger exhaust, injectors, etc etc.



But first of all, get some gauges! Need boost and EGT for starters

 

[bgilbert]

Will the 93 radiator fit in the smaller rad's place, same width? After seeing the latest issue of TDR mag, showing the 85 D250 test mule, it had a cross flow radiator, with a neat coolant crossover pipe, and it didn't have the new style t-stat housing, it had the straight up industrial housing... hmm I know where to get a bunch of them... might have to fab up something for the crew.

Edit: sorry had too. .

Need boost and EGT for starters

Yep them starters get hot, how big a boost gauge needed for one, I know they get to spinning :-laf ...

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Minimal recommendation, is installation of an inner water-deflecting baffle in the upper radiator tank to divert a larger percentage of hot coolant across a larger portion of the radiator core, instead of merely "short-cycling" from the upper hose straight down to the lower outlet.



Installation of a '93 type crossflow radiator requires some fabricating skills, a '93 fan shroud that also must be modified to fit, and a different engine outlet to properly accomodate a '93 upper hose. Yes, the '93 radiator WILL fit the '91 opening.



None of that is real challemging if you don't mind a little effort use a little imagination - on my '91, the whole job was done in an afternoon at a total cost of about $225 - well worth it!

 

[NIsaacs]

My "91. 5" D-250 has the cross flow radiator w/intercooler. Maybe same as 92 or 93??





"NICK"

 

[Paychk]

Si!



Same,Same

 

[SBurton]

Amsoil

Can you use Fram oil filters with the Amsoil bypass system? Thanks.

 

[TKingsbury]

Can you use Fram oil filters with the Amsoil bypass system? Thanks.

HUH??? how'd we get here?

Travis. .

 

[f.boyle]

I wouldnt recommend a fram I've heard stories of their cardboard inards (guts) gettin sucked through engines!!!!!! g:{ :--) not a good thing wix/napa or fleetguard filters. wix makes napa's

Chainsaw

 

[Ncostello]

Thanks for the info!! I already have the boost and EGT gauges. I bought them for the 99 but didn't bother installing them knowing I was going to sell it. They have been waiting patiently in their boxes for a 1st gen.



No mods until gauges are in... I promise

 

[Ncostello]

I'm in!!

The deal is complete and I'm now a 1st gen owner after waiting a long time. My previous 99 was a nice truck... but there were just some things about it that didn't set right with me.



I'll post some pics in my gallery tomorrow or so. It is much nicer than I had ever hoped. The original red paint is as glossy and smooth as a new truck. The bed is undamaged. The interior is very clean and it has all the power options. Best thing is... everything works! Every buzzer, light, and gizmo works like new. Cruise works perfectly as do the grid heaters. Never had a 5th wheel or gooseneck. Trim and fender flares are great and the undercarrage is clean and original. Even the tailgate "Dodge" panel is nice with no dents or scratches.



In all this truck is as original as I could have ever hoped to find. Its all there just like the factory built it. No mods, no hard work, excellent maint records, and no damage anywhere. Well... the rear bumper does have a tiny ding... but who's lookin? Engine looks and runs perfectly and the transmission shifts like a dream. OD works properly and upshifts/downshifts when it should. Seemless.



I'm very happy and I've got what I want now. I was so glad to get rid of electric lift pumps I changed the fuel filter first thing just to try it. All I can say is... . EASY!!! My 99 was a total nightmare to change filters on. It never worked out like the instructions said... ever. I'm now 100% positive Dodge/Cummins made an ignorent mistake getting rid of the mechanical lift pump and spin on filters. It doesen't get any simpler and easier than this, period.



Gotta check the A/C charge, fuel gauge is zonking out when filled full, and I need a little paint on the bottom of the cab where the gravel hits off the front tires... but I'm happy and can't wait to start playing around with gauges, pump mods, etc etc etc.



One question. Does the radiator have to come out to remove the fan? It looks much closer than the 99's. I was wanting to inspect the KDP and do a fix so I don't have to think about it. Thanks!! Glad to be here again.

 

[bgilbert]

Does the radiator have to come out to remove the fan?

Nope, but since you're doing a KDP, might as well drain/flush coolant, and remove the radiator so you don't have to worry about damaging it with the fan blade or anything else. Comes out easy so why chance it. New radiator hoses if needed while you're at it too. New belt, keep old for spare. BTW, you must of gave a huge dollar amount for all this. . ??

 

[Ncostello]

Total for the truck... . $4000 even. Asking was $5000. I consider it the best deal I have ever found. Its hard to find a decent full size pickup of any type for this amount.



I'll pull the radiator, flush and install some premix Fleetguard Optimax coolant. I do need a Goodyear belt too. The one on there now squeaks when shutting down.



The miles are 190K. But you can't tell. The way it looks and runs suggest half that. About three years ago I looked at a 93 250 LE regular cab 2WD. I almost paid $11,000 for that but hesitated one day and lost it to a guy with cash in hand. It was absolutely fantastic with only 77K miles.