Class of 89 Q's

[Red_Rattler]

I love the look of the old power wagon 250's, and I found one, and I was just woundering what the pros and cons of the 89s are. I know it was the first year for everything, so I would imagine theres bugs, and did the engine have a turbo? I don't think it did, but I can't recall, and thanks for any info.

 

[J DeMaio]

Well Red_ Rattler:

The 1989's were turbocharged but not intercooled. They had 18 cm turbo housings and a little bigger injectors which is a plus. The manual transmission would be a Getrag 360 which is all right depending on useage and maintenance. I think all auto's were the 727? not sure of that.

They had a little different grill as you probably already know as compared to the 1991, 1992, and 1993's. Things to watch for would be water leaks around the kick panels, steering problems, cowl cracks, and brake troubles. Not all trucks will have these problems but these seem to be the most common so check it out before you buy.



Hope this helps

 

[Red_Rattler]

Thanks for the quick reply, and speaking of the grill, is there any way that the oldest style grill can be converted the the newer 91-93 chrome one? It just looks so much better

 

[Woodenhead]

As J DeMaio mentioned all '89s were 727's which means no OD. Depending on the gears you might find it a little slow/reving a little high on the highway. I get about 65mph out of mine wound out. Spends alot of time to the boards. I'm never in a hurry anyway. Worst mileage 13mpg (cold winter too many short trips) 19-20mpg on highway unloaded and too the boards. Front hubs will be milemarkers which I think are only on the '89s, strong hub but can't be replaced with a warn and aren't cheap. Transfer case is a N. P. 205. Check for rust around the top of the windshield, not fun to fix if it's gone too far. I like my 89, especialy the grill just cause I don't here many rattlin with the old grill. .

Minor details but all I think of to add.



Mike

 

[Matt S]

The 89 auto's came with 3. 08 or 3. 07 gears (can't remember the exact #). Tough 727 auto but also tough on the highway with a 75 mph top end because no OD. The grill on the 89 and 90 are classic (I may be biased) and aren't plastic that cracks like the 91-93 grills. The grill swap will require moving the headlights. I believe JSimpson did that swap on his 89.

 

[Lil' Dog]

Good reliable rigs.

The 89 is a good truck but I found problems getting parts from either Dodge or parts stores for the truck. They always say, "you sure it's and 89 DIESEL???" No, I always try to trick you guys The only complaint I have is about the truck not the drive train. That is the charging system, I have continuously been replacing voltage regulators.



Anyway, that engine is pretty tough as its the heaviest block of the install in the Dodges. After 91 they trimmed some of the weight out of the block and added the intercooler. Without the intercooler you are limited to the BOMBing you can get into as the EGT's get insane. Also the injector pump is limited in output and the 91. 5 up had the higher flow pumps. With the large injector holes (9mm) some guys have had cracked heads if they don't watch EGT or let them cool properly.



The only reason I'm selling the 89 is that I don't need 2 trucks. It's a good machine, always started be it -40 or +90°F and is reliable. Will be sad to see it go.

 

[J DeMaio]

Well they have a few things that aren't as good as the newer ones but can be made to be just as good or better. The aftermarket is great! You could always get a Gear Vendors gear splitter which would allow you to keep the strong transmission and have a better overdrive. For the intercooler delimma, you can get a used one off of a 1991. 5 to 1993 and adapt it if you were to modify the front end or there are aftermarket ones. Since you are looking for a 1989 you can probably find it cheaper than the later model trucks.