first time buyer

[RGT]

Hi, I've been a member here for a while and really am learning a lot about these trucks, even though I have never owned or driven in one untill today. . it was a test drive on a '90 w350 with the LE package, standard cab, 5 speed and 103k miles for $6900. the cab looks real straight, the bed has some inner fender rot but looks great externally(I plan on putting on a flat bed. . ), engine compartment real clean, some minor dry buildup on the front of the timing cover, it has a "hole set"? turbo on itcouldn't find a size it was being shut off with a wire to the cab pulling on the manual shut off. Rear spring perches were recently replaced, truck also has a recent paint job that looks good if you don't get close, which is good enough for me I tend to rough on things anyhow. I only got to test drive for about 1/2 mile when it ran out of fuel, it started back up with only minor cranking and a few gallons of fuel, I did not get to drive it on the highway, everything seems pretty tight and driveline looks as though things have been being serviced regularly. I did seem to get a little gear going into 3rd,worn synchro? I have been looking for a '91. 5 to '93 but am getting tired of waiting... are the differences between the pre '91. 5 and post 91. 5 worth sticking to my original plan for, or can I just upgrade as I go? I did really enjoy the truck, I also noticed that the throttle was not opening all the way when the pedal was pushed to the floor, which is probably to the trucks advantage, any thoughts are welcome.

Thanks



Roger

 

[Case500D]

Differences

Roger,



The main difference between a pre-1991. 5 is that it is not intercooled. You can add a Banks intercooler for around $900 (I think, not a quote). If it were me, I think I would be patient though and get a newer 1st gen that doesn't need quite so much TLC. The 91. 5 and newer trucks are already intercooled and can be BOMBed more easily. Hope this helps.



Jeremy

 

[RDBuck]

New owner

Any of the 1st gens,89-93, can be tuned to run real strong compared to stock. The intercooled models probably have a little advantage in bigger radiators,improved piston cooling,and some other changes that will not make a big difference in the long run. What bothers me the most in your post is mention of some gear grinding. Assuming that the truck has the original Getrag transmission I can pretty much guarantee that you will be doing trans. work soon. Mine locked in 3rd after grinding for only one afternoon at 100,025 miles! Replaced with the NV4500. IMHO the 93 model would be the best to buy if you can find one, but I would not turn down a good deal on any of the models unless they have 4:10 gears. In my opinion you just do not need this ratio unless you are doing heavy towing.



I hope others jump in to round out more balanced info for you. Good luck!

 

[bgilbert]

I would want a more thorough test drive. Owner might have not wanted u to hear how loud 5th gear is at highway speeds. Feel each gear out, listen for noises etc. Make sure everything works if possible 4wd, message center lights on dash- that they do precheck. Maybe wait to start light works. $6900 seems kinda high to me but hey I'm cheap. good luck

 

[RGT]

thanks for the input, after looking at a '92 w250 yesterday(sold on ebay for $7500 last night) I think I will wait for a post '91. 5 truck I reaaly liked the bigger frame on the '92, also really liked the extended cab. The '92 was also pristine compared to the '90, whoever bought that '92 got a nice truck, it had Banks Power Pack emblems, do they make one for first gen trucks, I thought they were for the electronic trucks. It did have a nice 4" exhaust..... is the only real difference between a single wheel w350 and w250 the springs?

 

[Case500D]

Power Enhance and 1 ton questions

Hi,



Banks does make numerous packages to fit our 1st gen. trucks. I think with a bit of research and looking at other rigs, you can get a more for your dollar by making a setup yourself. Banks is nice, but it is a bit pricey. Anyway, the only difference I can find between a W-250 and a W-350 SRW is the rear brakes. The 1 tons have 3" shoes and 1-1/8" wheel cylinders. But you can easily upgrade a W-250 to that. I put a set of overload springs on my W-250. They were off an older W-350 dually, but they bolted right on. I even have Power Ram 350 badges I am going to put on my truck once I get it repainted. Have to keep the competition on its toes Have a good Thanksgiving!!!



Jeremy

 

[AMikonis]

Sounds like you're doing the right thing passing on the '90. The manual shut off bothers me. Obviously something is wrong and that's why they bypassed it, which usually means the injection pump is fragmenting internally and the pieces have jammed the plunger. It would be a little early at 100K, but then again I never believe the odometer mileage on a first gen. The speedometer is a very fragile system prone to failure, and also easy to disconnect...



Andy