Need some advice on 93 250

[LRotter]

WOW!!! It really is less advanced and powerful in the 1st gen forums. What everyone said is true Just kidding.



My dad and I are going to look at a 93 250, 5 speed, 4x4 that is going to be up for auction in April. The truck has 67,xxx original miles on it and is supposed to be in really good shape. The guy who owned it was a farmer that recently passed and he has a ton of stuff up for auction. Apparently, he was really good about taking good care of his stuff. My questions are: What should I look out for on this truck? Any issues I need to know about? Any areas of concern that I should watch out for? Dad has been looking for one of these trucks for a while but most everything you find is higher milage so I hope this one turns out to be in good shape. Thanks in advance.

 

[Sri Ram]

"WOW!!! It really is less advanced and powerful in the 1st gen forums. What everyone said is true"



not funny…

 

[LRotter]

My humor is sometimes not appreciated I guess. Look at it this way, at least you 1st gen guys don't have to worry about your VP-44s going out at a moment's notice.



Don't tell anyone but I do think the 1st gens are the best looking Dodge trucks.

 

[Sri Ram]

"My humor is sometimes not appreciated I guess. "

I'm in the same boat.



Now, I notice the truck is a 5 speed. Although I've never owned a 1st gen 4x4, I hear that transmission is at risk. If possible, you might want to drain a bit of oil from it and look for sparkles or metal shavings. Also, these trucks eat front ends, so check tie rods, ball joints, etc, carefully. There's also always the kdp, which--as a tdr member--you probably already know about. But, I doubt you'll be permitted to inspect the gear case for that anyway, so you'll just have to have faith. And, then there's the usual stuff you'd look for: hoses tight? leaks anywhere? excessive smoke? (whoops, that's normal for these trucks!) Be sure to let us know what you find, and post pics, too!

 

[DThibault]

I have a 91. 5 that I have used onm the farm, since new and the only thing I have done to it is tires, brakes, and exhaust, drag link and one tie rod end. It now has 176000 miles on it and the transmission is singing a little and I am going to take it down and check it out but my son drives it to school about 60 miles every day. It starts at 0 degrees without plugging it in with a 6 year old battery. I regularly tow a 20 foot goose neck cattle trailer and enjoy driving around town more that my 2001. I am now dealing with rust and am going to completely recab the truck and hope it is only half way through its life. Don't tell me where the auction is. I don't need another one. Good luck.

 

[91W350]

With miles like that it should drive like a new one. Nothing in particular to watch for. The rockers and drip rails are suspect in the old trucks, many will have the floors rotted out, especially if a lot of mud or snow has been dropped on the floor. A frequent Kansas farm problem. You will be able to tell quickly about the sheet metal. Most old 4X4 farm trucks look like they have ten times their actual miles, at least in this part of the world. I hope it is a nice one. Like they said, good luck and post lots of photos! Glen

 

[1stgen4evr]

"I am now dealing with rust and am going to completely recab the truck"



I just recently pulled the cab and fenders as a unit from a truck that I bought in Texas. I have a helper and he had it ready to lift off in about 5 hours working by himself. (He did miss one brake line that was trouble with the cab half off. ) Used some wide nylon straps and lifted through the windows and, at the front hooked on the core support. It was easier than when I pulled and replaced an engine.



It was something that I knew intuitively but was still astounded that there was so little to it when you see it in that condition. I believe that an interprizing individual could build a first gen from salvage parts at a fraction of new cost and have a really good truck for the effort. The one thing I have that might be a block for some is a large lift. I have a 20k # Hyster that will lift about twenty feet high.



To the original question, look for the general condition of the truck. If the miles are as stated, it isn't really broken in good yet. The fan belt, seals, hoses and other rubber parts will age even without the miles. The 5 speed is a Getrag and you should read up on that transmission and its particular needs. The 4x4 does impose more load and can be an early failure but with proper attention, many are getting VERY good service with the Gertag.



Welcome to the under powered, retarded world of first genners. You will get used to us and start acting like one of the gang 'fore you know it.



James

 

[TKingsbury]

I got mine with 85K on it and have had zero problems with it. The trans and transfer case are smooth and quiet with 116K on it now. If it looks good, try and get it, you won't be disappointed.

Travis. .

 

[RailroadJim]

Sounds like a great find but depending upon how long it's been sitting will determine everything, my blackie sat for four years as i was told in grass under a carport, the brake lines were rusted completely through and the all seals needed attention as they had dried out, once those things were fixed you couldn't tell it from brand new. It's only original once.

 

[Greenleaf]

Most of the members don't worry about the VP-44 except me. There are NINE of them here on the school's campus and they do just that. Stop at a moments notice.



The mechanical pumps generally give tell tail signs of impending doom.



-S

 

[JLEONARD]

Don't tell anyone but I do think the 1st gens are the best looking Dodge trucks

Don't sweat it... . what happens in the first gen forums stays in the first gen forums. We won't tell your buddies you've changed your name to Benedict Arnold. :-laf :-laf

That's my attempt at unappreciated humor.



Welcome.

Jay