Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) New member needs advice ('96 2500)

[pgellerstedt]

Hi,

Ok, here's the bottom line --I'm looking for my first Cummins truck and have been now for a couple of months. Originally I was looking just at the 1st gen trucks because of price, etc but I have since expanded my search to the 2nd gen due to the very limited number of 1st gen trucks available. I have been also looking for trucks with manual trans. only, because I prefer to shift my own gears and the reliability issue. I will be using the truck for fairly light duty. Only occasionaly towing and then light- medium loads by Cummins standards.

So, now of course I have found a truck with an auto transmission that is really tempting me. It's a '96 2500 4x4 auto with 129K. The transmission was just replaced with a rebuilt unit. The front end was also recently aligned/track bar fixed etc. The asking price is $10,500 obo. To me this price seems pretty good compared to others that I have looked at. What do ya'll think?

My question is really this: as I much prefer driving manual transmissions, would I regret buying a Dodge Cummins with an auto for the rest of my days?? I realize that the auto transmission is for the most part less reliable than manual but i feel pretty good that the unit has just been replaced and would guess that I could at least get 50K out of it (assuming the rebuild transmission is good). Do those of you who have autos but prefer manuals wish they had got the manual in the first place? Other than the lower Hp/torque ratings and Dana 70 vs 80 rearend, is there anything different/ less desireable about the auto trucks?? Any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated!!!!



Paul

 

[drees1]

You should have no trouble finding what you want. Use the internet and search classifieds and be willing to drive a little to get it. I found a '96 5 speed ext cab, dually 2 wheel drive, after looking for about a month. It is exactly what I wanted, and I am now happy I did not compromise. Good luck, and welcome aboard!!



By the way the price of the truck you looked at sounds pretty good if average condition.



Doug Rees

 

[tgrfan2]

I would second that advice. I spent over six months looking for my 98 quad cab, but it was worth the wait. Found it at a VW dealer in south Georgia over 300 miles from home.

 

[Dreher]

I was in the same boat you are about four years ago. I lived in southern Cal at the time and ANY used Dodge Cummins was hard to come by (up here in WA, you can't spit without hitting one). I settled for a 96 auto, though I wanted a stick. I bought it with 92,000 on it. I had the trans rebuilt by DTT at about 120,000 (along with a fueling plate). It didn't need a new trans, but it was getting tired. Wow, whole new truck. I use my truck about like you plan to use yours. I'm glad I have the auto, now.



If the trans had a decent rebuild and the truck is in good shape, you should get a lot of use out of it before another trans. I know I wouldn't sell my truck for ten grand.



Bob

 

[illflem]

By all means buy what you want, but the autos aren't as bad as many would lead you to believe. They are a heavy duty transmission but when a truck is modified beyond the design of the trans something's got to give. My 2500 is the first auto I've ever owned in 40+ years of driving only because I got a deal on it. Now I wouldn't have it any other way unless I was towing heavy. The truck you're looking at seems like a good deal.

 

[Joe G.]

Paul,



The stock auto will not put up with a modified Cummins for long. Just too much torque. However, a good aftermarket auto trans is another story altogether. Some of the go fast boys have changed to the auto.

 

[Woodenhead]

Paul



When I bought my '89 auto, I kinda wanted a stick but got a screamin deal on the '89. Every time I drove it I always wished I had a stick. I'm like you and prefer to chose my own gears, RPM etc. Soooo I waited until I found EXACTLY the rig I wanted (my '96) and I'm lovin every minute of it.



My point... if you can, wait and get exactly what you want. With used rigs you'll probably never get all the options you want (CD, PW, PL, color) but at least get as close as you can.



Just my $0. 02

Mike

 

[Kalaehina]

Keep looking and get what you really want, exactly what you want. Believe me on this, I spent 8 long years watching and waiting for a 5 speed 4x4, didn't matter year, or body configuration, but I decided it had to be a 5 speed 4x4. I past up a 5 speed 4x2 club cab, was really tempted, but held out. I then past up a 4x4 regular cab dually with a 4:10 rear end. Every now and then I'd see a Cummins in the classifieds but they were always autos. The dealers didn't even bring in manuals unless you ordered it. Then I finally came across a 5 speed 4x4 regular cab that had 43,000 miles on it, and today we've been a team for 2 years and 7 months. I almost went with autos but everytime I'd see a manual truck or hear one I would be focussed on a 5 speed again. Glad I waited. Good luck and welcome to the crew!

 

[M Barnett]

I would hold out and get what you want. I also have to shift gears and would never be happy with the auto.

Michael

 

[vssman]

Paul,



I bought my 96 reg cab new with the Auto box. Problems started on the stock transmission at 1,000 miles. Dealer replaced the transmission under warranty at 10,000. The TC started to slip at lockup around 30,000. This is just a daily driver, never towed, plowed or carried heavy loads. Finally had the TC & VB upgraded and can only say it was the best thing I ever did. It shifts firm and holds the torque without any complaints. Now that the BOMBing bug has hit, I like the idea of not loosing boost as I accelerate. It also makes it easier to drink the morning coffee and I can fit three guys (OK the guy in the center seat has to be short and skinny) without having to put my hand near.....

 

[Clinton]

the devil's advocate...

That first paragraph of yours... wow, that was me about 3 years ago, and I mean exactly. I went with a loaded '96 auto and haven't had any regrets. I had driven a couple of different family econo hand-me-downs and one thing I wanted was a very close to, if not loaded truck. That was tough to find with a manual trans. I'm not into the big power bombs so I don't worry too much about the A/T. Mine came with a Banks kit, but that's pretty mild by todays standards and the auto is hanging in there nicely at 90k miles. I have also grown to like the auto quite a bit. I'm going with the idea that it's up to me to extend the service life of the A/T with over-maintenance. If I extend it long enough, we'll get to the bottom of who builds the best aftermarket unit.



So, if that truck has the right options, you like it, and you're not getting it to tow everyday, then you may have found a new ride. You may even find that the A/T is a fairly desireable option.

 

[kchristopher]

Originally posted by pgellerstedt

because I prefer to shift my own gears



as I much prefer driving manual transmissions, would I regret buying a Dodge Cummins with an auto for the rest of my days??

You prefer it so much you mentioned it twice. Wait for the manual, you will regret it - not because it isn't a good auto, but because you want a manual.

 

[pgellerstedt]

Wow -- there's a lot of good advice there. Thanks for all the input!! I'm going to take a look at the truck tomorrow (about a 4 hr drive) and I'll know better whether it's something that I can live with after I drive it and really check it out thouroughly. I found out some more about the rebuilt transmission. Apparently it was "beefed up" to some degree when rebuilt. Heavy duty clutches from B&B Hines were used (i'm not familiar with this company --help?) and the new transmission shifts more crisply, feels bertter than the original.

There are a couple of reasons that I am really thinking about this truck (of course I won't know until i get there and check it out):

1. ) i believe that I may be able to get it pretty cheap ~maybe<$9500 (Blue Book is 11,500) -- it is a very stripped down truck --no A/C, no CC, etc. It does have a few things like cloth seats, tape deck, clearance lights, tow pkg -- I think it is a stripped down ST. I would prefer to have these options however I would rather have a higher quality truck overall w/o extras than have a higher mileage, lower quality truck with the options. Does that make any sense?? Also this will be a second vehicle for my fiancee and I so going without AC, etc is more liveable.

2. ) I think the only way for me to get a newer truck like this one within my budget is to get one that is pretty light on the options. Like I said in the previous post I was originally searching for a first gen but it seems that I can't find any that are in good condition with low miles for less than about 10-11K. I know they should be out there but I sure can't find them. I realize that this type of search can take a very long time but i guess I am getting a little impatient since I sold my car already and winter is coming on and I have very limited free time and distance that I can travel to check out all the options. I've probably called about 50 or more trucks so far that are within about a 500 mile range and this is the only one that looks potentially promising. Oh well, I won't really know until I check it out... all this is just speculation! Thanks again for all the advice -- keep it coming!!

Paul

 

[M Barnett]

I understand we all have different needs, desires, comfort zones,etc. but no a/c, no cruise? I just couldn't handle that. I know I live in the Az desert, but it can be just as miserable on the east coast when its hot and humid. Keep an eye on your girlfriend as she may run off with some guy with a/c when summer comes back.

Michael

 

[John_P]

pgellerstedt:



Welcome to the website!!



You might want to try contacting another TDR member near

you (Rammin On) AKA: Keith Livingstone. He usually has

pretty good knowledge of Dodge CTD's that are available

in your area.



I live fairly close to you (near Wilmington, N. C. ). I know

of a few dealers here that have used Dodge CTD's for

sale in the price range you are looking for.



I will do some checking and get back to you.



---------

John_P

 

[SmokinRam]

While Everyone is Searching...

While Everyone is Searching, I too am looking for a good 12-Valve.



What I am looking for is as follows:



1994-1998(12-Valve) 2500 SLT 4x4 Regular Cab 5-speed(Automatic Maybe... ). Mileage is really not important, but I am looking for a fairly clean truck. Colors of preference are Red, Black, or White...



I am located about 35 miles east of Pittsburgh Pa, but am willing to travel for the right truck. .



If anything would come up, please email me at:

-- email address removed --



Thanks in advance...



Andy

 

[Hookemupman]

I also bought a 96 4x4 with auto after my brother told me to get a manual,totaled truck about a year after buying it and next truck was 98 4x4 manual and its great i personally would never own a auto with a diesel again,my point is buy what you want and don't settle for anything else. Also be willing to travel and it opens up the opportunity of trucks out there to choose from. Good luck

 

[rdrose]

go for the truck you desire

i have a 97 5-spd 4:10 and i would not want it any other way. i looked for months. drove 4 hrs and it was all mine after seeing it. the paper had put in the early models and the person selling it didn't put a transmission type on it,so i call and told me it was a 5-spd ext cab long bed. i told him i would see him and the morning i got it for 14,500.

 

[plater]

Try www.trucktraderonline.com I found my 97 in 99. They also have a magazine.

 

[pgellerstedt]

I found one! Woohoo!

Well, I found just what I have been looking for and bought it yesterday. The truck was just posted in the TDR classifieds Thurs, looked just right, so I wasted no time and drove the 5 hours to check it out and bought it. Its a 1994 4x4, 5spd in excellent condition and as a bonus has had some BOMBing already done to it... can't wait to pick it up on Monday!! I'll fill in more details after I bring her home!

Paul

(Thanks George!!)