New (to me) 1993 3/4 ton 4X4 single cab

[Gomez]

Just made the deal. 104,843 miles! $5,000 american. Was this a good price?

I've wanted one for a long time. What should I look for as far as problems that may come up? It is in very good shape, but the paint is typical Dodge. What should be my first mod? Can the 5-speed handle increased power? What about an exhaust brake? I'll have a lot of questions in the future. I do have a 2000 3500, so I know the power potential of these engines. Any information will be welcome, good or bad. Thanks

 

[peobryant]

The Getrag G360 was rated from the factory to handle 360ft/lbs torque, and these engines stock put out 400ft/lbs torque. Make sure to overfill it, and don't lug it and you should be fine.



As for the first mod, I would do the 366 spring, it allows the pump to fuel to 3200 RPM's, which should help shifting the 'Rag.



If you plan on adding more fuel (I'm sure you know this already) then you need gauges. I wouls suggest boost, pyro, and fuel pressure as the stock life pumps are known to fail.



Also, the '93 models have a tach plug under the dash, and I believe Isspro makes a tach that will plug right up, or you can use a factory tach, if you can find one.



Hope this helps.

 

[EDankievitch]

Change the steering shaft to a Borgenson (sp?) and install the banks exaust kit. and enjoy it. I had an 89 and I'm sorry that I sold it the 11 years I owned it it was a best friend/truck anyone could ever ask for. The 05 I now own is nice, yea it's strong and quiet but it's not the truck the 89 was. Best of luck with it. Oh I should not have to say thisbut change the fluids and filters!

 

[Dieselman359]

Good find

Hey, post a picture of this sweet find. I second everything that the previous guys said, and as for the exhaust brake, if you want to spend the $$$ they are a great investment. Between dad and I we've had 2 Jacobs ('03, '96) and a BD ('93) and haven't had a bit of trouble with either. Let me know when you find someone to paint it, my '92 is looking bad.

 

[JLEONARD]

CHECK the play in the steering shaft. If it's bad install a Borgeson. But keep stock if it's still good.

I had 600 + ft torque for several years and the transmission held up fine. . but I never towed or hauled anything on a regular basis. Definately overfill it with 5-30 synthetic.

Get gages before any mods.

Have fun

 

[Gomez]

Hey, thanks for the replies! Good info on the tach connection under the dash, I had no clue. That's what great about this site. The steering seems fine. What can go wrong with it? Oil and filter was just changed, looked like all fluid levels were checked. What's "over fill with 5-30 syn. "? What does this mean?

This truck will be used to haul, mostly gooseneck horse trailer, flat bed hay trailers, but I don't abuse.

I'll post pictures as soon as possible. (probably need some help to post)

Some small dings and one crease behind the Passenger tire but all looks good. This may be the proverbial "Grandpa's truck".



There is a local '92 truck for sale that has 420,000 miles. So I can possibly run this truck for another 316,000 miles! That sounds like a deal to me!



Thanks, and any tips will appreciated.

 

[peobryant]

To overfill the Getrag, most people go though the PTO bolt. It allows the transmission to run cooler, and hopefully have a longer life. I don't personally habe a Getrag, but most people say they like to shift really slow, so don't try and shift it like it's a racecar.



As far as lasting 316,000 more miles, if you take care of it, it will last a lot longer than that. I know of a few that are over 1 million miles, and a bunch over the 500K mark. The 1st Gens won't let you down.



I hope you enjoy the truck, and we all want to see some pics of her.

 

[JLEONARD]

steering seems fine. What can go wrong with it

The "pot joint" which is the ugly looking blob that actually connects the steering shaft to the steering box, is weak and crappy and in a 4x4 application especially it gets loose internally... . sometimes at low mileage, sometimes not.

This gives you a lot of play at the steering wheel. If you have more than a couple of degrees then it's going out and you should plan on a Borgeson to replace it. It will degrade slowly so you need to be aware of it. Not so much of a safety hazzard but a real PIA to drive when it's like that.