possible new 1st gen owner

[XJSuperman]

Well... I had a 3rd gen and loved it. But the ex-wife took it from me.



And now being on my own again I was going to look for a 2nd gen BUT for what I would get I don't want to part with that much $$.



So I have decided a 1st gen would be a great ruck for my budget and needs.



I am a manual trans guy but know very lttle on the getrags. AND I am thinking of going automatic as I have a guy local who can build me a STOUT auto for a very reasonable price.



SO I guess I'm looking for suggestions on years, trannies, and problems I need to look for.

Also... I have heard the '92-'94 injection pumps (obviously the 94 isn't 1st gen) are somewhat problematic... as well as expensive to repair/replace. How true is this.



And of course lift pumps... it seems all cummins dodges have lift pump issues. So what can be done with this.

 

[tugboatphil]

Superman (or should I refer to you as "Clark?") sorry, I had to say it.



I don't think our pumps (VE) are more or less suseptible to failure than any other. However, there was a recall on them, but I don't know the details. That said, our pump is VERY easy to get to compared to the others. Fairly easy to figure out also.



Lift pumps are mechanical and while more durable than the electrics, will not provide the pressure if you get too wild on the BOMBing. Again, they are fairly easy to get to.



I don't know anything about Getrags either. I've always had an auto.



Happy Hunting!

 

[XJSuperman]

That's good. I doubt I'll be heavily bombing anything. Most likely just intake and exhaust.

Thanks!

 

[RailroadJim]

Get a 92' or 93' with the 3. 54 rear for drivability, pump should be no problem, tps is crap on most autos but can be dealt with cheaply, look for rust over drip rail on the front cab corners especially on trucks with marker lights, if 4x4 check EVERYTHING on the suspension and i mean EVERYTHING. The 5 speeder is okay if it's been maintained, run a quart over, autos are fine only in stock configuration a plus would be the optional factory trans cooler. Check the seat mounts if bench, if a big fat dude had the truck for years, they're probably trying to tear away from the floor. A REAL find is a truck that doesn't have sagging doors. That should get you started, oh yes, the factory paint is usually peeling crap, especially fragile are the reds and silver colors and the headliners fall on top of you eventually.

 

[DBF]

That's good. I doubt I'll be heavily bombing anything. Most likely just intake and exhaust.

Thanks!

C'mon back and let us know how to help...



DBF

 

[mysteryman]

The first gen trucks are the best of the bunch... The 89 to 93's had Bosch VE pumps on them. It is my favorite. They are the simplest and cheapest to work on of all the pumps ever used... . It is all the pump you will ever need unless you plan on tearing up your truck by turning the power way up... Your better off with a 5spd... . better milage and more durable... No lock up in first gen auto's. . Using a 94 or 95 lock up trans in first gen is a better idea.....

Buying one out of the south western states is a better idea. They are all rusted out now up north...



You may want to read all of my posts in this section... I was one of the engineers that developed the first gens. . I have posted a lot of tech on them.

Bare in mind that I am into making the trucks work well with minimal matainance and or failures... . Many on this site like to think these trucks are race cars and find a lot of creative ways to destroy good equipment. I am not one of those guys and will not recomend doing things that are not practial .



I would recommend a 91. 5,92 or 93 D350 club cab 2wd 5 spd that no one has turned up the power on the engine yet... The club cabs are handy and give you more leg room... 2wd = less problems . Stock power setting = less chance of having a torn up trans or rear end... . Having no signs of a fifth wheel or goose neck hitch in the bed is also a plus!



The 89,90 and early 91 D250 has a light frame and small rad. The autos are 727 3 spds with unique 3. 07 axles... There are no gears left for these axles.

Due to people over loading the trucks the rears would break too often. I would stay away from 3. 07 rears !!!

The 89,90 and early 91 auto 250's are the least desirable !



If you have any more questions after reading my posts feel free to email or call me... Good luck

Well... I had a 3rd gen and loved it. But the ex-wife took it from me.



And now being on my own again I was going to look for a 2nd gen BUT for what I would get I don't want to part with that much $$.



So I have decided a 1st gen would be a great ruck for my budget and needs.



I am a manual trans guy but know very lttle on the getrags. AND I am thinking of going automatic as I have a guy local who can build me a STOUT auto for a very reasonable price.



SO I guess I'm looking for suggestions on years, trannies, and problems I need to look for.

Also... I have heard the '92-'94 injection pumps (obviously the 94 isn't 1st gen) are somewhat problematic... as well as expensive to repair/replace. How true is this.



And of course lift pumps... it seems all cummins dodges have lift pump issues. So what can be done with this.

 

[XJSuperman]

Thanks mystery man. I am not planning on doing any heavy modifications to the truck. Just intake and exhaust is all I really plan to do motor wise. I had an EDGE box on my '04... and after a while I just removed it and was not unhappy at all with a stock truck.



I have also done some more reading on the getrag and I guess it's not as bad as I've been led to believe and I do really enjoy driving a manual... I MISS my 6 spd something fierce.

BUT I have a friend local (used car dealer) who was using a 92 D-350 dually to pull his 3 car hauler. When his auto let go he had his trans guy build it back up and they put in an RV TQ-cnverter and a better valve body (not sure which) and it towed 18K VERY nicely. he put over 25,000 miles on the rebuilt auto before he sold it with ZERO issues. AND he only paid $1600 to have it done... I see a lot of guys saying "yeah it'll cost you $4,000+ to build an auto"... I guess not.



So now it's just finding a truck local that's in my budget.

 

[Greenleaf]

I agree with many of the comments of Mysteryman... to many to mention. However, I do not agree that the 89/90 etc. are the least desireable. That kinda hurt my trucks feelings... if it could read that is.



GL

 

[91W350]

look for rust over drip rail on the front cab corners especially on trucks with marker lights,

Look really close under the drip rail as well. The windshield gasket and the drip rail force the water to run to the edge of the windshield. The water hits the clamp where the two parts of the drip rail are seamed. close to the corner of the windshield. When the seam sealer gets weak, water will weep under the sealer and cause rust in that area. Normally it is on the center side of the seam and under the drip rail. You may have to roll the corner of the windshield gasket down to check it properly. There is a big flap of rubber gasket on the corners. The windshield is rounded, but the corners of the gasket form a fairly sharp corner. Like the others said, watch the cab lights too. Glen

 

[CrosbyJ]

i own a 1990 gen 1 non inter-cooled,also 2003,mine has over 310,000 on it. no problems with the motor,just the famous dodge electical(ha ha),dodge speed-o bounce,so the millage is more than what is on the dash. mine has an automatic with 3. 08 gears in back. have not had any problems with the auto,basically it is the great 727 trans with big block parts in side. my 03 is nice but the 90 is my go to do what ever i want TRUCK no computers just turn key (or push button) and go. mine all stock minus muffler and can take my 03 light to light. good luck

 

[91W350]

all stock minus muffler and can take my 03 light to light. good luck

Wow! :--) Neither one of my 1st Gens will come close to running with my '03, not even in the same ballgame. I think a stock air cooled VW Bug is capable of outrunning my 1993. :-laf But my tires, wheels and axles probably weigh more than the bug. My 2003 would light the tires with ease, sometimes during the 1st to 2nd shift too! Glen

 

[XJSuperman]

Yeah I'm not expecting anything like my 3rd gen was.



I do need a truck... and after having the cummins I refuse to spend money on a gas 1/2 or 3/4 ton. I'll get a 2nd jeep before I get a big truck with a gas motor again.



Hard part is going to be finding one I can actually look at and drive AND be the right price. But I have time so I'm a huntn'! LOL.

 

[Rebel Ram]

ggsoldan... You didnt "Love" that first gen enough. They can sense it. :-laf