Truck purchase information needed

[Lordsman]

Hey Guy's,
I'm interested in buying a 1st gen. (91-93) 4x4,extra cab truck to be used for work. I want an automatic as I'll be in town a lot and not interested in shifting all the time.
Have a 99 6-speed that keeps me shift happy.
So... I need feedback from you on what options to get, stay away from, etc. I'll be installing tool boxes and a ladder rack. I estimate the added weight will be approx. 1000-2000 lbs. depending on the job. I'm getting rid of a chevy van because it's a dog with the added load and poor mpg(11) also. My main questions are: Is auto. trans a good choice? Rear end size? MPG w/ these trucks? Problem area's? Price range?
Your input will get me a good truck. Thanks.

 

[R.E. Miller]

It has been my experiance with these trucks that they are fairly bullet-proof when comparing used trucks of other manufacturers. I would recommend looking over the engine good, listen to how it sounds, look for leaks, and the regular bit. The only problem I have had with mine were brakes-normal wear item, rear axle seals-155000?, and other small stuff, nothing major. Look for towing mirrors, the power ones seem to rattle often. Other then that, these are good trucks.

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1992 W-350 Club Cab Dually 3. 5" Jardine, Swiss cheese air box
1992 W-350 8' contractors dump with 3. 5"BD exhaust, 16cm^2 housing, DI pyro&boost
Russell

 

[fastmark]

My auto is great. The getrags give some trouble. I like 3. 54 rears. Brakes are the big problem with mine. Now help out there for that. The 1st genners are easy to work on too. mark

 

[drives mopars]

look at drivers door hinges they crack
at door side weld to fix

if a. /t trans get one w/ factory cooler
under drivers side rear fender
and and and add 1 from summitt racing
it a b and m brand put under front bumper
not in front of radiator

raise carpets look 4 water leaks and rust

they leak water some

get a 92/93 has better radiator


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1993 w350 ex cab, banks,nv 4500 in
open exaust, pw Injectors are in. Big rig flaps,tach in,. Its loud and goes ok, for a 93,Ham radio Call KK6dm
has ability to communicate any where in the world. Headliner shelf
5 antenna's

 

[Lordsman]

Sounds good so far!

What type of fuel mileage do these rigs get (auto. trans,city driving)?
How's the power?
Is 4-wheel drive reliable?
Do the auto. transmissions stand up to the Cummins?
What is best auto. trans/rear gear ratio?

I'm gettin' the Cummins fever again!

 

[NuttyMopar]

For MPG, I have gotten about 21 around town if I keep my foot out of the throttle and having premium diesel. Most of the time though it is in the upper teens. As for 4wd, they seem to last very good. I have replaced the u-joints in the axles once so far. The trans is different. My has lastest excellent for the mileage (144,000) and never doing anything too it except fluid and filter change. I have the extra cooler under the left rear bed besides the one in front of radiator. I think that has helped greatly. But I have turned up the power on the Cummins and after 10,000 miles it is finally starting to slip a little. (Heavy right foot). As for power from this Cummins. Just can't be beat. By turning up the power a little, it really feels just like a gas powered truck. Takes right off and just keeps going throughout the power band. I highly recommend getting a 92 - 93 because they have an intercooler and that makes a world of difference from what I have read.

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Scott
92 Ram, Bright White, Club Cab, LE package, 4x4, 130K, 3. 54 gears, Auto, Extra transmission Cooler, 285x75x16 Cooper Discovery A/T, 16X10 American Racing rims, RS9000, Tekonsha, Running boards, Lund Sunvisor & bug shield, Marker lights, Tonneau cover, Full cap, DynoMax, 5" Chrome tip, 16 cm Turbo, Isspro Boost, 23 lbs Boost empty, Oil Pressure Gauge, Pump Adj, Sprayed in Bed-liner, Rubber mat

'SHAKES, RATTLES & GOES'

 

[wrk2mtch]

NP 205 transfer case and manual hubs
The 4 wheel drive on the first gens is very solid.

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'90 LE W250, 727, 3. 07, Line-X bedliner, 140k miles,

 

[unclebilly]

Drivers...

All 1st gen Clubcab Cummins trucks are 92 or 93.



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91. 5 CTD 4X4, 5" Stacks, Tweaked Pump, 33" Boots (in the summer), Unlimited Slip,
Big, Bad Dodge

 

[R.E. Miller]

My club cab 4X4 dually gets about 18 mpg, and I get into it at times. #ad


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1992 W-350 Club Cab Dually 3. 5" Jardine, Swiss cheese air box
1992 W-350 8' contractors dump with 3. 5"BD exhaust, 16cm^2 housing, DI pyro&boost
Russell

 

[Lordsman]

I've found a few I'm interested in. 1992 & 1993 years and some have e-brakes installed.
Are heavy duty valve spring ugrades required as on 94-98 12 valves?
On my '99 24 valve HD springs are a stock item and e- brake works good.
I've yet to call on any trucks, but will soon, thanks to all the info. received here.
The price's range from $9800-$15000 obo depending on miles/condition. All are ex. cabs. Will do blue book check to get a better feel on price w/ options.

 

[Doug]

The 60# springs are not required for exhaust brakes but do increase braking by about 30%.
Doug

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91. 5 D250 5 speed, 16cm2 housing, gauges (EGT, boost, tach), BD exhaust brake (w/ 60lb springs)

 

[R.E. Miller]

Lordsman,
The valve spring upgrade is required on all of the turbo mount e-brakes, the us gear brake mounts on the exhaust, and does not require the springs.

Also note that this engine is going to be less powerful then you new 24er, if you don't expect this, you may be let down when you drive one, no matter though, enough guys here seem to have that problem taken care of... #ad