What AT in '93? What to look for on early rams?

[m715]

Well I told myself I was going to stick to the '94+ rams, but one of my friends handed me an ad today:



1993 Dodge 250 Cummins 4x4

AT, 145k miles, 8ft plow, runs well - $5,500



At that price I call up and see if its still for sale



What kind of Autos did they run in the '93?



I'm in NY so the big thing to watch out for is rust...



The only other things that worries me is the plow, if its been there its full life that would be some serious wear on the truck...



Any thoughts?



Luke

 

[John Martines]

The trans is a 518 it's just a 727 w/overdrive it's a pretty strong transmission. At the mileage this truck is at and being a plow truck the trans. and the front axle are the main concern. The axle is very tough but I would check for steering wear(alinment) and the trans. for how it shifts and how the fluid looks. For the price I don't think you will find any much cheaper. Just my 2 cents.

 

[paccool]

I agree with John. If the truck is in good shape, the transmission will run about $2000 and say $1000 for some front end work-still a pretty good price.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

The other fella's expressed my feelings well.

Bill K. has spoken well of the A518 trans. in general. Also he said that the common practice of starting a truck thats been sitting and immediately pulling it into N to improve the oil flow (due to the tendancy to 'drain-back) is not really needed on the A518's. I think it 'flows' oil fairly well in P, atleast better than the newer VB/Trans. 's

A plow will certain multiply the wear on the trans. even with regular tans. services. I would guess its at it life-limit given the plow application/miles.

Good luck !!



Regards, Bob

 

[m715]

Hey thanks for the thoughts, talked with the guy and I'm going up later this week to check the truck out see how it runs and drives, I figure at the price he's asking its definatly worth checking out. His story is; He's getting a new truck and needs the $$



How do you find what the axle ratio is?

I know there is a tag under the hood on the newer trucks, is there a similar tag on the 1st gen trucks also?



Here's a strange question...

The difference between the gas NV4500 and the diesel NV4500 is the front input shaft.

Does anyone know if you can put a diesel input shaft into a gas trans?