2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What can you tell me about these trucks..

[JR2]

So I found a couple of trucks on craigslist here in AK.



1996 Dodge 2500



Anyone know anything about them, as in the gearing and such. They appear to be ex-military tugs of some kind.



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I was thinking they might make a nice start to a drag truck or be good for moving around a fifth wheel trailer if they are geared for the highway.

 

[Flying_gage]

Looks as though it is an aircraft tug. I have seen a couple in 2wd versions and the rear end is something like 7:1... I would be interested to see if on the 4wd version they converted both axles? Lots of idle time with these vehicles...

I would think to make it road worthy you would be looking at a couple grand and then they wouldn't necessarily fun to drive as they have been "bobbed".

Just my . 02

 

[GAmes]

I would guess 4:10s. My 97 has the rear ratio posted under the hood next to the latch assy. Don't know about 96s. You may have to jack the rear off the ground and count revolutions of the driveshaft and tires. That short wheel base would be detrimental to 5er towing because the hitch would have to be mounted aft of the axle. Too much $$$ for what you would get.

 

[DHayden]

Found this write-up on another site:

Some info on the Dodge pickup versions

5. 9 Cummins 6bt turbo non intercooled
727TF atuo transmission (junk for anything other than a stock engine)
2wd
D70 rear axle welded to the frame (no rear suspension)
7. 17 gears
top speed of about 30mph running WOT (wide open throttle) on the factory 2750rpm governor (recommended RPM for best performance/fuel mileage is 1600-1800rpm)
Probably idled for extended periods of time. Read a Cummins manual, this is a BIG no no because it causes cylinder wash.

On a side note, my neighbor used to have one, he installed a set of 3. 55 gears in it, cranked up the pump, and did some other cheap performance mods and that thing was LOADS of fun except for the no suspension part.

 

[PSpychalski]

Drove one of these for many years... have absolutely NO suspension. . used for towing power units and Maint. stands... would not be a good tow rig for the hywy... . very squirrley... most of these rigs are detuned & governed for slow speeds and heavy tow.