Which 1st generation year to buy?

[Gordon Maney]

If a person was to look for a nice 89-93 Cummins powered Dodge, are there any particular advantages or disadvantages to certain years from within that range? Is there a best one to buy?

 

[Headshot zod]

quick and easy answer



91. 5-93, reason intercooled and less problematic cylinder head

 

[KOG]

Why a '93 of course, the latest and greatest. Actually the '91. 5-'93 are about identical. The earlier models have a three speed automatic an no intercooler so they can be turned up on power very easily. The four speed is a real advantage in these trucks.

 

[1stgen4evr]

I have an 89, a 92. 5 and a 93 as well as a 97. I like them all



James

 

[Niki]

Whichever year you can find thats in the best shape/price. These trucks are usually pretty beat up. All years are good too, but like was mentioned the 91. 5-93 have a superior cylinder head, intercooler, and an overdrive auto, although I like the 3 speed auto/3. 07 diff myself if you have to have an auto. The early ones can make more cheap power because they have bigger injectors stock, but the lack of an intercooler and a smaller radiator eventually becomes a problem.

 

[MackRock]

I've got a '90 that's in great shape except the A/C quit working and I have not fixed it yet. Also the odometer quit working at 166,000 miles a few years ago. I bought the truck new and still have it as well as a 2004. 5. It has a 3 speed auto and I love the truck but would have to say this is the biggest problem I have with it. I wish it had overdrive. When the speed limit was 55 it was not that big of a deal but now I just don't take it on the Interstate any more. I still drive it alot around here (Virginia) because it gets great fuel mileage and I just like to drive it but, I'd have to agree with the others that say get the later year truck if you can find one in good shape.

 

[Rattler]

I think my son is going to sell his 92. He fried the trany and does not want to replace it. The body is solid,has just over 300k miles and is a two wheel drive club cab. Not sure just what its worth. Randy

 

[Greenleaf]

You will want one of each type. Early and late. I love 'em both. If I had to choose between the two, I'd sell em both and buy a '79 Ford with Cummins Power.

 

[DieselBuzz]

Welcome

Gordon,

Welcome to the 1st Gen forum! This is the place where you can adjust your front wheel bearings to your own specs. , and not pay an arm and a leg to replace them!

I like to think of this forum as having a little more character, less competitiveness with folks that are willing to help.

Best of luck in your hunt for a "new" truck. Be sure to go thru the FAQ section, if you haven't already, there are all sorts bits of info in there to remember when shopping for the next truck. Also, for me, the search feature has been a lifesaver for quick answers to specific problems. Let us know what you end up with.

Art

 

[phillips5]

I like my 90 because of having a 5 speed and more power but is not ext cab. it gets 23 mpg or better. I like my 93 because it is ext cab and A/C but I hate the automatic more specific the torqueconverter. If I had the time the 90 engine and 5 speed and pedals would go in the 93 than the truck would be the best. ext did not arive till 91. 5 518 od auto did not arive till 91. 5. The first 89's auto's had a great converter and those trucks would run.

 

[dpuckett]

I have had good experineces with them all. Make sure whatever you get is in good shape. The earlier ones were easier to get more power from, due to higher flowing injectors, but had smaller turbos and no intercooler, so EGT could get hot in a hurry, esp towing up a hill.



I think the nonIC trucks were easier to work on, due to less plumbing under the hood.



I like the vacuum pumps on the newer ones- more clearance for finding the timing pin and cheaper to repair.



I like the body/ trim styling of the newer ones, but the older ones had their character, too.



Basically, make up your mind about what you want in terms of drivetrain, transmission, and cab choices, and start searching. I found a steal of a pair on autotrader.com a year or so back- 2 of em for $2000.



Daniel

 

[MMiller]

Just do like most of us, buy one then another, and yet another. I've only need to pick up an 89, 91, 92 and I'll have a complete set. I'll need a 2wd, an extended cab, a dually, and an exteneded cab dually 4X4, to get them all... . :-laf Yep, your right my wife is not reading over my shoulder right now.



All of them are good trucks, I'm pretty partial to my 93, I personally like them the best, last of the vintage.



Michael