2nd Gen Dodge to sell?
- Thread starter redthies
- Start date
Rot Box
Explorer
I highly recommend the KSL.com classifieds section under "cars" http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=443 Do the search for Dodge, diesel, year and price low to high you can really narrow down the search and there are usually a bunch to choose from :elkgrin:
redthies
Renaissance Redneck
Actually, I can do Jackson Wy in a long day, so SLC is do-able. I bought my current truck in Oakland. My wife just bought a new VW Tiguan and is dying for a road trip, soooo... I found two nice candidates on KSL. One in Vernal and one in Taylorsville. Might be headed your way if my F350 sells! Thanks for the idea on KSL. I was looking in Idaho and SLC on Craigs already!:sombrero:
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
Unfortunately, the budget you listed in your first post will put you into trucks that have been worked pretty hard. Add another 50% to that, and you are starting to get back into lower mileage, better condition vehicles.
10K is a good budget that will put you into a nice 2nd gen ram 4x4 diesel with 150 - 200K (which is reasonable mileage for that truck -- they are good for 350K, with some going MUCH longer). Be aware that the later 2nd gen trucks (with the VP44 pump) may need a new injection pump ($$$) if the lift pump fails (common problem). Also, the 47RE automatic transmissions are not the best, nor the cheapest to replace.
Any deal that seems to good to be true -- probably is.
redthies
Renaissance Redneck
Yeah, and by increasing my budget to $10k I will guaranty that I won't be doing anything fun this year either! I have found that there are quite a few decent regular cab trucks in the under $6000 range. They do tend to sell quickly though. Are the NV4500s much stronger than a redone HD 47RE? Are the Dodge autos any less stout than the Ford E4OD?
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
Don't get me wrong -- I'm not saying you need to increase your budget. Just commenting that for what you have budgeted, expect to see higher mileage trucks in rougher condition. Stick to a budget that works for you.
You can build (have built) a 47RE that will put up with virtually any abuse you can throw at it -- but isn't cheap. I was looking into it when I sold my '96 a couple years ago. The trans job, at that time, would run a couple grand (3K - 5K, depending on what you wanted). Look at DTT, Suncoast, ATS, etc for current prices, I haven't followed them in a few years.
The NV4500 worked good -- but there are stories of the clutches not being up to the task. Of course, in stock form, they were fine. Once you started monkeying with the injection pump to build more power, that is when you started getting into trouble. Same deal with the 47RE. No problem until you started turning the fuel up . . . or hit 150K miles.
redthies
Renaissance Redneck
Same story for most trannies behind diesels I guess.The only one I've had in a Dodge was an auto in my 05 Cummins. It was fine, but I only had it 60,000 miles. No idea what has happened in the recent years... I found one I like that has a fresh 47RE, but for some bizarre reason the guy rebuilt it stock???
I don't think it costs that much more for HD valves and clutches, does it? I will do a BD fuel plate / gov spring that will put me around 230 hp and 550 lb/ft. If I am mellow do you 47RE experts think I can get a few years out of the stock rebuild?
I don't think it costs that much more for HD valves and clutches, does it? I will do a BD fuel plate / gov spring that will put me around 230 hp and 550 lb/ft. If I am mellow do you 47RE experts think I can get a few years out of the stock rebuild?
hillbillyjake
Explorer
kinda thread jack but, my buddy had 4k in his dtt tranny about 2 years ago. alot of money but has not had a single problem with it since. he dyno'd 505/980 @ the rear wheels with this tranny in his truck. thread jack off
chasespeed
Explorer
Yeah, that budget is tough. I wouldnt sell mine for 10k, and its just a RC/LB, adn the injection pump could use a rebuild(and its a P7100).
If thats your budget, I would look into the 1st gen with the Cummins. The VE pump is very reliable. Its not capable of making as much power as a P-pump... these are off road rigs not sled pullers right?
I am contemplating selling my rig.....and getting something with a back seat for the kiddos....
I wouldnt bother a stock trans. The 47s dont like anything more than stock. You really need a good stout rebuild to start with. You can easily have 4-5k into an auto to make it reliable.
The other issue that I would be concerned with, an auto, behind a mild healthy diesel(or even a gasser), in a heavy rig, that will spend time offroad... is HEAT. You can boil that trans pretty easily. I would start with a good size trans cooler, and a temp gauge for the trans. Get messing around in mud or loose sand, and that thing will cook faster than, fast food....
Chase
If thats your budget, I would look into the 1st gen with the Cummins. The VE pump is very reliable. Its not capable of making as much power as a P-pump... these are off road rigs not sled pullers right?
I am contemplating selling my rig.....and getting something with a back seat for the kiddos....
I wouldnt bother a stock trans. The 47s dont like anything more than stock. You really need a good stout rebuild to start with. You can easily have 4-5k into an auto to make it reliable.
The other issue that I would be concerned with, an auto, behind a mild healthy diesel(or even a gasser), in a heavy rig, that will spend time offroad... is HEAT. You can boil that trans pretty easily. I would start with a good size trans cooler, and a temp gauge for the trans. Get messing around in mud or loose sand, and that thing will cook faster than, fast food....
Chase
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goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
In a word: no.
I'm no expert though . . . just what I have heard from those who have tried it.
The work that the trans needs to put up with more power is more than just a valve and new clutch pack. A quick search of the DTT site shows $2,100 for *parts* to do it right (including the torque converter). Of course, once you are done -- you're done. Dump as much fuel and push as much air through the engine as you can -- the trans will hold it.
As others have mentioned -- don't overlook the 1st generation. I've seen some darn nice examples running around.
Regcabguy
Oil eater.
Heat,especially crawling or waiting in line at the Mexican border is the mortal enemy of an auto. I had a DTT on my '98.5 and it would get really hot waiting in line. It required putting it into neutral between line movements. The built ones run 100* cooler driving at speed but 40-60* hotter crawling with the tighter convertor. They sure are fun to drive though. I love the manual on my new one.