Dodge diesel guys... Input please!

[redthies]

So I have put my finished F350 up for sale and plan to replace it with another Dodge cummins truck. I have owned a couple of 05's but don't know a ton about the 12v engines. Of the ones I have found, 90-95 is where the bulk of my interest is. What if any are the differences in engine and pump? Are there any years that are the "best" for adventure travel? I know about the body and suspension differences, just not the electronics and pumps. Thanks for any info!:sombrero:

 

[Shiryas]

Redthies,

What was/is it about the F350 that made you decide to change? My truck is nearly the same as your F350 and I am just curious.

Thanks, Chris

 

[pratty85]

1989-1993 was the first generation of Cummins engines in 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks.(W models were 4wd and the D models were 2wd) They were equipped with a VE injection pump. Most inner-cooled models produced around 160hp and 400 torque from the factory.

I personally own a 92 W250 extended cab and love it to death, I won't ever get rid of this truck. 230k miles and running strong, no leaks everything original.

1994-1998.5 was considered the second generation of Cummins equipped trucks. Both 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks came equipped with 12v p-pump/p-7100 injection pump Cummins engine. This generation is considered the most powerful and just as reliable (if not more) than the first generation. 94-95 produced around 175hp and 420 torque, and the 96-98.5 produced about 5 more hp. The manual models produce about 35 more hp and 20 more torque.

Both generations are held up with the same problem...Automatic transmissions from the factory. A518 from the first generation and the 46RH and 47RH from the second generation. Both Transmissions can be made bullet-proof with a rebuild.

Both generations should have the KDP (killer dowel pin) tabbed if they haven't already been. The KDP was more of a problem in the second generations.

Also some 98-98.5 models have a number 53 block which has been reported to crack. Not sure if all models with the 53 block will, but better safe than sorry.

Single cabs are a dime a dozen in both generations of all-mechanical Cummins engine equipped trucks. Extended cabs are the real jewels to find in good condition. And I think there were maybe six 4 door versions built in the first generations....good luck finding one of those.

Both generations are awesome trucks, but its all personal preference. Both make lots of power real easy!

To really learn some more detailed info go to the forums, such as Cumminsforum.com and dieseltruckresource.com. Also you can check out dodgeram.org.

Good luck in your search! You won't regret buying a cummins, just hold out be patient and find the one that you want don't settle.

 

[redthies]

Redthies,

What was/is it about the F350 that made you decide to change? My truck is nearly the same as your F350 and I am just curious.

Thanks, Chris

Hi Chris! The thing that made me change my mind was the fact that I can get a decent buck for my F350 here, (About $4000 more than I paid), and I went on a 6 month trip throughout the southwest and Mexico from Sept to Feb of this past year. That means the bank account hates me right now. My surfboards and fishing rods love me however... I have a good track record of finding clean trucks for a good price. Doing this again will let me pay off some debt. I LOVE my F350, and had plans to put a 12v Cummins in it down the road, but since I can buy a 94ish Dodge (reg cab) for about half what I can get out of the Ford I think the time has come to shop for a Dodge. I will miss this truck, but the reality of cash flow means a deal might be done. I probably won't miss 10-11 mpg though! I have also owned Cummins trucks in the past and absolutely love that engine. I have recently bought a 69 F100 that I dream of putting on a Cummins chassis. :sombrero: (See below...)

 

[bobcat charlie]

Turbo Diesel Regester, http://www.turbodieselregister.com/, is also an excellent source for info on the Dodge Cummins trucks.

 

[redthies]

Single cabs are a dime a dozen in both generations of all-mechanical Cummins engine equipped trucks.

Both generations are awesome trucks, but its all personal preference. Both make lots of power real easy!

Thanks for the details pratty! That is the info I was after. I have found lots of regular cabs for great prices. I love a crew/extended, but as you say, they are harder to find in good shape. I think the stinky old dogs can ride in the cap for a while... :sombrero: I may only get away with this because wifey is getting a new 4 door JK... As far as power goes, doing the fuel plate and intake / exhaust should help a bunch, no? What are your thoughts on mild chips for the 12v? I don't want a ridiculous amount of power, but somewhere near my 05 Cummins 600 would be awesome. And lastly, I assume that is your W250 in the pic... I would never sell that beauty either!
Except maybe to me!

 

[pratty85]

No Problem! Glad to help. Yeah it was pure luck me finding this beauty! I have lots of things to do to her yet. All I did to my truck I just turned up my fuel screw, and gave it bigger injectors and exhaust and its plenty powerful for me!

All 12v engines are purely mechanical, meaning no electronics, minus sensors of course. So easy plug in chips are out the door.

Well if you decide to go with the older VE pumped 12v you can turn up your factory fuel screw or get a new modified fuel pin, bigger injectors, and a 4" turbo back exhaust and get quite a bit of power, next step after that would be to get a bigger turbo, or just put a smaller exhaust housing for a quicker spool!

If you decide to get a P-pumped 12v you can get a fuel plate, bigger injectors, cold air intake, bigger fuel pump, and 4" turbo back exhaust and have plenty of power! next step would be bigger turbo and valve springs, cam and such. I haven't done as much research on the 2nd gen 12v's because I haven't owned one yet.

But either way you decide going, injectors and exhaust are a must! After market parts seems to be cheaper for the first gen trucks though just a heads up.

 

[Shiryas]

Catching a good left break and Barracuda are worth a lot.

Better to be paid up and traveling than working OT to pay of stuff that just sits.

I used to hate that body style Dodge, it has definitely grown on me, it just screams "I am here to work".

 

[redthies]

Yeah, I know what you mean on the bodies. The 94-02 are arguably better looking, but I think the 92-93s like pratty's are sweet too. Only the interior is a tad dated. We'll see what is for sale when my cash comes through for the Ford. I will buy the best maintained one I can find. Lifts etc will be a nice bonus. I will let you know how things go.

 

[pratty85]

Yeah I will say that my interior is from somewhere in the 70's but its easy on the eyes, simple and paid for! lol I was never a fan of the older dodge body styles either until I started looking into buying one, it really really grew on me. I would say its the best vehicle investment I ever made for under 8k. I am learning more and more everyday about the first gen trucks, they are definitely made to work!

 

[redthies]

My brother had a few mid to late 80s Ramchargers and I have driven them a bit. I do like the lines of exterior on the 1st gens. Especially with about 4"s and 35s or 37s on em! There is a nice 90 near me, but the grill is WAY better on the 92-93s and this one is RED. Too RED. Probably with a RED interior! Ugggh. The kiss of death for re-sale!

 

[DT75FLH]

Also some 98-98.5 models have a number 53 block which has been reported to crack. Not sure if all models with the 53 block will, but better safe than sorry.


all good info....but its the 24v 98.5 and up that had the "53" block crack issue. some 12V had the 53 block also but it is very rare.

 

[TMWeber]

Well, you pretty much got the technical rundown on the pumps and differences. I second the forums mentioned previously, lots of great info!
I have had my 93 W250 club cab for 17 years now. Bought it new in Jan 93. I love the simplicity and extreme reliability. For the first 12 years it carried a 1800 pound camper everywhere. Highway, off road in all conditions and weather. It just keeps going. It is my DD, family vehicle, firewood getter, camping truck you name it. If you can find one in good shape, you won't regret it! (Unless you are not fond of bumpy rides:yikes

 

[redthies]

Bumpy ride???? Did you see what I am selling?:sombrero:

 

[TMWeber]

Bumpy ride???? Did you see what I am selling?:sombrero:

Ok. Gotcha.