Help me Choose a Dodge diesel truck.

[OT]

Beefcake: Good looks but no substance.

Sounds like a Dodge to me.



Rev

Man, the dodge is twice the truck that Ford was.
And there's not even a comparison between the PSD and the CTD.
Not to mention, with the common rail injection, it's quieter than a gasser.

 

[CRASH]

The power pack doesn't have any recalibrations for the engine?

Not until the late 90's......

Early (all?) 12 valve engines are strictly mechanically controlled.

 

[Lawn Cher']

Early (all?) 12 valve engines are strictly mechanically controlled.

Yes, all 12 valvers are mech.

 

[JohnX]

Thanks for the replies. It looks like I have narrowed the field to a 92-93 Dodge W250 CTD with the 5-speed.

It seems the five speed can handle the power better, the 92-93 models had a slight power improvement as well as a an extended cab short bed. The W250 simply means a 4WD 3/4 ton.

 

[BillCMoore]

You can also check out www.dodgetalk.com. Lots of info there. I have an 03 3500 doolie with the CTD/5speed. It is a 2wd but I can tow more than the 4wd. Not really a problem either way since they can pull the Titanic.

 

[DrMoab]

<-----Well....at least they circled the damn problem!

 

[CRASH]

<-----Well....at least they circled the damn problem!

Did you and Rev Den both get a visit from the cliche fairy?

 

[Rev Den]

He musta visited the Doc....only fairies drive Dodges.




Rev

 

[BlueCuda]

I just bought a 92 from a tire shop here in tulsa for $900 lol. Its UGLY, but I already found a bed donor so that will take a ton of the ugly out. Its got 303K on it and runs like a top. Haven't driven it that much but like it so far.

I also have a 2000 Ram 3500 extended cab(1 ton dually) I am selling just because I don't use it that much, so I bought the beater to do any dirtywork I need to do. Its a clean 2000 with 116K. It is a 2wd but for only $4000 more than the e-bay truck you can have a truck thats seven years newer. If your interested LMK and I will send you some pictures etc.

It is pretty hard to go wrong with the 1st gen trucks, 91.5-93 were intercooled so thats a plus to look for. They are dirt simple under the hood and pretty much everywhere. My dad has a 1980 model 1 ton gasser and it shares ALOT of parts with this 92 I just got.

 

[JohnX]

I just bought a 92 from a tire shop here in tulsa for $900 lol. Its UGLY, but I already found a bed donor so that will take a ton of the ugly out. Its got 303K on it and runs like a top. Haven't driven it that much but like it so far.

I also have a 2000 Ram 3500 extended cab(1 ton dually) I am selling just because I don't use it that much, so I bought the beater to do any dirtywork I need to do. Its a clean 2000 with 116K. It is a 2wd but for only $4000 more than the e-bay truck you can have a truck thats seven years newer. If your interested LMK and I will send you some pictures etc.

It is pretty hard to go wrong with the 1st gen trucks, 91.5-93 were intercooled so thats a plus to look for. They are dirt simple under the hood and pretty much everywhere. My dad has a 1980 model 1 ton gasser and it shares ALOT of parts with this 92 I just got.

Thanks for the offer, but I really do want the 1st gen body style. I'm not in any hurry, so I am sure I will be able to find one around here for a fair price. It seems like most of the ads I come across are for newer trucks at a lower price...this also makes me suspicious.

 

[WTF]

Thanks for the replies. It looks like I have narrowed the field to a 92-93 Dodge W250 CTD with the 5-speed.

It seems the five speed can handle the power better, the 92-93 models had a slight power improvement as well as a an extended cab short bed. The W250 simply means a 4WD 3/4 ton.

Depending on what size camper you're looking to put in the bed while towing, you may want to consider the 1 ton (dually). This is mostly because the weight ratings of load-range E tires, is being pushed to the limit with a big camper and decent amount of trailer tongue weight.

For further reading on this subject may I suggest: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504463

The 12 valve Cummins with a manual trans is the ultimate in reliable, durable, efficient, affordable diesel pickups IMHO when built smart with a few power modifications. And as a bonus on the early 90's models you're looking at have less of the plasticky, creature comfort interior parts and features found in the mid/late 90's Dodge trucks that often fall apart around this super studry powertrain combo.

 

[JohnX]

Depending on what size camper you're looking to put in the bed while towing, you may want to consider the 1 ton (dually). This is mostly because the weight ratings of load-range E tires, is being pushed to the limit with a big camper and decent amount of trailer tongue weight.

For further reading on this subject may I suggest: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504463

The 12 valve Cummins with a manual trans is the ultimate in reliable, durable, efficient, affordable diesel pickups IMHO when built smart with a few power modifications. And as a bonus on the early 90's models you're looking at have less of the plasticky, creature comfort interior parts and features found in the mid/late 90's Dodge trucks that often fall apart around this super studry powertrain combo.

Thanks.

I have considered the 3500, but hate the idea of a dually...just based on the extra width because it will get driven to work by my wife during the winter. Shes a good driver, but I have seen way too many busted fenders on duallies. I plan to get a smallish camper, hopefully a popup style. They have their downsides, but I like the idea of a little less height rolling dwon the highway. Should help the mileage a tad, as well as my COG. I don't expect weight to be an issue with what I have in mind.

 

[churky89]

You can get this
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/when-a-dodge-ram-just-isnt-sufficiently-truck-like/

 

[Kaczman]

Yeah, Jes's new truck smokes my brother's and definately eats my old Ford alive. 325 hp and 610 ft/lbs makes a huge difference, and the BIG difference is the driveability of the 24 valve motors. Jes has an extra THOUSAND revs over my brother's, which governs out at 2,700 RPM.

You can put in different governor springs and raise it to 3 or 4K. I put in 3K springs and it made a world of difference.

-Jon