Does anyone here have experience with the early diesel rams? I found one for sale locally with relatively low miles, specifically a 1993 D350 LE crew cab 2wd automatic.


The current owner used it to pull a 5th wheel camper but recently bought a new Silverado 2500 and no longer needs the dodge. I've heard a lot of good things regarding the 94-99 trucks, how were the earlier models? I drove the one I'm looking at today, it rode well enough for me, drove straight, has new ball joints and tie rod ends up front, and didnt smoke much under hard acceleration. The owner says that everything is stock, with new tires and new brakes in the last year. It didnt make any extraneous noises from what I could hear, but is there anything in particular I should be looking for? Or should I just avoid these altogether? Something of this size is a bit overkill for its intended use (pulling a CRX, havent decided on a trailer yet), but I like the safety margin afforded. Sorry for rambling...

 

It's missing the big whip antenna and the exhaust stacks!

 

Ask Willard. His dad's Ram 250 has been my ride to the past four ITR Expos.

I forgot the mileage, but it's north of 300k. Yack has dyno plots of it, as well.

 

The tranny will only have around a 75-100K life after each rebuild. Depending on mileage and maintenance, plan to rebuild the fuel dizzy.

Otherwise, motor will outlast the body 10:1.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18CXr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The tranny will only have around a 75-100K life after each rebuild. Depending on mileage and maintenance, plan to rebuild the fuel dizzy.

Otherwise, motor will outlast the body 10:1.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Word, at least it has a mechanical fuel pump..

Seems like a pretty big overkill to haul a CRX though. Is it a Dually? I ask because the picture isn't working for me

 

i think the deciding factor is how much does it cost?
chris

 

Asking $6500, having it inspected tomorrow. I'm planning to offer $5500 pending a clean report.

 

$6,500 seems a bit high to me. I paid $500 less for the truck in my sig over two years ago. Second Gen, only 3/4 ton, but 4x4, auto etc...

The engine you will have no worries. It's all mechanical, basic, trouble free. Just change the oil and filters. That's it.

Auto tranny is pretty tragic. It is not a lockup TQ converter style. It is a fluid coupling transmission meaning the hp & tq is transferred through the TQ Converter and no lock up. Stall speed is like 1900rpm. Theses A518/727 trannys like to operate at higher temps then the later 47RH/47RE/48RE etc... Like 180 degrees. When towing very heavy loads they can climb to 270 degrees and start burning tranny fluid. Towing a CRX and Open car trailer won't be a problem, but as Jack said 100,000 miles is good interval for rebuilds at best. Mine made it with the OG owner to ~116,000 being used as a commercial vehicle, (utility bed + towing). I bought the truck with 30K on the rebuild.

The 1st gen's feel a little laggy off the initial start and smoke a little more until boost comes on because of the 21-18cm2 turbine housing. This can be cured with a 16cm2 housing for &lt;$200 brand new. The interior and the body are not really up to standards as rust and worn interior bits will probably be the most prone things to happen. Not hating on 1st Gen's, but you can find a better deal on a 1st Gen or a used 2nd Gen for that money.

 

Yup, yup. The slushbox it not good on all levels.

Pops switched out the auto for a 5 speed, picked up a few ponies and MPG.

Truck now gets low/mid 20's empty on highway!! (was getting mid teens)

Both pulls @ 15psi on MustangDyno NOT DYNOJET.
100% Stock, except cat-back exhaust.

with slushbox



after 5 speed install

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18CXr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">100% Stock, except cat-back exhaust.</TD></TR></TABLE>
cat?

I have already sent him this link via. IM.
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/

 

Awsome site for anything you want to know about the good old CUmmins.

Mr. Harris has one clean 1st Gen!!