kooter353

I am looking at purchasing a 94 12v 4x4 2500 with low mileage,but am new to the dodge scene and have a few questions I hope someone would be kind enough to answer.
Is the 94 12v computer controled? If not,what year did the ecm come out?
Is there a dowel pin issue?
Are there auto trans issues?
What diffs would be in the 2500?
How would I check the gear ratio by the VIN?
Are there any other issues I should be aware of?
Thanks for now.

torquefan

No, the engine itself it is not computer controlled. However, there is a PCM under the hood that controls charging, cruise control, torque converter lockup, overdrive, and some other stuff.

The first computer controlled engines came with the switch to 24 valve in 1998.5

Yes, there is a potential dowel pin issue. I would have a look at it before too many days go by.

The autos are fairly dependable until you turn up the power. Also keep an eye on the cooler lines that like to chafe through in various places and start leaking. Have a close look at any place where there is a clip holding two lines together or suspending the lines. The clips will wear at the metal lines.

The front differential will be a Dana 60. The rear will be a Dana 70 with automatic transmission, or a Dana 80 with standard transmission. All the 2nd gen 3500 trucks got a Dana 80, regardless of transmission.

The most common gear ratio seems to be 3.54, but there were some with 4.10. Each differential should have a tag on the cover bolts, with the ratio stamped in it.

A truck that old could have several issues. Have a look at the front end; check for looseness in the track bar, tie rod ends, ball joints etc. Starters, alternators, water pumps, etc were very dependable, but could sure be due after all these years. Have a good look underneath for oil or coolant leaks, and check the breather tube at idle for excessive blow by.

I'm sure I missed something. I'm sure someone else can add to my list. Good luck!

mechmagcn

Not so, a 94 2500 4X4 could have a Dana 44 or Dana 60 front axle and either a Dana 60, 70, or 80 in the rear. All depending on the weight rating.
Not all 3500s got the Dana 80 either, mine has the 80, but a buddy of mine has a 96 3500 that has a Dana 70 rear. He also has a 94 2500 4X2/auto that has a Dana 60 in the rear.

patdaly

Diesels did, and that is what the OP was asking about.

mechmagcn

The three trucks I mentioned in the earlier post are all diesel and all stock.

patdaly

Can you get the VINs?

It would be the first I have ever seen................I know they did some strange things, like putting a PTO in a 2WD 3/4 ton, but I find it hard to believe they would have derated the axles especially considering you can kill a 70 easily enough.

kooter353

Thanks for the replies guys.
The truck has under 90,000 miles and has new ball joints,front wheel brakes,bearings and trans service so there shouldn't be any issues there.
Is there any way to check the dowel without pullin the front cover?
How bout anyway of deleting the PCM? I am not a fan of anything computer.
Thanks.

mechmagcn

I'll agree to this, we have already had to replace the ring and pinion on the 3500. Have a Dana 80 ready to replace it when it shucks the gears again.
The 2500 is sort of a strange setup, I had never seen a Dana 60 with 3:08 gears. I knew the original owner, but he has since passed away, don't know if he special ordered the truck or not. I know it will consistently get 30+ MPG though.
Back to the OP, sorry to highjack your thread
The front cover must be removed to install the dowel pin fix. Not sure why you would want to remove the ECM, although I guess you could make all systems work without it.

patdaly

You don't want to delete the PCM, all it does is run the charging system, control O/D and TCC ( lockup ), and cruise, etc. If you ever had a problem, you could make most of those thing run standalone.