Ironstone

Hello

New memeber here. I am interested in buying a used Dodge diesel and would like to know the pros and cons of the 1st and 2nd generation trucks. I looked at a 92 with 180,000 miles and a 95 with 226,000. I need to decide which one to get and I'd like to hear some input from you seasoned diesel owners before I make a decision. The 95 is much nicer then the 92 but the 92 has a lot more power then the 95 for some reason. I'd like to know the good the bad and the ugly of the two.....

Thanks

wannadiesel

If you're looking to make big power or add a lot of aftermarket accessories to the truck, the 2nd gen is for you.

1st gen pros - easy to work on, especially under the hood, simpler truck all around. Classic styling. If you are a 4X4 guy, the 1st gen steering and suspension is way less trouble. Easy to turn up.

1st gen cons - rides like an empty gravel truck, especially 4X4's. Rear brakes are a PITA to work on due to the inboard drums. No lockup converter on automatics. Limited/nearly no aftermarket support. Hard to make really big power.

I'll let the 2nd gen guys talk up the 2nd gens.

Ian

2nd gen 12v pros: cheap and easy hp, nice ride imo, newer body style, huge aftermarket support, interior is nice

2nd gen cons: ball joints, track bar, front brakes, auto tranny doesn't support the kind of power you can produce, killer dowel pin.

either way you go there are going to be things you like and you don't like. I would go with the 2nd gen, but you need to go with the truck that you want. The determining factor in your purchase shouldn't be left to which truck "feels" more powerful, because they can both be fixed up without breaking the bank.

Bosshawg600

Ive been in you same boat. I love 1st gens. They are super easy to work on and adjust. I drove a buch of 1st and 2nd's. Only thing i like about the 2nd's over the 1st's is the interior is more update and the aftermarket is better. But price will pay a huge part in which truck you get.

Buckshotram

Pretty much like others have said there is so much more aftermarket options availble for the 2nd generations however I also think there is a big issue with the whole death wobble/trac bars in the 2nd gen mine did it and scared the **** out of me.

MJDiesel

1st Gen Pros: The 4X4, steering, and front suspension system is very strong and rugged, all the way from the t-case to the lockout hubs. Everything is greasable.

Around here, one can be purchased for a reasonable price, even if it has low mileage, and is in great condition.

Cons: Whether it be the Getrag 5-speed, or the A518 with no lockup, the transmissions leave much to be desired. They get the job done, but the 2nd gen outfits are definitely equipped with better trannys.

The VE rotary pump does not create as much power potential.

90% of the general population think that they are at least kind of ugly. My opinion: they don't look that great, but they are not the ugliest thing ever made either.

2nd Gen Pros: The NV4500 and 47RH-47RE are better transmissions.

You can get insane power out of the P-pumped 12 valve engine.

Most people like the way that they look. I also prefer it over the 1st gen.

You can get a Dana 80 rearend in most configurations.

They ride better than a gen 1.

Cons. The 4X4 system, particularly the CAD, can be very troublesome. Also, the steering is horrible if the trac-bar goes bad. The coil spring suspension has more bushingd that go bad, and you cannot grease the ball joints.

A gen 2 in good shape can fetch a pretty penny.

I am partially just repeating what has already been said, so I apologize, but I often contemplate which is really better, so it is something that I like to discuss.

wannadiesel

The Getrag's reputation is much worse than the actual unit. I'd rather have a Getrag than an NV4500 without a fully splined mainshaft.

The A518 A.K.A. 46RH isn't so bad either. The unit will hold up to more power upgrades than a 2nd gen auto because you don't have to worry about frying the TC clutch. Put a shift kit and a low-stall TC in it and forget about it until you're in the mid 300's.

MJDiesel

Good points, but neither neither 1st gen tranny in its factory form will be as good as either 2nd gen tranny. Its hard to beat a lockup transmission, and with a shift kit and a torque converter, an A618 will be a much better transimssion; with the stronger OD gears, and the lockup torque converter. I guess that the getrag doesn't have issues with the OD coming loose, but it doesn't shift as nicely as the NV4500, and as everyone knows, it has been known to have some longevity issues. I guess that the extra oil has probably helped for many. I would definitely prefer one over either automatic transmission, but I think I'd rather have the NV4500

edy

junk lift pump and injection pump but other than that great trucks

Ironstone

Yup it was a hard decision but I got the 95....I think I made a good choice. I really like it. It's all stock and the 92 had been tweeked a little. I think thats why it seemed to have more power then the 95.

When performance mods are made on the CTD engine does it effect the mileage? I haven't checked the mpg on this truck yet but the guy I bought it from told me it gets 20 on the highway. Anyone else getting anything like this? Seems kinda steep to me.

Ian

good choice, but if you don't change your sig to say "CUMMINS" you will be tied and shot on this board
mileage usually stays the same or gets better with mods, as long as you keep your foot out of the peddle. 20mpg is about right. maybe a touch on the low side for just highway, but its close enough. You'd probably see about 17-20 mixed city+highway I think

Ironstone

Guess that shows ya how green I am or how bad I spell

Ironstone

Hmmm now its gone altogether......dunno how that happened....