Ascrap2003

I have a freind that has a 95 Dodge 2500 cummins auto. 250K miles,
Engine still runs good. Under normal wear and tear based on its mileage, what kind of maintenance would need to be done? The engine runs good but I think it is a little weak.
I've heard that the heads need to be rebuilt every so often, besides that & the injection pump what would I need to look into?
Also the front suspension makes noise sounds like the bushings If I wanted to rebuild the front end what would the parts cost? I would do it my self then have someone align it.
The truck is a single cab/lwb 3/4 ton inside & out is rough what is this truck worth?

SHARPMACHINE

If he has serviced the engine 250k should be no big deal.

Is it a 4x4 or 2x4? The front end makes a big diff on that.

If the cummins runs good they alone sell for $1500+ used.

Good luck, but watch out, these cummins are very addictive!!!lol

67HotRod

The biggest $$ issue will be the tranny at 250K miles on it.

Ascrap2003

It is a 2WD, I think I can get the suspension rebuild kit for $250 do it my self then align it for $50 or so. Do you think the heads should be rebuilt? Also if al goes well whats the best way to add some power? I would be happy with 500-600 Lbs. torque. Plenty for hauling around town.

Ascrap2003

The tranny has been rebuilt. I drove it the other day and it shifted fine but i'm gonna try to pull some weight with it before I buy it. Other than the brakes being a little weak & the front suspension sound the truck seems fine.
Is there anything I should be on the look out for? Smoke color, how the engine response is etc? I did not notice any smoke.

G1625S

With those miles, you need to look at the truck itself. Check for any rust or previous body work that may be covering up a potential problem. Specifically, the inside bottom of the doors tends to go south, followed closely by the rockers. Check for worn seat springs---doesn't sound like a big deal till you have to sit on a pile of sweatshirts to be confortable...don't ask me how I know, hehe. There is only one head on a Cummins 5.9, not several like some diesels. If it runs well and uses no coolant, there's no reason to be tearing into it, imo. It sounds as if the truck is stock, power wise. If this is the case, it will not set the world on fire with power...but don't let that discourage you as there is some serious untapped potential in a stock Dodge/Cummins. The timing has probably slipped over the years and I wouldn't be too surprised to see some blue smoke when cold. Some black smoke on hard acceleration is not out of the question. Some of the 2nd gen guys will step in with more/better info than I have, but this'll get you started.
greg

argve

250k on these engines is nothing - have no worries there - as stated you should look at the truck because the engine is fine and dandy... These things shrug off 250k miles like most cars do 50k miles.

As said there is a ton more ponies to be found under the hood - all fairly cheap in the grand scheme of things. Just start watching the upgrade/performance forum and you'll learn what to do (like fuel plate, gov springs, afc springs, boost control elbow and cupholders) then you will be rocking and rolling down the road.

Ascrap2003

I Take it the timing can be adjusted if neccesary, I am gonna average pulling 5,000 lbs. when pulling and every now and then 10,000 lbs. Being that you guys know what I am pulling would it be better to leave the engine stock?
Or should mess with it a lil?

TxDiesel007

Go ahead and mess with it

LOL it was expected, with very little money you can get this truck towing better than the new ones, a plate, timing reset, delivery valves, injectors, and air intake work.. WHOA NELLY!! fun fun fun.... Anyways, here is a good tutorial.. PS the pic dont work, see my gallery for pics of various plates.. hope this tutorial will help you.... if its redundant i apologize...

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ad.php?t=78573

Tx

Equalizer 2

My dad has a '90 with the weak old 12 valve that has something on the order of 280,000 on it. He consistantly pulls about 7500 lbs all over the country this weight does not count what the truck weighs or the 1000 lbs he keeps in his tool box. He has not tweaked the power at all and until his friends bought Dodge's with the Cummins he would have to wait for them at the top of the pass. If the body is sound you can always get a seat rebuilt.