I am looking to buy my first diesel truck. I began looking at some 24v Rams, but between the lift pumps, injector pumps, and not to mention the blocks cracking ... I would feel much better with a 12v. I have read about the KDP, and I feel like I can fix that without a problem. I found a 95 extended cab, long bed, 4x4, 5 speed, with 119k on the ticker. The body is in good shape, except for the inside of the bed where it has obviously been used for hauling or work. I looked under it and did not see anything dripping form the motor. I have a guy running a carfax report on it. Can anyone give me any pointers on this? I am trying to find something I can keep around for a while. Just out of curiosity, what are the hp and torque ratings for this truck?

Thanks,
Chris

 

Sounds like a decent truck to me. If there is no obvios problems with it just test it like any other vehicle and see if you like it. The ATS kit for the KDP is a very good kit when you fix it. I believe that truck should have a 180 HP pump on it. But I might be wrong.

 

I love my 95.. It does have a few mods..

 

Other than the KDP issue, is there anything else I should watch out for? I have tried to do my homework, but I may have missed something.

 

The 95 auto was really low on power for me. I had to do the GSK and cam plate before it really got to where I thought it should be.
The pump on that with an auto is 160hp.

 

Take a close look at the front end. The 94+era dodges have a poorly designed track bar (there are several options to remedy this issue, fear not). When you drive the truck, get a feel for how the truck wants to wander. If the front end is generally loose, it's not a deal breaker 'cause it's gonna give you grief sooner or later if you buy it, but it may be a bargaining chip. The front wheel bearings are all one piece and when they go, it's some decent $$ and hammer swinging. Again, not a deal breaker, but it's best to get it up on a lift and shake that front end down, or have a mechanic you trust do it for you. Just some thoughts. BTW, Welcome To DTR!

 

Thanks. I am really learning a lot from reading these posts. I avoided buying a #53 block 24v the other day because I happened to stumble on this site and see all the posts about them . I am lucky to say the least. I will hopefully be able to drive it in the next few days. Should I pay attention to anything on start up, like excessive smoking or funny chattering?

 

A puff is normal on startup, and if it's cold out, you may get white and or blue smoke while the truck warms up. This is normal and should go away once you drive down the road a few miles. Depending on weather or not the engine has been modified, you may get black smoke on hard acceleration.

 

I love my Truck!!

It's been a Darn good truck for me..Just rolled over 256,000 miles on it!! I have thought about getting a newer one, but I really don't have the heart to get rid of this one, It's done everything I have asked it to do..and more!!

 

Be forewarned---- If you hang around these boards you will be catching the bomb bug. It is very contagous and there isn't a cure. We just contain it by adding MORE POWER

 

I have already planned on adding a few goodies... . I haven't owned a vehicle yet that stayed stock for long. I really would want a little extra power for hauling my 4Runner.

 

tnchris,

www.dodgeram.org lists the power output of the 5 spd 94-95 as 175hp/420ft-lb torque.

I second the Track bar flaw on these 94-02 trucks have to keep an eye on it. The best mod i ever did to my truck was the Govener Spring Kit.

The longer you stay around here the more money you loose. I am a prime example of this

 

I wouldn't worry too much about power, it's easily gained. You should have the same setup mine was when it was stock. 175hp / 420lb/ft torque

Be nice to 5th gear, don't lug it in 5th. Get a Luke's link for the track bar ($65 ish). As for wheel bearings, I have 184,000 on mine and have yet to replace them, or my clutch, or anything else major yet.

A #10 fuel plate, 4" cat back exhaust, 3K gsk, and a BHAF, and you'll really feel a big power increase.

Before doing any bombing, You should install at leasy a boost and pyro gauge.

All of this can be done for a very reasonable price and can be done in stages. When you're done you will have a truck that should last you another 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Not a bad investment.

Nick

 

Looking at your sig it seems fairly stock

i just bought a 97 (215/460 stock) and it has been fine so far. In a few days it will have a 3k GSK, boost elbow, tabbed KDP, gauges, and a slightly ground stock plate. For under $400. I am looking at the parts. And will be starting the install tomorrow after lunch.

 

I have a 95 also that has 120k or so on it. I would check the fuel hoses as they can cause some problems, the ones that are behind the engine. I would make sure the dowl pin is fixed in the timing gear cover.
Things that I have done to my 95 4x4 to help fuel economy. If the engine blows out a lot of white smoke when cold if you were to fuel the engine is or can be slow timing. Timing is the best thing that I did to make the truck run an give better mileage... good luck JimK