Since I'm too poor and cheap to buy a new Dodge, I'm getting set to find a used 1st/2nd Gen 12V and do a slight rebuild on it so I don't have to deal with unexpected wear and tear problems.

I'm assumeing that rebuilding the front end, new bearings, KDP(?), new brakes, maybe rebuilt tranny, rebuilt injector pump, etc. Any advice is appreciated.

Anyway, is a manual tranny cheaper to rebuild than the automatics? I will be using this truck mostly for commuting, with some light hauling (usually a horse trailer.

Thanks
jim

 

A bone stock rebuild on the auto is CHEAP, but.........

 

In my opinon unless someone is willing to spend $3500+ on the automatic behind the cummins, a 5 speed is the only way to go. But go check out some places for yourself. DTT, ATS, Goerend, Suncoast are the most popular and I wouldn't get a auto from a shop that doesn't specialize in diesel performance, most tranni shops don't understand the kind of abusive torque they take behind a cummins

The most exspensive rebuild I have ever found (and also the best IMO) on the nv4500 5 speed is $1995 from http://www.quad4x4.com/ You can get decent reman nv4500's for about $1200 though that will hold up just fine for most people.

Some other stuff you will probably want to take care of tie rods, track bar, balljoints, steering gearbox, DSS, suspension bushings, and KDP. Basically any normal wear item will likely be wore out on a truck of that age, the cummins takes a major tole on these things but its well worth the effort!!!!

hope this helps.....Josh

 

I agree with Josh. He pretty much nailed the response I would have given especially with regard to DTT and Georand.

A few of other things you might want to plan on are replacing the fuel return and supply lines if you buy a 2nd gen, a headlight wiring harness kit (protects the headlight switch and the headlights will be brighter), and some gauges(not a high priority if staying stock unless you buy an older 24 valve then I'd strongly suggest a fuel pressure gauge).

Overall, I'd think a manual tranny would be less expensive to overhaul/replace then an Auto(just because it should be simpler).

You might get by with just replacing the torque converter and the valve body if the tranny is in good shape but I wouldn't count on that.

I just figured in the price of a tranny replacement when looking for my truck and purchased one that supported that price.

There are a couple of fairly inexpensive things you can do to help the performance without toasting the tranny such as a mild fuel plate.

 

Well for simple commuting and light hauling you would be fine with a Trans-Go shift kit and a Single Disk Billet TC so long as the tranny doesn't have too many miles on a good rebuild. PM me if you would like a good quote on parts for any transmission need you have as I can set you up with a full rebuild and the lot for a reasonable price.

 

Thanks gents, I appreciate the help.