Hello, My names Don and I have some questions about the 1rst Generation Dodge. First let me say that I owned a 2001 CTD and actually hated to drive it since it handled like an elephant, I could never pin the problem down. Next owner says he never had a problem so maybe it was me.

I am now looking for an early 90's Dodge ( I really like older trucks). My questions are:

-Did Cummins have the lift pump/fuel pressure issues that the newer ones have?
-What's so great about the 12 valve engine?
-What fuel mileage are these older Cummins delivering? I've heard as much as mid to upper 20's but find that hard to believe.

Are there any particular shortcomings to look for in this model/year truck?

I've always enjoyed the sound, smell, and feel of a Diesel running down the road.

Thanks for your help.

 

no major lift pump/fuel pump problems. Many of the members here including my self have upgraded to a piston lift pump as they flow more fuel but the original style pump I had worked fine. The old 12v are nice because they are quite easy to work on, parts are resonably priced as there are so many of these motors around and they are easy to "turn up" to make xtra power.(check out the tech section) I am getting low to mid 20's for milage in the summer with no load (trailer,etc.) however it is obviously lower in winter months.

 

If you didn't like the way the 2nd gen handled, you'll downright hate the 1st gen. But OTOH, they do get better mileage (19mpg w/4.10 gears on mine, unloaded). I'm gonna put a Gear Vendors OD unit on it next and then drive it until the wheels fall off or I die, whichever comes first. Probably the latter.

I think the rest of what Fergavs says pretty much sums it up. They are probably more reliable, assuming they are well maintained, just my impression. Never owned any other diesel, and doubt I ever will based on what I know now and have experienced with my CTD in the short eight months I've owned it.

 

I totally agree with ACE, I have a 93 reg. cab dually. and it rides like a lumber wagon, but a dually with a camper package wasent made to be a pleasure cruiser either. Obviously as with anything else, the newer the vehicle the better it is, at least in the engineers eyes. The 12 valve motors r quiter and cheaper then the 24 valves because they r mechanical. I currently have 334000 on the original motor on down the driveline. A friend of mine has I believe 450K on his.

As stated before the 12 valves are a little more desirable for the sheer fact they r simple, and to make more power, at least in the 1st gens, its just a turn of a screw.

 

BTW---Welcome to DTR!!!

 

lol well we got another one addicted, welcome to forums and you like most will like first gens.

 

personally i would not own any CTD powered vehicle with a VP 44 injection pump (98.5 - 200?). too many horror stories on these here forums, tell you what. i like my first gen for the simplicity of it, although i sometimes think it would be cool to have a P pumped 12 v (94-98). a 4x4 first gen is a stiff ride however. my ex girlfreind whined everywhere we went in it.

 

I see you made the right decision...hahaha

Thanks for all the help ya'll! I've been involved with Diesels one way or another for a lot of years, mostly equipment, back-hoes, tractors and the trucks that haul said equipment. The 2001 Dodge was the first Diesel powered pick-up I ever owned.

I'ts good to hear that the lift pump isn't really an issue on the older trucks.

I really don't mind a rough ride at all, keeps me awake. What I really HATE is a truck that wanders around like it should have a bridle and bit on it. Yea, they have replaced the tracking bar on all the Dodge (1/2 ton) trucks here at work and my 01 may have benifited as well.

Anyone have problems running the ultra low sulfur fuel? I had to replace the IP seals in my 85 Volks. recently, I blame the fuel but I'm not a chemist...gotta blame something right?

Thanks again guys. I'll be lurking around here.
Don

 

We've had a rash of fuel heater gasket and pressure control valve seal leaks in the last month - thankfully both are cheap and relatively easy fixes.

 

If you didn't like the way the 2nd gen handled and road you really won't like how the 1st gens ride. My 93 rides like a lumber wagon and truns like a land yaht, My 99 rides and handles a ton better then the 93 but the 93 doesen't seam to be down all the time for Mech problems like the 99 and the 93 is easyier and cheaper to work on.

 

Ride doesn't bother me at all, I've had trucks that I had to turn my head sideways to keep from banging into the headliner, that's a rough riding truck!

 

If i had a chance to pic up a 2nt gen with v44 pump in it,........I wouldn't be skeeeerd of it!

If you are a stickler on maintenance(fuel filter and air filters) there really are a reliable truck that you can get alt least a 100,000 out of a lift pump!(kinda rair but does happen)

and Even longer if previous statement is adhered to, out of a injection pump!!!!!



With that said, i will never part with my 1st gen for a 2nt or 3d for that matter!!!!!!

Over 200,000 on original inj pump and and lift pump!!!!!

and the lift pump will probable be replace when i decide to turn the pump up Even more............not because it when bad!!!!!!!

 

What about the rust above the windshield? Is it fixable?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=280056019128

 

Run, don't walk. The best fix is a new cab.

 

Wow, it sure looks rough, especially the interior.