I'm considering getting something for general transportation (80+ miles a day) and light towing (small horse/cattle trailer). When I asked last time I was advised to get something 92' or older as I like mechanical pumps and simplicity. I know these older rigs need work, and back when I bought a Datsun 81' diesel w/5spd the first thing I did was get the injection pump and injectors rebuilt. Then came the u-joints, and some minor electrical problems. What sort of major problems am I likely to face getting an older truck like this?

jim

 

I've purchased twop 1st gen's, a 91 that I bought in 2003, and a93 I just bought a few months ago. Realy, other han maintance items( brakes, filters, etc) niether required a great deal of work.
It wouod realy depend on the individual vehicle and how well it was taken care of.
Normal problems with the first gen's seem to be electrical issues, speedo/odometer tend to quit, and rust above the windshield channel and under the cowling...

 

'98 and older Dodges have mechanical injection pumps. The 2nd gen ('94-'98) pumps are dang near bulletproof, but the 1st gen ('89-'93) pumps are pretty reliable too. Injector problems on either are pretty rare.

Common 1st and 2nd gen problems - KDP (easily preventable), rust (floors on both gens, rockers and roof on 1st, doors on 2nd), 4x4 steering issues (cracked box mount/frame on 1st, worn out track bar or box on 2nd). Auto trans on both gens suck (1st gen has no lockup, 2nd gen is too weak), 5 speed on 2nd gens is prone to 5th gear falling off.

 

Thanks gents!

Forgive my ignorance, but what are KDP's?

 

Stands for Killer Dowel Pin. Do a search on the fourm and you can see some pics of what it is and what it does.

 

I think you're just a little bit too hasty in writing off the auto transmissions. In doing so as an Administrator, which carries a little extra "authority", you could discourage someone from buying a truck that would be perfect for his needs.

Yes, the A518 takes some work to put it into shape for heavy work. How much depends on how large an item the user wants to tow. The lack of lockup forces a change in driving style - you don't seek out 10% grades, you go around them.

I'm doing just fine with my auto, thank you.

Regards, DBF