Well I bought my first Cummins. I just purchased a 1993 2wd, 5speed, club cab, 185,000 miles.
I haven't even seen this truck yet. I have never bought one without a ride and drive, but I could not find a truck with 300 miles of home with a straight drive and a club cab.

OK, what do I need to do right away, or very soon when I get this truck home? I'm asking about reliability issues, not performance. I'll do the upgrades later. The truck is absolutely stock, except for paint.

Thanks in advance!
Clay

 

first thing you should do is gon to dodgeram.org and play around youll learn a lot youll save a lot of time that way

 

I already go there. It's a good sight. Why I asked is for the reasonable order of events, and the urgency of these events.

Thanks,
Clay

 

Welcome to DTR, frijoli!

I recommend establishing a baseline by replacing all the wear items you can afford first. Start with all fluids, including brake fluid. If the truck has maintainance records, all the better, if not, start now. Engine oil, tranny fluid, diff fluid, coolant flush and brake flush. Just as important as changing the fluid is tha fact that this process gets you familiar with the drivetrain. The wheels will already be off, so check those brakes, ball joints, wheel bearings etc. while you're in there. By the time you're done with a complete fluid flush, you will have laid hands on just about every major component of the truck, thus establishing a personal baseline. You'll discover most of the squeaks and rattles now and won't be left wondering a few months down the road---you'll already know the exhaust is rubbing on the craossmember, etc. As for where to start, I always start where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. All items that may cause you to lose control in traffic should be addressed first...work your way in from there. JMHO.
Greg

 

Thanks Greg, I plan on doing all that. I was more concerned about the Diesel which I know nothing about.

Clay

 

Theres not too much about the Diesel itself to do, just get new filters maybe add some good diesel fuel additive thru it and run it!!

 

Thanks All!!
Clay

 

Clean and lube every electrical connection you can find, under the hood and dash. Take a close look at the headlight switch too.

 

Never done that before. What's the best way to handle that task?
Clay

 

unplug connection, squeeze tube of dialectic grease in one or both sides on connection, reconnect. Also clean your battery terminals really well too.

jiMMy

 

Clay- I bought my truck off EBay. It was in San Antonio, Texas - 1700 miles away. It hasn't disappointed me.

What Greg said is good advice. The Cummins doesn't ask for much other than filter and oil changes, plus a valve adjustment now and then.