About to buy an 93 3500 LE model 5 speed, (LE)I guess that means loaded???? Anyways it has 185,000 KM on it , I was looking for a long time for the last of the first gens. What pump would this truck have ??? What gears would it have ??? I want the truck to put a camper on it prob a 9.5 footer , would I need air bags ??? Many questions eh , Just wondering if you first gen guys can help me out , the truck is 8hs away don,t want to go for nothing . Thanks

 

Not trying to be to picky, but is it a '93 W350(4X4) or D350(4X2), or a '94 3500?

The W350's came in several gear combinatons. 3:54, and 4:10 are probably the most popular. 3:90 is listed in the book but I don't know of any. The pump is a Bosch VE rotary pump with a diaphram lift pump not to unlike what would be found on an old carburated gasser. "LE" I think means Limited Edtion. That means electric windows and door locks, sliding back glass, cloth bench seat, carpet,a/c, cruise control and electric mirrors as an option. If it has towing it has extra trans cooler. I don't think you will need air bags but I would check to see if the anti-sway bars are there and get some if they are not. The D350 are rated 10,100 lbs. GVWR according to the factory service manual and the W350 at 8700lbs for the single rear wheels and 11,000 lbs. for the dually. If it is a dually that would be a plus for stability but a minus when it comes to fuel milage and buying tires. If the truck is completely stock it will most likely be a dog. There is a lot of power that can be found turning the right screws on the pump. These have been said to be the last of the great work trucks and their ride supports that. The heavier they are loaded the better the ride. I hope this helps and good luck.

Suggestion: Have someone local from DTR look it over and take pictures before you make that trip.

P.S. I'm a machinist in Local 50 IBEW.

 

Funny...everyone that see my truck says the same thing..."that thing is the last of the real trucks" or "I haven't ridden in a real truck in a long time" I looked for mine for awhile as well, have had to put a little coin in her, (with more to come as the bombing bug bites harder and harder) but I can't think of another truck I would rather be driving. You'll love every minute of it...

 

My W-350 DRW is only rated for 10,000. Funny thing is DMV thinks it is 7500.

 

Two different guys pulled into the station in new CTDs while I was there stopped for my first fuel on the way home the day I bought mine. First guy got out and came over to say "Man, they don't make 'em like that anymore!" Second guy was test driving a new CTD. Came over to ask me what mileage I was getting. Told him 'sposed to be around twenty, but not sure yet, just bought it. He said "I don't know what the heck I'm doing. This thing is lucky to get 15. It's nice and all, but what's the price of progress?"

I felt pretty well justified at that point.

 

I checked the last tank full.....17.8 mpg.

 

My 4x4 DRW pu is rated at 10,300 GVW

If i was buying a "stock" 93 used truck with a 5 speed, the first thing i'd check is the throw away 5 speed!!! If it's near it's end, it can be costly unless you can do all the work yourself!

Robert

 

thanks guys , going to Edmonton to look at er tomorrow , might pull the trigger , the pics look good and those captin chairs look comfy.

 

The load rating varies in the FSM depending on how the truck is equiped. I just picked what I thought was the most popular.

 

Buy the truck! If you don't care about trying to race everyone from red lights it doesn't matter if it's a "dog". My 93 4x4 ex cab dually 5 speed has hauled +6000 lbs in the bed without problems. It has towed over 13k on more than one occasion. It starts in cold weather on the first turn of the key. Remember, these are WORK trucks; if you want something with fancy paint or shiny rims then get a car. These old Dodges are almost indestructable but they are still trucks. Rich