Ok guys, I've looked at different Cummins powered trucks and the owners of every 94-98 truck I've talked to said if they had a choice they would all have their 1st gen's back because they were better than the 2nd gens. other than transmissions, IP's and body styles, what are the advantages/disadvantages of the 1stgen. I'm goin to look at a 92 W350 ext cab long box dually 5spd and was wondering what i should look for, what are common problems with 1st gens? Thanks in advance guys.

 

The 1st gens are the simplest to work on, especially under the hood. The engine's not half buried under the windshield.

Just watch out for rust, especially above the windshield.

 

rough, rusty, stiff shocks, up to 50 hp for pennies, great looking, 23 mpgs is possible (on 2 wheel drive)....anything else guys??

Look for rust on top of the windshield. RUN if it has any bubbles. Look under the frame for rust.

Jon

PS, We ALL love our trucks!

 

dang it wanna, Ya beat me to it!

Jon

 

check the steering shaft for to much play. and also the death wobble which is common in our trucks. since its a five speed i would overfill that getrag and go. as far as cosmetic goes look at the rockers and above the windshield. hope this helps i am not the most expireinced but just loending a hand. maybe somebody else will chime in on more info.

 

me too! ............

 

Exactly how does the roof start to rust? I've seen trucks with the cancer but can't figure out how it got there... . cab lights would make sense but they don't seem to all have 'em. Sorry to dwell on one thing but kinda curious...

 

what model IP would be on a 92 W350?

 

Im guessing rain catches in the little gutter ontop of the windshield and doesnt always dry off in a reasonable time????i have no idea

 

just curious, but why is rust above the windshield bad?

 

It's a Bosch VE.

 

That and the moon visors that are so popular on these trucks. When I got mine I took the moon visor off only to find it was held on with rust . Every spot that the visor was bolted on just crumbled and I had to weld plates in. Now my headliner is sagging which leads me to believe that the cancer is extensive.

 

Probably because it is a pain in the rear to replace or fix. I have never had that problem yet. Other will chime in soon.

Jon

 

the rust above the windshield is bad becuase it starts from the inside and comes through. if you are driving a 1st gen in the rain watch where the water runs when you are driving down the road with the wipers on... it all goes to the upper left corner (looking from the drivers seat) i believe depending on the truck and use of salt in the area that it work around/in between the windshiled and rusts the inside then eventually pokes through the roof.

 

I think that first gens are also the best bacause they look tougher