Now im looking at buying a 1st gen intercooled with a 5sp. I know these motors will last forever, the Getrag-ehh? Other than the drivetrain, I have heard that the truck will fall apart outside the drivetrain. The main thing is, what kind of problems am I going to be looking at if i do buy a 1st gen. Please help me before i make a wrong move. Thanks. This will be my first diesel, i have been around em quite a bit though. Please inform me on these problems.

 

Prolly the biggest problem will be the addiction to BOMBS, lol! Only problems I've had with mine are the occasional electrical gremlin (nothing serious) and possible a couple small leaks. I've got one above the windshield, gonna re-caulk it one of these days. Other than that I've had no real problems with mine and I love it. I just had my Getrag rebuilt by a friend just cause I wanted to see what kind of shape it's in and it looked great! You won't regret it...

Brian

 

In my mind, the 1st gen trucks were the last trucks made to well, last lol. The getrag gets a bad rep for having bearings go out due to a lack of lube, but overall its a fairly solid tranny. Drain it, overfill it by a quart with a good synthetic 5w30 and you are good to go. I know since I drained mine and put synthetic in it, it shifts so much smoother and I haven't had any problems yet.

A known problem is the KDP (killer dowel pin), its more so a problem on 2nd gen 12v but it can happen to the 1st gens just as easy. Its an easy fix and it will save you money and prevent future frustration.

I guess look for leaks on the motor, tranny, rear end, front diff and transfer case (if its 4x4). Run a good fuel additive in every tank, its cheap insurance and helps protect the fuel system.

These trucks are full of potential and just an afternoon of playing with the pump can gain you a TON more power. If you need any more info, ask away

 

Hey guys, thanks a ton. I am so glad i found this sight before i bought a truck. Yeah i have done some research on the KDP. I think ATS makes a kit, but do you install the kit before it goes out or after? Well for the leaks above the windshield i am aware of, im guna spend some cash and get a rust free truck that hasnt been painted yet (paint covers old problems)

 

The kit is installed before the pin wobbles out.

All the "kit" is is a little funny-shaped tab that is held over the dowel pin wth a nearby bolt, I believe. Something that a Dremel, tin snips and thin sheet of aluminum can figure out really quick. Haven't done mine yet.

 

I bet a Ford PSD guy told you that .
Honestly I can't see why people don't like the Dodge part of the truck. They are hideously beautiful and seem to hold up for a long time if you keep it fixed. My doors have never fallen off, my interior is in good shape, the bed can take a beating, etc etc. The reason that a truck can "fall apart" is because people don't do the little things like occasionally clean it, or maybe lube the hinges on the doors, or maybe even wash the engine. I have seen (and owned) some 1st gens that are as good as new. Luckily, the first gens have a very short "known issues" list.

The point is, a Dodge cummins, or Ford PSD for that matter, can last a long time if properly cared for...

 

if the truck your looking at is a stick, check the crank pulley for any wobble. I would hate to see you make the same mistake I did and unwittingly buy a truck that needs the bottom half rebuilt. mine only has 180k and now I’ll have to pull the engine and tranz to keep the 'famed' Cummins from self destructing.

best of luck
van

 

Van, have you checked the crank endplay? The wobble may just be a damper that's a little out of whack.

 

dave

not yet, but i did replace the balancer. the movement is still there. unless the end of the crankshaft itself is bent...

van