Ahousaht Diesel

I have just bought a 1996 Cummins Turbo 2500 4x4 with about 246,000km. I am a newbie to the diesel family and am interested in all information about pros/cons, parts to replace pro-actively, parts I am likely to replace regularly like front-end parts...etc.....

macattack_ga

1. do a search on KDP (killer dowel pin) and take care of that.
2. helpful schedule http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/maint/2nd_Gen-12v.htm

Ram of Steel

I would check and see if the ignition/blower motor wiring and check valve in vacuum pump recalls have been completed.

There is also a recall that was limited to only the 3500 series but happens on a regualr basis to the 2500.

There is an updated harness for the headlamp switch. The dealer good willed mine the first time since it burned with the ignition harness but the latest one will be on me. You will know if thwere is a problem by the nasty smell and smoke coming from the steering column and dash bezel.

Other than those issues, I love my 96. I have 230,000 on the clock and tow a forty foot 5'er with a Land Cruiser in the back on a regular basis with no problems.

Enjoy.

smokeyram

the good
1. strong reliable motor
2. can haul a ton of weight
3. good fuel milaege

tha bad
1. headlight switch will go, if it hasnt already
2. fuel cutoff solonoid will go
3. trans is lame
4. front end rebuild , track bar headaches
5. front brake calipers
6.even with alignments ever year, eats front tires for breakfast ( mine does anyways)
7.kdp

ScottN

My '97 is quite similar...

Solenoid shouldn't be going - the relay goes, and if the starter is allowed to stick, that can fry the pull-up circuit on the solenoid, but otherwise, solenoids are very reliable when operated properly.

Manual trans is pretty good, except for 5th gear.

The front - will need work, I have almost entirely MOOG parts on my front, has worked well for 100,000 km for me (replaced when I got the truck, lifetime warranty on part, and grabbed a warranty bar halfway through - changed in <1 hr).

I haven't had issues with alignment or brake calipers. Might be an issue with the tires you are using (rated E?), the front is very heavy...

Buckshotram

Congradulations on your new truck, you should be happy with your motor, I second the Dowel Pin and would recomend changing all fluids adj valves ect. Sooner or later you will probally have issues with the trackbar creating a deathwobble you can do a search theres plenty on that. Update your sig so we will know if its an auto or manual ect. Good luck with your new ride.

edignan

Welcome!

Killer dowel pin - it is a pain but extremely expensive if not fixed.

Tires - personal pet peeve, I am all about the handling rather than looks. Last vehicle I had was a Suburban. Wandered, rolled - just awful but looked great. Put on Uniroyal RIB tires (it is a style of tire) and whole personality changed.

Now driving 2X Dodge diesel and let the shop put "aggresive looking" tires on it. Wandered, rolled, and don't get me started on grooved pavement! Took the mud n snows off, put on contractor RIBs. Whole new truck, steering problems gone, wandering nearly gone, glued to the pavement. If you are driving on pavement - use pavement tires. If you live in the wet (also plowed snow) have the tires "siped", costs $10 a tire and helps grip.

Electricity! For all of the readers - go to Stern Lighting website and order the no-cut headlight conversion kit. It is NOT free, but it gets the majority of heavy power off your switch and onto relays under the hood. Top quality components and good solid design. I can barely tell when the heater grid comes on now. I also recommend reading lots at his site before "upgrading" headlights.

Don't put liquids in the "dashboard drink dispenser", you WILL end up wearing them.

Good luck!

Emmett

Ahousaht Diesel

Thanks for all of the information. Given that my unit is a 1996 with 247000km, I am wondering about how I should adjust my driving style: I have owned new pickups and suvs that came with the smaller engine, therefore I could get moving ok from the start. How much of a lag is typical of a 2500?