Okay guys this is something that I have been wanting to do for a while now. I would like to compile a list of all pros and cons of all three generations of Dodge Cummins trucks.

Years
1989-1990
1991-1993 *tranny with OD , different grille, ect,ect
1994-1998.5 *12V ect, ect
1998.5-2002 *24v VP pump ect,ect
2003-2004.5 * 305/555 re 48 ect,ect
2004.5-2009
* Why the years are split up


I want to do an average of all the pros and cons of different years and kinda see where the chips fall so to speak. I would also like to rate each pro/con on a scale from 1-10 "1" being not very important and "10" being extremely important. I think we should keep the p/c's to things that are facts and known issues.

What i am looking for is this, (Example) 1989-1990

Pros- King Pin front axle 5 ,,,,, Cons- Getrag 5 speed not super strong 7 Some things might be both! ,,,16" wheels 5 ,,,, 16" wheels 5

I am not trying to pick on anybody, I personally LOVE em all! Cummins, what else is there?
Looking forward to some feedback!

 

The '93 Cummins all had the one ton frames and all the other improvements to date, like intercooler and OD.

In '94 the second gens brought the coil spring front suspension and a way better body that included more room, better looks, less body cracking. The '94 had a new injection pump and a bit more power. In '98 the 24 valve engine with the VP44 injection pump came out.

The third gens took the changes another step with more power, AAM axles, common rail injection, rear disk brakes, 48RE or 6 speed manual tranny, even better looks (subjective), and refinements throughout. In '04.5 the catalytic converter came back on all models. Power ranged from 235 to 325 hp from the CA model in '03 to the federal model in '04.5.

To me, the 3rd gens brought it all together in a near perfect package. But the 1st gens are so simple and reliable that they will always be special too. I skipped over the 2nd gen because I still loved my first gen when the 3rd gens came out. The 3rd gens were way more refined and powerful. Then I realized that the window was closing on emissions. The '04.5 and beyond could be different and worse. So I ordered an '04 and never looked back. Good choice and, in my opinion, the best of the 3rds.

 

Bump

 

The 02 2nd gens have rear disc brakes.

 

2nd gens have a VP44 that can be a problem, but 01 & 02 got the NV5600, rear disk brakes, and no cataletic converter.

 

even in CA?

 

89-90 had the 9mm injectors.

 

Disc brakes came in '01 mid year. NV5600 has been in service since '99. Cats weren't on any VP truck.

 

First gens can be had cheap for getting the best diesel engine to put in the best truck

 

I'd say that about the truck in your sig. Hard to beat a late 70's Ford with a Cummins in it.

 

'02 cons- Fuel system mainly FP, VP is not the problem, steering linkages, ball joints, u-joints, blow-by. T/C lock-up & weak tranny

 

This is just my impression. All three generations have something good to offer. The '93 1st gen is almost like a 2nd gen 12v except for the body. To me the main benefit of having a 3rd gen is the added power. The new Rams are caught up in this horsepower war and are pumping out some crazy numbers off the lot, which is impressive. They also have a nicer interior. Their downside is all the emissions equipment. I'm sure they'll work fine for a while, but if you plan on keeping your truck for a long time, I have a feeling the new ones won't make it to 200k+ miles without giving you some costly electronic repairs along the way.

I test drove a 2009 6.7L Megacab 4x4 a few weeks ago. The interior was superior to my '96. Even though it had more power, it didn't really feel any different than my truck just driving around. I guess you really gotta get on it to feel the extra power. I'm sure it does a better job towing (better brakes, suspension, etc.). Overall it was nice but I like my truck too.

If you're going to buy old, I'd say get a 1993-1998 12v truck.

 

Just curious, but why only a '93? Why are you excluding the other years?

 

Oh just because it came with an intercooler and O/D auto tranny. I guess it doesn't really matter though.

 

91.5 was the first years with the intercooler, with 18cm ex housing. 92 came the Club Cab and was with the 21cm ex housing and was laggy. 93 had the 18cm housing back and available in the Club Cab.

01.5 was the release of the HO model of the CTD with the 6 spd and also came with the rear disks. The NV5600 IIRC was only available with the HO engine at the time. Most of any 99-01 trucks I have seen were the NV4500 and only the 235hp SO engine. I remember Scotty was one of the early guys to get the ETH/DEE model (HO/NV5600)