Thinking of buying...
 

I'm comtemplating the purchase of a '94 2500 4x4 w/ a Cummins diesel, but I've g
ot a few questions first.

- This truck has 166k on the clock. I know that diesel engines
generally tend to run a lot longer than gas engines (when
well maintained), but are there any things I should check for
or be aware of?

- It's an automatic, and I've heard some horror stories of
transmission problems that just don't quit with the auto
and a diesel. Is it really just the improper lock up of the
TC that I've read about that leads to problems? Are there
any symptoms up impending doom?

- Any things I should check for on this truck specifically that
might be future concerns? It's coming from a dealer, but
they're not exactly diesel specialists. The price is a little
over the KBB retail for the truck, but I just call that a
bit of bargaining room.

- One of the major reasons that I'm looking at a diesel is
because I'll get better towing performance as well as
better general fuel economy. Is that really true? On
average, what kind of mileage can I expect to get out
of a stock 2500 4x4 Ram?

Any help/suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,

-d

If taken care of the mileage isnt an issue motor wise. as any other vehicle things wear. The trans has its weak points but consider this. most CTD owners by them to tow. Ive seen people tow things that you wouldent even think of with a gasser, again things will wear out. it depends on what your gonna do with it.
as for mileage my 2wd 93 gets a consistent 20 mpg empty and 14/16 towing a 3k load and hauling a 1500 lb camper at 70 mph. My 93 350 4x4 dually is getting 16 mpg. try that with a gasser. You cant beat a diesel and youll never go back once your hooked.
Look for signs of abuse, check the trans fluid for burnt smell. look underneath good. been a farm truck? commercial truck? general abuse signs. ask for records if any, carfax it. look for oil leaks etc.
You will find endless info here for you to ponder. dont be afraid to whittle them on the price, dealers dont usually know anything about the vehicles they sell cause they get them from auction that are brought in from another area. grind them good:D
Let us know what happens!!

Thanks for the extra tips. I haven't had a chance to get a GOOD look at it yet (it was dusk when I got there). I'm planning on heading out there again early next week during daylight to get a better look/testdrive. I should also be able to beat them up a little on price as the only part of the truck that LOOKS like it has 160k on it is the paint. Somewhat pointless to me right now (I'll repaint it to avoid rust if I get it), but it should be a good bargaining chip when matched w/ the KBB info and the fact that KBB dealer info is generally based on a "good" rating which specifies "no major blemishes"...peeling paint counts in my book. My only real gripes are that it's not an extended cab and not a manual, but those are concessions I'm willing to make for a decent deal. If it checks out in the rest of my investigations, and they'll knock a grand off the price I may join the ranks of the Cummins owners before very long...

Thanks Again,

-d

I found scale tikets in the console of my 92 where the original owner was grossing over 18k. The tranny did give it up last year, but not due to clutches, but the, for lack of better words, big gear drum thing on the input shaft, broke off the shaft, the clutches showed very little signs of wear. I was at the hardware store last weekend and an older man came in and asked who owned the dodge truck, I said I did and that's when I found out he was the guy who originally bought it. I asked about the weight tickets and he said that the truck was bone stuck, ran and pulled like a charm. I asked him if it was so good, why did he get rid of it, he bought a diesel pusher because his wife didn't like the ride, after he left, I found out from the owner of the store that his diesel pusher is one of those over $500k buses. Unless you are gonna go ape crap with the bombing, the auto should be OK. Mine gets about 19 on the hiway and about 15-16 in city, try that with 3-4k in the bed with a gasser, my Ford ranger would only get 11-12 with only 500 lbs in the bed on the hiway, and I was always grabbing a new gear. Just my .02 worth