I have my eye on a 1994 Ram 2500 4x4. It is standard cab with the long bed. It has the 5.9 12v. It has 299000 miles on it. I test drove it. The engine is super strong, 4x4 works, steering has some play in it. The owner had the KDP done, new southbend clutch, and new upgraded torque plate. He says it is now 275hp. Owner bottom line is $4500.


Second truck is 1998 ram 1500. 2wd, ext cab, 318 gasser, 116000 miles. $3,000

I like the gas truck because of less miles, tighter steering, extended cab for the kids, and cheaper purchase price.

I have a 1974 19' travel trailer and want to get out camping around 4 times per season, perhaps some rougher backwoods stuff.

What direction would you guys go in selecting between these two rigs? What should I be considering?

 

I'd lean towards the extended cab, 99% of the time it'll probably serve your needs better. Might not be able to get as deep into the woods or tow the camper with as much authority, but day to day the larger cab will make haulin the kids easier and prolly burn less of a generally cheaper fuel. My $.02Welcome to Diesel Bombers

 

I have yet to see a full size extended cab gasser that gets 20 mpg's

 

What state, or smog rules do you have to deal with? I know this is a big factor for me.

 

My biggest concern is the cost of ownership. The diesel has 299,000 miles. I understand that it will probably go 500,000 plus. But the truck definitely feels worn compared to the 1/2 ton with 116,000. I am guessing I could get another 110k out of the 12 ton without much problem. But the diesel will need a rebuilt front end, suspension, and who knows what else. Am I thinking along the right lines here?

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I am in Washington state

 

its give and take. diesel on a budget can be hard to do. especaily if you have a heavy foot or a need for speed. but could be more rewarding. unless you have to get a truck very soon maybe hold off for an ext cab diesel. search for misspelled words when scanning craigslist ie. cummings diesle ect... and you will find people that dont know what they have and will get a better price. and i swear if anyone used this against me on dallas or okc craigslist jk

its apples and oranges in my opinion you will not like towing much with a 318 but may not have the pocket book for an injection pump or new turbo if one goes out on a diesel.

and mine has 409 on the odometer with an unknown milage engine. has a laundry list of problems but cranks right up everytime.

 

Thats a pretty good deal for the 1994 i'd say

 

I would hold out for an extended cab diesel. My brothers 95 Dodge diesel is a single cab and we wish we would have held out for an extended cab. My brothers truck had about 8 inches of play in his steering, and it now has less than 3 because of a new $25 pitman arm that was completely worn out. If you decide your getting a diesel, you need to see this. This part is connected to the steering rods and is in plain sight. This what you look at: Here is a link to a step by step instructions page with pics: http://dieselgiant.com/dodge_diesel_...nance_tips.htm



I think you should use your best judgement go with your gut on this one.

 

the engine may run forever but the rest of the truck is still just a truck, pert near wore out. chances are the gas truck will nickle and dime you WAY WAY less then the diesel with 300,000 on the clock. totally depends on if you need a heavy truck. if all you are pulling is a little trailer then my vote is for the gasser if you are pulling 10k on the regular get the diesel. and i get 15mpg out of my 95 if i drive genngerly, so fuel milage will be very similar between the 2 trucks. 5spd will prolly do a bit better 17ish, but at $4.20 a gal...

 

I agree with turbo2332! It just depends on how much you haul and what you are expecting/needing. My brother's 95 Dodge dually with a cummins has had a good bit of problems along it's journey to the tune of 32X,XXX miles, but it always cranks. Whether it's a daily driver or a tow rig, like TheSmellyCowboy said, it's worth of investment depends on your needs and budget. Good luck to ya!! And by the way, if you get it, post some pics for us!