I'm trying to sell my truck and plan on buying something newer, nicer, and of course, with more power. It'll be a little while because I'll have to save up so I might as well do some research during that time. Trucks of choice are(in order of my personal preference so no crap about the Ford in the list. I'm a Ford guy but I want a Cummins) 94.5-97 PSD, 94-98.5 12v, 91.5-93 12v, 98.5-02 24v.

Anyway, I just want to know what the more known issues are with each generation truck, motor, and tranny. If I actually go with a Cummins, I'll be getting a manual tranny for sure. I'm really hesitant about buying another Dodge truck though. The 96 1500 I owned was a major pile of crap and I don't want to have to spend $2500 in parts a year to keep it on the road, and not fix 1/3 the problems, again. Are all the trucks of this body style(94-02) known for falling apart?

So again, I'm looking for issues and what to do to fix them, pros/cons between each generation. Thanks guys.

91.5-93 Dodge trucks and Cummins/Getrag
94-98.5 Dodge trucks and Cummins/NV4500 (I know about the 5th gear nut problem, anything else)
98.5-02 Dodge trucks and Cummins/NV4500 NV5600 (any help about the VP44 pump also would be helpful, like is there a way to check if its healthy before I buy the truck? I'd hate to buy a truck and immediately have to replace the pump)

Also, any thoughts about buying a truck with some mods already done i.e. turbo, injectors, chips, etc.

 

Put a cummins in a ford and you will have the best of both worlds for you atleast. just my 2cents. Im strictly mopar but i think that would be awsome. I like all the years they all have there pros and cons its more of a what do you want to spend good luck.

 

I'd already have a Fummins if I could afford it. I loved my last truck which was a 92 F250 and when I spun a crank bearing on its 460 I really wanted to put a Cummins in it then but lack of money for something like that said otherwise.

 

I think the only major things you didn't get were the KDP issues and the '98 through 2000 "53" series engine blocks were prone to crack.

And yeah, I agree with the Cummins in a Ford making a nice truck better.




Kris

 

Did all 98-00 have 53 blocks? If I was going for a 24v I'd probably try to get an 01-02 to get the 6 speed tranny anyway.

 

no they didnt all have the 53 block. and not all of the 53 blocks have problems.

 

No, not all have the #53 block. I'm not so sure you really want a six speed...
I have one, and while I love it, the cost to repair is sky high compared to the cost of repairing a five speed FWIW...
As for the body issues on the 2nd gen's, the main issue on all of them is the door rot. The rest is not too bad really.

 

Interior parts also like to fall apart so look under that dash rug before you purchase if you care.

 

IMO. I think that the 94-98.5 is going to be the best bang for your buck if you know what i mean. these trucks are pretty much all mechanical meaning that they're easy to work on by yourself in a pinch. the KDP is a big issue and but mostly easy to mod for cheap. and again the paint and body wasnt that of great quality but if you find a nice one and keep up the proper care it will last the same as all of em. and as you already said stay away from them autos unless you plan on spending some money. as for the first gens its pretty much the same except finding one that has been kept in "nice" condition is a bit more of a task but not impossible. as for the newer 98.5-02 it all gets complicated and harder to work on with electronics. and not to mention the lift pump and VP setup thats famous for being anything but solid gold. you also get into the scare of the 53 block but i think all that is just luck of the draw. i think its all about what you want the most and what you can afford. all of em are good picks as long as the PO has taken decent care of it and if you can keep up on taken care of it as well. good luck

 

Thanks guys! really helpful.