First generation Cummins vs 3rd generation. All mechanical vs mechanical controlled by electronics. Which is better?

 

Well, you can't go wrong with a Cummins. To answer your question, there is no perfect truck. That said, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gens all have their issues. The question is what do you want in a truck?

To help answer your question, I would recommend you check out Turbo Diesel Registry – TDR. Since the late 90s TDR has compiled information on the Dodge/Cummins Turbo Diesel truck.

TDR calls their manual the Turbo Diesel Buyers Guide which is free to down load, and the Buyers Guide allows you to do topic or word searches to help guide you to information and answers quickly. Over the years there have been many changes to the Dodge truck and Cummins engine.

For detailed information, I would suggest that you download the 300+ page PDF file “Turbo Diesel Buyers Guide” from the Turbo Diesel Register website (Turbo Diesel Register). Keep in mind that the information in TDR is written by Cummins parts and tech service personnel.

Hope this is helpful.