Cummins Longevity question
 

Hello, I am thinking about getting a 1992 dodge ram cummins and it has 421,000 miles but he wants to trade straight across for my 1996 dodge ram 1500 5.2l gas. Is this a good trade. thanks in advance

Its tough to tell from over here. What kind of shape are the two trucks in? I would defiantly rather have the Cummins over a 5.2 but with that being said you are trading a whole truck and 421k is a lot of miles. I know someone is going to tell you the Cummins will run a million miles but thats the ones that have been extremely well maintained. I would say anything over 300k that has been treated like most people treat there trucks is any thing can happen.

Psychic mechanics needed here.....
 

What kind of shape is the truck in? You ask a question that we cannot answer here with any degree of accuracy. What kind of shape is your truck in? What do you want? What did he do with the truck to put that many miles on it? The mileage is only one factor in determining the life of a truck. Diesels do live a long time. Has this one ever had any major work done to it? Do some research on both trucks to get a ballpark figure on trade values. I wouldn't let the mileage scare me if there is some sort of history on the truck. I've seen trucks with far less miles that I would never consider buying. Look the truck over completely. We ain't psychic here and anyone that can answer what you asked must be.
Stay safe out there.
Ken

Both trucks are in very good shape and the 1992 looks like it was babied as there are barely any dents it doesnt leak or burn oil. .I really like this truck as it is the body style i prefer and its a cummins 5spd and my 1996 is in excellent condition as well. I think im gonna do the trade as there are no signs of problems with the truck. Also the owner says they are mostly highway miles and the truck looks like it. Ill keep yall posted and ill post picks when its home.

mine just threw a water pump at 296k.. no problems with the motor other than that.

check the frame/body thats what's gonna fall apart around it.

As stated above, good maintenance is the key to longevity. The Cummins 12 valve engine is, in my opinion the most over engineered engine that Cummins ever produced.

The research and development at Columbus, Indiana was intensive in order to gaurantee Chrysler Corp. the engine they wanted. It paid off for as you can see, the relationship still stands while others have used different suppliers or have tried to develop thier own.

Just my opinion, your's of course may vary.

Again, knowing the history of the truck you purchase is the only way you can determine the expected life of the engine. It is safe to say that the engine can outlive the truck.

He brought it on a trailer and that worried me and i looked at it and the truck needed alot of work and i have decided to wait and trade someone else, so if anyone is interested in my gasser let me know i want $3500 obo. it is in great condition

Hello again guys didnt wanna start another thread so i figured i would continue this one so i found another guy who will trade. Its a 1996 Dodge ram 2500 ext cab 4x4 Cummins 225,000miles on it and only thing it needs is the head gasket replaced so i was wondering how hard it is to change it and also if it will need head work.