So im trying to figure out which one i want, im going to have 7,000$ to buy the truck. i have to have a truck before 1997 so my options are limited but not much. I do all my own work and have owned a 1992 dodge 3/4 4x4 5speed getrag in the past and loved it. So here is what id like and let me know what yall think would be better. Its hard for me to decide.


1991.5-1993 Cummins 4x4 1 ton or 3/4 5 speed, i had one and loved it, but ive read that there are issues with the 5 speed. I never had problems but i might have been lucky and it seemed that if i pulled up to a 2nd gen then i would get smoked cause of how it seemed to shift, i dont want a auto ( i know there faster down the track but i still want a 5 speed) and i know that the 1st gens are all mechanical and simple. The after market seems to not really be there and i read about them being done up but with 2nd or 3rd gen parts on them. so why not just get a 2nd gen? would the 1st gen be THE truck if you put the nv4500 in it?

OR


1994 Cummins 4x4 1 ton or 3/4 5 speed, ive read about these and thats about it, are they really a different truck? I dont mind the body so to me it seems like dodge changed the body, threw some electrical stuff on,bigger pump and stronger tranny.......I have looked at the after market and it seems the sky is the limit. Is the nv4500 a good tranny?


So all in all i guess im asking if the 2nd gen would be better to get and have it produce something like 400hp ( enough to hold its own against the random cocky guy in his honda ) im not gonna be hauling crazy loads over mountain passes or dragging down the strip, just a nice solid strong daily driver.

Like i said i like both body styles and want a manual 4x4 so i really cant decide cause to me its like the same truck one better cause its not electrical LOL and the other better cause it IS!!

HELP!

I just read that 1996 -1998 cummins came from the factory more stout than 1994-1995.........why?

 

NV4500 trannys are pretty much bullet proof besides the fact that 5th gear likes to break off after awhile but the tranny it self can handle about 650hp stock not including the clutch. the 96-98 cummins with the 5 speeds came from the factory with a bigger injection pump 215hp compared to the 175hp p pump before 96. The getrag trannys in my opinion are junk because i see a lot of guys swap them out for nv4500's and they dont last like the NV's.

 

Thanks man i was searching why they were "better" but didnt know what to look for. so whats this im reading about guys toping out on the freeway at like 85 mph in there 2nd gens? in my 1992 i could go 90 mph fine and it was all stock. if i want to cruise on the highway at a respectable speed what should i be looking for? what gear ratio i should steer clear from?

 

for highway get one with 3.55 gears for sure the reason there toping out is because of having 4.10's and stock gov springs. me and a buddy both had stock 24v trucks, i would smoke his *** because i had the 3.55 gears and he had the 4.10's. his 6speed would max out not be able to get above 90. i could milk mine out to 105-110


i prefer the 94-98 dodges by far. the pumps are stonger, and are capable of alot more power.

 

cool thanks for your help i guess im leaning twards 1996-1997 cant go 1998 cause of stupid smog BS

 

No the 94-98 12v's are just as mechanical as the first gens

The only thing electric on the p-pumped 12v's is the fuel shut off solenoid on the pump, other than that its completely mechanical

and yes, a 2nd gen 12v will have a much stronger 5 speed tranny and will be easier to get 400hp out of.

 

Great thanks man