Question about older Rams w/cummins

[DEPete]

I'm tempted by a '92 Ram 2500 4x4 with a cummins turbo diesel. Up to now I've been looking at newer ('94-'97) diesel Rams. Any disadvantages to a '92? I plan to use it for pulling my 6x12 trailer on long trips and occassional light farm work.

It's an automatic tranny and has approx. 90K miles.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[93Cummins]

I've got a '93. I LOVE THIS TRUCK. I don't think there are any disadvantages. Some people have dissed the transmissions. Mine is a stick that has performed flawlessly for me. I can't comment on the automatics. The majority of miles I have put on my truck have been pulling something- ranging from a 25 ft. camper, to car trailers, etc. The mileage is great, both free or towing. That body style was all truck, no eight cupholders, or foo foo stuff like that. Any other specific questions feel free to contact me.

[CumminsRam]

Does it have overdrive?

[340king]

A friend of mine used a '91 W250 for pulling a trailer, 7' by 28', every day on the highway. He sold parts to rural gas stations along the highways.

The last time I drove it, it had 382,000 miles on it. About 1/2 were with the trailer behind it. The second transmission had just gone out of it at 370,000. It had two rearends in it by that time also. I guess it all depends on how it was driven, maintained and manufactured. Johnny took good care of his truck. They all wear out, even the good stuff.

OBTW, they replaced the pump once on warranty and the second owner had it rebuilt one more time at 380 k. Otherwise, only the valvecovers have been off.

[davefr]

A pre '94 RAM with Cummins and manual tranny is probably one of the most reliable vehicles on the planet.

They're also a bargain because the styling is so "plain jane".

I don't know if the pre '94 AT's were any better than the later ones.

[CumminsRam]

davefr,
Why do you feel the 94 - 98 manual trucks with the p7100 pump are less reliable?

Personally I am not a big fan of the Getrag trannies nor am I a big fan of the rotary pumps. Both in my opinion, and personal experience, are less less reliable than the nv4500 and p7100 respectively.

Not to say they don't make a great truck for the value, but I would have to disagree with you on them being the most reliable.

[tmef]

I've got a 92 D-350 extended cab with a manual transmission and I love it. Just pulled my 24 ft enclosed trailer (loaded to around 8000 lbs.) down to Phoenix from Minneapolis. Got 13.86 mpg. on the trip.