new and looking to buy, need input

UT_TDFan · 04-03-2007, 04:36 PM

Hi everyone, I joined the other day to do some searching on the forums, but this is my first post. While I am currently going to school in Rolla, MO, home is Salt Lake City, UT. In the fall I am going to Grad School at Georgia Tech (Atlanta) so I was looking at getting a diesel truck.

I am interested in a first-gen cummins. I have been doing a little bit of reading on this site, but can't quite find what I am looking for. What are the major pros and cons of the first-gen cummins? I am mainly looking for a truck that gets good mileage, especially around town and above 20 on hwy. 4WD is necessary, I am not particular on transmissions, but I want to avoid notoriously bad ones. What should I look for when shopping for a first-gen? What years/models do you recommend? Thanks for all your help.

Also what do you think of this truck? Good deal?

ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds

***1-TON*** · 04-03-2007, 06:17 PM

That truck looks nice. Have you got to look at it yet?

__________________

2005 3500, QCSB, HANDSHAKER, 2WD, AEM WORK HORSE CAI, MUFFLER & SILENCER MIA, MORE TO COME....SLOWLY

rmayer · 04-03-2007, 06:45 PM

that looks like a nice truck. it really depends what you want to do to the truck, to see what year would fit you. For just a DD truck, any of them would be fine. For transmissions, the getrag 5 speeds are said to be weak by some, but i had one with 340,000 miles on it. the 727 auto is bulletproof, but from what i have heard the torque converters only put about 60% of the power to the ground. you can upgrade the torque converter to one that can handle 400 hp for under $400. (what im doing with my new truck) I have heard you will see slightly better mileage with the 5 speed. pre 91.5 did not have an intercooler, but they had larger injectors. As for what to look for, rust is the biggest thing, depending on where you are. Listen to the motor and make sure it sounds good, no excessive noises or anything. Check the frame around the steering box for cracks, and check ball joints etc.... These trucks are pretty bullet proof, considering they came with the cummins/727/205/60/70. Any other questions?

__________________
SOLD other truck Hopefully new truck-91 w250 4x4, non intercooled 727 auto.Plans: Pump mods 4" exhaust BHAF4" lift 35" tires If the smoke aint black take it back

UT_TDFan · 04-03-2007, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmayer

that looks like a nice truck. it really depends what you want to do to the truck, to see what year would fit you. For just a DD truck, any of them would be fine. For transmissions, the getrag 5 speeds are said to be weak by some, but i had one with 340,000 miles on it. the 727 auto is bulletproof, but from what i have heard the torque converters only put about 60% of the power to the ground. you can upgrade the torque converter to one that can handle 400 hp for under $400. (what im doing with my new truck) I have heard you will see slightly better mileage with the 5 speed. pre 91.5 did not have an intercooler, but they had larger injectors. As for what to look for, rust is the biggest thing, depending on where you are. Listen to the motor and make sure it sounds good, no excessive noises or anything. Check the frame around the steering box for cracks, and check ball joints etc.... These trucks are pretty bullet proof, considering they came with the cummins/727/205/60/70. Any other questions?

I am all for making more power, as long as it doesn't sacrifice mpg much. I am sure things will change after I have a job and am out of school, but right now I need something that gets good mpg for a truck and is reliable. I just want to know how the first gens stack up in these areas and what to look for when looking at buying one, which you pretty much answered.

Holysmoke · 04-06-2007, 10:24 AM

What is your spending limit if I can ask? That is for a truck. Here is a 96 4x4 for the same price.

Diesel Ram Forums: We cannot proceed.

__________________
Haisley machine P7100 race pump, race cam, fly cut pistons, O-Ring head, High tech custom twin turbos, Nitrious, Full function Air dogg Hood, All billet ATS race trans with stand-alone Valve body, High stall TQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B8_6kq1QuQ

Last edited by Holysmoke : 04-06-2007 at 10:29 AM.

UT_TDFan · 04-06-2007, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holysmoke

What is your spending limit if I can ask? That is for a truck. Here is a 96 4x4 for the same price.

Diesel Ram Forums: We cannot proceed.

I have about $7k. The link you posted doesn't work for me.

Holysmoke · 04-06-2007, 10:53 PM

GO to diesel ram.com You may have to register.

__________________
Haisley machine P7100 race pump, race cam, fly cut pistons, O-Ring head, High tech custom twin turbos, Nitrious, Full function Air dogg Hood, All billet ATS race trans with stand-alone Valve body, High stall TQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B8_6kq1QuQ

04-03-2007, 04:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
UT_TDFan Newbie Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts UT_TDFan's Truck Pics	new and looking to buy, need input Hi everyone, I joined the other day to do some searching on the forums, but this is my first post. While I am currently going to school in Rolla, MO, home is Salt Lake City, UT. In the fall I am going to Grad School at Georgia Tech (Atlanta) so I was looking at getting a diesel truck. I am interested in a first-gen cummins. I have been doing a little bit of reading on this site, but can't quite find what I am looking for. What are the major pros and cons of the first-gen cummins? I am mainly looking for a truck that gets good mileage, especially around town and above 20 on hwy. 4WD is necessary, I am not particular on transmissions, but I want to avoid notoriously bad ones. What should I look for when shopping for a first-gen? What years/models do you recommend? Thanks for all your help. Also what do you think of this truck? Good deal? ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds

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04-03-2007, 06:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
*1-TON* DIESEL JUNKIE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: BORGER, TEXAS Posts: 1,701 Thanks: 18 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts 1-TON's Truck Pics	That truck looks nice. Have you got to look at it yet? __________________ *2005 3500, QCSB, HANDSHAKER, 2WD, AEM WORK HORSE CAI, MUFFLER & SILENCER MIA, MORE TO COME....SLOWLY*

04-03-2007, 06:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
rmayer Cummins Nut Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: MA Posts: 316 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts rmayer's Truck Pics	that looks like a nice truck. it really depends what you want to do to the truck, to see what year would fit you. For just a DD truck, any of them would be fine. For transmissions, the getrag 5 speeds are said to be weak by some, but i had one with 340,000 miles on it. the 727 auto is bulletproof, but from what i have heard the torque converters only put about 60% of the power to the ground. you can upgrade the torque converter to one that can handle 400 hp for under $400. (what im doing with my new truck) I have heard you will see slightly better mileage with the 5 speed. pre 91.5 did not have an intercooler, but they had larger injectors. As for what to look for, rust is the biggest thing, depending on where you are. Listen to the motor and make sure it sounds good, no excessive noises or anything. Check the frame around the steering box for cracks, and check ball joints etc.... These trucks are pretty bullet proof, considering they came with the cummins/727/205/60/70. Any other questions? __________________ SOLD other truck Hopefully new truck-91 w250 4x4, non intercooled 727 auto.Plans: Pump mods 4" exhaust BHAF4" lift 35" tires If the smoke aint black take it back

04-06-2007, 10:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
Holysmoke Cummins Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Utah by way of Iraq Posts: 113 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Holysmoke's Truck Pics	What is your spending limit if I can ask? That is for a truck. Here is a 96 4x4 for the same price. Diesel Ram Forums: We cannot proceed. __________________ Haisley machine P7100 race pump, race cam, fly cut pistons, O-Ring head, High tech custom twin turbos, Nitrious, Full function Air dogg Hood, All billet ATS race trans with stand-alone Valve body, High stall TQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B8_6kq1QuQ Last edited by Holysmoke : 04-06-2007 at 10:29 AM.

04-06-2007, 10:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
Holysmoke Cummins Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Utah by way of Iraq Posts: 113 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Holysmoke's Truck Pics	GO to diesel ram.com You may have to register. __________________ Haisley machine P7100 race pump, race cam, fly cut pistons, O-Ring head, High tech custom twin turbos, Nitrious, Full function Air dogg Hood, All billet ATS race trans with stand-alone Valve body, High stall TQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B8_6kq1QuQ