Looking at getting one this winter/next spring and have been looking at an extended cab early 90s (old body style) diesel with an automatic transmission.

Are there any common problems with these trucks?

Tanks <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Nothing wrong with the engine, but the rest of the truck will fall apart around it. We used modified Dodge diesel trucks for work and they spend a majority of their life at the maintenace shop. <IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0">

It is funny that someone mentioned the rest falling apart because when working in AK a couple years ago I asked what was the most popular truck for the oil companies on the slope and I was told they shipped fords dodges and chevys up to test. The chevy was prone to mechanical problems and the interior didnt last long. The Dodge was a great motor but the truck fell apart around them. So that leaves the ford powerstroke which held up and had the most power. That was a hear say report from a mechanic up there at the time so it wasnt official, and the slope is hardly a fair testing ground for commontown USA. Those are extreme conditions. I know Dave and if we wanted to afford a powerstroke we would but that is one less payment and the Dodges he is asking about are going for less than 10,000 bucks here in Wa state, so we are all kinda looking for one as the economical tow rig. I already blew 6000 on a 80 f350 and had a 460 built and a tranny only to revel in the expensive world of 5 to 7 mpg. What a waist of dough.Oh well it looks and sounds cool.

Yep, the crew cab powerstroke is really what I want. Unfortunately a house payment plus a $600 a month truck payment = too much.

The dodge should hold me over for a few years and it will probably cost about $8-$12K.

I had a 92 extended cab. The Getrag 5 spd died early. The rest of the running gear was sweet. Cummins/Dana 60/NP205/Dana 70. Got 19 mpg empty and 9 mpg pulling a 40' 5th wheel. Rear brakes can get pricey rebuilding. I don't think the TF727 trans is up to the rest of the truck. I got rid of it cause I wanted a 4 door.

The steering gear boxes were prone to breaking loose from the frame.
Go to http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ , it is kind of like POR for Dodge diesels.

[ 10-10-2001: Message edited by: Nanuk ]

I'm told the tranny is weak - auto or stick. Reason being its the first generation of Dodge "light truck" to use a medium duty diesel engine.

I'm a Cummins fan myself so I understand your "need" <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Keep your eyes peeled for 94 Ford trucks in particular. Its a transition year where a turbo and non-turbo version of the older IDI 7.3L AND the Powerstroke were all offered. 94's with Powerstrokes don't say "Powerstroke" on the fenders. Sometimes people don't know what they're selling <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

Had a 91, went through about 3 auto trannies under warranty. Just make sure you have a mechanic near you who knows diesels. It was the biggest cluster fawk when we took it to the Dodge dealer that wasn't used to diesels. 17-18 Mpg w/ I think 3.90 gears (Not the 4.10s).