so im new here. i own a jeep cherokee that im just done with, i want a truck with a FRAME and maybe a turbo diesel :D
selling the jeep and looking for a clean stock dodge to build for the trails and the road
asking for eveyones opinions on which dodge trucks they would/wouldnt get
i like the short beds and i want a turbo diesel
which dodge have you been most happy with

As you said, short bed, regular cab,(tight turning radius) I would prefer a '73-'74, couple reasons; '72 was the last year of the small u-joints on front axle (1/2 ton), It's my favorite body style (not a big fan of the older ones for wheeling), and, atleast where I live, '75 was the first year you have to get your exhaust sniffed. Well, that's all my opinions..........................

Why a diesel?

The '72-'74 models also have divorced NP205 transfer cases, even in 1/2 ton models and the 1/2 ton models have the 8 3/4" rear axle which is much superior to the later 9 1/4" in my opinion.

If it were me, I would choose either a '73 or '74 model or a '81-'93 model. There are several trade offs though, depending on what you want. I don't like the '75-'80 models as they are mostly all fulltime 4WD with arguably weak and unsealed front unit bearings. Of the '81-'93 models, the '81-'84 models are best for light duty models as they have a solid, non-CAD front axle. The '88-'93 models have fuel injection, with the '88-'91 models (and '92 360) being a TBI setup that is difficult to get more power out of and the '92 318 is the Magnum MPI version and in '93 the 360 got the same treatment.

If it were me, I'd either pick up a one ton SRW 4WD and cut it down, or get a nice short bed half ton and then pick up the D60s to swap under it. This gets rid of most of the various axle problems over the years. I personally would avoid the '94 and up Rams as they are difficult to modify for some and are at a point in age where most of the front suspension will have to be completely rebuilt. I much prefer the old reliable and durable leaf spring suspension of the D and W series trucks. If you are planning on a link suspension, then this will not matter and you can start with whatever body and frame you desire. Just my .02